6r 3 Scr /a / LIBRARY MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE No._iSk35"____DATE_3.r_LS?L?L_ souRtf-Criiinie-— V^J^g-^ i This book may be kept out TWO WEEKS only, and is subject to a fine of TWO CENTS a day thereafter. It will be due on the day indicated below. .AG. HE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE % WitMu Illustrate* Journal Horticulture and Allied Subjects. {ESTABLISHED IN 1841.) VOL. XXI.-THIRD SERIES. JANUARY TO JUNE, 1897. LONDON : 41, WELLINGTON STEEET, CO VENT GARDEN, W.C. 1897. Pew BRADBURY, AONEW, AND CO. l.IMD., PRINTERS, LONDON AND TONBRIDGE. Tin: (.iiii'leiK*!-.-,' Chin INDEX OF CONTENTS. JANUARY TO JUNE, 1897. (Issued with the Number fur July d, 1897.) Aberdeen University, proposed botani- cal garden for, 26 ; agricultural edu- cation in, 62 Abies arizonioa, 35 ; A. bracteata, 291, 341 ; measurements of, at Tort- worth, 305 ; A. Menziesii, 341 Achimenea of the Victorian Era, 423 Adiantum capillus veneris var. setni- lunatum, 112 ; A. cuneatum, 193 Ado Aerides vandarum, 194 Agaric, a parasitic, 284 Agathis obtusa in New Hebrides, 300 Agaves, polycarpic, 166 Agricultural estates, revenue from, 361,386 Album, an old, of floral drawings, 114 Allotment gardens at High Wycombe, 308 Alpiue gai'den, a new, on Little St. Bernard, 419 Alpine plaints on walls, the cultivation of, 184 Alpines the cultivation of tender, 168 Alternations of generations, 289, 374 Amaeonia punioea, 153 Amelanchier canadensis var. oblongi- folia, 333 Amelanchier, the species of, 265 American forest reserves, 179 ; the state of, 204 Amerioan fruit iu Vienna, 62 American notes, 3, 73, 86, 179, 278, 314 American Palms, 90 ; trees, 101 Ammonium sulphate, a cheap manure, 217 Anemone, a new double white, 384 ; blanda vera, 2 ; A.fulgens, the Riviera and Greek forms of, 279 Anthuriuni Scherzerianum, varieties of, from Shipley Hal], 353 Antigua, experimental farm, 333 Antirrhinums, 252 Ants iu houses, the destruction of, 224 ; how to drive away, 303 Apiary, the, 75, 107, 139, 171, 203, 219, 235, 287, 335, 367,!401, 419 Apparatus, a germinating, 143 Apple-blossom weevil, 289 Apple, Bramley'B Seedling, 240, 259, 277, 290, 324 ; classification and tho Royal Horticultural Society, 128 ; crop iu America, 174 ; culture, and cyder -makiug, 206 ; Pear tree and, 306 ; shipments from America, 3 ; the Spice, 128; Yorkshire Greening, 240 Apples, a perfect cluster of, 26, 65, 97 ; Bramley's Seedling and Lane's Frincc Albert, 348 ; flavour in, 27 ; from Tasmania, 274 ; from the Antipodes, 109, 23S, 290 ; petalless, 341 ; the classification of, 144 Apricots under glass at Arui&tou, 373 ; in Scotland, 309 Aqiiilegias, 252, 314, 347 ; of the Vic- torian Era, 423 Araucaria imbricata uplifted at South Lychett, 288 Arbor-Day, 236, 345 ; its advantages, 175 ; at Eynsford, Kent, 158 Architecture, gardening and, 117, 124 Areca Catechu, 243 Aristolochia Goldieana, 337 ; A. West- landi, 276 Araiston, Apricots at, 373 Arpophyllum medium, 194 Arum Dioscoridis spectabile, 2 Arundel Castle Gardens, winter-flower- ing plants at, 57 Asclepias curassavica, 217 Ashford, Wilmslow, Orchids at, 295 Asparagus, the forcing of, 201 ; tinned, 239 ; A. plumosus, 260 Assessments to local rates, farmers', 126 Asters, Stocks, and Zinnias, 216 Atoll of Funafuti, the, 245 Auricula, double white, 341 Auriculas, 98 : of the Victorian Era, 423 Australia, "Western, vegetation of, 33 Azalea indica, 330 Azaleas of the Victorian Era, 421 B Babley as a base for port-wine, 289 Barley smuts, 242 Basic slag as a garden manure, 266 Bay Laurel, the, 162 Beeches, a Monograph of, 305 Beet, Chilian, as a winter decorative plant, 28 Beetroots, 259 Begonias of the Victorian Era, 421 Belgium, Dotes from, 386 Bellevallia Heldreichi var., 2 Belvoir Castle, spriDg gardening at, 339 Benevolent Institution, Gardeners' Royal, 25, 42, 45, 109, 144, 205, 220 ; annual dinner of the, 359 ; Worcester branch of the, 256 Berber-is stenophylla x , 302 Berlin and Hamburg buows, the, 304, 310 Berlin, notes from, 192 Bibliography of the Dahlia, the, 329 Birch branch, with Phytoptus, 341 Birds and Ohimonanthus, 324 Bolbophyllum ptiloglossum, 330 Books, Notices of :— A Directory of Titled Persons for the Year 1897, 159 ; A Great Agricultural Estate (Duke of Bedford), 361, 386; Aide Memoire de Botanique Cryptoga- mique (Henri (lirard). 321 ; Album fur Teppichgiirtnerci und Gruppen- bepHanzung (I/err Kail db'fee), 336 ; A Manual and Dictionary of tho Floweriug Plants and Ferns (J. C. Willis), 142; An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States, Canada, and the British Posses- sions (N. L. Britton 0 : Azalea indica var. Madame Fr. Yer- vaene, 110 ; Begonia Baumaniii,, 421 : 11. Martiana, 88 ; Berkheya Adlami, 44 ; Bignonia buccinatoria, 44 ; Bil- bergia Canter;e, 110; Calceolaria alba, 110; Calphuraia aurea, 353 : Cassia occidentals. 290; Catafietum splendens var. rublginosa, I--'; l it tleja labiata. 290 ; C. 1. enperba. 122 ; C. X arosii, 290 ; C. Mantini x , 422 ; C. X Massiliensis, SS : C. VI The Cards INDEX. maxima var. virginalis, 422 ; C. Mossiae Mondi, 422 ; C. Schilleriana, 422 ; C. The Czar, 422 ; C. Triana; var. exornata 422 ; C. Warneri, 290 ; Chironia floribunda, 110 ; Chrysopis villosa, 422 ; Codogyne Massaugeana, 386 ; Conandron ramondioides, 110 ; Crinum Laurenti, 3S6 ; C. Moorei robustum, 290 ; Crotou eluteria, 44 ; Cyclamen Busk Hill Pioneer, 290 ; Cycnoches chlorochilon, 290 ; Cyin- bidium Lowianum viride, 422 ; Cyno- glossuru nervosum, 4 4 ; Cypripedium X Gratrixianum, 290 ; C. Lawrence- anum var. viridis, 386 ; C. X Mas- saianum, 386 ; C. X Morgana; var. Burfordensis, 290 ; C. tigrinum, 290 ; C. Victoria; Maria;, 422 ; Dendrobiuni Jobnsonae, 386 ; D. sarmentosum, 159 ; D. Schroderi- anum, 290 ; D. transpareuB album, 290 ; D. Wardianum, 110 ; Didymo- carpus malayanus, 159 ; Dimorpho- theca Ecklonis, 321 ; Dipladenia Sanderi, 290 ; Dracaena arborea, 386 ; D. Godscfliaua, 386 j Encepha- lartos villosns, 141 ; Eranthemum nervosum, 422 ; Fritillaria im- perialis rubra maxima, 290 ; Genti- ana tibetioa, 256 ; Gomphocarpus setosus, 821 ; Gongora trioolor, 256 ; Grevillea Hilliana, 159 ; Hemipilia ametbystina, 108 ; Hippeastrum Muesserianum, 141 ; Holothrixortho- ceras, 169 ; Hyacinth gigantea, 290 ; Jaoaranda niimosoefolia, 290 ; Lrelia Lindleyana, 422 ; Leptospermum sooparium grandiflorum, 422 ; Ligus- trum coriaceum, 108 ; Liliurn elegans crinitum, 290 ; L. elegans venustum inacranthum, 290 ; L. longipes, 421 ; L. philippinense, 141; L. Wallacei, 141, 290 ; Lobelia syphilitica, 386 ; Masdevallia Henrietta; x , 422 ; Maxillaria Houtteana, 321 ; M. Sanderiana, 108 ; Myrmecodia Antoinei, 108 ; Odontoglossum cris- pum var. speotabilis, 386 ; 0. grande, 290 ; O. Hunnewellianum var. grandiflora, 386 ; O. macula- turn, Llave, and Lexarza, 290 ; Oeno- thera serrulata, 290 ; Oncidium luridum, 290 ; Paracaryuui heliocar- pum, 108 ; 0. PhalamopBis var. excellens, 422 ; 0. splendidum, 422 ; Pear Idaho, 290 ; Pear Pierre Tourasse, 141 ; Pear Souvenir de Lerow-Durand, 386 ; Pennisetum Ruppelli, 141 ; Phlox decussata, Paul Kruger, 290 ; Pleromaheteromallum, 290 ; Plum Drap d'Or d'Esperen, 422 ; Plum The Czar, 290 ; Poute- deria cordata, 141 ; Primula obconica, 386 ; PterocactuB Kuntzei, 290 ; Renanthera Storiei, 421 ; Richardia Elliotiana, 141 ; Romneya Coul- teri, 290 ; Rosa multiflora, 290 ; Rose Francois Coppe"e, H.P., 141 ; Rose Madame Charles, 141 ; Rud- beckia fulgida, 141 ; Ruellia Ma- koyana, 141 ; Senecio Smithi, 256 ; Strobilanthes callosus, 421 ; Syringa amurensis, 321 ; Tillandsia Dugesii, 290 ; Trichopilia brevis, 422; Trlst- ania lanrina, 256 ; Tulipa chrysolora, Canary Bird, and Wouverniann, 290 ; Urceolina miniata = Peutlandia carnea,(290 ; Vanda Sanderiana, 3S6 ; Veronica diosmifolia var. trisepala, 421 ; Wistaria siuensis var. multi- juga, 159 Plantations, treatment of, without regular thinning, 184 Plant growth and the weather, 369 Plants for dwelling-rooms, 318 Plants, new, of 1896, 1, 36 Plants of the Victorian Era, 414, 418, 422 Plants, New or Noteworthy ■.— Abies amonica, 35 ; Aglaonema ob- longifolium, 70 ; Anemone blanda vera, 2 ; Arum Dioscoridis specta- bile, 2 ; Asphodeline taurica, 174 ; Bellevallia Heldreichi var., 2; Bul- bophyllum ptiloglossum, 330 ; Cata- setum semiroseum, 54; Cleisostoma Zollingerianum, 70 ; Colchicum Bornniuelleri, 2 ; C. candidum, 2 ; C. cilicicum, 2 ; C. Ritchei, 2 ; Corydalis ritsefolia, 2 ; Cypripedium Lawrenceanum Hyeanum, 36 ; C. x Lilian Greenwood, 35 ; C. trium- phans, 134 ; Cyrtanthus x Marian, 149; Dendrobiuni papilio, 416; D. Victoria; Reginse, 399 ; Epidendrum porphyreum, 230 ; Eranthis cilicica, 16 ; Eulophiella Peetersiana, 182 ; Fritillaria Libanotica, 16 ; F. Sieheana, 16 ; Galantlius cilicicus, 214 ; G. Fosteri, 16 ; Helico- phyllum Rauwolffi, 2 ; Iris Danfordias, 16 ; Ischarum eximium, 2 ; Laslio-Cattleya x Rosalind, 2; Michauxia Tchiiiatcheffi, 54, 1S1 ; Muscari alpinum, 35 ; M. Bourgeaui, 35 ; Odontoglopsuni Ruckerianum ocellatum, 265 ; Ornithogalum Hausknechti, 35 ; Phaius x Nor- man, 245; Polystachya plcistautha, 118; Seleuipedium Boiesierianuxp, 54 ; Sternbergia macrantha, 16 ; Trevoria chloris, 345 ; Tulipa pul- chella, 35 Plants under glass, 5, 22, 41, 58, 75, 90, 107, 123, 139, 154, 170, 186, 202, 218, 234, 253, 270, 286, 303, 319, 334, 351, 366, 383, 400, 419 Plants, catalogue of Dr. Welwiteh's, 53 Pleurothallis scapha, 104 Podisoma Sabinse, 310 Poinsettia pulcherrima, seed Tpods of, 145 Poison in Spinach, 206 Polemonium humile variegatum, 376 Polyanthuses and Primroses, 130 ; from seed, 252 Polygonum Baldschuauicum, 17, 48 Polystaohya pleietantha, 118 Potato cultivation and trade, English and Irish, 29 ; diseases, 50 ; P. Ed- uard Lefort, 289 ; P. Lord Rosebery, 289 ; prices of, 258 ; tercentenary, the, 12, 28 Potatcis, planting, 192 ; raising of new varieties of, 29 Potsdam, the Royal School of Horti- culture at, 287 Primroses, the new "blue," 82 Primula obconica, 65, 128; evolution of, 10; P. stellata, 129 Primulas, hybrid, 161 Primulas, propagation of double Chinese, 324 Progressive evolution, 336 Propagation by means of roots, 104, 152 Propagation, methods of, 36, 104, 136, 161, 214, 247, 285, 314, S23 Pruning, the, of forest trees, 120 Prunus Davidiana, 216 ; P. mume, 216 ; P. nana, 250 ; P. pumila, 363 ; P. subhirtella, 230 ; P. triloba, 230 Pseudo-bulb, double, of Gongora macu- lata, 169 Pteris aquilina, its propagation, and destruction, 373 Pyrus japonica, bud variation in, 348 ; P. floribunda, 302 Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the, 4S Queens reign, the, 402 Queen's trees, 405 Quercus coccinea, 1 1 2 Radiography and botany, 273 Rainfall at Rothamsted for 1 890, the, 79 Rainfall, what becomes of the, 129 Rates, farmers' assessments to local, 126 Reference bookB on English gardening literature, 35 Regent's Park, flower gardening at, 389 Renauthera coccinea, 134 Retrogressive selection, 313, 336, 348 Reversion iu Ferns, 31 Rhabdadeuia biflora, 243 Rhododendron campylocarpum, 230 ; R. c. in Argyllshire, 308 ; R. Met- ternichi, 230 ; R Nuttali, 325 Rhododendron shows in the parks, 403 Rhododendrons, early-flowering in Corn- wall, 260 ; in early March, 169 Rhodothamus chama;eistus, 332 Rhubarb, on forcing, 64, 82 Ribes speciosum, 332 Ribston Hall, Yorkshire, 128 Richardia, a new yellow -spathed, 5S ; a new yellow- spotted, 243 Richardia Rossii, 259 Richardias, the propagation of, 137 Rockery shrubs, 267 Rogers, testimonial to Alderman W. H., 368 Root propagation, 104, 136, 152 Roridula gorgonias, 65, 96, 112 Rosary, the, 20, 56, 104, 127, 142, 150, 267, 300, 362, 416 Rose, climbing Etienne Levet, 129 Rose, Fiametta Nabonnand, 20 Rose Day, a proposed, as a feature of the Jubilee commemoration, 290 Rose garden and fernery at Walton Lea, 39 ; Marechal Niel, origin of, 40O; prospects, 363; the vagaries of the, 104, 128 Roses, a few good new, 300 ; climbing varieties of the, 128 ; at the Portsmouth Show, 417 ; differ- ences in pruning, 192 ; hybrid Tea, 416 ; in early spring, 160 ; mummy, 301 ; of the Victorian Era, 877, 417 ; parentage of some, 82 ; pruning, 142 ; some seleot, to grow for the garden, 229 ; the parentage of, 56, 96, 112 ; three new olimbing, 267 Rotterdam Zoological Gardens, 387 Royal Horticultural Society, the report of the, 76 Royal Society, horticultural candidates for the, 338 Rudbeckia Neumanni, 102 Rural decorations, 4 Russia, gardening in, 248, 268 Saooolabidm bellinum, 191 Saraca indica, 385 Saxifraga apiculata, 153 Scab in Potatos, 12 Scalpay, improvements iu the Island of, 412 Sclerotia, 341 Scots Firs, a raid of voles on the, 208 Seed catalogues, 97 Seedlings " damping off," 243 Seed trade in the south of France, the, 365 Seeds by the ton, 368 Selection, retrogressive, 336, 348 Scientific Committee : — Abies bracteata, 341; A. Menziesii, 311 ; Abnormal fungi in a Mushroom-bed, 424 ; Anemone fulgens, the Riviera and Greek forms of, 279 ; Apple- root with adventitious buds, 191 ; Auricula, double white, 341 ; Barley- soiub, 212 ; Beetles with Grapes (Trox sabulosus), 194 ; Birch branch with Phytoptus, 341 ; Bulbs with arrested roots, 241 ; Campanula Balchiniana, 424 ; Carnation leaves, diseased, 241 ; Cineraria cruonta, 66, 279; Cineraria crosses, 310; Colouring Narcissus and other flowers, 66 ; Coniferous woods, 130 ; Daffodil, synanthic, 279 ; with frilled corona, 279 ; Definite Lily of the Valley, 424 ; Drift-wood from Arctic seas, 194 ; Earth-nuts, 279 ; Fasciate Buttercups, 424 ; Fibre, Sisal, 130 ; Grafting, improved method of, 341, 424; Grapes, diseased, 424; Hyacinths, &o, with root fail- ure, 194; Larva; of Bibio, 279; of Daddy Long-legs iu soil with Ice- laud Poppies, 194 ; Laurel (Portugal) with defective foliage, 242 ; Lilies, diseased, 310 ; Mushrooms, germina- tion of, 241 ; raised from spores, 278 ; Narcissus, doable. 341 ; Petal- less Apples, .311 ; Pinus Torreyana, 310 ; Podisoma sabiiuo, 310 ; Romneyc. with fungus, 42.4 ; Sclerotia on Mushroom - bed, S41, 42-4 ; Rhododendron with fungus^ 424 5 Senecio multiflorus hybrids, 66 ; Sisal fibre, 130 ; Synanthic Fox- gloves, 424 ; Thuya, species of, 130 ; Tomatos, diseased, 66 ; Tra- metes radicipcrda, 242 ; Tulip leaves diseased, 279 ; with axillary flower, 310 ; Tulips, diseased, 309 ; Weevils on fruit trees, 341 ; Wireworms among Carnations, 241 ; cure for, 279 Selenipedium Boissierianum, 54 Senecio multiflorus hybrids, 66 SenecioB, hybrid, 46 Shrubs for the rockery, 267 Sibthorpia eiiropasa vare. 376 Sicily, products of the Citrus tribe in, 283 Singapore, Botanic Garden report of the, 333 Sisal fibre, 180 Skeletonise leaves, how to, 264 Smith's improved method of grafting, SOCIETIES.— Agricultural Seed Trade, 389 ; Bath and West of England Agricultural, 369 ; Birmingham Gar- deners' 211 ; Brighton and Sussex Horticultural, 262 ; Brussels Or- chideenue, 68, 226, 275; Cardiff Gardeners', 189 ; Cardiff Horticul- tural, 109 ; Cambridge Philosophical, 342 ; Carshalton, Beddington, and Wallington, 242 ; Chesterfield Chrys- anthemum, 279 ; County Borough of Hanley Horticultural, 158 ; Devon and Exeter Gardeners', 115, 190; Edinburgh Botanical, 67, 194 : Ealing Horticultural, 94 ; Ghent Horticul- tural, 44, 130, 178, 420 ; Hamburg Horticultural Exhibition, 310, 325 ; Horticultural Club, 63, 126, 189, 209, 338 ; Irish Gardeners', 28 ; Isle of Wight Chrysanthemum, 78 ; Isle of Wight Horticultural, 44, 79, 110, 325, 490 ; Jersey Gardeners', 189 ; Kingston-on-Thames Chrysan- themum, 822 ; Leicester Chrysanthe- mum, 124 ; Liunean, 43, 94, 226, 260 ; Loughborough and District Gar- deners, 78 ; Manchester and North of England Orchid, 294, 359, 389, 424 ; Manchester Royal Botanic, 194, 390 ; Midland Carnation and Picotee, 172 ; National Auricula and Primula, 173, 262 ; National Carnation and Picotee, 173 ; National Chrysanthemum, 78, 97, 181, 178 ; National Dahlia, 44, 162 ; National French Horticultural, 166 ; National Rose (Southern) at Ports- mouth, 424 ; National Viola, 125 ; Newcastle Horticultural Improve- ment, 9, 63, 124, 190 ; News- vendors' Benevolent and Provi- dent Institution, 124 ; Peoplo's Palace Horticultural, 242 ; Putney and Distlict Chrysanthemum, 109 ; Reading and District Gardeners', 63, 98, 130, 163, 1S9, 222, 256; Ren- frewshire Gardeners', 189 ; Royal Botanic, 41, 173, 227, 813; Royal Horticultural, 50, 66, 108, 114, 130, 176, 194, 209, 241, 260, 278, 292,325, 352, 410; R.H.S., report of Council of the, 76 ; Royal Caledonian Horti- cultural, 242, 338; Royal National Tulip, 327 ; Royal Scottish Arbori- cultural, 97,422; Royal Southampton Horticultural, 156 ; Scottish Horti- cultural, 257 ; Shirley and District Gardeners'. 100, 263; Shropshire Horticultural, 109, 158, 262; So- ciete Natiumde d'Horticulture de Franco, 124 ; South Shields Chrysanthemum, 131 ; Surveyors' Institute, 62, 94 ; The Kew Guild, 158 ; Torquay District Gar- deners', 226 ; Truro Daffodil, 194 ; The Gardeners' Chronicle,] INDEX. [June 26, 1897. Vll Ulster Horticultural, 62, 109, 164 ; United Horticultural Benefit and Provident, 178 ; Wellingborough Dahlia, 256 ; Winchester Gardeners', 63 ; Wisbech and District Horticul- tural, 263 ; Wolverhampton Floral Fete, 91, 158 Soil, the importance of phosphoric acid in, 103 Solandra granditlora, 273, 292, 32-1 Solomon's Seal, the propagation of, 136 Sophronitis granditlora, 266 Sowing and transplanting, 181 Spinach, 73 ; poison in, 206 Spiraeas or Astilbes, 259 Spiraeas, the propagation of, 137 Spring-gardening at lielvoir Castle, 339 Spruce, the black, 116 ; the Servian, 153 ; the white, 363 Stachys tuberifera, 13 Stachyurus prsecox at lvew, 169 Stenoglottis fimbriata, 232 Sternbergia macrautha, 1 6 Stock-taking, 45, 79, 109, 190, 257, 322, 385 Strawberries as biennials, 290 ; early- flowering, 373, 407 ; first gathering of, from out-of-doors, 388 Streets, tree-planting in, 165 StreptocarpuB, propagation of the, 36 Sub-irrigation for large-foliage beds, 321 SucculentB in the Municipal Gardens, Cape Town, 12 2 Summer flower-gardens, 222 Sweet Pea " Cupid " in America, 4 ; pink, 421 Sweet Peas, 160, 17i ; dimensions of the ttandard in some new varieties of, 78 ; up to date, 141 Syuanthy in Dendrobium Brymeria- num, 224 ; in Foxgloves, 424 Syon, the historical Mulberry-treeat, 50 Tasmania, fruit from, 173 Tasmanian Apples, 274 Tecoma stans, 286 Temple Show, the, 352, 408 Teratology, 384 Testing, the, of new varieties, 369 Thermograph, the, at the Berlin Exhi- bition, 338 Thomson, retirement of Mr. David, from Drumlanrig, 94 ; testimonial to, 111 Thrush, the Song, 299 , Thunbergia mysorensis, 276 Thuya plicata and T. occidentilis, 129 ; T. orientalis falcata, 111 Thuya, species of, 130, 211, 258 Thuyas, 277 Timber, hedge-row, 368 ; supply of the British Empire, 221 ; trade of 1S96, the home, 2 Toll, a uew,at CoventGarden Market, 50 Tomato plant, a perennial, 28 Tomatos, diseased, 66 ; from plauts several years old, 10 ; two good winter, 372 Torenia Fournieri, 270 Trade, the, of 1896, 79 Trading, unfair, 96, 112 Trametes radiciperda, 212 Transplantation, 181 Transplanting bracken, 260^ 277, 290 Transplanting fruit and other trees, 20 Tree-ferns, how to reduce the height of tall, 389, 107, 417 Tree-ferns at Meuabilly, 204 Trees and shrubs, 57, 111, 169, 216, 251, 285, 301, 332, 363 Trees and shrubs in the Victorian Era, 30S, US Trees damaged by gales, 205 : forest and ornamental, the propagation of, 285 ; hedge-row, 291, 347 ; in streets, 165 ; ornamental and timber, from seed, 247 ; planted by the (Jueen, 405 ; removing fruit and other, 20 ; the 'pruning of forest, 120 ; the removal of large, 112 Trevoria Chloris, 345 Tricuspidaria dependons, 325 Trinidad Botanic Gardens, 409 1 rox sabulosus in vineries, 194 Tsuga Pattoniatia, 150 Tnlipa Kaufmanuiana, 217, 224 ; T. pulchella, 35 Tulipa Kaumiiauniaua and the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticul- tural Society, 256 Tulip, a species of from Chitral, 73 ; conference at Regent's Park, 341 ; leaves, diseased, 279 ; the new, from Chitral, 190; with axillary flower, 310 Tulips, branching, 324 ; Darwin, 341, 372, 408 ; diseased, 309 ; early single, 230 Tunis, the capabilities of, 92 Turf-aBhes and wood-ashes, 239 Turf-cutter, a new, 323 Turner, Mr. F., appointed consulting botanist to the West Australian Government, 62 Turnip-flowers, the colour of, 225 U 1'lster Horticultural Society's show, an exhibit at, 63 Uuibellularia californica, 250 Uredinere, some observations on the, 67 Vanda cristata, 297 ; V. parviflora, 191 ; V. Sanderiana, 298 ; V. teres at Guuuersbury Park, 282 ; V. teres Candida, 183 Van Reyper Glazier's Points, the 209 Variation and environment, 133, 162 Vegetable and dairy farming in France, 320 Vegetable novelties, 6 Vegetables, progress in, 414 Veitch & Sons, nursery business of, 9 Veitch Memorial Medals, the, 61 Verbena, the, 137 Versailles, L'Ecole Nationale d'Horti- culture de, 222 Viburnum macrocephalum, 276 Victorian Era Fund, the, a suggestion, 129 Victorian Era Flower Show at Crystal Palace, 426 Victorian Era Fund, the, 208 Victorian Era, horticulture of, 402 ; Aquilegias of, 423 ; Begonias of, 424 ; fruits of the, 379 ; Hippeastrums of, 422 ; Petunias of the, 416; Orchids of the, 414; plants of the, 414, 418, 422 ; Roses of the, 377, 408, 417 ; trees of the, 398, 118 ; vegetables of the, 114 Victorian Medal, the, of the Royal Horticultural Society, 60 Victorian reign celebration and the provision of open spaces, 60 Vine in France, injury to the, 370 ; white Muscat, at Gunnersbury Park, 239 Vines, hardy Japanese and Chinese, 284 ; Grape-, 27 ; to clear mealy-bug from, 144 Vineyards in France : produce for 1896, 110 Viola Endymion, 352 ; yellow Ardwcll Gem, earliness of, 48 Violas as bedding-plants, 65 Violet Princess of Wales, 145 Violets, 290, 308, 324 ; new varieties of, 110, 248 Voles and mice, 224, 260, 277, 290 W Walton Grange, Orchids at, 55, 266 Walton Lea, Rose-garden and fernery at, 39 Waterer, the late Authony, 307 Water-lilies dying off, 343, 388 Weather at the commencement of April, 238 ; in Cumberland, the, 81 ; in March, the, 239 ; plant-growth and the, 369 Webber, the late Mr. Jas., 49, 82 Weevil, the Apple- blossom, 289 Weevils on fruit-trees, 341 West Bank Housa, Heaton-Merdey, 222 Western Australia, the forests of, 297 ; a botanical society for, 403 Willow-timber, the value of, 216 Willows, removal of, from Kingston, of, 237 Windsor, the Royal Gardens at, 393 Winter, Chicory in, 250 Wireworm and protective- plauts, 305 ; mustard far, 160 ; among Carna- tions, 241 ; cure for, 279 Wistaria sinensis at Coombe House, Croydon, 6 Wood-ash as a manure, 10, 65, 82, 97, 239 Woodland, types of British, 38, 184, 269, 295, 364 Worth Park, Sussex, 32 Worthing Public Park, 408 Wreaths and garlands, 370 Yuccas, propagation of, 153 Zephbanthes tubispatha, 409 Zygopetalum Burti var. Wallisii, 297 Vlll Tlw Gardeners' Qhronide,] INDEX. LIST OF ILLUSTBATIONS. Abies Pinsapo, planted by the Queen at Osborne, 407 Agathis obtusa, male catkins and shoot of, 301 Agathis obtusa in the orest of Ani- teum, 300 Agave Bouchei, 166, 167 ; A. filifera, 167 Amelanchier canadensis var. oblougi- folia, 833 Apples, a perfect cluster of, 27 Aristolochia Goldieana, 337 Arundel Castle, group of Calanthes at, 57 ABphodeline taurica, 175 Balmokal Castle, view of, 425 Brussels, Cypripediuin-house at, 40 Bulbophyllum Ericssoni, 61 Caladium albanense, 346 ; C. ppe- ciosum, 346 Calamus ciliaris, 80 Calanthes, group of, at Arundel Castle, 67 Cannas, group of, Messrs. Cannell & Sons, 873 Ciipe Town Municipal Gardens, succu- lents in the, 423 Cutalpa syringifolia at Heywood, West- bury, 298 Cattleya Queen-Empress, 378 Ghateworth, an Oak planted by the Queen at, 404 Chionoscilla Alleni, 101 Chrysanthemum grown in Japan, a specimen, 256 Cirrhopetalum Medusa?, a fine plant of, 25 Clarke, portrait of the late Col. Trevor, 263 CotjWedon reticulata, 282 Council-room of the Royal Horticul- tural Society, 111 Cratrogus Carrierei x , floweriug spray of, 119 Crataegus Carrierei, fruited spray of, 119 Cyclamen, a gigantie, 207, 317; speci- mens of crested, 70 ; an Heal crested, 331 Cyclamen flower, a fringed, 71 ; spread- ing flower of, 331 ; flower of But- terfly, 331 ; C, Sutton's Crimson and White, 317; imported, after six years' cultivation, 317 Cypripediun: Chapmani maguificum, flower of, 365 ; C. ciliolare, 348 ; house at Brussels, 49 ; C. Lawrence- anum, with developed stem, 291 ; C. Lawrenceanum Hyeanum, 37 Daphne Mezereuni var. alba, a fine specimen of, 183, 185 Davallia hirta var., 355 Dendrobium Dalhousieanum, as grown at Mount Pleasant, Bishop's Auck- land, 167 ; D. " Kenneth," 135 Dracrona Godseffiana, fruits of, 347 Dunn's turf-cutter, 323 Enkyanthus japonicus, 357 Epi-Cattleya x matutina, 233 Euphorbia pulcherrima, as grown at Santa Barbara, California, 125 ; fruit of, 193 Fisher, Son, & Sibray's group of hardy trees and shrubs, 371 Fritillaria pluriflora, 231 Fruit of Euphorbia pulcherrima, 193 Furcnea macrophylla, Bhowiog small bulbs, intermixed with ripe capsules, 272 Germinating apparatus, a, 143 Glaziers' points, the Van Reyper, 209 Gloxinia " Her Majesty," 381 Qongora maculata, double pseudo-bulb of, 169 Grafting, a defective method of rind, 198 ; Smith's improved method of, 199, 201 ; tongue or whip, 138 Group of plants shown at an exhibition of the Ulster Horticultural Society, 63 Head, the late W. G, 241 Helleborus niger var. angustifulius, 19 Heywood, Chrysanthemums growing at, Ibis Bakeriana, 103 ; I. histrio, 103 Japan, a specimen Chi ysanthemum grown in, 255 Kensington Palace, 395 Kew Palace, 394 L.elia pumila var. alba " E. Ashworth," 11 Liclio-Oattleya x Decia alba, 121 ; L.-C. x Rosalind, 3 Lathyrus splendens, 815 Lilium candidum, a group of, at Moor Court, Cheadle, 161 Lindley Library, the home of the, 111 Luculia gratissima as grown at Belmont, Midlothian, 81 Luton Hoo Park, a Rose-arcade in the pleasure-ground of, 93 Lycoris squamigera flowering in the open at Isleworth, 137 M Manchester Botanic Gardens, views in, 391 Mapania pandanifolia, 849 Marshall's garden, a fino specimen of Daphne Mezereum var. alba in Mr. W., 383, 185 Masdevallia coriacea, 95 Menabilly, Cornwall, Treo Ferns at, Michauxia Tchihatchowi, 182 Myriocarpa longipe', 87 N Narcissus Ellen Willmott, 223 ; N. Southern Star, 223 ; N. Victoria, 380 Nectarine Victoria, 387 Nymphrca Marllacea var. albida, 77 Oak planted at Chatsworth by tho Queen, 404 Odontoglossum crispum Lindeni, 269 ; O. c. Luciani, 268; 0. c. "Star- light," flower of, 363 ; O. c. Queen Victoria, 379 Olearia stellulata, 351 Orchid- pot, a new form of, 127 Osborne, views in the gardens at, 397, 399, 405, 407, 409 Petunia, a modern single • fowered, 417 ; a new double, 415 ; the original florists' variety, in 1837, 414 Philadelphus Ltmoinei var. Ava- lanche, 89 Picea omorica (Servian Spruce), 153; P. polita, branch with cones, 251 Pinus Parrvana, showing scattered primordial leaves and tufted perma- nent leaves, 272 Polygonum Baldschuanicum, 17 Pot, a new form of Orchid-, 127 RosE-arcade in the pleasure-ground of Luton Hoo Park, 93 Selenipedium Boissierianum, 54, 55 Smith's improved method of grafting, 199, 201 Sophronitis grandiflora flowering upon a piece of wood, as imported, 266 StachyuruB prrccox, 285 Succulents iu the Cape Town Municipal Gardens, 423 Thuya japonica, 259 ; T. occidentals, 213 ; T. o. var. plicata, 258 ; T. plicata = T. gigantea, 215 Tree-ferns at Menabilly, 205 Trevoria Chloris [supplement, May 291, Tsuga Pattoniana, 150, 151 Tulip, a species of, from Chitral, 73 ; with "dropped" bulb, 343 Tulipa Kaufmanniana, 217 Turf-cutter, Mr. Dunn's, 323 Ulster Horticultural Society, a group of plants shown at an exhibition of the, 63 Van Reyfer Glaziers points, 209 Vanda x Miss Joaquim, 427 Violets, new varieties, showing pro- gressive improvement of, 248, 249 W Wallichia distitha in Mr. Im Thurn's garden, British Guiana, 283 Walton Lea, fernery at, 39, 43 Waterer, the late Anthony, portrait of, 307 Wistaria sinensis at Coombe House, Croydon, 7 SUPPLEMENTARY ILLUSTRATIONS. Araucaria imbricata, Overturned by Wind at South Lycbett, May 1 (see text on p. 28S). Beoonia, Duchess of Marlp.orouoh, May 29 ; B. Lidt Hamilton, May 29. Begonias, Group of Fibrous-rooted, Exhibited at Temple Show, May 29. Buckingham Palace Gardens, View from, June 19. Caladium, Ronoador, May 29 ; C. Thomas Peed, May 29. Coombe House, Croydon, Spring flowers at, April 10 (see text on p. 236). C'ypripedium bellatulum in Mr. E. H. Adcock's Gardens, May 15. DAPnNE INDICA RUBRA IN THE GARDENS AT BERKELEY CaSTLE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, March 13. Fernery in the Pleasure-grounds at Luton Hoo, February 13. Frogmore, Palm stove in the Royal Gardens at, -Tune 19. Gloxinia, Prince of Wales, May 29. Gloxinias, Messrs. Suttons', June 5. Hogg, LL D., Portrait of the Late Robert, March 20. Hydrangea hortensis, Variety of, Exhibited at the Temple Show, June 5. Kensal Green Cemetery, a Group of Miscellaneous Plants Grown in the Plant-houses at, February 27. Luton Hoo, Fernery in the Pleasure-grounds at, February 13. NtmpHjEa x Laydekeri, April 3 (see text on p. 220). Rose, Her Majesty, June 12. Solandba grandiflora, Flowering-spray of, April 24 (see text on p. 273). Trevoria Culoris, May 29. Victoria regia Growing in an Open-air Pond at Clifton, New Jersey, Juue "J'i. View in the Exhibition of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society's Spring Show, May 8. January 2, 1897.] THE GA R D ENER S ' CHR ONI GL E. SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 1897. NOVELTIES OF 1896. A REVIEW of the subjects brought into cultivation during the year 1896, either by the efforts of the importer or by the skill of the hybridist, discloses the fact that the industry of the gardener i.i the matter of home-raised hybrids, in the showier genera to which he invariably fixes his attention, has beci by far the most successful, and in spite of the evidence that careless or unhappy cross-fertilisation has brought, especially in Cypripedium^, many kinds which may well be denominated " weeds," the number of beautiful novelties obtained will more than compensate for their presence until they gradually disappear after the manner of most plants unworthy of cultivation. The Orchids may be taken first, and among them wo find that no importation in quantity of any species worthy to rank with the favourite Dendrobium Phaltenopsis Schrodorianum, or with the first importation in quantity of the favourite Cat- tleya labiata autumnalis, has been made, and the main interest in this class centres in the pretty, or botanical species, which have come either as isolated plants, or in the small quan- tities which such rare gems usually arrive. To glance first at the chief things which have flowered for the first time, or been exhibited and received awards from amateur's collections, we find that — Baron Sir H. Schroder, whose grand col- lection of priceless varieties of Odontoglossum crispum increases in vigour every year, and plainly answers the oft- mooted question, " Do Odontoglossums, and many other Orchids, inevitably decline under cultivation?" Those who watch the successive appearances of the unique varieties of 0. crispum from "The Dell," note the increasing vigour and size and beauty of flower, of which 0. c. nobilius, which when first shown was considered beautiful enough, but which in its second appearance totally eclipsed its former effort, a feat which was again oxcelled when it took a Silver Medal at the Royal Horticultural Society on February 11,1896. So also with Cattloya X Hardyana splendens, aud Vanda teres gigantea, both of which probably minor from good culture than from any extraordinary quality in themselves, so far surpassed those previously seen as to secure First-class Certificates. Odontoglossum crispum Eveline, shown from The Dell, is a grand form, with fine dark purple markings ; Dendrobium thyrsiflorum Lowianum, a re- markable variety, with a totally different labellum to the type ; and early in the year the pretty Yanda X Charlesworthii was first shown from The Dell. Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., President of the Royal Horticultural Society, possesses a wonderful collection, in which doubtless many a pretty and rare species flowers without the event being recorded. At the last meeting of Royal Horticultural Society, in the showy group of Burford hybrid Calanthes, some few new forms appeared, which have yet to develop; and at previous meetings the handsome Oattleya Triamei Reine des Beiges, the fine Cymbidium X Lowio-eburneurn, the showy Dendrobium x Clio, D. X pallens, D. x specio-Kingianum, aud D. x Wiganite have been Certificated, the last-named, which was first shown by Sir Frederiok Wigan, being also exhibited by Messrs. Veitch, all three exhibitors making the cross (nobile x signatum) independently of each other. Sir Trevor Lawrence also showed for the first time the distinct-looking Odonto- glossum aspidorhiuum, and succeeded in getting recognised the rare Dendrobium cymbidioides, Zygopetalum grandiflorum, Platycliuis uncata, Bulbophyllum auricomum, Oirrhopetalum nu- tans, and many other species which, like those mentioned, are well known to science, but seldom seen in gardens. The Hon. Walter Rothschild, a great authority in other branches of natural history, continues to pursue with increasing interest the scientific side of Orchid culture, and his large and curious collection has during the year produced many remarkable and undoubted new species. Of them, Stauhopea ini^ressa, Rolfe, had a totally new feature in its showy flowers, viz., a deep irregular indentation in the under-side of the lip ; and S. Wardi 6uperba, as a variety, is far in advance uf any of its section in point of beauly. Chondrorbyucha albicans, Uolfe, is a very interesting species, seemingly combining Sterna and Chondrorhyncha ; Mormodes badium, a very showy new species ; and the wonderful Bulbo- phyllum Ericssoni, which fully bears out Dr. Kranz- lin's description, and of which we hope to give au illus- tration from the spike kindly sent by Mr. Rothschild. Both these fine plants were imported by Messrs. F. Sander & Co., and only one of each has flowered, which arc now incorporated in the Tring Park colltc- tiou. Other plants for which tho Hon. Walter Roths- child has received Certificates at the Royal Horticultural Society during the past year are CaldBotum x spl.-ii- dens leucauthum, Cycuoches maculatum, Houlletia tigrina, of which "probably l|. Laintbergi and II Lo*ianaareat best only varieties; several new, but undetermined, Cirrhopetalutns aud Bulbophyllums ; aud of rare species, not exhibited, the handsome Disa pulchra, Ansellia confusa, Catasetum uncatum, and other Catasetums, &c. (referred to in last week's Gardtnersy Chronicle). Norman C. Cookson, Esq., from his famed col- lection of home-raised hybrid Orchids at Wylam, Newcastle, has exhibited and received awards for several remarkable and showy Orchids, which are a distinct gain to gardens. Of these, Odontoglossum x Halli-crispum deserves special mention, as much for its great beauty as for its general interest, on account of Odontoglossums being difficult to raise and perfect. Of Dendrobiums, Mr. Cookson's D. X Dulce " Oakwood variety " and D. x Dulce pic- turatum are two bright flowers, the latter curiously striped and flaked ; D. x Murray i (albo-sanguineum X nobile) ; and D. x Kenneth (Bensoniso x McCar- thite), two remarkable crosses, the former for beauty and chaste tinting being by far the better ; D. x Doris and D. x Cassiope virgina'e, are two very pretty white kinds with maroon spot on the lip ; and Ltelio-Cattleya x Doris (barpophylla x Trian^i) ; L.-C. x Bryan (C. Gaskelliana x L. crispa) and L.C. x CUvj (pnmila praestans x Dowiana), all previously noted, received Certificates in 1896. To Mr. Cookson's labours also are due the verifica- tion of the record of Cattleya x Hardyana by home- raised seedlings ; and the still more interesting fact that what are called ''albinos'' come true from seeds, he having flowered Cypripedium Lawrence- anum Hyeanum, raised, and apparently improved, and who has kindly forwarded a flower, which we hope to illustrate. In the same way the kindred albino, C. callosutn Sanderae, is also producing flowers true to their variety with Mr. Cookson. The Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain during the year give3 as the first-fruits of his efforts in raising hybrid Orchids, the pretty Masdevallia x Shuttry- ana, Chamberlain's variety, distinct enough from the original to warrant an independent name were it not for tho " exigencies " which affect florists as well as politicians. Iu this case the original name for the recorded parentage had to be observed. Two other very pretty hybrids from Highbury are Ltelio-Catt- leya x Highburyana (C. Lawrenceana x L. cinna- barina) aud Dendrobium x Andromeda (Cassiope x Leeclranumi. Ki.uah Ashborih, E-q, of Harefield Hall, Wilmslow, Cheshire, one of the most libera] of Orchid patrons, has assimilated into his collection some of the best plants of the past season, among which are the lovely albino Ltelio pumila alba ' E. Ashworth " (6ee lig. I!, p. 11), for which lie received a First-class Certificate at thelast Royal Horti- cultural Society's meeting of the year. Other first- class novelties of this collection are the nearly pure while Ltelia purpurato Lewisii (firstshownby Messrs Lewis a Co., of SoutUfiate, at the Temple); Lfclio-Ca'- tleya ■ Schilleriana \ hwortli'Bvar. ; the fine L pur- purata Ashworthiaua, whoee petals nro almost as richly coloured as the lip, and finely expanded; Cattleya THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 2, 1897. labiata Mrs. E. Ash worth, a white variety, deemed by the Orchid Committee to be good enough for a First-class Certificate ; Odontoglossum crispum Ash- worthiaoum, one of the very best blotched kinds ; and 0. luteo-purpureuni Ashworthianum, a superb form of that species. From Sir Frederick Wigan's gardens at East Sheen the best thiogs exhibited and certificated during the year are Pendrobium x Wiganiee (nobile x signatum), Cuttleya Mossise Beatrice, Lselia pur- purata Arthur Wigan, Miltonia vexillaria Memoria G. D. Owen, and Oncidiuin varicosum giganteum, all of the highest order of merit in their respective classes ; and the singular and pretty Epidendrum hastatum. Fred Hardy, Esq., Ashtm on-Mersey, brought out the very remarkable Cypripedium, Fred Hardy, which is probably an albino of C. Charlesworthi, although it may be a natural hybrid ; Dendrobium x Clio, Tyntesfield variety, a very fine variation, very different from the other forms ; D. x Clio album, and a very fine form of D. x Schneiderianum. C. L. N. Ingram, Esq., of Godalming, holds the record for the number of beautiful homeiaised Cat- tleyas and Ltelio Cattleyas raised by him, which have been certificated during 1SQ6. Of these Lcdio Cat- tleya x Chas. Darwin is an ally of C. x Fowlerii ; L.-C. x Endora (L. purpurata x C. Meudeli), like a very fine L.-C. x eximia ; L.-C. x Sir Wm, Ingram {C. aurea x L. purpurata), a very largo and t-howy flower ; and L.-C x Seraph, L.-C. x Cicero (C. intermedia x L.-C. elegans), L.-C. X Pytho (L.-C. x elegans x C. Loddigesii), all good in their way. Of the Cattleyas, C. x Win. Murray var. fulgens (Lawrenceana x Mendeli) ; C. x Eclipse (maxima x Skiuneri) ; C. x Jupi'er (Lawrenceana x Warscewiczii) ; and C. x Preciosa (Luddeman- niana x Lawrenceana), were the best ; and of fine varitties of imported species the Cattleya Mossue "Chas. Ingram,"' shown at the Temple ; and C. Per- civaliana, Ingram's variety, exhibited Jan. 14, were good examples. Major Joicey, Sunningdale Park, received a First- class Certificate for Cypripedium exul, Joicey's variety, which in size and beauty far excels all others ; and also a like award for the fiue white Diacrium bicornutum, which grows so well with him, that if an old plant, it was exhibited iu a new guise ; also a fine variety of Miltonia Candida grandi- flora, Stanbopea eburnea, and Lielia monophylla. R. I. Measures, Esq., received a First-class Certi- ficate for his charming pure white Cattleya labiata R. I. Measures ; and also exhibited Cypripediuin x Woottoni 0. x Chapmani, and other beautiful new hybrids, as well as some interesting botanical species. Of others, new or distinct, as varieties, may be mentioned the Laelia purpurata Mrs. Crawshay, Odontoglossum x Coradinei Ro3efield variety, and the very handsome Cattleya Triamei Crawshayana, of De B, Crawshay, Esq. Cattleya x Lawre-Mossiie, and Odontoglossum crispum Arddarroch variety , of R. Brooman-White, Esq. ; tho Odontoglossum crispum Golden Queen, o£ W. Thompson, Esq. ; thesin- gularSophro-Laelia x Marriotti, of Sir Wm. Maruiott ; the Cypripedium X Cowleyanum "Anna Louise," shown at the Temple, and C. x Schofieldiauum, by G. W. Law-Schofield, Esq. ; the pure white Cattleva maxima alba, for which Hamar Ba%s, Esq., received a First-clas3 Certificate on November 10 ; the Cattleya Dowiaua Marantiua, and Cypripedium Calypso, Stand Hall variety, of Thos. Statter, Esq. ; the Cattleya Ja'jiata Ashford var., of G. S. Ball, Esq., one of the finest aud richest in colour yet seen ; Odontoglossum crispum " Prince3s," of \V. Vanner, Esq.; the fine hybrid Masdevallia < Curlei (uiacrura? ,tovarensis £ ) called aud flowered by Alex. Curle, Esq., of Wei- rose ; Cattleya x Hardyaua Wheatley's var,, Odon- toglossum crispum Lord Sherborne, and 0. c. Vic- toria Ellis, brought out by Welbore S. Ellis, Esq., of Dorkiug.au excellent cultivator of Odontoglossums ; the 0. Humeanum excelleus and O. Ruckeriauurat Mason's var., both very beautiful and distinct, of H. Mason, Esq., Shipley, auother clever grower of this genus ; Cypripedium x James Buckingham ( x en- fieldienso X bellatulum) of A. J. Hollington, Esq., pf Enfield ; and C. x Harri -Sander ( Harris ian urn x Sanderianum), shown by W. C. Clark, Esq , of Liverpool, and which is the first true cross with tho extraordinary 0. Sanderianum. from which much was expectel. Iu this case the very darkly-tinted flower is more curious than beaut'ful. {To b: continued.) New or Noteworthy Plants. L^LIO-CAT TLEYA x ROSALIND (C.TRIA.NLE ? , L.-C. xDOMINT ANA cj). Our illustration (fig. 1, p. 3) represents the abovc- nnmed beautiful hybrid, for which Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery, King's Road, Chelsea, received a First-class Certificate when they exhibited it before the Orchid Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society on December 15 last. The general opinion of judges who saw it was that it is one of the very best hybrid Orchids of the year, and apart from that consideration, it is interesting as having for male parent a fine hybrid (L.-C. x Domiuiaua), which appeared witli the raisers, Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sous, in 1878. There were only two plants raised, each differing from the other. They both passed into Baron Schroder's collection. About the parentage of L.-C. Dominiana there always existed duubt*, but it is generally supposed to have been between La_-lia purpurata and Cattleya Dowiana. L.-C. x Rosalind has French-white sepals, and broad silvery white petals, over which, except on the margin, there is a delicate tinge of pale rose-pink. The lip is rich yellow at the base, with clear while veining, the &ide lobes being rosy-purple, with blush- white veins, nnd the front bearing a rich dark purple blotch. Plants from Asia Minor. Arum Dioscorldis spectab He.- -The leaves of this species are much more undulated than those of Arum pahi'stiuum. It throws up a flower-stalk about 3 feet in height, bearing a spathe 20 iuches in length, of a velvety texture ; of a bright, reddish- purple inside, and shading into green above, spotted more or less closely with reddish-purple. The plant requires, according to the collector, Mr. W. Siehe, of Mereina, in Asia Miuor, a loamy humus-rich soil, and an abundance of water during the growing period. Ischarum eximiuni. — This beautiful species blooms in tbe autuim before the leaves appear. These form a close rosette of from 8 to 12 inches high. The flower-stalk is of about the same height, and a short shaft bears a broad velvety spathe, of a dark reddish-purple. The back is green, spotted with red. It grows on humus-rich, loamy soil. Helicopkyllum Ramool^i. — One of the most interest- ing of early-flowering Arads. The spathe springs from between the leaves, aud is black in colour aud velvety in texture. Tbe plant is of dwarf habit, and needs a chalky loam, or marl. AU these three species succeed best in the full sun. Anemone blaiula vera. — The true form of this charming Anemone, with its deep blue flowers, is seldom seen in gardens. In dry summers it will succeed if planted below bushes in a humus-rich chalky soil. Bellcvatlia Hcldreichi var. — A charming broad- leaved variety. The bulbs throw up two long flower- sjikes. The colour of the numerous flowers is exactly th*t of Scilla sibirica. It grows on limestone soils. Colchicum Bonimuclleri. — This species, which also prefers a limestone soil, is certainly one of the must beautiful as well as tho largest flowering species of the whole genus. Colchicum cilwicum has somewhat smaller flower- spikes, tipped with red, aud dark rose-coloured Cui-ydalis ritazfolht. — The tubers, which are 2 iuches long, and are found 4 inches below the surface of a chalky soil, throw up from eight to fifteen flower- spikes iu the early spring. These are about 4 inches loog, and form a compact mass of numerous flowers, the colour of which corresponds with that of Del- phinium nudiciule. These plants are readily forced iu a cool-house. U. />., Berlin. Cof'-hir/ini candidum is a particularly free-blooming plant, hitherto unknown in cultivation. It has very delicate white flowers, flushed with pale rose-colour. Colchicum Ritchci. — A small-flowered rare species, which, uulike other varieties, blooms in the early spring, when the leaves appear. All these species of Colchicum prefer a limestone soil. Forestry. THE HOME TIMBER TRADE OF 1896. Since writing on this subject a year ago, the prices of home-grown timber aud forest produce generally, caanot be said to have greatly improved. Certainly, the demand for almost every class of timber has in- creased appreciably during the last three months, and for certain kinds it may truthfully be said that the demand greatly exceeds the supply. This is especi- ally true with Oak, Asb, and Larch of good quality and large size, these meeting with a ready sale at fair prices. Large clean Oak fetches from Is. Sd. to fully 2s. per foot, and several small parcels of special quality changed hands of late at prices even in excess of any just named. Ash, too, finds a ready market at Is. Sd. per foot, and that of extra good quality was sold at an auction lately for 2s. per foot. Of course, the difference between clean grown plantation trees, and those from the field and hedgerow is apparent to everyone interested in the conversion of our home- grown woods, and the purchaser pays accordingly Elm is still a drug in the market, and plenty, of per- haps not the best quality, can be got at the low figure of Gd. per foot, and a large batch of roughish trees recently was sold for 4d. per foot. Large and sound Sycamore finds a ready market at highly remunera- tive prices, and I recently sold a number of first class trees at 2s. 6d. per foot, but from Is. 8d. to 2s. is nearer the mark generally. Then, " maiden " Willow, if fit for bat-making, finds a quick sale at high prices, and here again the supply falls f.tr short of the demand. Beech, such as that produced on the Chiltern Hills, and in certain parts of Kent, Surrey, and Hertfordshire, sells readily at fully Is. per foot, though Sd. is the average price in most parts of the country. The demand for this class of timber is very good at present ; but rough, kuotty small stuff can hardly be sold at even firewood price. Both Alder and Birch fetch 10(2, per foot, especially iu districts where the making of clog-soles is a part of the industry. Larch sells perhaps more readily than any other of our homegrown timbers, the quantity of this on hand at the present time being small indeed. From Is. to Is. 3rf. may be considered fair for that of good quality. Scotch Fir, on the other hand, is hard to get rid of even at the low figure of 6d. per foot, and there are lots at present offered below that price. Oak-bark is gradually deteriorating in value, aud about £3 12s. was paid for large quantities duriug the past season. When we count 30s. per ton for barking and harvesting, and a further few shillings for delivery and supervision, the profits attending such a precarious commodity as Oak-bark, even in an ordinary season, are hardly commensurate with the risks involved. Large faggots used to sell readily at 22s. per 100, but plenty are waiting to be sold at 12s. in the London market. Small faggots foi fire-lighting — " pimps " they are called in southern England — can now be bought in tho city at 2s. 6d. per 100— a contrast to the 4s. 6d. readily got not so many years ago. The split batten ends, now offered for sale by almost every grocer, have quite ousted tho faggot from the market. Coppice-wood, too, does not fetch one-half of what it did twenty years ago ; that of sixteen years' growth, and composed mainly of Ash and Hazel, selling at the present time at from £5 to £6 per acre. It is confidently to be hoped that the rather brisker trade aud better prices of home-grown timber and other forest produce during the past three months will be fully maintained, if not increased, during the year 1897. A. D. Webster. January 2, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. American Notes. APPLE SHIPMENTS. Up to the present the shipments of this year's crop of Apples from Canada and tho United States to foreign markets ha7e aggregated nearly to pay expenses, but because of the pure impossibility of using the entire crop in America. The extreme competition of this season has already resulted in much refinement of methods, and in better marketing of the crop. ' The "Obohid-flowemnq" C.vnnas. The so-called "Orchid-flowering" Caunas, intro- duced by Messrs. Dammann & Co., have recoived opinion in this country. It is a strange coinci- dence that our American plaut-breeder, Mr. Luther Burbank, should have originated, contemporane- ously with tho Messrs. Dammann & Co., and by the same cross, a Canna much like Austria. Tbe stock of this Canna, named Burbank, has been bought by a Chicago firm, which will introduce it in the spring. FlG. ].— L/ELIO-CATTLLYA X ROSALIND : SEGMENTS SILVERY-WHITE | LIP YELLOW AT THE BASE, PURPLE IN FRONT. (SEE P. 2.] 2,000,000 barrels. These have gone veiy largely to Liverpool. Of the crop of 189">, less than half a million barrels, all told, were exported. This great ncrease is due to the unprecedented crop in Apple- growing regions of America. Especially in Canada, New England, and the State* along the Great Lakes the crop is phenomenal. The extraordinary ship- ments to Europe have not been made because of attractive markets, many consignment* having failed prompt and general trial in America. This is par- ticularly true of Italia. Opinions differ considerably as to the value of this new cla?s to American gar- deners ; but it seems likely that the soft texture of tin- flowers, inherited from Canna llaccida, will bo poorly adapted to our dry, sunny, windy atmosphere. We have grown both Italia and Austria in our own greenhouses, and regard Austria as having tho better blossom. This seems to bo contrary to the usual DBATH OF Mi'. LoDEMAtT. The recent tragic death of nlr. E. C. Lodeman, Instructor in Horticulture in Cornell University, rem ivea from us one of our brightest young horticul- turists. He had already made for himself a wide reputation, though ho was but a young man. His book, on Spraying of I'! mis, editorially reviewed in the last volume of tho Gardeners' Chronicle, is accepted as authority throughout the country. He THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 2, 1897. was also the author of many valuable bulletins from tlie Cornell Experiment Station. Sweet Pea, "Cupid." This great novelty is now generally spoken of in a tone of disappointment. It has not been able to thrive with most American amateurs. The common opinion is, that while it i3 superb in California, where it succeeds remarkably, it is not suited to conditions prevailing elsewhere. The introducers, Messrs. W. Atlee Burpee & Co., with commendable enterprise, have secured a pink seedliug from Cupid which retains the dwarf form of the parent, and which they promise soon to introduce. Professor Sargent. We learn with great concern that the residence at Brookline, Mass., of our valued correspondent and eminent friend, Professor Sargent, the Director of the Arnold Arboretum, has been destroyed by fire. The Professor himself, who had recently met with a severe accident, which forced him to walk with crutches, was rescued with great difficulty. The manuscript for the ensuing volumes of the Silva has fortunately been preserved, as well as the library and collection of objects of art. Marriage op Mr. Harry A. Bunyard. The marriage at New York City, on Tuesday, December 1, of Mr. Harry Bunyard to Miss Lena Bach, is announced. RURAL DECORATIONS. It often occurs to me that much might be accom- plished by a little encouragement on the part of our garden-loving British aristocracy for the culture of flowers by cottagers and others in rural districts. In the south-west of Scotland something in this florally artistic direction has already been achieved. The late Couutess of Stair was a lover of horticulture, and it was her delight to inspire the love, and stimulate the refining cultivation of flowers by the cottagers in the vicinity of Lochinch Castle by offering prizes every year to those who were mo3t successful in this work. I have of late been much gratified to learn that Mrs. McDouall, of Logan House, who is at once an eminent aud an earnest horticulturist, is contem- plating the annual offer of similar rewards to the cottagers on her son's extensive estates ; and I doubt not that her example will be followed by other ladies who are equally interested in the promotion of what may be termed, without any exaggeration, the purest of sciences aud the noblest of arts. Some of the fairest flowers that exist, such, for example, as the Madonna Lily, and the fragrant Provence Rose, also many of the most attractive of the clove-saented Carnations, have for years been the glory of English cottage gardens. I have proved from experience that in Scotland they can be cultivated with equal success. I am fortunate in having for my nearest neighbour a smith, not by any means an ordinary specimen of hard-labouring humanity, but a man of original mechanic capability, who is also perhaps in virtue of his originality of conception, an enthusiastic horti- culturist. His great delight, when his day's work is finished at 7 p.m., is to attend through the whole length of the slumbrous summer evenings to the requirements of his much-admired shrubs and flowers. At that season of the year his house is covered with Honeysuckle and climbiug Roses. In his garden may be found many of thefinest hardy Azaleas and Rho- dodendrons ; amoug his interesting collection of the ' Queen of Flowers " may be found such fine varieties as Duke of Edinburgh, which seems to bloom with equal beauty everywhere ; Baroness Rothschild, of equally accommodating character, though scentless ; Merveille de Lyon, Gloire de Dijon, the most widely cultivated of all climbing varieties ; Beauty of Waltham, Margaret Dickson, and Belle Lyonnaise. Amoug the Lilies which succeed admirably in his miniature garden, are Lilium auratum ; L. tigrinum splendens, the brightest of its section; L. longiflorum var. Harrisii, and L. speciosum. All of these, though planted late, and in a situation with a cold, north- east aspect, yet well sheltered from the devastating winds, have succeeded beyond anticipation. I hope that many others who, while loving flowers, have hitherto neglected their culture, on the ground that they are not a financial acquisition, may be inspired by his example to follow in his footsteps with equal success. u When Epicurus to the world had taught That pleasure was the chiefest good, His life he to his doctrines brought, And in a garden's Bhade this sovereign pleasure sought. "Whoever a true Epicure would be, May there find cheap and virtuous luxury." David R. Williamson, Manse of Kirkmaiden, Wigtan- shirc, N.B. The Week's Work. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White Orchid Grower, Burford, Dorking. Cultural Methods. — Orchid cultivators Tpossessing even long experience have always much to learn in the successful cultivation of a general collection of Orchids. After treating freshly-imported plants successfully for a season or two, we are apt to assume that the method that has been adopted is the correct one. But it often happeus after that period that many of the plants commence to deteriorate, and some to dis- appear altogether. Every grower should try to improve year by year upon his own method of culti- vation, and to apply what knowledge he can obtain from others who are uncommonly successful with particular species or varieties to the treatment of his own plants. In every Orchid collection there are probably some plants more or less difficult to culti- vate, but many of these may become less troublesome with further experience. There should be practised moderation in all things appertaining to the growth of Orchids. This will result in even temperatures, careful watering, systematic ventilation, and a judicious amount of sun-light ; and these are the means towards securing success. A few failures will occur that cannot be traced to inattention to either of the foregoing processes ; for instance, in every con- ceivable way I have been trying to grow Miltonia epectabilis and allied species for several years past, during part of which time the plants did fairly well, but they then gradually declined to near their lowest point. Some of the plants started again with vigour, but unfortunately this lasted for only a short period. Several years ago I received a sample of what is known as American peat, which apparently consists chiefly of the roots of a hardy Fern (Osmunda regalis). The MiltoDias were tried in it, and fortunately they grew and bloomed exceedingly well, even very small pieces which were nearly dead were awakened to new life. From the first the plants placed in this compost did better, and the improvement has con- tinued ; thus proving that heat, moisture, light, or air had nothing whatever to do with the cause of failure in this case. There are several similar instances that I could mention, especially in regard to those speoies of Orchids that produce small, thread-like roots ; but of these I will endeavour to touch upon at the proper seasons. Miltonias. — The present is a suitable time to examine such Miltonias as M. speotabilis, M. Moreliana, M. Blunti and its variety Lubbersiana, M. Peeters- iana, M. stellata, M. Clowesi, M. oandida, and M. Regnelli. Growth has already commenced, and if more root-spaoe is needed, or any plants are not thriving satisfactorily, they may be repotted. Owing to the rambling habit of the two species first-men- tioned, it is sometimes necessary to divide the pieces, and remake up the specimen. When doing this, out away all the useless bulbs, and place the growing pieces together again, carefully pegging down to the compost such pieces as have but few roots. If the kind of peat mentioned above be not at hand, good fibry bracken peat is the best substitute for it, but the fine particles of dust must be shaken out of it. Keep the plants well raised above the rim of the pots ; shallow pans are preferable for the dwarf-growing species, and pots for the stronger ones. Miltonias thrive best in a shady part of the Cattleya or intermediate-house, for if grown in too strong a light, the foliage becomes yellow, and falls prematurely. Very little water i3 needed until numerous roots are Been to be pushing out from the new growth. Miltonia vexillaria is now growing freely. This species should be supplied abundantly with water until growth is fully made up. On some plants the sphagnum-moss may not have grown well, and in such cases the dead moss should be pulled out, and living pieces pricked-in upon the surface. During the present dull weather extra venti- lation should be afforded, to prevent the young leaves becoming spotted. Do not damp between the pots until the external air is drier and the weather brighter. Temperatures. — For the benefit of new readers of the Gardeners* Chronicle, and for begiuners in Orchid cultivation, I give the following temperatures to be maintained by fire-heat at- this season of the year : — East Indian-house, 60° to 65° ; Cattleya or intermediate-house, 55" to 60° ; the Mexican about 55°, and the Odontoglossum or cool-house 50°. The highest figures are for the night, and the lowest for early morning. During severe frosts or in very cold, windy weather, the temperatures may with safety be allowed to fall several degrees below the figures indicated, but it must be remembered that with a low temperature the atmosphere should be proportionately less moist. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By Charles Herein, Gardener, Dropmure, Maidenhead. General Remarks. — -There is but little to attract in the flower garden at this season, nor will there be before the Snowdrop, our earliest flower, appears above the soil, which may soon occur if the weather continue as mild as at present. If the gardener should wish to transplant any clumps of these bulbs which may not have been possible at an earlier date because they could not be found, it may be safely done now, if the masses are not unduly divided up, and they are replanted at the same depth in the ground as that at which they had previously been. Where the walks in the pleasure-grounds are much over-shadowed by deciduous trees, they should be quickly cleared of the leaves, &c, for appearance Bike, and to preserve the paths in as dry and firm a state as possible. If a walk cannot get dry owing to accumulations of leaves on the surface, moss and weeds soon begin to spread, causing much labour and expense. After heavy rainfall following frost, the walks ought to be well rolled, which will have the effect of keeping them in good condition now, as well as throughout the summer. Vacant flower-beds should be simply dug or trenched, according to the class of plant with which they will be filled in the summer. If Pelargoniums are to be planted in them, the soil must not be made very, rich, otherwise foliage will predominate over flower. The Calceolaria prefers, on the contrary, a rich, cool rooting medium, and the beds which will be filled with the latter should receive a moderate dressing of rotted manure, and be deeply dug, adding clayey loam i£ the staple be of a light or sandy nature. Beds in which sub-tropical foliage plants will be planted should also be well manured and trenched, as in most instances the stronger and quicker the growth of the plants, the greater their effectiveness. In heavy soils it is Bometimes desir- able to raise such beds above the general level, so as to obtain greater dryness, and consequently increased warmth at the roots, throwing out the soil to a depth of "2 feet, and placing a layer 1 foot or more in depth of brickbats, stones, &c. at the bottom of the bed, covering this with sods or half-decayed stable-dung. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. ByH. W. Ward, Rayleigh, Essex. Th inn ing-oiit Branches and Removing Moss and Lichen. — Where the fruit trees have not received attention in these matters, no time should be lost in getting the operations out of hand. That these cultural operations have been sadly neglected in the past, and are still much neglected, there is ample evidence on every side, and more especially in the orchards of Hants, Wilts, Dorset, Somerset, Devon, and the oounties adjoining. To this fact may be attributed the deficiency in quantity and quality of the fruits produced, and the oonsequent low prices realised. The Gardeners' Chronicle has done much in the past towards remedying this state of things, but there is still much for its Editor and contributors to accomplish in the way of converting comparatively barren orchards into fruitful and pro- fitable ones. The first step to be taken in this direction, is in the case of crowded orchards, to cut down or grub up worthless and aged or worn-out trees ; this done, to thin the crowded heads of the re- maining trees, not doing it all at once, but extending the work over three or four years, cutting out so as to let light and consequently air into the heads, fagotting the prunings, if free from insect foes, for future use. Then scrape the moss and lichen off the trunks and main branches with pieces of bevelled-lath or hoop-iron, following this with a dressing of lime-wash into which a small quantity of fresh soot has been stirred, and may be applied January 2, 1897. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. with a syringe, or if th? tree? a-e lar^e ones, usin* the fruit-wall engiue. If thia be done on a calm day, much of the wash will adhere, destroying the remainder of the moss. &c, and the larvae at at 65°. Discontinue to syringe heavily ; a careful sprinkling at closing time on sunny days will be all that is necessary, providing the surfaces of the fljor-i and borders are kept well damped, and a supply of weak manure-water is maintained in the evaporating- pans. This latter method will be found one of the very best preventives of red-3pider. Do not secure shoots until they are well advanced, as they will gain more strength if allowed a little freedom during this dull season of the year. The commencement of the year is a good time to start Hamburghs to supply ripe fruit in July and August. If leaves aud dung can be easily obtained, a bed of fermenting material may be made upon the border, and will prove very beneficial, b?sides rendering less firing necessiry. The Grapes upon late Vines shoul 1 have bsen re- moved before Christmas nnd bottle 1, if only to give the Vines a rest, for they will need t> be qniet'y staited again early in February. Aged Vines whic'i have carried heavy crops of fruit should bi a .Ford el a good watering with liquid manure, especially those with borders in-ide. Give contnual attention to the bottled Grapes, and remove bad berries without delay. The bottles will also need to be kept fille I with water. Peaches and Nectarines. — Those who have to start their early house at the beginning of December or earlier, will now experience an anxious time, for the first month of the year is generally dull and sunless. Still, much can hi done by a judicious use of fire- heat, and a constant circulation of air to cause the pollen upon the fast-opening flowers to gain sufficient buoyancy to effect fertilisation. A careful use of the camel-hair brush is almost indispensable in the case of trees forced thus early. If the borders are con- sidered to be at all dry, a moderate watering with tepid water should be given as a means to oblaiu a good set ; and I fear bad setting is oftentimes the result of keeping the roots too dry at this, the critic il time. Damp down the paths and borders after using the bruah each day. The first week in January is a very convenient time at which to start Peach-tree, for before the flowers have opened we may expect better weather, aud ripe fruits may hi had from such trees at the end of May, or early in June. Give \ little ventilation on all favourable opportunities, and make the most of the sun-heat available by closing early, and affording a light spraying with tepid-water at the came time. Continue the processes of cleansing and tying, in later houses, if such work has not yet been completed. A little extra care iu the cleansing of trees and houses now, will save much labour at a later period. P'ujs. — In houses that were started on December 1, the trees will now be making signs of growth, anil a little additional fire-heat may be afforded them with advantage. A temperature of 55° to 60° by night, with a corresponding rise by day, will be most suit- able. No tree suffers sooner from drought than tho Fig, and it is therefore imperative that the roots be kept sufficiently moist. In later houses, Bhould it bo thought that any of the roots have rambled from their proper quarters, though somewhat lato the matter may still be attended to. If vigorous measures are not adopted, there will be little fruit, but a rank and strong growth instead. It is better practice to keep Fig-trees in check by judiciously lifting them occa- sionally aud root-pruning them, than by pinching the shoots, for unless the latter is done very early, you run the risk of gettiog soft, weak, unripened growths that will not produce fruits. If the process of lifting be carried out, take care to relay the roots in poor tibrous loam, with plenty of broken bricks, soft stone and lime-rubble added, for Figs revel in such a compost, and richer food can better be given when watering after the fruit has commenced the final swelling. PLANTS UNDER GLASS By O. H. Mavcock, Gardener, Luton Hoo, Laton. Seasonable Notes on Stove Plants.^- Xt this period of the year it is necessary that the utmost caro be exercised iu affording water to stove plants, and to enable thia to be done properly a knowledge of the requirements of each plant shm!d be acquired. At this season Ixoras, Allamanlas, Stephanotis flori- bunda, Dipladenias, Clerodeodron Balfouriana, which have been resting since the autumn, should be kept moderately dry until February, when some or all of them may be started into growth. A strict watch should be kept on plants of Dracaena and Croton, red- spider and thrip3 soon injuring their leaves. The smaller plants maybe dipped overhead in a pailful of some safe and good insecticide, but it is better for the plants if they are not allowed to become badly infested so as to require dipping oftener than once a month. Should thrips abound, it will be advisable to vaporise the plants a few times with XL All, a valu- able inject destroyer if used according to the direc- tions accompanying each bottle. .Hints on Work in the Plant-houses, — No time should now be lost in finishing the propagation of Chrysan- themums for supplying large blooms. Place the cuttings singly in 2 1 -inch pots, placing these in one or two 8uull light frame3 fixed on the side stage3 of a greenhouse. The frames should be partly filled with sawdust or Cocoa-uut fibre refuse, in which the pots are pluuged up to the rim, by which proceeding a very small quantity of wa'er is required by the cut- tiuga, nearly every one of which will strike. Only robust, s-oclcy cuttings should be put in unless the stock of any variety is very limited. Here we culti- vate a thousand plants every year, and never have auy difficulty iu striking cuttings according to the inetho I d-scribed. A 1 nv sj an roofed greenhouse is perhaps more suit ib'e than a lofty one, or a lean-to. Ltiiani lojiffjl rum var. Hairlsii inteu led to flower at the Etster s a^ju, should no v be making a good growth, and the temperature of the intermediate- house will suit them admirably. They should be kept ue.-ir to the glass aud guarded from aphides. Prccsias. — These bulbous plants if required to flower in the months of May or Juno, should be forthwith potted up in good batches, using for the purpose 5-inch pots, aud six bulbs iu each. The best kiud of soil for Freesiaa consists of loam, leaf- mould, in about eqml parts, aud sand sufficient to keep it open, using it when neither too wetortoodry. Place in a cold frame, and afford no water before the roota become active. When the growths have reached 2 inches in height, the first batch may be placed iu a warm house, and others may follow at intervals as may be required, thus keeping up a continuous supply of (lowering plants in the above-named months. Richardias, — These plants, if iu spathe, should receive weak liquid manure-water ouce or twice a week if the pots are small, and it may consist of the drainings from the stables or cow-sheds which has been exposed to the air for 48 hours, If aphis should appear on any of tho plants, fumigate the house forthwith, or the spathes will soou become discoloured. The Show-house.— Attention should be givon to tho staking and tying of all plants in this structure, placing the plants as far apart as possible, so that over- crowding may be prevented, and tho air circulate freely amongst them. Keep the foliage scrupulously clean aud free from dust, fungus, &c. Violets in Frames. — The generally mild character of the weather hitherto has suited these plants, air having been freely afforded. If foggy weather should set iu, or hard frosts occur, rendeiing the airing of the of the plants less efficieut, much caro will bo neces- sary iu removiug decaying leaves, and everything that favours decay aud damp, giving air abundantly on bright days, and removing the lights altogether for an hour or two during the warmer part of tho day. Plenty of mats and bracken or litter should be kept handy in the event of very sharp frost. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 2, 1897. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants for naming, shouhl be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Welling- ton Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications Should 06 WRITTEN ON ONE SIDE ONLY OF THE PAPER, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be printed, but keptasa guarantee of good faith. The Editor doesnot under- take to pay for any contributions, or to return unused com- munications or illustrations, unless by sj)ecial arrangement. Newspapers. — Correspondent* sending newspapers should be careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR JANUARY. SATURDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, MEETINGS. T G 1 East C'owes Horticultural Im- } provement Society. Jan. 7— Ayrshire Garde.ers' Association. ! Royal Botanic Society's Meeting. Isle of Wight H rticultural Asso- ciation's Meeting. T ,,, iRoyal Horticultural Society's JAN. l-| Committees. t... io i Renfrewshire Gardeners' Society's Ja;j- 13, Meeting. ( Gardeners' Royal Benevolent In- THURSDAY, Jan. . . | stitution, Annual Meeting at | Simpson's, Strand. !_ Society of Jersey Gardeners' Meet. WEDNB DAY', Ja THURSDAY, SATURDlY, WEDNESDAY, Jan. 21— Linnean Society's Meet ng. Jan. 23— Royal Botanic Society'-s Meeting. Jan. 27 — Renfrewshire Ga deners' Saciety. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY, Jan. 4 1 ^^ New and Rare Perennials, Rjses, &c , at Protheroo & Morris' TUESDAY", Jan. 5- Rooms. High-class Poultry and PigeoDS, Dogs, &c, at Stevens' Rooms. Japanese Lilies, Spira as, Gladioli, Begonias, at Protheroe & Morris' T r ' Rooms. JAN- ° j Roses, Fruit Trees, Shrubs. Bulbs, Lilies Palms, Ate, at Stevens' ; Carnations, Clematis, Peonies, &c., I at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms. Jan. 7 I 60 Cases of Araucarias as received, l 150 cases of Japanese Liliums, I Orchids, &c, at Stevens' Rooms. ! Orchids, at Protheroe & Morris Rooms. Scientific and Photographic Appa ratus, at Stevens' Rooms. WEDNESDAY', Lonpon: Dec. 30.— Max., 525 ; Min., 44°. Dec. 30.— Highest Temp., -r»2° N.E. England ; Lowest, 44°, Shetland. Corrected average Temperature for the ensuiog week, deduced from observations of Forty-three years, at Chiswick.— 36'4°. A peep into the shop-windows Vegetable Qf a 0f our iarr,6 towns at the Novelties. * ° . . , present season brings to mind the extent to which the kingdoms of Nature, and, perhaps, more especially the vegetable kingdom, are laid under contribution to supply- not only the wants and necessities, but also the amusements and fancies of mankind. It also proves to us how is close our brotherhood with what geographically are far-off lands, but which steam and electricity have brought almost to our doors. No country on the face of the earth is too far removed from us at the present day to prevent it sending its natural products and manufactures into our markets — whether for good or otherwise is not a question for discussion at this season. Suffice it to say, that the demand each year s;ems to increase for these novelties. It must be confessed, however, that by far the largest increase in actual novelties in the English markets, is in manufactured articles, rather than in those of Nature's own produc- tion. Amongst food-products, it is true, that our immense Australasian possessions have done much in quite recent times in adding to our fruit supplies, but these contributions have been chiefly confined to that well-known and always acceptable fruit, the Apple. The ever- welcome Orange is another illustration of increased sup- plies from new countries of production . It has recently been stated that during the present year as many as 3,000,000 cases of Oranges havebeen put on the English market, while forty years ago the average annual imports did not exceed 40,000 cases. With the exception perhaps, of the Pine- apple and the Iianana, which only a few years ago were too choice and costly for popular con- sumption, but both of which now find their way to the tables of nearly all classes, no fruit of tropical or warm climates has come to us as a marketable commodity. The Custard Apple, the Cherimoyer, and even the Mango, are not unknown in our shops, but their appearance is spasmodic, and to use a familiar term, they have not [yet come to stay. As stated quite recently in a daily contemporary, efforts are being made to obtain some of these luxuries in a perfect state, and it is hoped that the West Indian Isles, who are going to make an attempt, notably Jamaica, may be able to transport their produce in such a manner as to cause many of the hitherto defects to disappear. We look in vain for fresh Lichis, which are amongst the most delicious morsels it is possible to con- ceive when in a perfectly ripe state, the pulp is then cool, slightly acid and refreshing, but still we do not find them in any othor but the usual dried, somewhat shrivelled and blackened state. Amongst the harder-fleshed fruits, and such as are not calculated to become very popular, even as a vegetable, may be observed at the present time, quantities of the Chocho/or Chow- Chow, as it is now generally called. This, as our readers will know, is the fruit of Sechiuin edule, and is not really a novelty, as it has been seen in our markets in small quantities from time to tim3 for many years; but at the present season the fruits appear to be more generally known, forming, as they do, part of the stock of most greongrocers even in local towns. With regard to Christmas adjuncts to the usual floral decorations, all the old favourites seem woll to the fore, especially in the way of dried grasses. The vulgar artificial colouring is not so much in evidence, but when dyes are used the}' are more subdued and artistic, as in the case of the various shades of green. Again, with the "fairy flowers," thoso mysterious fluffy balls so ingeniously manipulated from the seed down of some Asclepiad. The colouring of these are, this year, mostly in good taste, the delicate shades of pink, amber, and subdued reds, when arranged with a little Feather-grass, have a very pretty effect ; and they have, more- over, the advantage of being real and not artificial. In the matter of artificial flowers, however, a very great stride has b3en made, and we recently saw some Chrysanthemum flowers, and bunches of small Crab fruits, that almost defied detection, and these were intended for the adornment of ladies' hats. In the matter of utilising vegetable products to the best advantage, the Japanese are very strongly in evidence just now, particularly in the matter of choice inlaid wood-work, for which these people are so noted. Trays and cabinets of all sizes in which choice Japanese woods areso dexterously placed side by side in the best manner to show off their beautiful markings, are amongst the most attractive objects of the so-called fancy shops. The most charming of these woods is the " Keyaki" (Zelkowa acumi- nata), better known, perhaps, as Planera japonica. The plant is closely allied to the Elms, but the wood is of exceptional beauty, the dark, irregular, wavy lines imparting to it quite an unique character. It is considered a very choice wood in Japan, and is much used for ornamental and choice cabinet-work. A peculiar material for the ornamentation of trays is the bark of species of Pterocarya, pro- bably P. rhoifolia and P. sorbifolia. The bark is apparently flattened, and cut in thin sheets, thus cutting through the several layers, and showing numerous concentric and irregular dark-brown rnai kings on a lighter or chocolate- coloured ground. This bark is said to be used in the manufacture of small objects known as Nikko-ware. In the matter of walking-sticks and umbrella- handles, a variety of novelties appears at this season of the year. AVhile there is always in this connection a great demand for what are called " natural " sticks, that is, such as Hazel, Oak, Furze, &c, as against those that are cut out of the solid trunk, it is often found that the vagaries of fashion demand things that Nature fails directly to supply, hence art has to come in to assist. This is seen this year in tho demand for natural sticks and canes of certain fashionable shades of colour. The ten- dency in all departments of ladios goods this season has been to fix on green, in consequence the handles of umbrellas and parasols have to be produced to suit the prevailing taste. Thus the parlridge-cane which is furnished by an unknown Palm, and which in its natural stato is a remarkably pretty stick, is this year required not so much to imitate the humble partridge as the more ambitious peacock or parrot. Canes of various kinds imported from the East have to a large extent taken the place of English sticks, as Oak, Hazel, &c. Bent handles in the natural woods have also given place to mounts of gold, silver, and various stones, the prevail- ing colour of which is green, while some of the choicest are even mounted with beautifully painted Dresden china, so that the keen search of a year or two ago for novelties in the way of natural roots or twisted branches is now no longer, for a time at least, prosecuted. WISTARIA SINENSIS.— This hardy trailer was, we find, introduced from China so long ago as 1816 ; it is, therefore, an old acquaintance, but is there ono that is more valued, or which has a greater title to our regard .' Our present illustration (6g. 2, p. 7) is taken from a plant in the garden of F. Lloyd, Esq. (gr., Mr. M. E. Mills), Coombe House, Croydon. The length of the wall is 30 yards, its height 10 feet. From these details the beauty of the picture may be conceived. At its base is a collection of low-growing herbaceous plants. Ths plant usually flowers from spurs, but it often produces a second crop of blooms on the terminal shoots of the year. Captain Well- bank has the credit of bringing it to England, where it was at first kept in a Peach-house at a temperature of SI', to the great advantage of the red-spider, but to the detiiment of the plant. Then it was tried in a cool greenhouse, and at last it was found to be quite hardy ! The fine plant at Chiswick is not, as is commonly said, one of the fh'.-t imported, but it was raised (probably by layering) from the first plant introduced to the Rook's Nest, Godstoue, by Captain Wellbank. The Formation of a Chrysanthemum SOCIETY IN ABERDEEN. —A well-attended meeting of gardeners and amateurs was held in the Trades Buildings, Aberdeen, on Saturday evening, Decem- ber 19, for the purpose of forming a Chrysan- themum Society for the city and north of Scotland. January 2, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. SEEDS (or the KITJENJ FLOWER GARDEN. Wm. PAUL & SON, ROSE GROWERS BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN, TREE, PLANT, BULB, & SEEB MERCHANTS, Beg respectfully to announce that their SEED CATALOGUE — 1897, Is Now Eeady, and will be forwarded, post-free, on application. All Novelties of Merit will be found included, as well as many specially fine strains of already existing kinds of Vegetables and Flowers, and Customers may rely upon receiving the very best Seeds obtainable, and at the lowest possible prices for goods of really reliable quality. PAULS' NURSERIES * SEED WAREHOUSE. WALTHAM CROSS. HERTS * CLAY'S MANURES & trade mark Have been proved, during- many years of continuous TRADE MARK trial by the most eminent Growers, to be UNSURPASSED For Vines, Roses, Chrysanthemums, Cucumbers, Tomatos, and all other Plants, Flowers, Fruits, and Vegetables. Sold by the Trade in 6d. and Is. Packets, and Sealed Bags :— 7 lbs., 2s. 6d. ; 14 lb-., 4s. 6d. ; 2.s lbs., 7s. 6d. : 56 lbs., 12s. 6d. : 112 lbs., 20s. Or direct from the Works, carriage paid in the United Kingdom lor Cash with ( >rder (except 6d, packets). lOTT" EVERY PACKET, BAG, and SEAL bears the Respective Trade Mark, which is the ONLY GUARANTEE OF GENUINENESS. Crushed Bones, Peruvian Guano, Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Nitrate of Potash, Sulphate of Potash, Kainit, Superphosphate of Lime, &c, Tobacco Cloth and Paper. V BEST QUALITIES ONLY. WHITE FOR PRICES. tk\ CLAY & SON, *fjfl6» j\ ty Manure Manufacturers, Hone Crushers, &c, ^Wr ^rtV> TEMPLE MILL LANE, STRATFORD, E, TRADE MARK. ' ' TRADE MARK THE GAB DE NEBS' CHBONICLE. [January 2, 1897. Barr's seed Guide for 1897 Is now in the Press, and will be ready in a few days, free on application. Barr's' Seeds are the best in the World for securing a supply ofVegetables " the year round," and for keeping the Flower Garden always gay, and with abundance of Flowers to cut for vases and bouquets; also Seeds of Plants for Greenhouse Decoration Summer and Winter. Catalogue on Application. We guarantee all Seeds we send out to be of the finest selected strains, and of highest growing quality. They cannot fail to give the fullest satisfaction. ALL SEEDS SENT CARRIAGE PAIR ON RECEIPT OF REMITTANCE. BARR'S FAMOUS "COVENT GARDEN" COLLECTIONS OF VEGETABLE SEEOS. SENT CARRIAGE PAID AND PACKING FREE ON RECEIPT OF REMITTANCE. The following collections have been made up with the utmost liberality, and our customers may also rely on having high quality seeds only included. BARR'S 12/6 COLLECTION OF VEGETABLE SEEDS FOR ONE YEAR'S SUPPLY. 5 pints Peas, best varieties. 1 ,, Broad Beans. h ,, Dwarf French Beans. J ,, Scarlet Runners. 1 pkt. Beet, fine variety. 1 ,, Borecole ,, ,, 2 ,, Broccoli for succession. 1 „ Brnssel Sprouts. 1 pkt. Cabbage for Splint; sowing 1 ,, - ,, ,, Autumn ,, . 1 ,, ,,' Savoy. 1 „ Cauliflower, fine variety. 1 ,, Celery, fine variety. Jljoz. Cress, •inlcil. 1 ., ,, plain. 1 pkt.- Endive, fine variety. 1 pkt. Lettuce, Cos. 1 ,, ,, Cabbage. 2 oz. Mustard. 3 pkts. Onion, beat kinds. 1 ,, Leek, fine variety. 1 ,, Parsnip ,, ,. 2 oz. Radish, fine varieties. 1 ,, Spinach, Summer. 1 oz. Spinach, Winter. 2 pkts. Turnip, best for succession. Tomato, fine variety. Vegetable Marrow. Thyme. Summer Savory. Parsley. BARR'S 21/ COLLECTION OF VEGETABLE SEEOS FOR ONE YEAR'S SUPPLY. 14 pints Peas,bestsuccessional varieties.- 4 ,, Broad Beans, best sorts. 1 ,, Dwarf French Beans. 1 ,, Scarlet Runners. 1 pkt. Beet, fine variety. 1 ,, Borecole. . 3 ,, Broccoli, best varieties. 1 ,. Brussel Sprouts. 2 ,, Cabbage for Spring sowing. 1 ,, ,, ,, Autumn ,, 1 ,, Colewort, for bunch greens. 1 pkt. Cabbage Savoy. 2£ oz. Carrot, best kinds, l'pkt. Celery, white. 1 „ „ red. 1 ,, Cauliflower, fine variety. 2 oz. Cress, plain and curled. 1 ,, ,, golden or Australian. 1 ,, ,, American or Winter. 1 pkt. Cucumber, frame. 1 ,, „ ridge. 1 pkt. Endive. 2 ,, Lettuce, Cos. 2 ,, ,, Cabbage. 1 ,, Leek. 1 ,, .Melon. 4 oz. Mustard. 4 pkts. Onion, best kinds. 1 oz. Parsnip, line variety. 3J oz. Radish, for succession, 1 pkt. Salsafy. 1 pkt. Seorzonera. 2 oz. Spinach, Summer. 2 „ ,. Winter. 3 ,, Turnip, best sorts. 1 pkt. Tomato, fine variety. 1 ,, Vegetable Marrow. 1 „ Thyme. 1 ,, Tot Marjoram. 1 ,, Summer Savory. 1 ,, Parsley. BARR'S 42 COLLECTION OF VEGETABLE SEEDS FOR ONE YEAR'S SUPPLY. 13 quarts Peas, 3 quarts Broad Beans, 3 pints Dwarf and Runner Beans, witli other Vegetable Seeds in equally liberal proportion. BARR'S 63- COLLECTION OF VEGETABLE SEEDS FOR ONE YEAR'S SUPPLY. 20 quarts Peas, 5 quarts Broad Beans, 4 pints Dwarf and Runner Beans, with othor Vegetable Seeds in equally liberal proportion. BARR'S £4 4 AND £5 5 COLLECTIONS contain a proportionately larger assortment to the foregoing. All high quality Seeds. BARR'S CHOICE FLOWER SEEDS. Our Catalogue contains a Select List of all the most beautiful Annuals and Perennials ; it contains collections for all purposes, and many sterling Novelties for 1897 ; also some useful cultural hints on the raising of seeds and their after management. CA TALOG UES FREE. BARR & SONS, rENroGArNEET LONDON. Nurseries : Long Ditton, Surrey, Surbiton Station (S. W. Ry.). Visitors invited to see our Daffodils in flower, April; Tulips in flower. May: other Hardy Flowers "The Tear Hound." [The Grtdiners' ChroOiclp, JaMiary 2, lSf.7. January 2, 1897.] THE GAEDENEfiS' CEBONICLE. Royal Horticultural Society.— The fol- lowing lectures have been arranged for the present year, and will be delivered at the Drill Hall : — March 9. — Professor Marshall Ward: "Microscopic Gardening."' ,, 23. — Rev. G. Salmon : " Bud Transference, and its Effects on Fruit." April 13.— J. J. Willis : " Artificial Manures." ,, 27.— A. Deau : " Winter and Spring Bedding." May 11.— G. Massee : " Diseases of Orchids." June 15. — Professor S. H. Vines: "Physiology of Plants." July 13. — Professor Henslow : "Mutual Accommo- dation between Plant Organs." ,, 27. — W. D. Drnry : "Familiar Garden Insects — Friends and Foes." Aug. 10.— J. Douglas: "Cross-Fertilising Florists' Flowers." ,, 24.— A. H. Pearson : " Plums." Sept. 7. — H. J. Veitch : " Nepenthes." ,, 21. — J. Wright : " Horticultural Exhibitions." Oct. 12.— C. C. Hurst : " Orchid Hybrids." ,, 26. — H. Selfe Leonard : "Hardy Plaut Borders." Nov. 9.— Professor F. W. Oliver : " Roots." ,, 23. —Professor Henslow : "Sporting in Chrys- anthemums." Meetings of the Society's committees will also be held ou January 1 2. February 9, June 29, and Decem- ber 14. The Temple Show will take place on May 26, 27, and 28 ; and the fruit show at the Crystal Palace on September 30, and October 1 and 2. CHISWICK GARDENS.— A brief casual look round under the heavy haze of a London December fog sufficed to reveal that Mr. Wright, the Cliiswick Superintendent, has been utilising the open weather so far in getting a good deal of out-door work done, and next season will show to visitors some welcome changes. Amongst other things, very many com- paratively worthless Apple and other fruit trees have disappeared, and the soil they occupied will be avail- able for the extended conduct of useful vegetable aud floral trials. It is pleasant, to be sure, that the merely pecuniary aspects of the gardens seem to be now less regarded, although these, are important, and that they seem likely to be made in the future even more useful for purely experimental purposes. The fine collection of Plums obtained by Mr. Barron, have all been lifted and replanted in one block, and in alphabetical order, Archduke leading off. These trees, all of bush-form, should have exceeding interest for pomologists in a year or two. A couple of nurserymen having presented a large number of young Peach and Nectarine trees for pot culture, these are now in pots, and with some old ones, fill a couple of the old lean-to houses, hitherto devoted to useless plants. In the propagatiug houses is a large collection of Fellows' Gift plants, sprats to catch mackerels, for sending out in the spring. The new entrance conservatory is now complete structurally, but as a phut-house is worthless until heated, pity it is the money spent in its erection had not been devoted to the building of a couple more of good roomy houses that could have been available for trials. Journal of the Royal Horticultural SOCIETY. — The part just issued contains full reports of the addresses dc livered at Chester by Sir Trevor Lawrence, Dean Hole, and Mr. F. \V. Biir- bidqe. A full account of tho Fruit Show at the Crystal Palace in October last is given, together with papers re id on that occasion by Mr. E. J. Baillie. Mr. C. W. Radclyffe Cooke, Mr. John Watkins, and others. There are reports on various trials at Cliiswick, from a very limited point of view, and therefore not adding much to our knowledge ; almost the only useful information in tho reports, is that in which mention is made of the one Potato and the three Tomatos which gained unanimous awards. Comino of Ageof Mr. Geo. Horsman. —a banquet in celebration of the coming of age of Mr, Geo. Horsman, eldest sou of Mr. Thomas Horsman, of Rosemount Nurseries, Ilkley, and of Eradford, Yorkshire, was given at the Lister's Arms Hotel, Ilkley, on Saturday last, to which about ninety of the employes from Bradford, Frizinghall, and the Ilkley nurseries sat down, and some thirty additional guests participated in the later portion of the evening's programme. "The New Gulliver; or, Travels in ATHOMIA," by (has. T. Druery, F.L.S., is a book whose object it is to bring homo to the mind, in a humorous and amusing form, the manifold wonders of the world of Nature immediately around us, which, by their very familiarity, are apt to escape due appre- ciation. The Gulliver of these travels is benevolently endowed by the spirit of the age with the point of view of a Bluebottle, to the size of which he is suddenly reduced with that object. In this diminutive guise, and possessed (by virtue of his metamorphosis) of microscopical eyes and microphonic ears, plus the extra gift of a remarkable instrument, termed the Accelerator, he obtains a very fair insight into the marvels of earth, air, and water — all existent within the limits of his own little domain of house and grounds (Athomia). He furthermore experiences a, series of most thrilling adventures and hair-breadth escapes amid the manifold forms of life encountered by him in his travels. The fifteen full-page illus- trations depict a few of the most striking of these experiences ; and the writer is much indebted to his friend, Mr. T. P. Collings, for the admirable way in which the original rough pencil sketches embodying his ideas have been elaborated. The book is got up in a form particularly fitted for presentation to the budding naturalist of either sex. Newcastle and District Horticultural Mutual Improvement Society. — The monthly meeting of this society was held at 25, Westgate Road, on Tuesday evening, December 22. Mr. Bollock occupied the chair, and there was a good attendance of members. There was an excellent show of cut blooms ou the table, including Chrysanthemums, by Mr. Morray, Oakwood, and Mr. Lawson, gr., Heathdale, Gosforth. Mr. Russell, nurseryman, Bensham, read an interesting paper entitled "An Edinburgh Nursery of the Past ; and, a London Nursery of the Present." In the former pait of his paper Mr. Russell dealt (specially with the once famous firm of Peter Lawson & Sons, Edinburgh, about which he gave some very interesting particulars ; discussion followed, in which many took part. •New Life" Double Pelargonium.— The attractive little striped Pelargonium, exhibited by Messrs. Cannell at the last meeting of the Royal Hor- ticultural Society, owes its peculiarity to the substitu- tion of white or striped petals for the stamens. Thus, in the first place, we have thegreeu sepals with one nerve, and running out into a point ; then the petals, obovate in form, that is, broad towards the free end, and tapering towards the base, the nerves being numerous and spreading. These petals are some of them wholly scarlet, others striped with scarlet. Within the true petals come the staminodes, or modified stamens, some pure white, others variously striped, as in a Carnation. In none of the flowers, so far as we have seen, although the pistil is fully formed, are the stamens perfect. In the hands of Mr. Cannell there is no telling what it will come to. The Nursery Business of Messrs. Jas. VEITCH & SONS. — We learn that, for family reasons, Messrs. James Veitch k Sons, of the Royal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea, have decided on converting their business into a private limited company, under the name of James Veitch & Sons, Limited. No part of the capital of the Company will be issued to the public, and the conversion will not afl'ect the general conduct of the business, which will be carried on as heretofore under the direct superintendence and management of Mr. Harry J. Veitch and his two nephews, Mr. James H. Veitch and Mr. John G. Veitch, who will act as Directors of the Company. tRNEST Gustavus LODEMAN. — It is with great concern that we reproduce the following extract from Garden and Forest. Our acquaintance with Mr. Lodeman was only scant, but we had formed a high idea of his capacity, and admired his book on " Spray- ing" as a classic : — "Ernest Gustavus Lodeman, Instructor in Horticulture in Cornell University, and Assistant Horticulturist to the Cornell Experi- ment Station, died by his own hand during an attack of acute melancholia, in Mexico, Oswego Couuty, New York, on December 2. Mr. Lodeman was born in Neufchatel, Switzerland, on May 3, 1867. When he was two years old his parents came to this country [United States], and in 1870 his father became Pro- fessor of Modern Languages in the State Normal School of Michigan, from which institution the son graduated in 1889. In 1S90 he began in Cornell University the professional career which proved remarkably useful and fruitful. In 1895 he received the degree of Master of Science from the university, and his thesis, The Spraying of Plants, was subsequently pub- lished as one of Macmillan's Rural Science Series, making a book of some 400 pages. At the date of his untimely death he was a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, having taken up for his thesis a philosophical and botanical study of the cultivated Begonias, and he had collected a greater number of species and type forms of the genus than exists in any other American collection. In the college he had particular charge of classes in the propagation of plants, spraying, greenhouse construc- tion, and pomology. In connection with the experi- ment-station work he prepared many important bulletins, and the spray-calendar idea which originated with him is now an established type of publication. When the station was asked to extend its work directly among horticultural communities, Mr. Lode- Man threw himself enthusiastically into the work, and soon became a personal favourite among the fruit-growers of western New York. All the work upon Grapes and Strawberries, two large industries in the State, was entrusted to him, together with the treatment of certain plant diseases. His last journey made to Oswego County was to inspect experiments in fertilising Strawberry fields, and here, under some impulse induced by tho strain of overwork, he met his tragic end. Personally, Mr. Lodeman was tall and well knit, and he usually enjoyed excellent health. He had the modesty aud patience of the true student, and although at times he felt a depress- ing distrust of his own ability, he was prosperous and happy in his work. He was an excellent linguist, speaking French and German fluently, and having a useful knowledge of other languages. His private life was spotless, and he had a sweetness of temper and true manliness of character which endeared him to all with whom he came in contact." The Silva of North America.— The tenth volume of Professor Sargent's Silr.i of North America was, says Garden, and Foresl, published ou the 2Sth of November. It contains figures and de- scriptions of the arborescent species of Yucca which grow north of the Mexican boundary, the arborescent Palms of the United States, tho Cupressineto and Taxacete, and the following genera of Conifers — Juniperus, Cupressus (including Chamtecyparis), Thuya, Libocedrus, Sequoia and Taxodium. Two additional volumes will complete the work. Tho eleventh, now in course of preparation, will be de- voted entirely to the genus Piuus, and in the twelfth aud final volume will be described the Spruces, Firs, Hemlocks, Larches, and a few trees of earlier orders which have been found since the publication of this work was bogun> New Swiss Hybrid Lavatera. — should auy of your readers, remarks Mr. W. E. GuMRLETON, not be acquainted with the colour ami appearance of the two supposed parents of the above-named interest- ing natural hybrid, mentioned and partially described by M. Marc Mioheli ou p. 764 of your last volume, it may interest them to learn that they can see coloured plates of Lavatera triuicstris in the 4th vol. of Iho Botanical Magazine, No. 101. and of L. niari- tima in 10th vol. of Van lb" I rjs'g Ft ■ ii S No. 1007. As this interesting new plant is a jel without a distinctive name, I would venture to suggest that it might be correctly and appropriately named Lavatera crestiana x , after the name of its owner's residence. Chateau du Crest, 10 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Janoai?y 2, 189?. Preservation of the Giants Causeway. —The National Footpath Preservation Society is making an urgent appeal for funds to defend the public right of access to the well-known Giant's Causeway, in Antrim. This marvellous natural format'ou has always been accessible to visitors, the numbers of whom are estimated to be now about 80,000 annually. Prompted by the modern com- mercial spirit, a company has lately been formed '•' for the purpose of enclosing the Causeway and making a profit out of it by charging a toll for admis- sion." A defence association has also been formed, whose object it is to take legal proceedings to check, if possible, this enclosure of what is alleged to be public ground, and to establish the facts that the company claiming it is not exclusively entitled to the place, nor can restrain persons from trespassing thereon in future. All who are interested in the question of granting free public access to the more prominent marvels of Nature, are requested to forward a subscription to Sir W. MoCammond, Fort William Park, Belfast ; or to Henry Allnutt, Esq., 42, Essex Street, Strand, W.C. Evolution of Primula obconica.— Messrs. Williams & Son send us flowers of Primula obconica, which show very clearly the advance that is in pro gress in this species ; the " eye " of the flower is becoming more deeply coloured, the petals are be- coming more deeply fringed at the edges, so that before longwe shall have distinct types, groups, strains, variations, or whatever term be preferred, just as we hive in the case of the Chinese Primrose. Mr. Bain, gardener to Sir T. Lawrence, showed a similar series on Tuesday last ; and now that attention is being drawn to the matter, we may expect many others. How is this variation brought about ? Not by cross- fertilisation in this case ; not by the action of the " environment," as Professor Henslow would prob- ably assert, seeing that the conditions are practically identical, whilst the variations are — variable ! Pos- sibly by reversion ; but of this we have no proof. It is obvious that we do not yet know the reason why, but that circumstance supplies all the greater incen- tive to collect fresh facts, and institute fresh experi- ments. We may never in our time penetrate into the heart of these mysteries, but every new fact gained is a help forward. New Publications. -Fairer fur Pihframde. A guide to Fungus-lovers. Von Edmund Michael. (Zwickau : Forster & Borries.) We call attention to this small volume, devoted to the illustration of the most frequently occurring edible, suspicious, and poisonous fungi, for the purpose of recommending it to beginners. Tho plates are excellent. Programme de V Exposition de la Sociitt Moyalc d' Horticulture et o? Arboriculture a Bruges. The exhibition will be held in the Halles on April 11, April 12, and April 13, 1897, and monthly meetings in connection with them on the third Sunday of each mouth, from 11 to 1 o'clock, at 8, Rue des Aiguilles. Prize List of the Flower Show of the Cossipore Practical Institution of Horticulture, Floriculture, and Agriculture. This exhibition is to be held in tho Seven-Tank Garden, Dum-Dum Koad, on Feb. 8 and 9, and there will be twenty-five classes for exhibits of well-arranged groups and cut flowers ; for vegetables, Roses, Camellias, Lili-s, &c. A prize is offered for "a floral crown with floral characters of H.M.G. Majesty the Queen." This is to be competed for " by malies only." Home Correspondence. MlSLETO.— Mr. Druery's " Medicinal Misleto " (last vol., p. 787) may be the Cactaceous genus Rbip- eali.?, one or two species of which genus so closely resemble Viscum or Phoradentlron in habit of growth and in fruit as to be quite capable of deoei?ing the elect even, unless they look at the plant very closely ! As to our native Viscum (p. 785), the male and female plants differ much in habit and size of leaves. Male plants often have leaves 2 to 3 inches long and an inch in width; those of female plants are much smaller aud narrower. F. W. Burbidge. CARNATION SOUVENIR DE LA MALMAISON AT OSBERTON.— I was much struck last week at the unusual sight at this time of the year of 400 of these beautiful plants in bud and bloom, and from eight to ten blooms on a plant, with dark green curly foliage to the rim of the pot, with not the slightest sign of disease. They were about 2 feet high, about as much in diameter, and in perfect health. I noticed the flower-buds were well-thinned, only one flower on a shoot, and when I learned that they were the same plants I saw in bloom last July, I was much inter- ested. They were then in 32-pots, with ono bloom to a plant. I thought then they were the healthiest plants I ever saw. Unfortunately, at the time of my visit Mr. Crasp was absent, so I could not get any cultural details, but perhaps he will oblige if he should read this note, and thus afford information useful to many cultivators, amateur and others. R. .S'., Nottingham. THE VALUE OF ASHES AS MANURE.— In reply to the question of your correspondent, Mr. T. Fletcher in a recent issue, I may say that wood- ashes are doubtless a valuable mineral manure ; indeed, so firm is the Americau farmers' faith in the value of ashes, that many persous have drawu from it the false inference that potash, which is the chief constituent of value in ashes, is not only the main thing, but the sole thing needful to fertilise the land, and to bring up those sections of the country which have been run out by careless cropping. But it is not fair to class wood-ashes as an exclusively potash- manure. Besides potash, wood-ashes contain 1 or 2 per cent, of phosphoric acid, and various other ingredients which are of value to plauts, notably a little magnesia, and a great deal of carbonate of lime. The ashes of coal contain a trace only of potash, not much, if any more, than is found in ordiuary loam, or than in many kinds of sand. Whatever merit pure coal-ashes may really possess must depend upon their mechanical condition — their fineness and freedom from cinders, which fits them to do good on clay soils, and ou soils rich in humus, such as old gardea soils, leaf-moulds, peaty Boils, aud those reclaimed from bogs. Of course, the value of ashes may vary considerably according to their source. They are richer or poorer in potash and other useful ingredients, according to the kinds of plants from which they arc derived. The ashes of twig* or brush- wood will always be worth much more than the ashes of heart-wool taken from the middle of an old tree, and in general the smaller and younger the wood burned, the better will b3 the ashes. Consequently we find the composition of wood-ashes varying from 5 to 21) per cent, of potash. Oa the average, we may say that a bushel of ashes, weighing 43 lb , will con- tain 4f lb, of potish, and 1 lb. of phosphoric ncid. Wood-ashes miy be used with advantage to Vine- borders, and I have seen splendid crop3 of Carrots grown by their use ; the soil, however, must not be deficient in nitrogen, therefore dung, or some other nitrogenous manure, must have been incorporate I into the soil previously. Potato crops respond t> a liberal dressing of ashes ; as much as 100 bushels per acre may be used. Pasture-lands and lawns are bene- fited by an application of wood-ashes applied in the early spring months. Wood-ashes are beat suited to light and loamy soils. Ooal-ashes are best suited to heavy soils, or those containing an excess of vegetable matter, such a* peaty or humus soils. /. J. IFilli.*, Harpenicn. TOMATOS.— Mr. Wythes' article on the cultiva- tion of this vegetable reminds me of the time when I tried to fruit the tame Tomato plant several years in succession. I transplanted one plant in a narrow pit formed with bricks against the back wall of a Peach-house, at the end of the house, training it up and along wires until it attained a length of 41 feet. I succeeded in resting the Tomato plant at the same time as I did the Peach trees, and managed this for two seasons, but after this it would not live and fruit for me any louger— I suppose it did not get sufficient care. However, it bore a good crop two summers, and a very pretty picture it made — so much so that people oame long distances to see it. The variety was smooth fruited, but at the time I grew it I do not think it had a name. Joseph Meredith, Rosemount, Bishop's 0$,ey, Staff*. THE INTRODUCER OF LAPAQERIA ROSEA.— We have been lately furnished in Gard. Chron. with a good illustration of the manner in which mistake* are made, for on p. 657, last vol., Mr. F. W. Burbidge, writing in reference to the fruiting of Lapageria rosea, says he believes the plant in question was introduced by Thomas Lobb ; then in the number for Dec. 19, Mr. A. Outram states, without any element of doubt, that it was introduced by Thomas Lobb, which will doubt- less be news to the House of Veitch, the employers of the two Lobbs — Thomas aud William, for Messrs. Veitch, in their Manual of Conifers, p. 258, in the course of an exhaustive article on William Lobb, states that starting from England in 1845, he made his way to Southern Chile, and among his earliest intro- ductions from that region were Lapageria rosea, Escallonia macrantha, Embothrum coccineum,Philesia buxifolia, Desfontaiuea spinosa, and others. Thomas Lobb, whose name has been brought so prominently forward, was the means of introducing many plants from Eastern and South-eastern Asia, his name being perpetuated in Aerides Lobbi, ^Eschynanthus Lobbi, Bolbophyllum Lobbi, Cryptomeria Lobbi, and Selaginella Lobbi. Rusticus. GROS COLMAN AND GROS MAROC.— In the Royal Horticultural Schedule, these two varieties are bracketed together. A very good idea to test the merits of the two varieties. The Royal Horticultural Society's Schedule reads thus : — Class No. 7, Grapes : Gros Colman or Gros Maroc, three bunches ; these two Grapes were staged in the same class last September at the Crystal Palace Fruit Show, and Gros Maroc beat Gros Colman. The unsuccessful exhibitors who staged Gros Colman were disappointed, which has led to the present discussion in the Hardeners' Chronicle. At p. 599 of the Gard. Chron, for Nov. 14, Mr. Temple remarks upon the above, " The idea of putting Gros Maroc before Gros Colnmi is a novel one — at least, to northern gardeners." Mr. Temple forgets that he was a judge at Edinburgh, and ought to have seen the Gripes there. And I am under the impression that he should piy closer atteutiou to exhibitions at home before he criticises the Royal Horticultural Society's awards at tbe Crystal Palace. As I stated, Gros Maroc in the month of September is superior to Gros Colman, and as a proof of that statement, I draw Mr. Temple's attention to what has taken place within 50 miles of Carron Gardens, and that Gros Maroc was first against any other variety of black Grap i in Edinburgh last September, beating Muscnt Hamburgh and Madres- field Court This does not prove that Gros Maroc is superior to the two last-named varieties of Grapes, and my estimate of Gros Maroc is that it stands fourth on my list iu point of quality against any other black Grape in the mouth of September ; but all judges caunot see alike, and differ as do tho doctors. Why should not voting papers be sent to all successful cultivators of Grapes, and let us have black and white Grapes classed iu their proper posit'on by the vote3 given for each variety ? I would also bracket tbe varieties together which are considered synonymous, and cannot therefore be shown as distinct varieties. This would be a great a Wantage to many of the younger men. and a step. I think, in the right direction. -4. A7rifc, Norwood, Atl>u, N.B. THE PROPOSED HORTICULTURAL INSTITUTE.— Mr. Jas. L. Wood, in his communication, tells us that " the need of a metropolitan horticu'tural institute has beeu recognised for years." For the sake of argument, we will admit this ; indeed, it is but fair we should do so. It was recognised a few years ago, and it is well known that a special effort was made to supply this want. Baron Sir H. Schroder not only formulated a scheme, but backed it up with the promise of a munificent donation, aud induced his friends to subscribe in a more liberal manner thau was ever known before in the annals of horti* culture. The sum of £30,000 was required, and it came to the point that if only the Fellows of tho Royal Horticultural Society would have subscribed an average of £5 each, the amount would have beeu raised. All felt the need, the scheme was formulated on paper, and though a few eirnest horticulturists promised about £20,000, the general public refused te lend the remainder. A central site was available at that time, probably it is not so now ; if it is. it can only be obtained at a very high ground- rent. Most of us know what has been the result of previous efforts in this direction. In 1360 there was to be a union of all the sciences, including horticulture as the chief, at South Kensington. It was under the special patronage of the Queen and Prince Consort, also the Royal Horticultural Society. I attended the first opening show, and the last ; but after the first spurt was over, it was never a success, and, as is well known, tho Royal Horticultural Society nearly came to grief over it. Failure is written over nearly all these large horticultural schemes opened with a great flourish of trumpets. 1 attended the opening show of the Alexandra Palace January 2, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 11 or Park, the Royal Aquarium also; the latter is central enough surely ; it was to be a home of horti- culture, aud money seemed to be plentiful enough at first ; but what is it now ? The National Chrys- anthemum Society have made it their home ; and, so far as I know, this is the only trace of horticulture about it. Surely, Mr. Wood and his friends will not ignore the lessons to be learned from previous failures. I would be the last to throw cold, water on any feasible scheme likely to benefit gardeners ; but the whole thing is far too complex, even to build upon. The "need" and the "opportunity" need not be discussed, but the "start" is very important. If a bidy of trustees is to be elected, it can only be from the leading horticulturists near London, all of them probably Fellows of the Royal Horticultural Society, and interested in the work of that So- ciety, and all of them that would be likely to subscribe, having a full knowledge of the failure I have already alluded to. The second step, and the third step, is to solicit the aid of the Lord Mayor and of the Prince of Wales ; they may render help, or they may not ; but my own opinion is, that such help to horticulture has uot been of any value in the long pital courts, charity courts, sale of work, childrens' help societies ; national festivals of the three patron saints of Scotland, Ireland, and Wales are to be held, but why St. George of England is left out in the national jubilation it is hard to say ; but what has all this to do with a horticultural institute? The fact is, the scheme may be anything you like. An exhibitiou of matches, kid-gloves, millinery, or state carriages. It may be a picture gallery on a large or small scale, or a charity organisation society. These things are all very well in their way, but why they are linked with horticulture I cannot conceive. Mr. Wood says, " If we sink every other consideration and join hand in hand, the horticultural institute will surely be founded." "Hear ! hear ! " I say with all my heart, but let it be an institute that gardeners and lovers of gardens and flowers can support. What is really wanted is a building on a modest scale, not for large flower shows, but such a building as the Drill Hall of the London Scottish Volunteers in James Street, Westminster, with offices to carry on such work as is now done by the lioyal Horticultural Society, a room for a library, &c. ; but the catering for refreshments would be a . FlG. 3, — LJ5LIA I'UMILA VAR. ALBA " E. ASIIWOKTII " : FLOWK11 TURE WHITE; BASK OF UP YELLOW. (SEE P. 1.) run. It is easy enough to make a grand opening ceremony, with the Lord Mayor, the Royal Horti- cultural Society, and 400 horticultural societies, with the Livery Companies to boot, if you can get them ! With head-gardeners subscribing £2"j and £12 10s. each, but how many gardeners would subscribe thes.e sums for suoh a purpose? It is all very well to say, " United we stand, divided we fall," but how you are to unite such a conglomeration of interests as are defined at p. 762 of last vol. I cannot conceive. Horti- cultural Institute indeed ! We are informed that " all interests will have a fair consideration." There are to be — refreshments by a " first-class caterer ; " music, " only those of the highest class would be consi- dered." " Picture- galleries and statuary," only the highest class, of course ; exhibitions of appliances ; high-class concerts aud conversaziones. An indefinite number of courts to be set apart for all classes of trades. There some seventy-five city guilds or companies wliich might claim to be represented, aud if they all subscribed they would have some right to representation. Mercers, Grocers, Drapers, Gold- smiths, Skinners, Merchant Tailors, Haberdashers, Ironmongers, Vintners, Cloth workers, &c. I suppose we must draw the line somewhere, and I would suggest Salters and Fishmongers, but they might not agree to it, as they are two of the twelve chief corporations of Loudon. We come next to the hos- failure, and is quite unnecessary iu London. The Royal Horticultural Society is now doing a good work entirely iu the interests of horticulture, and as such claims, and receives freely, aid in this work from ladies and gentlemen who can appreciate such work. It may be said that Mr. Wood's scheme is not inteuded to interfere with the work of the above society. This may be so, but it does not matter what people intend or say when they formulate such schemes, for it is quite certain that very few people would subscribe to two central societies ; and many of the more thoughtful members and Fellows of the Royal Horticultural Society will pause before they give their mou^y to anything in the nature of an opposition. For my part, I consider the whole thing as a flight of fancy, and altogether impossible to be worked for the benefit of horticulture. If the London livery companies liked to have such a building to display their insignios of office, or their work in gold and silver, well and good; but do not let it be calhd ;i horticultural institute. J. Douglas. huyshe's victoria and bergamot pears are grown here as staudards, aud they are very pro- lific when the season is right for blooming and setting, that is, if thore is a nice dry time at blooming — they are then generally well cropped. I bought them between thirty and forty years ago as nearly as I can remember ; they were procured from Messrs. Lucombe, Pince & Co., Exeter, and when sent out they cost 10s. 6d. each as grafted standards (not from the ground). They are done nothing to in the way of pruning, and grow as they like, unless a branch should get a little out of place. The trees stand in an orchard, and grow very well ; the ground is manured every year more or less, and liquid-manure from the farmyard is supplied as well. I do not know anything about wall-fruit cultivation, for if a tree will not grow in an orchard, it is of no use to me, and therefore my remarks are on that kind of culture. These trees are from 25 to 30 feet high, and about the same in diameter, and the stem is from 1 to l£ foot in diameter. J. C. CEDRUS DEODARA. — Your correspondent, Mr. Simpson, on p. 696, last vol., brings this tree before tho notice of the readers of the Gard. Chron., and wishes to know if anyone has ever heard of it failing as a planta- tion tree in this country ? From what I have seen of its growth I am of opinion that in favoured situations it might make a timber-tree, but for it to do well the ground must be light and rich, with a dry sub-soil, The trees here, which were planted about forty years ago, have attained a height of 60 or more feet, with a girth of from 6 to 8 feet at 5 feet up the stem. They have grown larger than Limes that were planted at the same time, being both higher and thicker in the bole. Here, however, the trees cannot be said to be hardy, as they suffered much from the severe winter two years ago. A gentleman who resides in the village here, and who waB in the East India Com- pany's service, told me that shortly after the Deodara was introduced he was commissioned to procure 100 tons of seed, so sure were the nurserymen and others connected with forestry in this country of its becoming so popular as to supplant the Larch, Scots Fir, Norway Spruce, aud other hardy Conifers, that the seed was sown largely. Of the millions of plants thus raised but few are to be found alive at the pre- sent time, and instead of them supplanting other forest trees, most of what remain are to be found as ornamental trees iu parks and gardens, thus bearing out Mr. Nicholson's remarks, that as a forest tree it is a failure. I know of none that have arrived at extraordinary dimension3, even on the best of ground. On shallow gravelly soil the tree makes but poor progress, and is often cut by frost. From what I have seen of Abies Lowiaua I should say this was far better for timber planting. Trees of this latter that have only been planted twenty years are already taller than the Deodar. The Douglas Fir is so liable to have the points of its shoots eaten out by squirrels, which stop its upward progress, otherwise it would make a grand forest tree. H, O. Prtnsep. CHRISTMAS TRADE IN FRUIT.— In your article on our Christmas supplies you state that the bulk of the fruit was foreign, which, of course, is quite cor- rect as applied to Apples and Oranges, but I think it will be interesting to your readers to know that there were never so few foreign Grapes sold, most of the best shops not buying them at all ; and whereas the Almeirias used to be a staple article for Christmas trade, the English growers now give us a better article in such quantities as to make the better class consumer quite independent of the foreiguer. My sales of English Grapes for the four days preceding Christ- mas were about 4000 baskets, weighing 22 tons, 9 cwt , 2 qr., 14 lb., the heaviest day being Tuesday, when we sold over 7 tons 14 cwt. And more than that, we are turning the tables on the foreigner by seudiug regularly to America, and almost daily to the Conti- nent, both Cucumbers and Grapes. Geo. Monro, Covcnt Garden. CYCLAMENS NOT OPENING THEIR FLOWERS.— That thrips, like greenfly or any other insects attack- ing Cyclamens, must be detrimental to them goes without saying, but does uot your correspondent, Mr. E. O. Orpet, in Gard. Chron., Dec. 19, p. 759, attribute too much importance to their ravages .' Cyclamens in perfect health are very littlo troubled with insect pests, but immediately they receive a check in their growth these little enemies appear, when it is at once assumed by many growers that the insects have caused tho stunted growth, whereas it is the neglect of the plants which has encouraged the iDsects. .Many think that the white grub or maggot that attacks the conn or bulb of the Cyclamen by boring boles into it is at the bottom of all the evil, whereas if the plants were iu vigorous health there would be no grubs, as it feeds on the unhealthy w decaying tuber only, and multiply thereon, in i similar manner to the Kuehai i- 'M it. which is never found upon bulbs which aro in a healthy state, but as BOOH as the plant receives a check tho dreaded mite appears and more 12 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Janoart 2, 1897. often remains until the bulbs are quite decayed. The more successfully plants are cultivated the less trouble will be found by insects attacking either the roots or foliage. F. 0. Edwards, Attfhor of " Cyclamens and How to Grow Them." [We fear that weevil-grubs at least are not very particular what they eat, and we have seen mites on the soundest aud healthiest bulbs. Ed.] Notices of Books. Round the Year : a Series of Short NATURE-STUDIES. By Professor L. C. Miatl, F.R.S. (Loudon : Macmillan & Co.) The subject-matter of this volume may be guessed from the title ; it is, in fact, the journal of a natu- ralist, printed for the benefit of ''observers (espe- cially young observers) of out-of-door Nature, teachers of elementary science, and all who care for live natural history." Professor Miall has this great advantage over many other writers of natural history notes — he is one who not merely thoroughly understands his subject, but, himself a thinker, would lead his readers also to consider the why and wherefore of such facts as they observe, and would have not to be content with merely knowing that leaves fall, buds open (and so on) at certain times. As is to be expected in a book of this kind, the information is ''scrappy " rather than connected in arrangement. Mention of a few of the subjects treated of will give some idea of their variety. The chapters treat of such topics as "White of Selborne, Snow-flakes, Birds in Mid-winter, the Great Frost of 1895, The Moon, Spring Crocuses, Catkins, Buds, Botany of a Railway Station, Midsummer Blooms, Hay-time, Love of Mountains, Reversed Spiral, &c. For readers who are fond of natural history when presented to them in a palatable form, we can con- fidently recommend Professor Miall's book. They will find in it suggestions about everyday phenomena which perhaps never occurred to themselves ; and, best of all, it will set them thinking on their own account. The writer's style is chatty, the lauguage is simple when possible, and Round the Year may be pleasurably and profitably read in spare moments, or read aloud for the general benefit. The book has the additional advantage of being illustrated. Pure Science in the Bothy.* At the last meeting of the British Association, Professor Vines expressed his belief " that the public usually made the mistake of supposing that botany is a single science," whereas, "on the contrary, it is an aggregate of sciences, each of which it is impossible for one man to fully pursue." If this is true of botany, it is yet more applicable to horticulture and agriculture, which are arts based upon science, and that a very many-sided science. We hope our younger gardeners, while not ceasing to be practical, will lose no opportunity of basing their practice upon science, especially vegetable physiology and morphology ; but if they are to be encouraged to do eo, we cannot help thinking that it will be better to proceed inductively by teaching them to observe, and then cautiously to generalise from obser- vations, rather than to adopt what is essentially a dog- matic deductive method. The study of meteorology for practical men should, we think, begin with the con- struction, use, aud general modus operandi of weather- cock, rain gauge, thermometers and barometer, aud not with the nebular hypothesis, the indestructibility of matter and the luminiferous ether. The latter is the method adopted by M. Le"uu Dumas, of Huy, in the present work, winch, he states, is the result of twenty years' observations "en pleiue nature." Wo do not doubt the observations, and, to our mind, the most valuable part of the work is tbe tables :is to the * ph'y9iqut'iM&$orologiqUe, 'Jhcories Nottvetlea dtS&Uites rfc V Observation directs Applications intiressani V Hygiene ct V Agriculture. Par Leon Dumas, Pjofesseur des Sciences a, l'ecolenormalede Huy. (Huy, 189fl : 8vo, pp. 21*5; 3francs.) weather in Belgium ; but unfortunately the facts are buried under an excessive amount of generalisation, some of which will, we imagine, not pass muster among professed meteorologists. It may, for example, be true, as is much insisted upon by M. Dumas, that the moon has considerable action on the weather, and that atmospheric tides are as important to the culti- vator as those ot the ocean to the boatman ; but this has hardly as yet been demonstrated, nor is it within the range of practical science. Perhaps M. Dumas' work is intended for a class of highly-trained scientific cultivators that canuot be said to exist in this country, as we cannot otherwise perceive the utility of intro- ducing at the present elementary stage of our know- ledge a discussion of the Rontgen rays. The sixty-four " original " illustrations are very roughly lithographed blackboard diagrams ; but then the price of the brochure is but three francs. It is divided into eight chapters, dealing respectively with our plauet, the air, water, cold, heat, light, electricity, and weather forecasting, the last containing an interesting collection of French popular weather-lore rhymes. Under January appear the following : — " En Janvier pluie sans gele'e Prepare une bonne annee." " Jour de Tan beau Mois d'aout chaud." " Jours croissants -Froids cuisants." M. Dumas happily characterises some of these adages as " viritte banalcs" and others, including most forecasts extending far ahead, as "charla- taneric;" but some are truly " the wisdom of many and the wit of one." NOTES FROM " COFFEELAND." Perhaps there are many who indulge in a cup of coffee who have very little knowledge of its cultiva- tion, &c, from the seed sown to the mature bean as sold for consumption. Having lived on a coffee plantation, aud also where coffee is " cured " and packed for the English markets, I thought it might interest your readers to know a little of the various processes. The young plantation is laid out neatly and regularly in rectangular lines under " shade trees." which are most essential for the young plants' well- doing, guarding aud protecting them from the stormy blast and Ecorchiug sun. and wind. The planting is doue when the " monsoon bursts " in June. For the first three years the planter watches over and cares for these young plants, putting in fresh ones should any die off. The third year he is rewarded for all his labour and care by the " virgin crop," and if the '•blossoming showers " which fall iu April are pro- pitious, we see a lovely sight when we get up one fine morning, just like a fresh fall of snow !— a vast sheet of pure white blossom, relieved by the glossy dark-green leaves, truly a sight worth seeing ! Ihe air is heavy with perfume, so strong that many people cannot endure it ; but the perfume does not last long, for the flowers are very short lived, and the second day sees them discoloured and withering. When the flower falls off, you can notice small berries showing up ; the rain and warm sun makes them swoll and get larger and larger, till thfy become about the size of Cherries. This takes about seven or eight months, to November, aud the berries, now a bright red. are ripe. All hands are now put on to pick, women and boys are considered the best for this work, and soon the " pulp-house " is a scene of life. The day is spent in picking — more picked, more money to be earned by the labourers. At the end of the day. they come trooping in. a lively chattering set, with their baskets full of the crimson fruit; this is all measured in by the " maistry," or head man, the " dorai *' (master) superintending. It then goes through the process of pulping : a man takes his seat on the " cherry-loft," and through an aperture lets the berries gradually go pouring into the " pulper" below. In this way the outer red skiu is taken off and thrown to one side, while the coffee runs along wooden channels iuto large vats. After twenty-four hours' fermentation, it is washed, by coolies trampling and raking it, to remove the mucilage covering the bean. The " parchment," as the coffee is now called, is removed, and spread out on tables to dry. When partially dried, it is despatched in carts to the " curing-works " for final treatment. After being unloaded, it is spread out on the " bar- becues " to thoroughly dry. It then goes to the " peeling-mill," to remove the dry, parchment-like skin ; then it passes through the " fanners," " sizers," and "separators." The beans are delivered into boxes showing the different siz°s of "flats" and " peas " (flat and round coffee). This completes the work done by machinery. Now the coffee goes to the "garbling-room," where it is measured out to women, a bushel to each. Every beau is handled, and all that are discoloured, broken, or faulty in any way, are thrown out, and go under the name of "Triage." The coffee is now ready for packing; this is done in double sacks, each one containing 1^ cwt. nett. The bags are branded with the estate's name, also the class of coffee. This is carted or railed to the nearest coast-port for shipment to Mincing Lane, London, where it ip sold by public auction. " Peaberry" Mysore, Society. THE POTATO TERCENTENARY. (Continued from vol. xx., p. 768.) The Diseasfs of Potatos :— Continuing his remarks, Professor Johnson said : Wo must now pass on to the second part of our subject— consideration <3f the Potato plant in a state of disease. One well recognised physio- logical distinction between a green plant aud a fungus is this, that a green plant can make organic substances, such as starch, out of the inorganic substances, car- bonic acid and water ; that a fungus, having no chloro- phyll or leaf green, cannot do this, hut must obtain its starch-like bodies ready made from living animals or plants (when the fungus acts as a parasite), or from dead animals or plants, or parts of them (when the fuugus acts as a saprophyte). The ordinary Potato fungus, Phytophthora infestans, is a parasite taking for the support of its own life the starch made by the Potato plant for itself. One of the roost interesting features in Nature is the existence of the wonderful adaptation parasites, harmful as they are, show to enable them to live their lives as successfully and effectively as independent green plants do. The Potato fungus - Phytophthora infestans— finds itself, so to speak, in its host, the Potato plant, in the possession of an exceedingly rich aud abundant supply of food ready to hand. Accordingly, it makes the amplest provision for tbo production of fresh generations of itself. Let us follow out the story of the fungus's life by the help of the lantern slides. Iu our first slido we see a Potato leaf ay attacked by tbe fungus. In such a leaf the fungus is present, and is sending delicate branch- ing living threads in all directions, through the substance of the leaf, tapping tbe cells of tbe Potato leaf of their food, and, worse still, destroying the leaf green of these cells. In our next slide we have an illustration of these fungal threads at their destructive work. In a well diseased Potato plmt these threads or mycelial hyphae, as they are botanically c tiled, run through the substance of the leaves, the pith and other parts of the haulms, down into the tubers, where they play havoc with the Potato plant's food stored there. The fungus is not content with this injury to its host. It says to itself, as it were, "the conditions here are very favourable, and as I cannot help myself more, I will arrange for mora pests like myself." The fungus promptly sends out through the innumerable stomata from the under surface of the Potato leaf large 'numbers of delicate little threads (aerial hyph:i>) which branch and produce many microscopic little bodies or spore bags. Thus, on the under surface of a diseased Potato leaf thero may be on a warm, wet summer's day hundreds of these spore bags. These innumerable spore cases (gonidangia) arc only very slightly attached when ripe, and fall off quite easily by wind or by contact with dogs, rabbits, men, or other animals moving amongst the diseased plants. When brushed off they fall either to the ground or upon other possibly health}' Potato plants, or they may be carried to these plants in the hairs, &c.( of the moving object. Should the air, mx (Indooi) per lb 0 0 6 Sea Kale, per pun- net, 3J to 4 lb. weight 0 1 10 Tomatos, homo- grown, por doz. per lb. Beans, French, Channel Is., per lb. Madeira Kid uoy, per bkt. of 8 to to lb. ... 2 6 l 0 lb. .. 10-20 Cauliflowers, St . Halo, per doz. i I" i bourg, por do ion 2 " B 0 Potatos. Since last report, trade hu been at « standstill. Thomas. 14 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 2, 1897. SEEDS. London: Dec. 30.— Messrs. Jobn Shaw & Sons, Seed Merchants, of Great Maize Pond, Borough, London, S.E ., write that, as is usual at the close of the year, there is for the moment no demand for farm seeds ; nevertheless, values all round keep astonishingly firm. Full prices are asked for perennial and Italian Rye-grasses. Sanfoin continues dear. There is no change in either Mustard or Rape-seed. Bird- seeds are neglected. Haricot Beans realise former terms. Wisconsin boiling Peas and Caliiornian Batter- Beans show no altera'ion. The Linseed market is steady. £15 and £20. Under these circumstances, the honour is often considered to be very dearly bought." A Church paper should, one would think, be careful not to make uncharitable assertions of this kind without substantiation. We have known a good deal about the nomenclature of plants, and been more or les3 concerned in it for many years, but we never heard of the "custom" that is here alleged to exist. FRUIT AND VEGETABLES. Glasgow: December 3). — The followlog are the averages of the prices current during the past week : — Pears, 5d. per lb. ; Apples, Is. to 2s. per stone ; Tomatos, Guernsey, 3d. per lb. ; do., Scotch, 6%d. do. ; Grapes, home, Is. to 2s. do. ; do., foreign, 4ri. to Gd do. ; Turnips, white, 2s. to 2s. 6d. perdoz. bunches ; do. Swedes, Is. per cwt. ; Savoys, Is. to Is. 3d. per dozen ; Cabbages, Gd. to Sd. do. ; late do., lOd. to Is. do. ; Red do., 2s. Gd. to 3s. do. ; Cauliflowers, Dryash, 2s. to 2s 9d. per dozen; do., Dublin, 2s. to 2s. 6d. do.; Parsnips, 4s. to 4s. Gd. per cwt. ; Herbs, assorted, Id. to 2d. per bunch ; Leeks, is. 3d. to 3s. Gd. per dozen bunches ; Mint, Gd. per bunch; Onions, Dutch, 8s. per bag; do., Portugal, Is. per stone ; do., Globe, 3a. to 3s. Gl. per cwt. ; Parsley, 5s. to 6s. do. ; Greens, Bunch, 3d. to 4rf. ; Celery, table, Is. to 2s. Ad. roll; do., common, Qd. to Is. do. ; Potatos, best, Gd. per stone ; Carrots, 2s. Gd. to 4*. Gd. per cwt. ; Broccoli, 3s. per dozen ; Artichokes, 10s. to 13s. per cwt. ; Cucumbers, 6s. to 12s. per dozen ; Lettuces, Gd. to Od. do. ; do., French, 9d. t > Is. per dezen ; Horseradish, 2s. to 2s. 6d. per bunch ; Mush- rooms, Is. to Is. 3d per lb. ; Beetroot, fid. to 7d. per dozen ; Cress, 3d. per ba-ket ; Brussels Sprouts, Is. 3d. to Is. 9d. per stone ; Endive, Is. Gd. to 2s. per dozen. Liverpool : December 30.— Averages of the prices current at the undermentioned markets during the past week :— North Hay: Turnips, 17s. 6d. to 18s. Gd. per ton. Potatos : Imp.ratura, Is Sd. to Is. \0d. per cwt. ; Giants, Is. Sd. to 2s. do ; Main Crop, 2s. to 2s. Gd. do. ; Champions, Is. lOd. to 2s. do. ; Bruces, 2s. to 2s. Gd. do. ; Turnips, 6 '. to Sd. per 12 bunches ; Swedes, Is. 2d. to Is. id. per cwt. ; Carrots, Gd. to Sd. per 12 bunches ; do., 2s. Gd. to 2s. 9d. per cwt. ; Onijns, English, 4s. to 4s. 6d. per cwt, ; do., foreign, 2s. 6d. to 2s. 9d. do. ; Parsley, 4'. to Gd. per 12 bunches; Cauliflowers, Is. Gd. to 2s. Gd. per dozen ; Cabbages, 6d. to Is. 3d. do. ; Celery, Sd. to Is. 4d. do.- St. John's: Potatos, Sd. to lOd. per peck; Grapes, English, 2s. to 3s. per lb. ; do., foreign, 6d. to Sd. do. ; Pines, English, 4s. to 8s. each ; Mu-hrooms, Is. 3d. per pound. Birkenhead :— Grapes, English, 2s. Gd. to 4s. per pound; d^., foreign, Gd. to 8d. do. ; Pines, foreign, Is. 6d. to 2s. Gd. each. CORN. Averace Prices of British Corn (psr imperial qr.), for the week ending December 2G, and for the corresponding period in 1895, together with the difference in the quotations. These figures are based on the Official Weekly Return : — Description. 1S95. 1896. Difference. Wheat s. d. 25 0 s. d. 30 9 s. d. + 59 Barley •23 11 24 1 + 0 2 Oats 13 10 IS 1 + 2 3 Trade Notice. Mr. T. Pledger is shortly about to resign his appointment as gardener and bailiff to the Hew E W. Nortliey, Woodcote, Epsom, to take over a dairy and poultry farm, which has been for some years success* fully carried on by his father. Enquiry. " He that qucsltimcth mrtck shall learn mu:h." — Bacon. Winter Aconite in Pasture Land. — "J. T." who possesses woodland that he is desirous of throwing into his park but which is overrun with Winter Aconite, would be glad to be informed if the foliage of this plant is injurious to stock ? What Others Think of Us.— We take the following clipping from the Church Family News- paper:— "By the way, I have been told, on good authority, that gardeners frequently ask distinguished persouages to allow them to cdl new plants after their name?. The permission is readily given as a rule, but the custom amougst gardeners is to send a large parcel of the new plants to the noble lord or lady, with a bill amounting to something between *„* The publication of a large number of communica- tions is unavoidably postponed. Books : H. Anderson. The Book of the Rose, by the Rev. A. Foster-Melliar (Macmillan & Co., Loudon). There is a work on the culture of Cyclamens, entitled, Cyclamens, and Hoiv to Grow them, but we cannot say who are the publishers. — G. B aumonl. There is no such book on the subject of parasitic plants as that you enquire about. BouvauiiIas for Market : Bourardia. Iu bunches of twelve ; but these must be good, or the dealers will put in twice as many sprays. Chrysanthemums for Exhibition: A. R. K. Your list contain j many good varieties, bu*; is remark- able for the omission of others tha", appear iu almost every first-prize stand exhibited. You should add the following : —Madame Carnot, Mutual Friend, Australie, Viviand Morel, Chas. Davis, Ed. Molyneux, M. Pankoucke, M. Chenon de Leche', Jno. Shrimpton, Sunflower, President Borel. Mdlle. M. A. de Galbert, Thos. Wilkins, Mrs. W. H. Lees, Reine d'Angleterre, Mdlle. Thcrese Key, Mous. Geo. Biron, Etoile de Lyon, and M. Chas. Molin. The following from your list are not so safe: — Rita Schroeter, Pres. Armand, Mrs. Drewitt, Queen of the Buffs, Madame E. 1'rere, Mrs. God- frey, R. Dean, Miss M. Blenkiron, and Miss E. Addison. Cold Storage for Garden Produce : Nurseryman. You should communicate with the market authori- ties at Leadeuhall and Smithfield Markets. Depth of Stokehole : Inquisition. A very small rise from the top of the boiler to the flow-pipe is needed ; indeed, we have had to do with boilers which did their work well when they were fixed on the same level as the pipes in the nearest house • or pit. The straighter the run and smoother the interior of the pipes, and fewer the angle-pieces and throttle-valves, the quicker the circulation. It is the ascent of the warmed water by the flow-pipe and descent of that which is cool into the boiler at the bwe3t point which start and keep up the circulation in the apparatus, and the easier the rise is made for the heated water, the sooner is warmth experienced in the pipes. Grubs, &c , in Fern-spore Pans : 67. M. G. We are unable to name the creatures, unless you send specimens enclosed in damp Band or fiue mould. Names of Fruits : H. W. 23, Easter Beurre' ; 27, Huyshe's Bergamot ; 28, Winter Nelis ; 29, Vicar of Winkfield; 28, Bellissime d'Hiver.— IV. ff. Bcwlay. The fruits you send are not recognised by us — a good deal bruised. Names of Plants : Correspondents not answered in this issue are requested to be so yood as to consult flu: following number. — A. Z. 1, Abies or Picea Hud- son! of gardens ; it is supposed to be an alpine form of Abies balsamea ; 2, Ligustrum sinense. — C. H. W. 1 . Libonia Penrhosiensis •: ; 2, Lapageria rosea ; 3, Oestrum (Habrothamnus) elegans ; 4, cinnot be named accurately without flowers ; 5, Adiantum capillus-veneris ; ti, Selaginella Mar- teusii ; 7, Dictyogramma japonica variegata ; 8, Selaginella denticulata ; 9, Cyrtomium caryo- tideum ; 10, Adiantum formosum ; 11, Lastrea aristata variegata. — (?. P., Wigan. 1, Epidendrum cochleatum ; 2, Dendrobium primulinum. — J. C. Maxillaria lepidota. — C. K. 1, Erauthemum pul- chellum ; 2, Kuellia macrantha. Rating : A". In our last issue we inadvertently omitted to mention the name of the Market Gar- deners, Nurserymen and Farmers' Association (Secretary, Mr. Bell, 32, King Street, Covent Garden), as having taken a leading part in the recent proceedings. Seedling Grape from Muscat of Alexandria and Gros Colman : T. Bradshaw. Useful as a variety, but with no better flavour than Gros Colman. The berries are large, and the skin is sufficiently tough to make it a good keeper, the samples sent being plump. Being a '' strong grower and free setter," it will doubtless find favour with those who are not sticklers for fine flavour in Grapes. Shrubs on Rough Grass-land that will not be Eaten by Sbeep: C. B. Common Jumper, Thorns in variety, including the Blackthorn ; Cupressus Nootkatensis alias Thuiopsis borealis, the oommon Berberis, also B. aquifolium, clumps of Rhododendron ponticum, if the soil is not unsuit- able, and you can fence them off with iron-hurdles, the leaves having somewhat powerful effects on some animals when eaten ; the same holds good of the Common Laurel, if planted on pasture-land. Common Spruce and Scots Fir, which can be kept at any desired height by topping the leader make capital pheasant coverts. Strawberries for Market. — Royal Sovereign, Sir Joseph Paxtou, British Queen, Elton Pine, Earliest of All, Waterloo. The first four of good flavour, and the others early and prolific. Wire Supports for Peas and Beans: W. S. As articles offering advantages to amateur cultivators residing in suburban districts, and those in which copses and woods are scarce, these wire supports are likely, if reasonable in price, to supply a want ; but in large gardens in woodland districts, and in market gardens anywhere, o.ving to fiust cost in the latter case, and the usually abundant supply of material in the former, they are le=s likely to bo in demand. Communications Receiveo.— Ed. Webb & Sons.— G. H. M.— S. O. B.— N. E. Br— E. A.. Paris.— W. P.-R. C. W.— F. A. W., Vermont —J. W.^J. D. S , Baltimore.— Reeve & Co.— H. A. B.. New York.— P. P. Le Sueur.— H. W. W.— J. Mayne.— R. S.— W. K._ W. E. B , Grenada.— R. 8., Nottingham W. H. D — F. W. B.— T. F.— S. H. -J. Mere dith.-E. J.— J. Ollerhead.— G. S. B.— J. H. C. S — W. W. —A. H.— H. M.-N. E. B.— T. H. S.-J. T.-C. W.-Cices- trian.— J. C M. T.—J. O'B.— J. I.-N. C — J. A.— J. D. — W. Hotting Hemsk'V. .1 L (ktndlv send full address). — G. H — A. C. F.— C. W. cfeCo.— Dobbie * Co.— A. Barker (see present issue).— G. K — D. B.— G. M G .— D. R W — W. Hill. -Wood &, Ingram.— E. C.— F. L.-G. P.— H. E.— J. E.— W. R.-F. C. E.— W. M.— G. A. -J. Durward. Specimens, PHorociRArn*. «tc , Received with Thanks. — W. W.—VT. M.— H. de V.— P. B — W. P.-W. P. 2.— G P. — F. Kleinnekel. Vienna. -R. H.— G. W. -E. B.— S. C— R. J. L.— G. H. E — R. P. B.— A. P. GARDENING, APPOINTMENTS. Mr. A. L. Knight, late of Albury Hall, Herts, as Head Gardener and Bailiff to II. Roland Brown, Esq., Oxbey Grove, Harrow Weald, Middlesex. Mr. G. Chilcott, for the past soven years the Orchid grower. Park PI ice Gardens, Henley on-Thames, as Head Gardener to T. Benskin, Esq , Glonthorn, Harrow Weald, Middlesex. Mr. Alered Wright, for a period of about fourteen years in the gardens, Booking Placs, Braintree, as Head Gardener to J. G. Dearuen, Esq., Wak'ut Hall, Stamford, Lincoln- shire. CATALOGUES RECEIVED. Kelway &, Son, Langport, Somerset—Wholesale List of Jas. V bitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery, King's Road, Chelsea— • R jht Hon. Sir Joseph Banks, during Captain Cook's Blrrt Voyage in II. MS. Endeavour, in 1708 71, to Tierra de Puego, < Itahite, New Zealand, Australia, fie. Editud In :-m .! . . j>li !>. Hooker. sacrifice of ease and comfort made by those who voluntarily took part in it. The expedition left Plymouth in August, 1768, and after spending five days at Madeira, proceeded to Rio Janeiro, where it mot with a hostile recep- tion, not being permitted to land, though some of the gentlemen, Banks among others, did do so clandestinely. Thus Banks had to lament the loss of an opportunity to collect in this mar- vellously rich tropical vegetation. Prom England outward they had employed their time in fishing, dredging, and shooting, and in the preparation, description, and naming of the specimens of animal and vegetable organisms thus obtained; yet few, if any, of them were over published by the authors. Botanising did not begin seriously till they reached Tierra del Fuego. Here they landed on Staten Island several times, and collected a number of plants, " all of which were new." A party of twelve, headed by Banks, attempted an excursion into the interior ; but the difficulties they en- countered were beyond all anticipations, and they were benighted, with disastrous results. The cold was intense, and they were wholly unprepared to pass the night in the open. What was worse, nearly all the members of the party were seized with almost un- conquerable drowsiness, the effects of the extreme cold to which they were exposed. Had it not been for Banks's vigorous constitution and unremitting efforts, it is probable that the whole party would have perished. As it was, his two black servants were frozen to death, and several others only escaped the same fate through the persistence of their com- panions ; even Dr. Solander could not be prevented from lying down in the snow to sleep. Eventually a 6re was kindled, to which the weaker members were literally dragged by the stronger ones. All they had to eat was a vulture, killed on the way. This was skinned aud divided in ten portions of about three mouthfuls each ! During the night and far into the day there was a blinding snow, yet they reached the shore, though in a very exhausted con- dition, by 1 o'clock, having been more fortunate in their choice of road on their return than in going out. Subsequently further collections of plants were made, yet, strange to say, it fell to the lot of Sir Joseph Hooker to publish many of them more than half a cen- tury later in hU Flora Antarctica. Banks specially mentions the autiscorbutic plants, which were of great importance to them with their very limited dietary. The Beeches, too, attracted their atteution, but one of them was mistaken fur a Birch, even by the botanists, so that the colonists of New Zealand may be excused for calling their Beeches Birches. At the end of this part of the journal is a list of 104 pha- nerogamic and 41 cryptogamic plants collected in the region, but Sir Joseph Hooker has not reproduced it. From Staten Island they sailed round Cape Horn away to Tahiti. This occupied nearly three months, and Banks recounts how they had successfully com- bated the dreaded scurvy by a liberal allowance of sauerkraut, pickled Cabbage, aud Lime-juice. Four months were spent in the Society Islands, where our voyagers had, on the whole, a very agreeable time ; and various interesting discoveries were made, but many of tho rare and peculiar plants of the mountaiu valleys escaped their notice. Thence they sailed westward to New Zealand, making land in what Cook named Poverty Bay, in October, 1 769. Although Cook was not the actual discoverer of New Zealand, it was practically unknown before, and on this occa- sion ho circumnavigated tho islands, spending six months in the op ration. The naturalists, of course, were very busy, but although they landed in many places, they could not penetrate far into tho interior. In spite of this drawback, they obtained 3G0 Bpecies of flowering plants and Ferns, almost all unknown to science. Most of the plants were drawn by Sydney Parkinson on the spot, and his drawings were engraved on copper after the return of tho expedition to Kngland. Dr. Solander drew up descriptions of the plants, but neither dfseriptions nor plates were ever published. A few of Solander'a, names were taken up by other writers ; but otherwise the many thousands of pounds spent by Banks were unfruitful, and most of their work was anticipated by Richard in his Flore de La Nouvdte Zelande, published in 1832. Among the plants discovered in New Zealand was the handsome Clianthus puniceus, which was col- lected in Mercury Bay. It appears to have been rare in a wild state, even in those days, and now it is exceedingly rare, being confined to one or two small islands iu the Merimeri river. They also discovered the only Palm, Areca sapida, native of New Zealand, and greatly enjoyed its " cabbage,'1 or crown of unde- veloped leaves. But what more impressed them was the variety and Bize of the trees, especially the Conifers, such as the Kauri Pine, Dammara australis, and Podocarpus dacrydioides. Knightia excelsa, one of the two Proteacece that inhabit New Zealand, was " among the stately trees that particularly attracted the attention of our indefatigable naturalists." Banks mentions a tree of Podocarpus dacrydioides, which girthed 19 feet S inches at 6* feet above the ground, and measured 89 feet to the first branch, tapering so little that Cook estimated that it contained 356 cubic feet of solid timber clear of the branches. Jn this connection I may add that Sir Joseph Hooker fol- lowed Banks in New Zealand some seventy years later, and made large collections of dried plants, which, with those made by Banks and Solander, formed the basis of his large illustrated Flora. When Sir Joseph Hooker was there (in 1841 colonisation had hardly begun ; now, fifty-five years later, the country is covered with farmsteads, which supply the Old Country with mutton, and dotted with pdrts and towns, numbering thousands of inhabitants. On March 31 they left New Zealand, sailing north westward until they discovered the east coast of Australia, where they first landed in a b3y, which they afterwards named Botiny Bay, on April 28. With the exception of less than a dozen plants brought home in 1799 by Dampier (including, curiously enough, the only other species of Clianthus (C Dampieri), absolutely nothing was known of the flora of Australia, so that here again Banks and Solander had a new field, and indeed not on a new field, but a flora so different from that o any other part of the world, as t) euise astonish- ment and surprise. The first tree that at racted Banks's attention was a large one, a species of Euca- lyptus, yielding a gum much like sanr/uis draco-nit. Subsequently several species were discovered, an I Bauks was correct in his conjecture that they be- longed to the same genus as the gum tree describe I by Dampier. Banks also states that they met witli vast numbers of a plant yielding a yellow gum, which from his description was evidently Xauthorrliuu, now c died Grass-gum trees. Several myrmecopiiilous plants were observed, including a spsebs of Myrme- codia or Hyduophytum ; and it was noticed that the fruit of a Fig contained a number of a species of Cynips, very like, if not exactly the same as Cyuips sjeouiori of Linmous.Two different Palms were met with, and the " cabbage " of both was used as a vegetable. After leaving Botany Bay, they sailed north waid, and narrowly escaped the total loss of their ship, which struck and grounded on a coral rock, which soon cut a hole in her bottom. Favoured by good weather aud a numerous and willing crew, they suc- ceeded in getting her into a river, where they repaired her. This was named after the ship, Endeavour River, which uamo it still bears. On this coast Banks found a great variety of drift seeds and fruits, including a number of cocoa-nuts, which had beeu opened by a kind of crab. He docs not mention having ob-erved any Cocoa-nut trees ou this coast, and Sir Joseph Hooker remarks in a foot note. " that the absence of tins Palm on the coasts of Australia is one of the most singular facts in botanical geography.'' But although there is no doubt that it is exceedingly rare on this coast, it is recorded by Bentham (Flora Axatralicntis) from Keppel and Rockingham B.iya, distant localities; and Mueller (C i ralian Plants) includes it as a native of Queensland. J/\ QottUq ffem /< ". (To be continued). 16 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 9, 1897. New or Noteworthy Plants. PLANTS FROM ASIA MINOR. Eranthis cilicica. — Erauthia hiemalia is already well known as one of the earliest of spriug-flowering plants. Eranthis cilicica is, however, much larger, and more beautiful. It is invaluable when planted in chalky loam among rocks and wood-chips. Fifteen to twenty tubers planted in 4-inch pots can be easily forced in a cool-house, and will bloom freely in February. Galanthus Fosteri. — If bulb3 of this species be planted in pots early in August, they will be ready to bloom in a cool-house at the beginning of November. This plant also prefers a chalky soil. Sternhergia macrantha. — The well-known Stern- bergia lutea is a graceful bulbous plant, which blooms in November or December. There was a plant about to flower in the open ground in the Berlin Botanic Garden ou November 17, 1896. Sternhergia ma- crantha is also worthy of note. The sweet-smelling flowers, of a luminous yellow colour, are about 4 inches in diameter, and appear in October. The cut blo'oms remain fresh in water from three to four days. Fritillaria aurea is a very pretty species, only 4 inches high, with golden-yellow flowers spotted with reddish-purple. It grows in humus-rich loam. Fritillaria Boriunaclferi is larger than Fritillaria aurea, and has larger golden-yellow flowers checked with reddish-purple. Fritillaria Libanstica is a very beautiful species, resembling Fritillaria persica. Fritillaria Sieheana, Ilausknccht (?), n. sp. — A very splendid new species, more than H foot in height, with large flowers. It flourishes on chalky soil with leaf-mould (humus?). The bracts (perianth-leaves) are blight green outside, streaked with reddish- purple, yellowish inside, and also marked with purple. Iris Danfordice. — True specimens of this small yellow-flowered Iris, which has been figured in the Botanical Magazine, are very rarely found in the trade. Its importation is therefore particularly to be welcomed. This is also the case with the hand- some Iris Funonia. This tall species resembles Iris florentina. It has very large, pale blue flowers ; the outer segments are of a rich deep blue-violet, veined with dark brown. The flowers have a delicate perfume. The Botanical Gazette {Chicago, III.), November, 1896. NOVELTIES OF 1896. (Continued from p. 2.) ORCHIDS. Nuf.seuymen. — Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery, Kiug'a Road, Chelsea, main- tain their place as facile prlncipcs among raisers of hybrid Orchids, and had the record of their year's work been solely the production of the chinning white Lcelio-Cattleya x Decia alba, the generally- admitted best hybrid Orchid of 1S96, and the noble L.-C. Rosalind (Trianwi 9 , Dominii M. Fournier, of Marseilles, Lrelio Cattleya x velutino-elegaus, aud other worthy hybrids ; M. BlP.BEV, of Geneva, Epidendrum Bar- boyi and Saccolabium Birbeyi ; an 1 others have also contributed. From this hurried review it will be seen that although the gains in Orchids to gardeners duriug the past year have been satisfactory, the result has been secured by the patieut productions of small quantities of good things rather than by large importations. Among the new or rare Orchids illustrated in the Gxrdencrs' Ola-Mick in 1896, are Auguloi uniflora var. Turnsri, April 4, p. 42i ; Cattleya Li Czar, Nov. 14, p. 539 ; Deudrobium Arachnitis, July 4, p. 7 ; D. cymbidioides, May 9, p. 581 ; D. X Wiganhu, May 2, p. 553 ; Disa pulchra, Dec. 26, p. 7S5 ; Epi- dendrum x elegantulum, March 21, p. 361 ; Houlletia Lowiaua, Dec. 12, p. 716 ; Lrelia purpurata var. Ashworthiaua, July 11, p. 39 ; Masdevallia x Shut- tryan i, Chamberlain's var., Feb. 29, p. 262 ; Maxillaria striata, Nov. 21, p. 631 ; Odontoglossum crispum augustum, May 23, p. 649 ; O. c. Ashworthianum, Feb. 15, p. 197; Sophro-Cattleya x Calypso, Deo. 5, p. 695 ; Zygopetalum x Perrenoudi, March 21, p. 367. Stove and Greenhouse Plants. As usual, wheu reviewing the guns to gardens during the past year, the events which most readily present themselves to the mind, and which were at the time c msidered the mis: interesting, are connected with well-kuown pUnts dowering for the first time, an 1 with re-introductious. Such were the two remirkable examples of thj flowering of the loag- looked-for Camoensia m\xima in certain gardens in 1896. A flowering spray, aud details of a flower beiug given, together with remarks on the unique occur- rence, in these pages on Nov. 1 4, p. 596, and other issues. The florists' Primulas of Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Caunell & Sons, Carter k Co., and other great raisers, seem to have attained the highest point of excellence as florists' fl iwers, and the introduction of the true species will afford an opportunity to hybridists to commence, dc novo, on othor lines than those which florists are apt to mostly affeat, a start having been already made by Mr. Hyde by crossing P. sinensis aud P. obcouica, and raising the seedlings an 1 flowering them. What Messrs. Sutton have ben able to effect is not yet made public. Sir Trevor Lawrence, Birt., who tikes an especial interest in raising new Anthuriums, exhibited a go.idly number of varieties at the meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society early in the year, the best of those which received awards being A. Lawrencea- nurn, the finest large white ; A. Rothschildiauum elegaus, rose-colour, spotted aud flaked with scarlet ; A. Rothschildiauum maximum, a noble spathe with white ground, spotted and marbled with crimson ; January 9, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. n aud A. puniiluin, a dwarf aud profuse variety with scarlet spathes, splashed with crimson. Other good flowers of this class from Burford were Berto- lonia Leopold II., a profuse bloomer, and with very pretty leaves ; Begonia odorata rosea and Canna Roi des Rouges, bnth of which may be available as decora- tive plants in the summer flower-garden. Messrs. Jas. Vcitch & Sons, of the Royal Exotic of a very pretty species, hitherto very rare, figured in Gardeners' Chronicle, October 3, 1896, p. 393. In their fine exhibit of about 180 kinds of Cacti at the Temple Show, some handsome; distinct, and charm- ingly tinted Phyllocacti were selected for awards, viz., P. Ena, P. Ovis, P. elatior, P. Eurasian, and P. Venus ; aud on the samo occasion, among their Certificated Caladiunis, were C. Silver Cloud, silvery- Fio. 1. — roLYOoMM PAi.nscnuANicuM : hardy pebknniai, cxiMREfe ; FLOWERS WHITE. Nursery, King's Road, Chelsea, gave evidence of unabated energy in every branch of their ex- tensive plant nursery. Of their new intro- ductions, Didymocarpus malayanus is a dwarf species, pretty in leaf and flower; Aglaonema longifolium var. Curtisii, is a pretty hothou^o plant with leaves of a light green colour with silvery spots ; Maranta major, a strong-growing species, of great usefulness as a decorative plant for apartments, &c. ; and Aeidanthera bicolor, a re-introduction white, spotted with green, and with carmine veining ; 0. Duchess of Connaught, white, tiuged with emerald-green, and flushed with rose; and C. Si Julian Goldsmid, a dwarf kind, red with crim- son veining. Of the famed Veitchian strain of Amaryllis, A. Eros, and A. Rosalind, two superb light-coloured kinds, and A. Mvra. and A. Ercles, two brilliant orange-scarlets, have been adjudged the best. Of the Rhododendrons, It. Little Beauty (Monarch x malayAnus), i neat plant, with glowing carmine- scarlet flowers ; R. Cloth of Gold, a fine pale yellow, and R. nobilius, clear fawn-yellow, are now and dis- tinct. The Streptocarpus have been improved by new crosses, and these favourite flowers are fast set- tling down among florists' flowers of the herbaceous class, and they are far easier to grow and more remu- nerative in the matter of bloom than most of such plants. Other novelties Certificated to Messrs. Veitch aro Begonia Prince Charles of Denmark, a lovely foliage of the Rex class; B. Ensign, a valuable double winter-flowering kind. Platycerium Veitchi, a fine and distinct stag-horn Fern ; Polypodium Schneideri, which received a First-class Certificate, and is one of the most remarkable of hybrid Ferns ; and Pteris Boltoni and Polypodium neriifolium cristatum, both fine decorative kinds. POLYGONUM BALDSCHU- ANICUM. On September 13, 1894, the Societe Nationale d'Horticulture de France allotted a First-class Award to this plant, wheu the following description of it was published : " Polygonum Baldschuanicum grows wild in Turkestan (eastern Bokhara), at an altitude of 3,900 to 5,525 feet, and where it was discovered in 1882 by M. Regel, fils. At first known as Atraphaxis sp. nova, it received its present name and was described and figured by Ed. Regel in 1883. It is a herbaceous species, the stem, woody at the base, is robust, and attains a height of 13 to 16 feet. The leaves are a beautiful green, cordiform or hastate, the flowers white, faintly rosy, forming long handsome trusses ; they are succeeded by winged fruits, white at first, then red, and themselves decorative. The plant seems hardy in Paris, for if the stems die in winter, fresh shoots are sent up in the spring." M. V. Lemoiue of Nancy, who sends us the photograph (fig. 4), has grown this plant for two years, and is well satisfied with it. In two months a medium sized plant grew 10 or 13 feet high ; the stems are twining, attaching themselves to any handy support ; flowering commences in June aud lasts until Sep- tember. All the ramifications of the stem form close panicles, sometimes erect, sometimes horizontal, some- times recumbent ; they give an appearance as of wreaths supported on a trellis formed by the plant. M. Lemoiue set the plant at the foot of a dead Elm tree, it soon reached the lower branches, covering them all the summer with a multitude of white flowers, very beautiful and effective. The flowers are very useful for cutting, and the plant itself is hardy. THE GLADIOLUS. I was interested in reading Mr. Krelage's remarks at p. 701 of the last volume on the more recent hybrids of Gladiolus. After the G. gandavensis hybrids, the most beautiful seem to be those of the G. Lemoinei section, and as G. Nanceianus are from Mous. Lomoine, that gentleman may bo congratulated on the result of Ins work in this direction. For years I have urged the im- portance of amateurs taking up tho culture of the various species of Gladiolus, and hybridising them in various ways. What is chieOy required for their culture is a light sandy loam. Dean Herbert gives a very in- teresting account of his successes and failures in his book ou Bulbs, published by Ridgway & Sons, Picca- dilly, in 1837. This includes a paper ou what he terms " Cross-bred Vegetables, or crosses and hybrid intermixtures in vegetables.*' Wo have learned much since Herbert's timo, and as it came out in the year the Queen began to reign, we have in tho Amaryl- lidaceio a starling-point for any oue wh<> would endea- vour to trace the history of such a genus as the Gladiolus during a period of sixty years. Gaertuer had tried, and as he thought, successfully to obtain bi-generic mules of various plants, aud up to that time, us Herbert states, none had been obtained. He saye, " The fact is, that in this country, where the passion for horticulture is great, and the attempts to produce hybrid intermixtures have been very extensive during the last fifteen years, not one truly bi-generic mule has been seen, and although I by no moans presume t" aoecrt that such a production is 18 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 9, 1897. impossible, experience show3 it to be improbable, and those (referring to Gaertner's experiments) who fancy they have obtained one, must forgive my wish- ing to see it forthcoming, and to examine whether it is oertaioly of such descent as they suppose." Returning to the subject of this paper, Mr. Krelage Btates that Herb?rt and othei'3 had freely crossed G. psittacinus and G. oppositiflorus. I do not know what others have done, but Herbert does not say in his book that he crossed G. oppositiflorus. He describes G. oppositiflorus in vol. v., second series of Bot. Reg., as being a native of Madagascar, where it had been found by Forbes, and states that the G. gau- davensis of gardens is a cross between G. oppositi- florus and G. natalensis. In a later paper communi- cated to the Horticultural Society in October, 1846, and published in 1S47, Herbert again alludes to these crosses. He says G. cardinalis and G. natalensis refuseto mix with each other, but do so freely with G. oppositiflorus ; but in neither place does he make any allusion to having effected the cross himself. The true plant has flowered at Kew, and is well figured in the Botanical Magazine, t. 7292. If Van Houtte's statement cannot be taken as correct, there may also be some doubt about Herbert's, as he does not seem to have verified them. The plant figured in May, 1893, Botanical Magazine, t. 7'292, aesms to be just such a plant as we might expect G. gaudaveusis to be before it was taken iu hand by the florist ; and all the beautiful varieties raised in England and France might have been so produced by ordinary generation and good culture, selecting the best varieties year after year as we know has been done in the case of the Chinese Primula and some other garden-plants. Some of the more beautiful species of this genus had been introduced before 1837, but in that year a very handsome new variety flowered with Messrs. Rollison, G. Mortonius, the flowers of good form and beautifully marked with pale-rose or pink on a white ground {Botanical Magazine, t. 36S0\ Iu 1842, the following were described by Herbert in the Botanical Register: G. crispiflorus (81), G. caucasicus (82), G. joqu'inoctialis (97). This he adds exists at Spofforth, but it had not flowered ; it was from Sierra Leone, and the only known tropical Gladiolus. Dr. Lindley had a dried specimen in his herbarium, G. oppositiflorus (98), as described above. In 1843, G. spleudens (61), a garden variety, is described; and iu 1844, G. festivus (87), a Cape species which flowered at Kew. There are no species of Gladio- lus figured in the Botanical Magazine from 1838 until 1864. Previous to that year, Mr. Saunders sent a collector to Cape Colony, a Mr. Cooper, who amongst other productions, sent numerous species of Gladioli, and as a result G. sericeo-villosus was figured in Botanical Magazine, t. 5127. The plant grew to a height of about 4 feet, producing a long densely- flowered spike of yellow flowers, the stem and spathes thickly clothed with shaggy silky hairs ; it is a very remarkable and distinct specie *. Following this came other distinct and beautiful forms from the liberality of the late Mr. W. Wilson Saunders, and the industry of his collector, Cooper. In 1866 G. papilio was figured, t. 5565, and well described as follows: — "Nothing can well exceed the delicacy of the pale purple of the upper petals, or the vividness of the deep purple and golden-yellow markings of the lower ones." In 1869 the gorgeous G. cruentus was figured, t. 5810 ; it was engraved from a specimen flowered by Mr. W. Bull in his nursery at Chelsea ; and was well described by the late Mr. Thomas Moore in the Gardeners Chronicle, 1868, p. 1139, and although this species is not mentioned by Mr. Krelage in his paper, it has been the primal source of many fine girden varieties. Sir J. D. Hooker says, "The origiual plants that have hitherto flowered are niade over to be hybridised, so that in all probability the pure race will soon be lost to cultivators." The next iu order, 1870, is G. Sauudersii, t. 5873, said to be " a much more handsome plaut than G. psittacinus, remarkable for the vivid colour of the curiously deflcxed and very broad perianth." It was detected and sent home by Cooper. In 1871 the very remark- able dingy-coloured species G. dracocephalus was figured, t. 5884. " The lurid hue3 of its flowers are wholly unlike those of any of its congeners." This was also found by Cooper. In 1872 we have G. purpureo-auratus, t. 5944. This was also imported and flowered by Mr. W. Bull at Chelsea, and is one of the parents used so success- fully by M. Lemoine. The sepals and petals of this species are pale yellow, heavily blotched with purple. The next species figured in the Botanical Magazine was in 1875, G. Cooperi-, as its name implies, it is one of the more remarkable introductions of Mr. \Vm. Cooper, and the editor remarks on this and others introduced by him, that he has "enlarged materially the groundwork upon which hybridisers can carry forward their experiments." In 1877 two species are figured, G. ochroleucus, t. 6291, introduced by Mr. W. Bull from the Trans- vaal ; and the truly distinct and pretty species G. Eckloni, t. 6335, sent over by Cooper, and first flowered by Mr. Elwes at Cirencester. The flowers are small, well formed, and densely spotted of a red- purple colour on a pale ground. In 1S79, G. brachyandrus was figured, t. 6463 ; it is a native of Zambesil md, and was first sent to the Edinburgh Botanical Gardens, and flowered by Mr. Sadler. The perianth is upright and of a pale scarlet colour. In 1884 another of the species from tropical Africa was figured, G. Quartinianus, t. 6739. It was gathered in Abyssinia by W. Quirtin Dillon, and by Sir John Kirk in the Zambesi country. The flowers are yellow, flushed and spotted with scarlet. Mr. Baker says, " it certainly has a claim to take rank amongst the finest species of this beautiful genus." In 1886 G. Kotschyanus was figured, t. 6897. This is a truly remarkable sp3cie3, a native of Persia and Afghanistan. Mr. Baker says, " it is the first fruits from a horticultural point of view, of Dr. Aitchison's labours as botanist to the Afghan Boundary Com- mission." The flower-stems are slender, stiffly erect, furnished with small bright lilac-purple flowers. Iu 18S7 there is a figure of G. Watsonioides, t. 6919; it was found on Mount Kiamanjaro, by Messrs. Thom- son aud Johnston. The flowers are scarlet, thinly placed on a somewhat slender stem. The only other figure is one of G. oppositiflorus in 1893. The first quarter of a century there was no species introduced, and but for the enterprise of a private individual the period would have been longer; but if anyone will turn up and examine the coloured plates, which I have pointed out, they will see how ample is the material with which the hybridist has now to deal as compared with that to which Dean Herbert had access in 1837, when his exhaustive book was passing through the press. Her- bert grew all his plants hardy, and the hybrids, he says, did "well in tho natural soil, which is a good yellowish light loam, suitable for Barley ; and also in the artificial borders of peat and sand." His hardy crosses were between G. cardinalis, blaudis, carneus, inflatus, anguatus, aud tristi& ; and they varied with every shade of colour, from white to scarlet, rose, coppery, and blackish-purple, and some are ex- quisitely speckled in consequence of the cross with tristis. As the worthy Dean's experience of open-air culture was most Buccessful, I will give it in his own words: "They succeed best when grown into a thick tuft, in which state the profusiou of bloom is admirable, the cluster of bulbs and the old skins of decayed bulbs permit- ting the wet to drain away, and preventing the earth from lying too close and heavy on the bulbs in autumn aud winter. Clusters have now stood undisturbed at Spofforth above twenty years, with the precaution of covering them with leaves from November to April. There is danger in disturbing and parting them, for numbers will rot if reset separately ; and if they must be divided it is best to do so in April, or, if it be done in the autumn, the roots taken up should be potted and turned out again in the spring." Many of the specific forms introduced since 1864 are hardy enough to stand out of doors unprotected. 1 had G. Sauudersii flowering for several years in succession, but it did not increase, and died during the severe frost in January and February, 1895. Even the garden varieties of the G. gandavensis type will stand the winter in the open borders, and, in truth, some bulbs that had been left in the ground when the collection was taken up, have flowered very strongly the following season. I would point out to amateurs that the Gladiolus is one of the easiest of plants to cross fertilise or hybridise, and if the more recent introductions are still to be had, and suitable garden-soil available, no better or more interesting material could be had for an amateur to begin with. The seedlings flower strongly the second year. Jas. Douglas, Great Gcaries, Ilford. THE CHRISTMAS ROSE. Few hardy plants are more esteemed than the Christmas Rose (Hcltcborus niger), particularly the best forms of the plant now fairly plentiful in gardens (see fig. 5, p. 19). Briefly, it is the only plant in the open garden at this dreary season of the year that can be said to yield a good number of beautiful flowers, and this without much trouble. At this season a few remarks of the culture of the plaut will not be out of place, for though the plant has been an inhabitant of our gardens for something like four centuries (it was in 1596, according to Loudon, that it was introduced from Austria), it is, in many instances painfully evident either that the cultiva- tion of the plant is not well understood, or the sur- roundings are unsuitable. I am not unmindful of the benefits of a good soil in the cultivation of the plant ; at the same time, elevation, shade, and the like play important parts. But if we would follow nature in this, iu Borne instances at least, we could only decide that these Hellebores required an exceedingly shallow soil, and that granitic chips formed tho chief requirement of the plant. AVe know, however, from experience that the exact opposite is the fact, and that the plant invariably thrives in deep rich soils, especially in such that are rather clayey, if sufficient sand to prevent too much adhesion be added. As to the granite chips, in the districts where I have Been these things do best no granite whatever existed, and in parts of Gloucestershire and Cheshire they are cultivated by the acre, and in similar quan- tities in the neighbourhood of Bath, where they are equally luxuriaut. Nearer London the finest ex- amples I have seen or heard of were only a few yards distant from the North Tower of the Crystal Palace ; and iu a private garden, of which for some years I had charge, were dozeus of magnificent specimens about 2\ feet across. These also were in clay soil for the most part, and during December and January of each year these plants never failed to produce their handsome flowers by the bushel. Indeed, it was possible to gather dozens without their even being missed — rather it did good, as it gave room for the late buds to rise and expand. In this particular instance a very fine form of the major variety was grown, and the thick coriaceous foliage, which was most persis- tent, was an attraction in itself. This persistency on the part of the leaves of this plant is one of the surest signs of a perfectly happy condition, an item in the low lying fog-smitten county of Middlesex that is a great rarity. And where the foliage is well ret lined in this manner, the flowers push themselves forth with a vigour that is unknown in gardens where tho greater number are cast during the summer heat. Giant clumps such as those named will Bend their roots down to a depth of 3 feet, and where this is the case all else will follow. One of the greatest mis- takes in the culture of the Christmas Ro3e is that of attempting to move, or rather transplant, one of these big specimens intact, for the simple reason that the long roots refuse to give off fibres, the result being the rapid decline of the plant. Frequently the desire has been expressed to transplant a very large example in this way, but in each case I havo recited a noted failure of my own with one such plant, and though special soil to a depth of \\ feet was given, and the plant was only a few minutes in beiug trans- ferred to its new home, the whole thing was a hope- less failure. Aud some timo later, when the plant January 9, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 19 FlO. 5,— HELLEBORES XIQ' K VAIi. ANGUSTIFOLIUS : FLOWERS FUHE WIIITF. (SEE P. 18) 20 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 9, 1S97 had lost every leaf, and the great head of bloom re- fused to rise as usual, the plant was lifted aud examined, only to find a mass of rotten and decaying roots where health and vigour were a few weeks before. When these planis are well established they may remain for years in the same spot, content with a good mulching of manure as soon as the flowering is over ; this will assist in keeping them cool during summer, and prevent the association of manure with their beautiful flowers. Then as to the time of planting, there are differences of opinion, as may be expected ; but any who have made a study of the manner and time the new roots are produced by this plant will be alive to the importance attaching to planting in early autumn ; while the need for this would appear greater for the southern than for the northern counties. Plants of about three or four crowns should be planted, and a deep bed of .soil pro- vided. Shade of a light kind is also of importance, and that provided by Conifers, Hollies and other shrubs is the right kind of shade. E, Jenkins, Hamp- ton Hill. Colonial Notes, CROP REPORT OF NOVA SCOTIA. Tan Provincial Government Crop Report of Nova Scotia is now to hand, and the secretary for agricul- ture, B. \V. Chipman, is "able to say that the promise then (last July) of a bountiful harvest has been fully realised, and the husbandman been abundantly rewarded for his labour ... It may be said generally that this is a most fruitful year, and the result of the harvest is of a very satisfactory character, if we except the Potato crop, caused by the excessive rains of the latter part of the season.-" Queensland. Mr. F. M. Bailey, the colonial botanist, has issued an addition to the series of bis contributions to the Queensland Flora, containing descriptions of newly- discovered plants. Descriptions are also given of various plants from New Guinea. A deeply-lobed frond of Asplenium nidus is figured. New Zealand. We have received the Annual Report for 1S95-96 of the government biologist of New Zealand, con- taining accounts of various fungi and insects in which the farmer is interested. It is satisfactory to find that the farmers are alive to the value of the labours of the biologist, Mr. T. M. Kirk. Cockroaches in Grenada. We are free in Grenada from the parasol-ant, which does so much harm iu neighbouring islands, but I wish one could say the same of cockroaches, which abound here. Being so well known in all tropical lands, surely there must also be known some good remedies against their ravages to books. I should be glad of a few recipes to try. The one I use ia painting the covers of books with diluted corrosive sublimate ; it is a great check for a while, but has to be repeated rather often, and this is not such an easy matter where a library rapidly increases. Book- binders would be conveying a great boon to those living anywhere in the tropics if they could mix some composition with their colours which would prove no tem'ptiug bait to this particular insect. Some shades of green, strange to say, are preferred by these pests, and a new copy bound in green of Schlich's Manual of Forestry, vol. iv. (1895), left on a table one night, has been spoilt in appearance by the white patches all over the covers, where the cockroaches have nibbled away the green. They are not adverse to gold, for the gilded titles at the backs of books are treated by them with scant respect. Some of Dr. J. C. Brown's works on Forestry, Water Supply, &c, are bound in a light green, which they do not touch ; on the other hand, th-3 Annual Reports of the Missouri Botanic Garden, and Bentham k Hooker's Qcncra Plantarum are not at all distasteful to them. What with cockroaches, mildew, &c, to keep in good order a library in the tropics is a great undertaking. W. E. Broadway, Grenada, B. W. I., Dec. 8, 189G. The Rosary. TEA ROSE, FIAMETTA NABONNAND. I am much obliged to "A. P." for the informa- tiou given on p. 6S6 of the last volume of the Gardeners' Chronicle; also for his kind observations regarding my previous contribution. Previously to reading his paragraph upon the subject, I was not aware that Fiametta Nabonnand was the result of a cross between Pap.i Gontier and Niphetos. I under- stood that the eminent raiser himself, M. Nabonnand, to whom we are indebted for many precious varieties, including l'ldeale, had described it as a " white Papa Gontier,'" which can hardly be regarded as an accurate description, if, as your correspondent asserts, it derives half its characteristics from Niphetos. t fear that some of our British rosarians have under-esti- mated the value of Fiametta Nabonnand, inasmuch as they have not included it iu their catalogues. It is one of the finest Tea Roses I possess, and is quite as floriferous as either of its parents— and that is saying much. Climbing Perle des Jardins is a much more reliable variety for open-air cultivatiou than the incomparable Mare'chal Nie!. The latter does not suit our Scottish climate, even when grown, as it is in my own garden, on a strongly-sheltered south wall. Its beautiful buds are almost annually ruined by the rains of early summer ; it is only, indeed, in an exceptionally dry and sunny season that, inspired by such atmospheric conditions, they reach the full glory of the perfect flower. Nor, even when it reaches its floral perfection, does it exhibit the perpetuality of climbing Perle des Jaidins. David li. Williamson. REMOVING AND TRANSPLANT- ING FRUIT AND OTHER TREES. (Continued from p. 759, vol. x.c.) It is probable that the removing and re-plant- ing of larger trees will have greater interest for the gardener than the getting up and transplant- ing of ordinary nursery stock. To start with, roots are of two classes, according to their function, the large woody ones, including the tap-root, are to anchor the tree firmly in the soil ; the finer ones, generally near the surface, are to nourish the trep. It is worthy of notice that trees, and especially Conifers, planted in sheltered belts among deciduous forest trees, or even nursed, as we call it, by Larch, having little need of the anchoring roots, develop chiefly the fine fibrous surface rootlets necessary to nourish the tree. When, therefore, the Larch or other surrounding trees are thinned out or felled, the first strong wind topples them over, this being an especial danger where the surface-soil is thin, resting on a chalk, Btoney, or clay sub-soil. It follows, therefore, that in removing large trves to transplant them, the chief desideratum is to preserve, a3far as possible, all the roots with their attached fibres, while most of the thick anchor-roots may be removed by the saw or axe, the tree being allowed to heel over when the soil has beeu all picked out from among the forking-roots, will generally permit this to be done. Should the tree be a very large and heavy one, it is best to have a tripod with blocks and pulleys, called a "gin," so that by means of chains or ropes, the tree maj be lifted bodily out of its place, and while suspended, be cleared of its coarse roots, as well as have the bruised and broken ends of the rest removed by a sharp knife. This done, the tree may be placed on a broad-wheeled trolly, such as is used by stone-masons, steadied by guy-ropes, and hauled to its destination. Much now depends upon the skill exercised in preparing the hole to receive it, and a few hiuts for which I have to thank Mr. Holmes, of Brook House, Norwich, I will now give. First, take care that the hole to receive your tree is made large enough, which may easily be assured by running a tape - measure across the roots, and getting out your hole at least 1 foot larger in diameter. The centre of the hole should be furnished with a good firm cone of clay, on the apex of which the centre of the forking roots must rest, the anchoring roots straddling on either side, leaving the fine fibry roots flowing all round. When the tree has been fixed in a satisfactory position, then the important operation of filling in the soil must at once be proceeded with. Let it be added a little at a time, evenly distributed among the root-fibres by the hand or a stick, and gently trod-in, so that there is not any part of the root, if possible, untouched by the added soil. Continue to fill in a little at a time, working it well among the roots and rootlets, and when all is replaced, let the tree be secured by guy-wires or ropes ; but in using the first- mmed, take care to protect the bole of the tree so that the wire does not chafe or bruise it. I have seen at Brook House, Oaks 30 to 40 feet high, with a girth of 30 inches or more at 2 feet from the ground, successfully removed thus, and also a fine Tulip-tree of almost like proportions. My practice has been, however, to prepare large trees for removal in the following manner : — In the spring draw a circle round the tree you wish to remove in the autumn, 2, 3, or more feet from the bole, according to the size of your tree, and take out a trench 2 feet wide around this line, as deep as jou think necessary, to include all the roots, and then fill iu with light-made soil and brick-rubbish up to the ground-line. This will cause the severed and other roots to mike plenty of fine fibre, in the way a plant confined in a pot does, binding the circular block of soil into a moderately-compact ball. In the autumn remove all the added soil aud rubbish from your trench, take off all the surface-soil down to the upper roots, and with a pick remove all you can get at from the bottom of the ball to lighten it. Now arrauge your tripod over the centre of the tree, and affix your chaiu to its bole, first putting round it some coarse sacking to prevent chafing. Then raise the tree a little out of the hole, and with a fork pick out all the soil you can safely move to lighten it. This method is very convenient iu the case of large Conifers, and I successfully moved eight Welliug- tonias ranging from 12 to 2-1 feet in height, con- veyed them by road a distance of nearly 20 miles, aud replanted the.u without losing one, though the Wellingtouia is one of the worst Conifers to move when large. The usual practice in nurseries is to lift and replant all stock at least once in three years, in order to make it safe in transplanting whenever demanded ; aud this plan, because it prevents the formation of coarse woody roots while encouraging the production of many fine fibrous ones, is commendable for many reasons. First, it secures a good holding ball, which if the tree be properly planted, and at the right time, will insure the operation being successful. Trees and shrubs of all kinds so treated do not suffer from removal, therefore my advice to the planter is, pay a little more to secure such trees, as in the end it is more economical, as well as far more satisfactory. This reminds me of an amusing episode in my experience. A gentleman doing extensive planting, used numbers of Scotch and Austrian Pines, and as long as the s'ock held out, was served with recently transplanted trees. But there came a time when the stock of such trees was quite exhausted, and the little remaining to do was done with Pines of the same age, that bad not been removed for some time. This was very noticeable, as they had long sturdy shoots well furnished with foliage, and in a few days I had a letter from my client asking me to take up all the first planted, and supply their places with some more like those last sent. I used all my diplomacy to avoid this alteration, and await the result till next season. It was a dry, hot year, and though the unnursed Pines were watered and cared for, but two survived out of at least a score, while of the properly- prepared specimens, but one died. Vcrbwm saj). ' There are a few subjects the nurserj man has to deal with that will not safely trausplant from ordinary soils, notably among Conifers the large-fruited Cypress of Lambert (Cupressus macrocarpa), and its bright green coloured twin brother C. Lambertiana. These have a habit of growing out of all proportion to the size of their roots, so that should tho soil be January 9, 1897." THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 21 wet and light, the wind twists them round, blows them on one side, and I have known handsome specimens, 8 to 10 feet high, blown clean out of the ground. In nurseries, therefore, these difficult trees are grown in pota while young ; but even this has its drawbacks, as unless they are looked after constantly they will mako corkscrew roots. I therefore advise planting only quite young specimens of Cupressus macrocarpa or Lambertiana, which, by-the-by, are pre-eminently the best of all Conifers for the sea-side ; and it will be found that these soon catch up and overtop any other Conifer, 3 feet in a season being no unusual growth for them to make. Another difficult subject is Quercus Ilex, the Evergreen Oak, which should always bo nursed in pots, and these plunged in ashes or other light material. The upright Evergreen Oak (Q. Fordi) and the vigorous and useful variety sent out by an Exeter firm, and called from this Lucombe's, with oblong entire leaves, as well as the Cork Oak (Quercus suber) are best nursed in pots, to ensure safe transplantation. Among flowering shrubs, the attractive and fragrant double Gorse (Qlex europea fl.-pl.), making long twisting roots with little fibre, is also usually grown and sold iu pots. Do not attempt to get them out, but smash the pot with a blow of the spade, and plaut with the portions of the pot still adhering t> the ball. Some firms use perforated pots, but these are of little real advantage, as if the same are plunged for any length of time, the roots escape through the perforations, and the result is almost the same as though the plants had been nursed in the open quarters. The practice of growing young Conifers, Hollies, and other shrubs in Willow- baskets *' en panier" common in Holland, Bel- gium, and France, is not advisable. The myce- lium or spawn of various "Toadstools" (fungi) may be introduced into the ground in many ways, but most frequently by the agency of decaying wood. As everyone knows, the sapling Willow-wands used in making baskets very soon decay, more espe- cially when they are not " peeled." The c mtincntal panniers are made of these, and should the shrub or tree be planted just as received, the containing basket ?oon decays, and much flocculeut mycelium ia pro- duced which will probably attack the living roots of the plant, especially those bruised or injured. I think tins of so much importance that I must ask t) enlarge upon it, and having said all needful about transplanting, will finish with a few words about staking and protecting. The common practice, when a tree is Dlanted, is t > drive a stake down clo3e to it and parallel with the bole, and then to tie it securely to the stake, putting a wisp of straw or some soft miteriil between t) pre- vent chafing. In Kent an 1 parts of Sussex, where the orchards are laid down as pastures, it is necessary to put a protecting cradle to the trees. This is made by driving down three or four split pieces of Chestnut, Ash, or Larch, and then nailing cross pieces at intervals from the base to the top, forming tSe cradle, It is then a simple operation to tie the tree to each of the uprights at the top, and to make it quite k toady, whatever wind may blow. In plantations where it is not intended to allow grass to cover the soil, and sheep or cattle to graze between the trees, one or two stakes is enough, but these should never be put close to the bole, but at an angle, so that the points may not be near the roots. aa this gives greater stability ; and, moreover, should the stake decay at the ba3e, the danger from the fungus spawn (mycelium) is not so great. I hav.; known a fine orchard of young Cherry trees planted and protected by such cradles as I have mentioned, but when the trees had got to bearing size, they all at once began to show si^ns of ill-health ; their leaves were pale add flaccid, and fell before their time, while in the next spring, the growth was short and stunted, and the colour pale and sickly. On being consulted, I at once divined the cause, an 1 suggested exposing the roots of some of the worst affected. Surely enough we found a mass of mycelium smelling like putrid mushrooms, which had stm :,d from the decaying points of the timber, and had attacked the living roots of the Cherry trees. All the affected trees had to be cleansed, and fresh soil substituted. Experience. (To be continued.) Notices of Books. How to Make the Most of the Land : a Popular Guide to the Science of Commercial Fruit Culture. By Sampson Morgan. (The Horticultural and Agricultural Bureau of Information, 4, Adelaide Street, Charing Cross.) The name of the author of this useful work is well known as that of an energetic and practical advocate of the extension of the cultivation of British fruit on a sounder basis than that worked by our forefathers. In Ihe work before us, con- sisting of 105 pages of matter, including a capital introduction, the subject of how to make the most of the land is dealt with in a perfectly plain, clear, and practical manner, from beginning to end. The several paragraphs under the headings of The Science of Production, The Question of Varieties, Improved System of Culture, Land for the People, Factory and Field, Quality of British Fruits, Will Fruit Culture Pay ?, Secret of the Market Glut, Potash for Fruit, Fruit aud Wood, Commercial Fer- tilisers, Exhaustion of the Soil, Root Pruning, Thin- ning Fruits, Quality and Quantity, The Right Varie- ties, &c, afford much useful and trustworthy information, and sound advice, condensed into a small space, to market-gardeners and fruit-growers generally. Under the headings of Profitable Glass-house Cul- tivation, Profitable Hardy Fruit Cultivation, Profit- able Market Garden Production, Grapes, Tomatos, Cucumbers, Strawberries, Asparagus (Hardy Fruit), Planting Trees, Apples, Pears, &c. ; (Kitcheu Garden), Celery, Mushrooms, Potatos, Cauliflowers, and Aspa- ragus, are one and all handled in a lucid and prac- tical way under their respective headings ; as also are the notes on the Science of Distribution, Markets and Market Salesmen, The Art of Packing, The Use of Punnets, Grading and Buyers. Under the heading of Quality of British Fruits (p. 22), the author says :— " As I write I find that, after eight years' experience of the principles I advo- cated from the start, aud iu spite of increasing ship- ments from abroad, that during the present week, whilst the finest American Apples are being sold at from 10s. to 16s. per birrel of 3 bushels to the barrel, that English Cox's Ofange Pippin, one of the special varieties I advocate should be grown freely, are selling in large parcels, and to arrive even — that is, in a market sense, being bought up by buyers before they are picke I and marketed, at the rate of 95. per bushel, and as against the Amoricm fruit equal to 27s. per barrel, topping the latter values by 100 per cent, when an average price is considered." The author's practical and extensive experience of the kinds an \ varieties of fruits ani vegetable* which command a ready and profitable sale in Covent Garden is set forth in clear aud forcible language, and is combined with sound cultural details, given in connection with the several kind* of fruits and vege tables which he recommends to cultivators. How to Make the Most of the Land is a bonk which should be of great interest to all of those who are now embarking in the business of market gar- dening who may consult its page3, aud who will do well to work upon the lines laid down by the author as nearly as circumstances will allow. " The secret of the mirketgluV* wa arj justly tol I (p. 23), " lies in a nutshell. It is caused by heavy con- signments of inferior pro lucts, or the marketing of pro- duce for which only a limited or perhaps no demand exists. The market glut is caused by those who are igno- rant of the market's needs. There never can be a glut of choice products ; it is the careless producer of inferior grades of goods that is the cause of all the trouble. The planting of unsaleable varieties, and the market- ing of ungraded goods, badly packed, will never answer in theso days. Tho man who will not bring intelligence and skill to bear on the cultivation of the land ought not to continue in tho business, and tho sooner he gets out of it the bettor for all concerned." In the case of heavily-cropped trees, tho thinning of the fruit is recommended (p. 31) : — "This should be done— first, to preserve the vitality of the tree ; and, secondly, to ensure larger and better fruits of Apples, Pears, &c. ; " bearing in mind " that five dozen giant Apples are worth two bushels of medium- sized fruits." Thinning will help in the production of marketable specimens. On the other hand, readers are reminded that the consequence of allow- ing the trees to overbear, " is to kill the goose that lays the golden egg.'' With the above remarks, we have every confidence in recommending Horn to Make the Most of the Land to those who have hitherto, as now, exercised their minds a good deal on the all-important subject. Hardy Coniferous Trees. By A. D. Webster. (Hutchinson & Co.) It is not everyone who possesses the Report of the Conifer Conference, held by the Royal Horticultural Society in 1891 — a book containing a larger amount of information on the subject of cultivated Conifers than any other book in the language. So large is the mass of detail comprised within it, that many would be glad to get a digest of such portions as might be suited for their purpose. This they will get in a considerable degree iu Mr. Webster's present publi- cation, which, to quote the full title, is " A Concise Description of each species and variety, with the most recently - approved nomenclature, lists of synonyms, and best methods of cultivation ; also chapters on the commercial aspect of Conifers, quality of British-grown coniferous timbers, Conifers for various soils and situations, Conifers of different characteristics, propagating Conifers, enemies of Coniferse, &c.'' The chapters here enumerated have formed the subject of communications to the horti- cultural journals. The descriptions of the several trees taken from the living plants, though of little value to the botanist, are just what are wanted by the general planter, who does not care to be burdened with technical details. With reBpect to the dis- cussion going on in these columns with reference to the Deodar, we may cite what Mr. Webster says : — "This tree stands almost unrivalled iu the grandeur of its lithe and beautifully-pendulous branches : indeed, it is open to question whether a more distinct and graceful hardy Conifer has yet found its way into this country. Few trees are more accommodating aa to soil than the present species, but it is not well adapted for cold and exposed sites The rate of growth is rapid, 70 feet in height having been attained by specimens in England in fifty yea's. Timber prolueed in this country is fine-grained, but soft, and not At all durable." Under the head of the Lebanon Cedar, Mr. Webster notes a curious variety which sheds a considerable portiou of its foliage every autumn, thus approxi- mating to the Larch. We should have welcomed some expansion of Mr. Webster's opinions as to the distinctions between the three American Spruces — Picea alba, nigra, and rubra. The latter form he refers to P. nigra, whilst P. alba, in our experience, is very scarce in cultiva- tion. P. nigra, moreover, is one of those Conifers said to thrive in places where the roots are at times or constantly submerged. As these are points of some interest, wo hope Mr. Webster may bo able to furnish us with further results of his experience respecting them. Very valuable are the author's all- too-brief notes on the quality of British-grown coni- f.-rous trees, as affected by soil aud situation (see p. L60, et seq.). The variability of Conifers has naturally attracted Mr. Webster's notice. He calls attention to the fact that it is easy to recognise a particular species growing at a given spot, but often very difficult to deter- mine the same species growing elsewhere. This will rdiow how difficult and precarious must bo the iden- tification of Conifers from little twigs or wisps of foliage, such as are I »o fre [uently sent to the Editors of tho gardening papers for identification ! Mr. Webster appropriately ad. Is numerous refer* encea to his own communications in the various journals, and he would have done well t'» have been equally liberal in his references to the publications, and especially to the figures givon by his predeciv^m -. The Conifer Conference, at which were exhibited bv far the most numerous collections of species over 22 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 9, 1897. got together, and tne report of which is most com- prehensive, might almost never have been held for all the reference to it in this volume, though it must long be the quarry whence writers of books like the present must derive a large share of their informa- tion. Engelmann, Sargent, Gordon, Murray, Beissner, Fowler, Veitch, Hutchison, Dunn were surely worthy of more conspicuous recognition than they get in these pages. The writer claims for his book that it is intended as a "cheap, handy, and exhaustive popular guide to hardy Conifers." Exhaustive it could not be con- sistently with its other qualities, but the other adjectives are applied so appropriately that we can- not but heartily commend the book to the notice of Conifer-lovers as likely to be very useful to them, and as very free from inaccuracies. Orchid Notes and Gleanings. CATTLEYA MAXIMA GIGANTEA. This free-flowering plant bears handsome blooms, which appear at the present season. It is a com- paratively old inhabitant of our gardens, and the plant, in the possession of the Royal Botanical Garden, Edinburgh, was purchased from an importa- tion of Messrs. Linden last year. The pseudo-bulbs vary from 1 to \\ foot or more in height. In colour, the sepals and petals are of a light shade of rose with darker venations upon them ; the beauty of the lip consists in numerous dark purple coloured lines, and a band of yellow running through the centre. When seen amongst flowering plant* of C. labiata autumnalis, the contrast between its flowers and those of the latter is very noticeable. R. L. H. The Week's Work. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By W. Pope, Gardener, Highclere Castle, Newbury. To Grow Onions of Large Size, — Where bulbs of extra-large size are required for exhibition or home use, aome forethought is necessary in selecting a suitable plot of ground in an open, sunny situation, and preferably one which has beeu deeply cultivated, and is in good heart. If this was trenched, or roughly dug, during the later months of the year, it will need no further attention till the middle or end of the month of February, at which time a good dressing of fresh soot, and a sprinkling of an artificial fer- tiliser, should be applied, and lightly forked iu, which is all that need be done till the time arrives for planting in April. Seed should be sown now, or as early in the present month as pos- sible, taking care to secure a good stock of a trust- worthy variety or varieties, if such be needed. In sowing, shallow boxes filled to about half an inch from the top with light, rather rich, soil should be used, pressing the soil firmly. Sow the seeds thinly, and cover lightly, affording water a few hours afterwards with a fine rose can. It may be advisable to cover each of the boxes with a sheet of glass, mice being partial to the seed. Place them in a pit or green- house, with a temperature of 45° to 50°, and as soou as the plants appear, remove the glass, keeping the boxes well up to the light ; and when the plants show the second leaf, prick them out into boxes filled with warmed soil, allowing to each plant a space of 2£ square inches, and keep close for a day or two till fresh growth commences. Give them a light position, and a temperature of 60° for a time, leaving a little air on the house or frame night and day, increasing gradually as growth and the season advances, till they can be removed to a cold frame, and hardened by degrees. The aim of the cultivator should be to keep the plants sturdy and in a growing state till they are planted out, towards the middle of the month of April, or in northern counties a week or two later. Early Peas. — If no Peas were sown outside in November, or having been sown have failed, a sow- ing should be made at this date in 3-inch pots, in readiness for planting out at the end of next month, or in March. A common error in raising Peas under glass is to afford them too much heat for the sake of getting them up quickly, thus causing the plants to grow weakly, and compelling their too early planting out. A better method is to place the pots iu a cool pit or frame, from which frost cap be excluded, for although the seed will be longer in germinating, the plants will not make such a rapid advance, and the growth will be robust, and better suited for planting out-of-doors at the proper time than any that are raised in heat. Use pots that are clean, half fill them with moderately-rich turfy soil, and put six or eight Peas in each pot, filling up with soil. As the potfuls of plants should not be planted nearer together than 8 inches, it will be an easy matter to decide upon the number to be sown. Dwarf Kidney Beans. — Continue to sow batches of these as required, place the seeds in small pots in a temperature of 65°, and when up keep near to the glass, thinning to three or four in each pot. When well into the third leaf shift into 8-inch pots, turning three small potfuls into each ; use rich lumpy soil, and pot firmly, give them a light position, and grow on in a temperature of 65° to 70°. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. ByH. W. Ward, Rayleigh, Essex. The Best Kind of Soil for Fruit-trees.1— Fruit-trees generally delight in a strong, red, loamy soil, such as yields good crops of Wheat. It should be from 15 to 24 inches deep, and of average fertility. Where the natural soil is not of this description, the ex- cavated holes should be re-filled with the most suitable mould that can be obtained ; or if this cannot be done, a mixture may be made of some of the staple soil and some of the prepared loam, and a portion of this be placed around the roots of each tree. Road-scrapings and roadside-parings may be added to light soils with advantage. Varieties of Apples. — The following varieties should be included in a select list of dessert Apples: — Beauty of Bath, Irish Peach, Devonshire Quarrenden, Lady Sudeley, Cox's Orange Pippin, King of the Pippins, Cox's Pomona, Worcester Pearmain, Ribston Pippin, Old Nonpareil, and Beauty of Kent. For culinary purposes, the following are good ones : — Keswick Codlin, Lord Suflfield, Potts' Seedling, Lord Grosvenor, Northern Dumpling, Ecklinville, Stirling Castle, Emperor Alexander, Cellini, The Queen, Peasgood's Nonsuch, Blenheim Orange, Warner's King, Bismarck, Lane's Prince Albert, Northern Greening, Aunie Elizabeth, and Hambledon Deux-Ans. Varieties of Pears. — Of Pears, Doyenne d'Ete, Clapp'B Favourite, Beurre* d'Amantis, Conference, Marie Louise, and Pitmaston Duche3s may be men- tioned, being good orchard varieties. Varieties of Plums. — Rivers' Eirly Prolific (sure bearer), River'd Monarch, Victoria, and Belgian Purple will be found profitable varieties to grow in orchards or open garden. Pruning of Fruit trees. — The pruniug-saw and priming-knife should be used discrimioately, and those engaged in the work should have an intelligible object in view— iu the case o,f young maiden trees for instance, the formation of large fruit-bearing trees in as short a time as possible. The youns* leading shoots of standards, pyramids, and bush-trees, should be pruned back to within from 5 to 8 inches of their bases during the winter months, but the sooner the operation is performed after the fall of the leaf the better. Each of the shoots so pruned will make four or five young growths the following spring. These, when likely to become crowded, or to cross each other in growth, should be pinched to within '1 inches of their point of origin. The strong leading shoots should be annually pinched two or three times during the summer and early autumn months, and the weaker ones once until the trees have attained to the desired dimensions. Wall Trees. — Any trees that are affected with scale and thrip should be treated as follows : Withdraw the nails, burn the Bhreds, and paint the affected branches and shoots with a mixture of about 4 oz. of soft-soap in a gallon of water, a wiueglassful of petro- leum, and sufficient clay and soot to give it the con* ftistency of thick paint. Stir this well before it is applied to the trees, which should be after the trees have been pruned. The pruning of Pears, Plums, Apricots, and Cherries upon walls, should be proceeded with, and the necessary training after- ward*. These trees — excepting Morello Cherries — should have the shoots spurred or cut-back to the wood-bud nearest their bases, and the old spurs where standing too close together on the individual branches should be thinned out to prevent crowding, an evil that should be avoided in all cases. A space of from 6 to 9 inches should be allowed between the shoots or branches of Apricots and Plums, but Pears require from 10 to 12 inches. Every favourable opportunity should be taken advan- tage of to complete the nailing of the shoots of Morello Cherries to the wall. By reason of the great number of shoots which have to be manipulated, Morello Cherries require more time and skill to train them properly than other fruit trees which only require the shoots to be thinned-out a little as occa- sion requires, and the fore-shoots, if there be any, cutback to the basal wood. Strong leading shoots should be cut out where it may be necessary, in order to insure a proper balance of growth. If not already done, the nails and twigs securing the y«mng shoots of Peach and Nectarine-trees to the wall should be dra vn, the object being to prevent them flowering early by allowing a constant current of air to pass bstween the shoots and the sun-warmed wall ; and with the same object in view, the process of re- arranging and re-nailing (as well a? the pruning) of the trees should be deferred until a week or two before the flowers begin to open. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By G. H. Mavcock, Gardener, Luton Hoo, Luton. TJie Stove. — Much will require to be done in the stove at the present time. Soils necessary for the potting of the various plants, should be placed in a convenient corner under cover. I do not favour elaborate composts, and as one kind of soil will not suit the requirements of all the plants, it is better to keep each separate, and mix them as required. All leggy Dracaenas may be " tongued," and they will readily root if a little damp moss be placed round the cut, and moistened frequently with the syringe. Keep the plants moderately dry at the root, and the "toes " will then ripen, and may be potted up or placed iu a pan after the toogued heads have been removed. Crotons may be treated similarly, and pretty decora- tive plants may be obtained sooner by the tongueing process than by striking cuttings. Specimen plants should be shaken out and repotted. A mixture of three parts loam and one of psat, with a liberal addition of sharp sand and a dash of soot, suits them well, but it should be mixed together per- fectly. If the repotted plants bo placed over a little bottom - heat, it will bo an advantage. Anthurium Andreanum is very apt to get leggy, and the plants should be cut down each yen', and care exercised to preserve a few of the large fleshy roots upon the stem. Plant them in pots or pans in a mixture of rough fibrous peat, charcoal, and sand, surfacing the whole with a little living sphagnum- moss. The plants quickly lose health if the compost becomes sour, and every care should be taken to crock the pots efficiently. A. Scherzerianum is espe- cially valuable ; and being very free-flowering, it affords much material for cutting from. Given good drain- age, the plants give very little trouble. They should be potted in September or October, but if the work was not done then, or earlier in the year, it may be done forthwith. When turning them out of their pots, it is well to have a tub of warm water near, and by placing the plants into this, all the old mate- rial will come away quite readily. The atmosphere of the stove should now be kept a little more moist, and a temperature maintained of 65° by night, and 70° by day. Ferns. — If a house is devoted to these plants, their management is simple, but too much heat and moisture should not be given at the present time Adiantum ouneatum at this season requires only sufficient water at the roots to prevent the fronds from shrivelling. Gymnogrammas should bo kept at the warm end of the house. As the stems of Tree Ferns ought not to become dry, it will render frequent waterings unnecessary at this time of the year if common moss be tied around the stems. A tempera- ture of 50° by night and 55J by day will be sufficient. The Forcing-house. — This house will be greatly in demand at the present season, batches of Dutch bulbs in variety being placed in it at intervals of ten days. Before putting in any potful of balls, be sure that the roots are in sufficient number to permeate the soil, and cover the sides of the balls. These bulbs may consist of Hyacinths, Ixias, NarcissuB, Tulips of the early single-flowering varieties, &c. Home-grown Lily of the Valley clumps force readily at this date, and these associate well with Spineas, Lilacs, Deutzias, Staphylea colchica, Roses, and other well- known garden plants, helping to form a very pretty display uuder glass or in apartments. A few mode- rate-sized specimens of Persian and largo-flowered Lilacs may with advantage be lifted from the shrubberies, potting or tubbing them ; or if only the flowers are to be used, they may be bedded in a January 9, 1897/ THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 23 forcing-house. The potted plants may be stood in any house in which forcing has begun. Rhododen- drons, Gueldres Rose, &c, may be similarly treated. Dielytra spectabilis is a useful plant when strong masses of it are taken up for forcing, furnishing flowers which last well when cut, as do those of Solomon's Seal. The last-named gives first flowers, and after- wards foliage that is useful in various ways. General /Fbrfc.— Caladiums : a few of the early rested tubers may now be potted up aud placed in the forcing-house. For early work, C. argyrites is invaluable, it being useful for cutting from, and as small table or vase plant. Put them in 3-inch or 4-inch pots, and do not afford them much water until root action has commenced, or the bulbs may decay. A few Gloxinias may also be potted up. They are very effective wheu hi flower if dotted among plants of Adiantum cuneatum, and the corms should be potted up at intervals in batches. Carna- tions intended to flower in April, May, and June may be kept cool ; and provided the plants were potted up in the autumn, the pots will be well filled with roots. Too much water is very injurious to them. If a house or heated frame is given up to their culture, fire-heat should be used only to prevent damp aud keep out frost. Wage incessant war against green- fly, and fumigate the structures occasionally. They conceal themselves among the young unfolded leaves at this time of the year, and the injury resultant is apparent before the cause. Should fungoid disease appear, apply the fol- lowing mixture to the plants by means of a spray- syringfe. It will check the disease, if not abso- lutely kill it, and may be applied onco each week. Take 2 lb. of sulphate of cupper and dissolve it in 2 gallons of warm rain- water ; also 3 lb. of crystal soda, and dissolve in 1 gallon of hot water. When all is dissolved mix the two solutions together, and add \h oz. of liquid ammonia, and 1 oz. potash. Use \k pints of mixture to 2h gallons of water. That not required for immediate use should be kept in an earthenware or glass bottle tightly corked. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White Orchid Growe-, Burford, Dorking. Platyclinis {Daidrochllum). — Owing to the species of this genus being natives of Java aud the Philippine Islands, it has been supposed that they require the highest temperature available in our Orchid-houses. Such, however, is proved by practical experience to be wrong. Such species as P. glumaeea, P. Cobbiana, P. filiforuiis, and P. uncata, when grown always in strong heat, are more or less attacked with red- spider, and consequently fail to maintain their green, healthy appearance. Platyclinis uncata has been in flower here for several weeks past, and it still appears to be quite as fresh as when the first raceme opened. It is an easily culti- vated species, and well-bloomed plants form very pretty objects during this dull season. The flower- spikes are produced from the centre of the young breaks, which at this date are but half grown. Afford the plant therefore copious supplies of water until the bulbs are fully matured. The plant should be sus- pended close to the roof-glass in the intermediate- house in a rather moist and shady position. The summer - flowering P. filiformis is now at re3t, and should also be suspended in the intermediate- house at this period. Keep the compost just moist by occasionally syringing the foliage on warm sunny day3 ; this will help to preserve the bulb-3 and leaves in a fre^h and plump condition. P. Cobbiana, having recently completed its growth, should be similarly treated. The spring-flowering P. gluruaeea, has been since last July in the coolest part of the intermediate-house, but now that it has recommenced to grow, a few degrees more warmth has become necessary. The growths, when about 2 inches high, commence to send forth a number of roots which quickly enter the soil, aud if the plaut requires repotting, this is the time when it should be done ; but if it is inconvenient to repot the plants at this time, re- potting should be done immediately after the flowers fade. P. glumacea vallida. requires identical treat- ment. It can be distinguished from the type by its pale green-coloured growths, more robust habit, and its shorter but less graceful inflorescence. All the species root freely in a compost of peat and sphag- num-moss chopped rather finely. The pots or pans should be three-fourths filled with clean broken crocks. After such repotting, the surface of the com- post should merely be kept moist until the flower- spikes arc seen, when the supply should be gradually increased. Oattleya-hoase.' -Ccelogyne Dayaua is at rest in this house, an I requires sufficient water only to keep the bulbs from shrivelling. The pretty dwarf C. Kossiana now flowering from its young growths, may be re- potted after the flowers fade. C. flaccida and C. lactea, both beiug at rest, should be kept rather dry at the root until growth recommences. In. the Cool-house, plants of Masillaria Sanderiana are developing their flower-spikes, which go in a downward direction ; and any plants in pots should be examined, and pieces of stick or glass be placed under the spikes, or these will push through the compost into the drainage. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By F. Harris, Gardener, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury. Strawberries. — Plants for early forcing that were brought into heat in November will now be fast opening their flowers, requiring to be kept dry over- head and not too moist at the roots, affording them air on all suitable occasions. To favour the setting of the blooms, the trusses should be geutly agitated so as to distribute the pollen. As soon as most of the blossoms are set, thin these to from four to six fruits on a truss, leaving fruits on the main stalks which have the most promising appearance. Increase the tempera- ture to from 55° to 60" at night, according to the state of the weather, with a corresponding increase by day ; syringe the plants twice a day, and fumigate lightly if any aphis be observed. Afford the plants weak manure- water in gradually increasing streugth, until colour is seen in the fruits, when it must be discontinued, and more air afforded, so as to heighten the flavour. Introduce plants for succession at intervals of a fort- night or three weeks, and before doing so remove the dead leaves upon them, and remove the crust of soil lightly, replacing it with fresh loam and a pinch of artificial manure, and see that no worms are left in the balls ; wash the pots, and dip the foliage over- head in a weak solution of soft-soap and tobacco- water, or any other safe insecticide. This is a very nocessary precaution when the plants have to be forced in vineriea and peach eries. The plants for various successions should be protected from the in- clemencies of the weather, but well exposed in mild weather, or wheu only slight frosts prevail. Melons. — Seed may now be sown if ripe fruits are required for table at the eud of the month of April, sowing in small 60's about three parts filled with friable loam in not too dry a state, two seeds in each, covering lightly, and placing a little damp moss over the soil, in order to prevent evaporation of its moisture, and render watering unnecessary before the plants are up. Plunge the seed-pots in a bottom-heat of about 80°, aud select the strongest plant in each pot when a true leaf is made ; top-dres3 with loam at the same temperature as the hot-bed, and keep tho plants up to the glass, so that drawing may be pre- vented, but still pluuge the pots more or less, or the roots will bo chilled, and a severe check given. Afford water very sparingly, but avoid unwholesome dryness at the root. The Melon-house should now be got ready by giving it a good cleaning in every part, lime- washing walls, & 3. I prefer 12 or 14-inch pots for early Melon growing, pluugiug these to the rims in a mild but steady hot-bed made up of leaves and litter. On the layer of crocks place a sod, the grassy side of which should ba turned downwards; press the s*d firmly, and above it place a quantity (three-quarters of the whole) of rich, heavy loam that lias been stacked for a year, one part lime-rubble, with a small quantity of fresh soot well mixed together. Place the pot in the hotbed so as to thoroughly warm the soil throughout, and beat the soil firmly before planting. The young plants should be placed in the pots before they get pot-bound. Keep the plants well up in centre of the pots, sloping tho surfaces gradually to the side, so as to prevent the water saturating tho soil close to the stem. It is well to have a ring of zinc about 3 inches deep and 0 inches in diameter to clip round the plant, as it serves as a guard against slugs, &c. ; and by never putting water inside the ring, this forms a preventive of canker. Keep up a genial temperature of 65° to 70° at night, rising to 75° or SO3 with fire-heat by day, and bo 85° by sun-heat, affording air very sparingly, and avoiding cold draughts by all means. Air Bhould bo taken off early in the afternoon, the plant being capable of standing much suuhoat without injury. Rub out all side-shoots from the stem till the trellis is reached. Cover the glass at night if frosty weather prevails, as it is both beneficial to the plants and economises fuel. Where a constant supply of Melons is required, a few seeds may bo sown about once a fortnight. Whore pot-are used, room con ofteu be found for a plant in Pine-pits, and the fruits thus obtained often prove useful additions to tho dessert. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By Charles Herri w, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead. Planting. — The planting and transplanting of trees and shrubs not having been delayed by severe frost up to the time of writing, is in most localities in a forward state, but if these operations have been delayed from other causes they should be pushed forward when- ever the ground is not frozen or too moist. Although, as we all know, deciduous plants are the better for being planted in the early autumn months, they may yet be planted provided the work is properly done. A light soil resting on a porous subsoil soon gets rid of its moisture, and ou such soils planting need not be long delayed after rain has ceased to fall. It iB, however, different with tenacious soils, aud these must not be touched till they have been dried by the action of the wind and sun. Evergreens may be left till the spring on any soil, unless the root-masses are large, and they can, from the nature of the soil, be kept intact. As a rule of general practice, plant these in early autumn, or in the mouth of April. Iu planting new subjects in old shrubbery borders or other parts of the garden previously ocoupiod by trees aud shrubs, the stations for the new plants should be wholly or partly renewed with fresh soil, and manure in a rotted state. If balls are not planted, the roots mutt be spread out at right angles to the stem, after removing the damaged portions. Cover these with a few spadesful of the new mould, shake the tree, then add more mould, and some of the staple, if it be not too poor, and make the plant firm in the soil by lightly trampling it, fill up the hole, and allow for the subsidence of the soil by mounding it somewhat against the stem. Standard trees and large-headed bushes need to be staked and tied, the latter being done loosely, and the ground around afforded a mulching of rotten dung or par- tially-decayed leaf-mould. Deculuous Flowering Shrubs for the decoration of a shrubbery may include the following, some being suitable for forming specimens, and all are fit for planting in shrubberies, ou bauks, &e. Of shrubby Spiraeas there are aria folia, flowering in June, and for ning a handsome specimen plant for the lawn ; and although its flowers are not of a pure white, they are gracefully borne in drooping panicles. S. Douglasii, flowering in duly aud August, is rose-coloured ; S. Lindleyana is a very distinct variety with large erect pauicles of white flowers and handsome pinnate foliage ; S. coufusa. white, corym- bose flowers, grows from 3 feet to 4 feet high, and is suitable for the front of shrubbery borders ; and also S. callo^a alba, 2 feet high, is not out of place in the herbaceous border. Syringas, com- monly kuowu as Lilacs, have received several noteworthy additions of late years, both in double aud single flowered forms, and those chiefly of continental origin. These arc well worth adding to collections where ODly the older varieties exist. Among the single flowered, S. Souvenir de Louis Spath, dark reddish-purple, is a very distinct variety ; and Marie Legraye, pure white. Madame Lemoine and Virginite are good double-flowered whites; Le"on Simon has double- flowers of a lilac colour ; Le Gau- lois is also double, and red-coloured. The Phila- delphus should uot be omitted. P. corouarius (mock orange), long an inmate of our garden, is one of the strongest scented ; while P. graudiflorus, although less marked iu this respect, is a pure white, with larger flowers, and is altogether a desirable variety for shrubbery planting— and there are several other of lesser growth well deserving of attention. Standard Thorns may be used with effect, especially those with double flowers, in scarlet and pink, and other shades, should be found a place, the single-flowered varieties being also deserving shrubs. Among tho earliest shrubs to bloom is tho Almond, of which there are single and double-flowered varieties in colours varying from pale pinkish-white to rose and crimson, the deepest colour being found in the double forms of Amygdalus persica, fl. pi , or double-flowering Peach. CHRISTIE'S.— There is such a thing as analysis aud Buoh a thing as synthesis, and the study of each is of equal interest from the point of view of the student. It is not pleasant to think of the break up of old collections, whether of piennv.-i f Christie's, to be published by Messrs. Bell & Sons at once, will be a work over which the cognoscenti will gloat with eager interest 24 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 9, 1897. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants for naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Welling- ton Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications should be WRITTEN ON ONE SIDE ONLY OF THE PAPER, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith. The Editor does not under- take to pay for any contributions, or to return unused com- munications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. Illustrations.— The Editor will thankfully receive and select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction in these pages, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, &c. ; but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, Jan. H MEETINGS. 12 ' R°yal Horticultural Society's ("Gardeners' Royal Benevolent '. 1 .' KfitiiHrin F.lf ction of Pension SALES. /English and Foreign Border Plant Lilies, &e., at Stevens' Rooms, ll-i Tuberoses, Gladioli, Spira:a Roses, &c, at Protheroe \ Morris' Rooms. i-l iris, a I Rooms. / 1000 English-grown Ruses, Fruit I Trees, Border Plants, Palms, &c. , .. J at Stevens' Rooms. ' I 34,000 Japanese Lilies, Hoses, Palm I Seeds, Begonias, &c, atProthei oe V & Morris' Rooms. I Roses, Clematis, Gloxinias, Dahlias, I frc., at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms. TraOe Sale of Japanese Liliums, at . Stevens' Rooms. Azaleas. Dutch Bulbs, Roses, &e, Estab isbed and Imported Or- chids, at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms. Microscopes and Miscellaneous s Property, at Stevens' Rooms. erace Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from observations of Forty-three years, at Chiswick. Actual Temperatures: London.— January 6 : Max., Min., 3ti°. Provinces. - January 6 : Highest Temp., SciUy ; Lowest, 40°, Shetland. The Persian Cyclamen. In a recently-issued number of the Journal de la Societe Nationals (V Horticulture de France we find a very interesting and useful paper on the cultivation and mode of growth of the Cycla- men, by MM. Alex. Hebert and Geckoes Truffaut, from which we extract what follows as likely to be of interest to our readers. The first Cyclamen from Palestine was im- ported into France, at Lille, in 1734, and which attracted such attention, that a single plant was purchased by the well-known amateur florist, the Monk Reyntkens, of the Abbey of St. Peter at Ghent (Belgium), for the large sum — for that period — of 65 francs. From this plant have been derived for the most part the innumerable varieties of Cyclamen which now everywhere abound. At the end of the sixteenth century these plants were in great demand, but they eventually went out of fashion until the early years of the present century. In 1844, M. DE Jongiie of Brussels published the first mono- graph of the genus, with details of its culture. In France, about the year 1849, a distinguished horticulturist, M. Fournier, exhibited plants of Cyclamen of many distinct forms, and brought it more extensively before the public. The late Charles Truitaut, in his establishment at Versailles, developed and improved the varieties immensely, raising more than 2000 plants annually ; but they again went out of demand until the years 1876-78, when a special effort was made in France to bring them to the fore once again, since which time they have held a worthy place in most horticultural estab- lishments. In its natural habitat the Cyclamen of Persia is met with in temperate regions, in mountainous and dry situations. They grow by preference in sandy-loams that contain a certain amount of humus, but they cannot thrive if stagnant water exists in their vicinity. Normally, their blossoming takes place in the spring, and usually it occupies three years to mature the plants, but by improved methods of culture, the Cyclamen is made to produce its flowers in one year, which is of great advantage from a commercial point of view. But the authors say this rapid method of obtaining fine plants is no easy matter, as they are very capricious in their habits. In order to learn something of the food requirements of the Cyclamen, and the best methods of developing the genus, the authors submitted sixteen plants of C. persicum (pure white) to chemical analysis. They had been grown in a cold-frame in a mixture of leaf- mould and sandy-loam, and had beou watered during tho period of active growth with a weak solution of cow-dung manure. The following arc the results : — BRENT OuoANS, IN Gr Flowers Leaves Stalks Tubers 22-6S 30 62 23 06 In dry state. ... 0 75 ... 2'25 ... S'OO ... 2'62 ... 8-02 Flowers Leaves Stalks Tubers Dry Nitrogen. Ash. In fresh. In dry. In fresh. In dry. 10'6 0 200 i 1'98 0996 9'40 0 0 0'3I0 341 0 651 6-5* 7'5 0141 1 1-89 1201 10 2'J 11'3 0153 1 ::■'. 1-730 15 31 Composition of the Mixed A*h.-.< oftht Cyclamen. Per Cent. Silica 17-o Chi Tine <'96 Sulphuric acid 7-15 Phosphoric acid 0'22 Oxide of iton and alumina . 10 00 Lime 4-36 Magnesia 3-32 Potash 23-80 Soda 1282 These figures show that the Cyclamen iu regard to their chemical composition approach very near to the terrestrial Orchids. They con- tain a considerable proportion of water, more than '.Ml per cent., and relatively to othor plants but little ash or mineral matter, and not much of the element nitrogen. The analysis of the ash shows that it is particularly poor in phos- phoric acid, but rich in potash, and somewhat less rich in soda. They appear to be the poorest in phosphoric acid of any plants yet examined except Ferns, and very low iu lime and magnesia. From the data thus given it appears that the Cyclamen is not very exhausting iu its effects upon the soil for either nitrogen or mineral ingredients. At the same time the authors feel assured that a careful selection of soils will do much to meet the food requirements of these plants. They have further tried the effects of various artificial manures upon the Cyclamen, but hitherto with not very satisfactory results. They experimented with plants of a "good' and of a " bad " strain. The relative weights of the various organs of the two different series of Cyclamen were as follows : — Weight in Parleper Hundred. Stalks.. Tubers and Root-fibrils 42-87 24-95 106 31-32 30-22 24-50 It is thus seen that the principal difference between tho good and the bad strain is in their proportion of blooms, tho good having the best flowers, while the bad yields the largost per- centage of leaves. The chemical analysis of the inferior Cycla- mens showed that they did not differ very materially from the well-grown plants. They contained a little more nitrogen, more chlorine, magnesia, and soda, but less of silica and The cause of failure in Cyclamen culture is therefore put down by the authors to unsuitable soils, and that there is a danger in the composts used being too rich, which would favour a too rapid formation of vegetable-tissues, and hence lead to leaf-growth instead of blooms. The question of watering, the authors con- sider as very important, chalky waters being thought to be particularly harmful. The general conclusions are that — 1. "Under the influence of forcing manures the Cyclamen increases in total weight of plant, but tho foli- age is encouraged at the expense of bloom- production. 2. Successful culture can only be attained by a suitable selection of soil, which should bo leaf-mould with a mixture of sandy-loam. :J. Should the plants look sickly, they will be benefited by being watered near the roots with a liquid-manure containing a quarter of an ounce each of nitrate of soda and iron sulphate to 2 gallons of water. We have received from Mr. Horticultural w . t Mr D0UGLAs' Institute. . ... . . ■ letter in our last issue, but in view of the probability of further correspon- dence on the subject we think it better to post- pone the publication of Mr. Wood's letter till others have had the opportunity of expressing their opinions. We hope they will do so as tersely as possible. Gentlemen who send us numerous sheets of mauuscript can hardly be aware of the fact that each week we receive far more " copy " than could be possibly inserted were the Gardeners' Chronicle doubled or even trebled in size. Mr. T. H. Smith obliges us witha long communication in which hoexprosses the opinion that some project of tho kind ought to be started, aud goes ou to propose the estab- lishment of a "Queen Victoria Horticultural College." His scheme involves the establish- ment of a "theoretical and practical training college, a horticultural institute, a home for visitors interested in and following the pro- fession, and a medium for giviug to the public displays of horticultural merit periodically throughout the year." Mr. Ollerhead puts forth another scheme at p. 32 with reference to a 300-guinea cup for Chrysanthemums ! We reserve the expression of our own opinions on these and cognate schemes for a future time. January 9, 1697.] THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE. 25 ClRRHOPETALUM MEDUSA, LlNDL. — Our illustration (tig. 6) gives a representation of this very fine Malayan species (the Bulbophyllum Medusie of Heicheubach), which was prepared from a photograph of a speciineu that flowered recently in tho collection of Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Dorking (gr., Mr. W. H. White). Although (as a note published in the Gardenerj? Ckronirfe, April 2, 184-2, p. 223, well indicates) the plant has been in cultivation for many years, it has always beeu rare ; aud probably during the whole of the time that it has been known, no such plant as that now illustrated has been flowered. It will be there are no absolute marks of distinction between Cirrhopetalutn aud Bulbophyllum, the two genera being kept up for convenience sake, and to avoid the confusion that would arise if they were amalgamated. Royal Horticultural Society.— The first meeting of the Koyal Horticultural Society in 1807 will be held in the Drill Hall, James Street, Westmiuster, on January 12, from 1 to 4 P.M. On or before that date, the Society's new book of arrange- ments, containing particulars of the shows, lectures, committees, &c, for 1 Si>7, and the report of the Council, and new list of Fellows, will be issued. seconded by Mr. Guild, the Mayor (Mr. C. W. Dyson Pjerrins) was elected Cbairmau of the Executive Committee. Subscriptions were announced from several new members. Other business of a routine nature having been disposed of, Mr. You no called attention to the fact that many gardeuers in the dis- trict were members of the institution but not of the auxiliary, aud suggested that some steps should be taken to bring them into it, but nothing was decided upon. The fifty-eighth annual general meeting of the members of the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institu- tion will be held at " Simpson's," 101, Strand, in the From the coll Fig. 6.— ciurhopetalum medusa;: flowers tale yellow. of Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., President of the Royal]Horticultural Society. seen that the inllore^cence consists of a number of flowers, in each of which the two lateral sepals arc elongated, the whole forming a head, which caused Dr. Lindley in his description to remark — "Cer- tainly if ever there was a Medusa, this must be the prototype, before her Gorgonship's beautiful tresses vtf-re changed into serpents, nor are wanting the scales with which her form was safely guarded. It is an evergreen species, with creamy-white or pale yellow flowers, and it requires to be grown in a warm, moist house ; and, although after the pseudo- bulbs are fully made up, it is benefited and rendered more certain to flower by water being given rather sparingly for a time, it does not require drying-off in the ordinary acceptation of the term. In the Flora of British Iihfia,v., p. 757, Sir JOSEPH Hookeh places this plant under Bulbophyllum, though he adi. >s that GARDENERS' £ROYAL BENEVOLENT JlNSTITU- TION. — The first annual meeting of the Worcester aud I >istrict Auxiliary of the Gardeners' Royal Bene' volent Institution, was held on Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Guildhall, Mr. II. C. Smith Carington in the chair. The balance-sheet for the year showed that the receipts were C 175 9a. 0''/., aud the expenditure £172 5s. (£104 15a. of which has been sent to head- quarters in London), leaving a balance in hand of £3 is. oV. The committee, in their report, expressed their sincere thanks to those who had given such handsome donations to the branch, and especially to End Beauchami1 for kindly allowing his gardens to bo thrown open for the benefit of its funds. On the proposition of Mr. CiiUMt', seconded by Mr. Huhlstone, Earl Bkaiu hami* was re-elected Presi- dent; and oq the proposition of th« ('hairui;iii, County of Middlesex, on Thursday, January 1 1. 1897, at 3 pm., for tho purpose of receiving the report of the committee aud the accounts of the Institution for the present year, electing officers for the ensuing year, and other affairs ; and also forthepurposeofplaciDgt veuty pensioners on the Fund, ten of whom come in under Hide 111. s. 5, aud ten by the votes of the subscribers The usual animal friendly Bupper will be held at 0 P.M., after the business of the meeting baa been disposed of, 11. E, Milnkr, Esq., F.L.S., iu the chair. Friends of the Institution who may wish to be present at tho supper should forthwith communicate with the secretary, Mr. Geough .1. Ingham, 50, Parliament Street, S.W. Memorial of the Queens Reign.— The sub- ject for discussion at Mk- next meeting of the Horti- 26 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 9, 1897. cultural Club on Tuesday, Jan. 12, at 6 p.m., at the Horticultural Club Room, Hotel Windsor, Victoria Street, will be " Proposals for a Horticultural Memo- rial of the Queen's Reign." Mr. HARMAN PAYNE.— The Council of the National Horticultural Society of France at a recent meeting held in Paris, elected Mr. Habman Patne a corresponding member of the Society, in recogni- tion of his services to horticulture. Jottings from Kew. — " Gardeners'" plauta have made a fine display in the Rojal Botanical Gardens, Kew, during the past few weeks, and we may instance the Chrysanthemums, Michaelmas Daisies in pots, the fragiant and floriferous Mar- guerite-CarnatioDS, the vividly-coloured Salvia splen- dcns, besides others, as S. Bethelli and S. leucantha, all of which are worthy of high culture where roomy greenhouses and conservatories have to be made gay at this season. The beautiful Hima- layan Luculia gratissima is showing fine heads of its white and pink sweet-scented flowers, which will continue to open in abundar.ce for several weeks longer. Tecoma Smithi has been flowering in small examples in 5-inch pots. These plants, growing about 2 feet in height, and beiDg furnished with good heads of orange-coloured blossoms, are most desirable addi- tions t-j greenhouse decorative plants at the winter season. The plant flowers in from 6 to S months from seed. Brief mention may be made of the many beautiful Bouvardias iu flower, of EupatoriuniF, Begonias, and Rhododendrons. The Devon and Exeter Gardeners1 ASSOCIATION held its annual supper on New Year's Day. Owing to the inconvenient date, which was unavoidable, the number of members present was not equal to that on most former occasions. Con- siderable enthusiasm distinguished the proceedings. THE TRENTHAM AND HANFORD Horticul- tural Society's Show for 1897 has been arranged to take place on Thursday, July 22. Great Britain's Cereal Crops.— The Board of Agriculture has just issued a leaflet entitled, "A Preliminary Statement showing the Estimated Total Produce and Yield per Acre of Wheat, Barley, and Oats in Great Britain in the Year 1S96, with Com- parative Statements for the Year 1895, and for the Average of the Ten Years 1886-1895." It appears from the figures that the estimated total produce of Wheat in Great Britain iu the present year was 57,052,952 bushels ; the total for 1S95 was 37,176,257 bushels. The acreage for this year is 1,693,957, agaiust 1,417,483 in 1895. The estimated yield per acre was for the present year 33-68 bushels, against 26-23 for 1895. The average of the ten years, 18Se-1895, is 28 81 bushels. Coming to Barley, and under the same conditions, we find the estimated total produce for 1S96 put at 70,774,776 bushels, agaiust 68,650,945 bushels last year. The acreage for the present year is 2,104,764, against 2.166,279 in 1895. The estimated yield per acre for the current year is 33 "63, against 31*69 for 18J5. Average of the ten years, 32'68 bushels. Oats were estimated at 114,015,907 bushels for 1896, and produced 122,148,628 bushels last year. Acreage, 1896—3,095,488, against 3,296,063 last year. The estimated yield per acre for the present year is 36'83 bushels, for last year 37'06 bushels. The average of the ten years, 1886-1895, is placed at 38'23 bushels. These figures, we think, will be found of much general interest. General Exhibition at Hamburg, 1897.— We learn from the third supplemental programme, issued by the authorities, that a special scientific section has been decided upon, which in regard to its more important divisions will be opened on May 28, together with the first special exhibition, and kept open till the close of the general exhibition, towards the end of September. The chief features are (1), the diseases of cultivated plants occasioned by atmospheric conditions, by the nature of the soil, and those of a mechanical nature. This section will include wounds and their treatment, grafting, budding, etiolation, bark canker, frost canker, frost wounds and cracks, injury by storms, hail, lightning, smoke, chlorosis, dwarfing, &c. ; (2), the animal and vege- table foes of horticulture and fruit culture, with reference to the difficult question of the boundary line between agriculture and forestry ; (3), the diseases, malformation, and destruction caused by these foes of cultivated plants, and the remedies and preventive means employed against them. The creatures and plants useful to vegetation : (a), the more important insects instrumental in the fertilisation of flowers, together with examples of their activity in suitable preparations, models, pictures, Sro. ; (6), useful root fungus (tubercles of bacteria, mycorrhiza) ; (fl), the chief foes of the insects injurious to plants, and fungi which destroy insects ; (4), monstrosities and deformities of plants, union, gnaurs, leafing, doubling, examples of how roots pierce hard substances ; (5), comparative trials of the effect of manures on plants grown in pots, commencing on July 30, c dtivation in feeding solutions ; (6), wild forms of cultivated plants (dried or living) ; (7), exotic plants in pots of use in commerce, manufactures, &c. ; (8), selections of the more important useful exotics in a preserved state (dried, in alcohol, Sro.), a* well as different parts and organs (flowers, fruits, seeds) ; (9). selections of plants and parts of plants (flowers, fruit, seeds, germinating plants, &c.). airauged according to morphological and biological standpoints; (10), results of scientific experiments in pollination, and when possible with the original species ; (11), scientific adjuncts to instruction in horticulture : (a), the literature of gardening, that concerning the management of parks, fruit culture, injurious insects, and pollination of flowers by insect agency (the same being provided and set up by the committee) ; (&), pictures, models, microscopical preparations, photo- graphs on glass, &c. ; (c), pictorial or graphic exhi- bitions of the feeding properties of fruits and vegetables. MR. Jas. CYPHER of Cheltenham, celebrated the attainment of his seventieth birthday on the 1st inst., when the employes of tho nursery business of which Mr. Cyi'HER was the founder, metthe members of the firm at a complimentary dinner. The company present numbered seventy-eight, and an enjoyable evening was spent. Budding the Lemon. — Theory and fact, which are so often opposed in fruit-growing, were diametrically opposite in the matter of propagating Lemon trees. Theorists, says a correspondent of Qarden and Forest, argued that the best Lemons must necessarily come from trees grown from Lemon seeds, or from cuttings taken from Lemon trees. They saw an absurdity in budding the Lemon, which is a sour fruit, on to an Orange, the most desirable quality of which is sweetness. Yet this apparent contradiction is now universally practised in southern California, after years of discussion and experimentation. The Lemon does not come true to name from seeds, and buds which are grafted upon an Orange-root produce butter fruit than buds grafted upon a Lemon-root. This was long a vexed queBtiou, and is a good illustra- tion of the fact that experience alone can teach what is best iu the growing of fruit. Proposed Botanical Garden for Aber- deen University. — At a meeting of the Aber- deen University Court recently, the Marquis of Huntly, Lord Rector, presiding, a communication was submitted fr >m Dr. James W. H. TitAir., Pro- fessor of Botany in the University, representing that there is no provision within the University for teach- ing vegetable physiology practically in such a way as to enable students to study growing plants, and to observe the effects on them of experiments, or of varying treatment or environment. A botanic garden had for a number of years been included in the list of the more pressing needs of the University, issued year by year in the " Calendar." It had been ren- dered urgent and indispensable by the ordinance for degrees in pure science and in agriculture. He was not aware of any other university or science school of far lower rank than the University of Aberdeen in which there is absolutely no provision to enable students to study living plants as affected by varying treatment. He suggested that such a garden should be provided, restricted to the cultivation of plants in the open air. The most suitable ground for the purpose, within convenient access of the University, would be the field to the west of the garden of the manse of the Professor of Biblical Criticism. It belonged to the University, was of convenient size, was easily accessible from Bedford Road, was sheltered from east, north, and west, and had a varied surface that would adapt it to the cultivation of plants of different requirements from very dry to very wet habit its. Mr. Nicholson, the Curator of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, concurred in the view that this field was the best available situation for a botanic garden, and that a'ter being properly laid out and prepared it could be kept in order by one man, if restricted to open-air cultivation as proposed. The necessary expenditure might be estimated as : — Preliminary outlay : walks, sowing grass or turfing, rockeries, garden tools, &c, propagating-frames, and a tool-shed, amounting to, say, not more than £120 ; current expenses — rent, wages (say, 25s. a week), manures, labels, carriage of specimens, insecticides, aud other petty expenses, amounting to, say £100 annually. [Suroly, far too little ! Ed.]. For this, with rigid economy, a very useful and now urgently- required adjunct to botanical and agricultural in- struction within the University would be provided. Dr. Trail added : — " My personal services in super- vision and in endeavouring to ensure accuracy in the nomenclature of the plants, care in their culti- vation, and economy in the management, would be very willingly given by me." The only hope of an early realisation of the scheme put forward by Dr. Trail lies in the suggestion thrown out by the Lord Rector, viz., that some public-spirited Aberdouian, with money at command, should come forward and give the needful assistance. The sum required for the endowment of the scheme is only a very moderate one — £3000 or £4000 would suffice. It is sincerely to be hoped the Lord Rector's sug- gestion will be acted on, aud that it will no longer have to be said that so important and ancient a seat of learning as Aberdeen University lacks so important an adjunct to its teaching of botany as a botanical garden. A CLUSTER OF APPLES. It is not often that one sees a perfect cluster. More often than not, one or more of the infant Apples get squeezed out of existence by the encroach- ments of their bigger or stronger brothers. It was not so in this case ; the torminal flower (in the bota- nical sense, not in that of the Chrysanthemum growers) arrived at as full development as the lateral ones. Tho specimen (fig. 7, p. 27) was grown in the north of Iroland, and obligingly forwarded to us by Mr. Percy Bicknell. Home Correspondence. GREVILLEA ROBUSTA.— This plant is excellent for decorative purposes in the autumn and winter if seed be sown in March in a hotbed with a tempe- rature of 65° to 70" as a minimum, and the young plants gradually hardened before the summer is over, so as to stand a temperature of 40° to 45" minimum during the winter. I have some at the present time iu 6-inch pots which are 2 feet high on single stems, and 2 feet in diameter of foliage, the latter bring good to the base ; it would be difficult to find more useful foliage plants, equally pleasing in char, cter, tliat will ttaud a similar winter temperature. Previous to this season it has proved difficult to raise in quantity from seed, but I am very pleased with the last trial ; possibly our seedsmen have discovered quicker means of transit, or an improved system of packing. Like all the members of this family, it likes a fair propor- tion of peat or other vegetable matter to grow in. W. H. Divers. [Do they not bloom with jou ? Ed.] January 9, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 27 FLAVOUR IN APPLES. — Having road the remarks of "A. D." in the issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle for December 19, p. 762, I thought that I would send a few fruits of Apple called in this neighbourhood Spice Pippin or Brown Spice for your opinion. It ia not a handsome fruit, but its flavour, I venture to think, places it in the front rank as a winter dessert fruit. The tree that these cime from is at least seventy years old. [Mr. A. F. Barron to whom we showed the fruits, remarks as follows : t( The fruits are very bighly flavoured, sweet and good. Flesh a little hard and dry perhaps.'' Ed.] Thomas Finch, Gijfords Hall, Stoke, Colchester. MARGUERITE-CARNATIONS. — These are fast becoming favourite flowers, making satisfactory returns in abundant bloom when well grown, and the strain is a good one. I noticed recently a truly fine healthy lot growing in one of the greenhouses at Wateringbury Place, the seat of Alderman Davis, M.P., under the care of Mr. Neame, and not only were the plants well grown and with a wealth of bloom open upon them, but the size of the flowers was good, and they were double and fragrant. The seed, I am told, was sown early, and half of the plants (250) were grown on in pots, and the remainder planted outside and lifted in the early autumn months. Those which were in pots had been always much the earlier lot to come into bloom, while those taken up and potted, although they will be later, promise equally good results. There were very few single flowers amongst them, and the "grass " was stout and robust. H. Markham. THE PEACH OUT-OF-DOORS.— Occasionally we find some able grower of hardy fruits giving his ex- perience in these columns with the Peach, but they seldom touch the subject I am anxious to have their views upon, namely, whether the Peach should be secured with bast to fixed wires, or with nails and shreds. Now, I co. sider this an important matter, espe- cially to a gardener on first taking charge of a garden, when he is probably anxious to reduce the amount of labour expended in one direction to enable him to spend it in other directions. Only those charged with the work have any idea of the number of days required by two men to loosen from the wall, wash, and renail the trees on a Peach-wall of, say, 50 or 60 yards long. I possess three of the most useful gardening books, Thomsons Gardeners' Assistant (revised edition), Nicholson's Dictionary of Gardening, and the latest work on fruit culture, viz., The Fruit Grower's Guide, but in none do I find instructions for wiring walls ; so one must conclude that the practice is not a general one. I know that the trees derive more warmth from the wall when nailed than when they are fastened to wires, as it is almost impossible to get the wire quite cIosj to the wall. One would uot advocate the use of wire in the colder parts of the country ; but in the warmer south and western counties a wired wall would be unobjectionable, except, perhaps, on the score of expense. Such a wall pays for the outlay in a very few years, com- paring in that respect favourably with nails and shreds, which cost much money every year. I would like to have the opinion of growers who may have their Peach- walls wired out-of-doors whether they get such good results as when nailing is prac- tised ? James Mat/ne, Biclon, Devon. [The wires should consist of thin ungalvauised iron fixed verti- cally, 6 inches apart, by means of eyed studs driven into the wall nearly flush with the eye. This allows a space of, say, the diamater of tho eye, one-tenth to one-eighth of an inch, which is ample, for passing behind it the bostor willow ties used, and really allows the branches of every size to touch the wall as closely as if they were nailed. The cost of the studs for the ends is a little more than that of common cast nails ; and that of the studs used intermediately is rather less, these being smaller. Such wires do no harm to the shoots or fruits, List a quarter of a century, are easily mended when broken, and render the use of nails unnecessary. Ed ] GROS MAROC VERSUS GROS COLMAN.— Would you kindly permit me to " disputate a short piece '' ou the Gros Maroc versus Gros Colman controversy, not that probably I have anything new to dilate upon, but my experienoe of Gros Colman dates from somo thirty years since, hence I claim to know a little about this variety. At tho outset of my horticultural career as au amateur, being then hardly out of my teens, I took to Grape-growiDg as a hobby, and for exhibition. I then grew something like twenty-eight different varieties, and amongst them Gros Uulman was one. That particular Vine was presented to me by the late Mr. J. Pond of the Vineries, St. Lawrence, Jersey, and was grown from a cutting from probably the first and original Vine of the variety then existent in the island. This was planted by Mr. Fenni- rnore {the original proprieter of these vineries, and one of the pioneers of Grape and market-growing under glass in the Channel Islands) over forty years ago. The disagreeable early flavour of the variety as grown by me was the great drawback, as its imposing and noble appearance on a show-stand was the admiration of all. It never entered my head at the time that allowing the bunches to remain on the Vine after colouring would improve the flavour, but such is undoubtedly the case, and is the grand secret. In former years flavour ruled the day in the esti- mation of Grape connoisseurs, not so unfortunately in the present day, when a change has come o'er the scene — everything now iu the fruit Hue must be fine aud large. Quality is entirely a secondary considera- tion. There is no doubt, however, that the culture of Gros Colman is better understood, and the longer the bunches are left on the Vine, even after colouring (which process takes about three months to perfect), the better the flavour. Having also grown it worked on Black Hamburgh, I can vouch for its superior excellence when so grown. Some three years since I was assisting to judge the Grape cla;ses at a local show, and I then tasted a sample of Gros Colman, which, to my mind, was as good as anything iu the Grape line, barring Muscats, that could possibly be. The bunches iu question were grown by Mr. Buobyer, gr. to Mis. Brayn, Highfield Vineries, St. Saviour's, Jersey. The berries were not over large, but the colour and finish were good. I have invariably found that large (enormous, I may say) berries, measuring about 4-h inches in circumference, such as are often witnessed at show?, are deficient in flavour. This, I think is due to overfeeding. Now as to Gros Maroc, I grew it for several years, but discarded it for its shy-bearing propensities ; for I found, that to produce anything like a crop, the long-rod system had to be resorted to, or the spurs had to be left long- some three or four eyes. Mr. M. Temple states that he has grown Gros Maroc for years, and always found it crop capitally. This appears to me strange. May be the northern climate suits it better than these more southern regions. As regards the point at issue, that which is the better-flavoured Grape of the two, I opine, that eaten at the same stage, neither being allowed to remain on the Vine after being fully coloured, Groa Maroc, without a doubt, is the better flavoured. Moreover, it colours in one-half the time, and hence is fit for table much sooner ; but as a market variety, with the present craze for size aud appearance, as also for cropping, commend me to Gros Colman, despite its liability to spider. P. F. Le Sueur, Jersey. grape VINES. — In answer to "T. S.'s" inquiries at p. 733, last vol.. as to what early varieties of the Grape vine are likely to succeed when inarched upon Groa Maroc or Gros Colman, if any late ones have been known to succeed when iu arched upon Black Ham- burgh, aud also as to whether Buckland Sweetwater is useful as a stock for other varieties ' I am enabled to inform him that Black Hamburgh is the most likely early Grape to succeed on the above-mentioned stocks. Madresfield Court would also do fairly well eugrafted on the same stocks so far as size and the colour of berries are concerned ; but with a prospect of the flavour of both Black Hamburgh and Madres- field Court being impaired by the influence of the stock. Gros Maroc and Gros Colman I know by experience not only do well inarched on Black Ham- burgh Vine, but the flavour is improved thereby, and I see no reason why Black Alicante, Alnwick Seedling, Lady Downes, Gros Guillaume, and Mrs. Pince's Black Muscat should not do equally well when worked on the Black Hamburgh stock. Madresfield Court might also be employed as stock for late black varieties of the Grape-vine, with every prospect of putting more flavour in the fruit. As a matter of fact, all black Grapes, excepting Madresfield Court, Muscat Hamburgh, and Mrs. Pince's Black Muscat, are improved in flavour by being engrafted or inarched upon the Black Hamburgh Vine ; and the same remark applies with equal force to all white varieties when worked on the Muscat of Alexandria stock. Foster's Seedling, Golden Queen, or Mrs. Pearson might be engrafted upon the Buckland Sweet- water Grape-vine. In the matter of engrafting one variety of the Grape-vine upon another, it is always well to first consider what character of fruit the result of such a union or unions of stock and scion will produce. I once inarched two young shoots of Gros Maroc from a pot-Vine — one upon a variety I had sent me from Malta, and the produce of which (purposely obtained the first year after planting) was very poor in every respect ; and the other upon an adjoining Black Hamburgh. The Grapes resulting from the former union were so altered by reason of the influence exercised on the scion by the foreign stock, as to be unrecognisable by several Grape-growers, who saw them side by side, both on the Vines and in the Grape room, with the produce on, and obtained from the Gros Maroc, which was worked upon the Black Hamburgh, and which was easily recognised. The beriies were, however, not quite so oval as those produced by the Gros Maroc Vine ou its own roots. I need hardly state that the said foreign stock and scion were rooted out of the Vine- border forthwith, whilst the Gros Maroc on the Black Hamburgh stock has borne crops of good Grapes ever since ; although, as stated on p. 728, it evinces a disposition to produce insufficient bunches for a crop each succeeding year, in the course of five or six years' full cropping— some years more, and others less. The above-mentioned facts of thoughtless selection — or rather attempt to make use — of the Grape-vine as a stock fur one desired to be increased, has not been forgotten by the writer, who communicated the facts to the Gardeners Chronicle at the time. H.W.Ward, Lime House, Mayleiyh, Essex. CYCLAMEN AND ITS CULTURE— I have noticed during the past few weeks many notes in the Gardeners' Chronicle respecting the behaviour of the Cyclamen. If plants are wan'ed for exhibiting at spring shows, such as the Royal Botanic, Crystal Palace, &c, the seed, which must be obtained from a good source, should be sown quite eighteen months before the plants are wanted, and August is the best month for sowing. Sow the seeds in pans of 9 or 10 inches diameter, half filled with crocks, in a compost consist- ing of three parts fibrous loam, free from wire-worm and other pests, one part of leaf-mould, aud a small quantity of silver-sand. Place the seed- pans in a pit having a temperature of 70°, and when the first leaf is visible, that is in about one month from time of sowing, they should be pricked off into other paus or pots, cure being taken to afford them plenty of drainage. While in this stage, the stiiring of tho soil to aerate it will help them on. When the third leaf shows, they are then ready for 3-inch pots, and by the time they have reached this stage, the sun will be getting rather warm about mid-duy, when the pl.ints should be slightly shaded, as if exposed to tho suubhine the foliago will become soft— in fact, the plants will be seriously checked. After they have been potted in 5-inch pots, the temperature may be reduced to 0*0", with plenty of air afforded in fine weather, and at this degree of warmth they may be kept till they are wanted i\n- flowering. Re-potting may be continued till they come into 8 or 10-inch pots. It \\ill then In' time to lot them throw up their flowers. During the growing season, they will require fumigating at least onca every week to destroy green fly and thrips, for if these bo not kept under the Bowers will be deformed. Iu the majority of ca-es of disappointment in not getting flowers of good quality, it is because these plant-plagues aro allowed to cripple the young buds, When tho plants ? 28 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 9, 1897. are put into their flowering-pots, a little soot-water afforded once a week is beneficial. If not quite for- ward enough, by the time they are wanted, they can be put in a temperature of 75°, with plenty of air when the sun is warm, for if the air is damp at that degree of warmth, the buds will damp-off. If wanted for marketing purposes, the above treatment will ensure the grower some first-class stuff, only the pots will not need to be larger than 6 inches. I will give a full account on the growing of seed, and old bulbs, in some future issue. Charles White, Stevenage, Herts. CYCLAMENS AT NOSTELL PRIORY.— Judging from numerous letters which have appeared in the Gardeners' Chronicle about Cyclamen blooms failing to open, it must be a common thing. The best grown lot of Cyclamens that I have seen lately is growing at Nostell Priory Gardens. Mr. Easter, the gardener at that place, told me, on enquiring how he managed the plants, that the seeds were sown in the autumn of 1895, and kept gently on the move during the winter, with shifts when needed, and finally coming into 5 and 6-inch flower-pots. The compost used consisted of good loam, leaf-mould, and a sprinkling of sharp sand. In June the plants were placed in a cold frame under the north wall for the summer. They are at present standing in a greenhouse where a temperature of 45° to 50° is maintained, and nothing more satisfactory could be desired. J. T. CHILIAN BEET AS A WINTER DECORATIVE PLANT FOR THE GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVA- TORY.—At our local harvest festival we helped to decorate the church by potting up a number of plants of Chilian Beet. Being only intended for temporary service, small pots were used, and the show was gorgeous ; when no longer required, they were brought back for the sake of the pots, but as they showed no signs of fading they were distributed about the conservatory, where they still remain, and where they are likely to remain, retaining their colouring so perfectly that we have to partially hide them behind the greenery to prevent them spoiling the effect of the comparatively insignificant Roman Hyacinths, &c. It is probable that these would make first-rate market plants for decorating cold passages and entrance halls, and we would have tried the experiment on a larger scale this winter, but for the fact that we were so pressed by our friends for them that we had to give three-fourths of our stock away, and refuse a great many more applications than would have exhausted our stock twice over. Thos. Fletcher, Grappenhatt. Cheshire. GROS COLMAN GRAPES. — I was much pleased to see in a recent issue a paragraph from Mr. Bates, anent the above Grape, weight of annual crop, &e. I should be obliged to Mr. Bates, as would other comparative youngsters (I feel certain), if he would give us a description ot his method and system of culture, not only of Gros Colman, but also the other varieties grown at " The Heyes." Knowing the very limited borders (all inside) at that place, I feel sure Mr. Bates will somewhat surprise Grape-growers at the results he has for some years obtained, not only with Gros Colman, but also with Muscats and Lady Downes. The two latter have been grown in borders of about 4 feet 0 inches by 2 feet 6 inches deep, if I remember rightly, and with such success that they have obtained prizes at Trentham and Salop annually I believe. 1 should like to ask Mr. Bates, if he considers outside borders necessary in any case, and for Grapes of any season? I must apologise for diverging, but seeing Mr. Bates has emerged into print, I take the opportunity to ask him for some further revelation as to his ways and means of attain- ing such results, not ouly as regards " Gros Colman," but other Grapes which have been exhibited by him. Cicestrian. HUYSHE'S VICTORIA PEAR, ETC. —In a recent issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle, at p. 11, "J. C." writes : — " Huyshe's Victoria and Bergamot Pears are grown here as standards, and are very prolific." This is very indefinite, and many gardeners would like to have, iu this case as well as in all others, something precise as to the locality meant by the writer. J. E.t Nostell Prion/ Gardens. A PERENNIAL TOMATO-PLANT.— Referring to Mr. Joseph Meredith's letter concerning the fruiting of a Tomato-plant for several years in succession, I may remark that iu the autumn of 1S89, I was having a house 65 feet long cleared of Tomato- plants, and one plant, about in the centre of the house, appeared so vigorous that I decided upon leaving it untouched where it stood. The house was forced during the winter, and the plant made good growth, and the shoots were trained right and left to the wires, till the greater portion of the roof was covered with them. I began to cut ripe fruit in the month of April, and the plant continued to fruit the whole of that season, several hundred lbs. being cut from it. This particular plant was a seedling of mine, similar in character to the true type of Hackwood Park Prolific of the present day. Grown in the ordinary restricted manner, the blooms failed to set satisfac- torily ; but when allowed to ramble at will close to the glass they set well. The fruit was round, and the entire crop of them on this plant came of a marketable size. It was considered by those who came to see it a great curiosity. The plant possessed a single stem. P. P. he Sueur, Jersey. FRUIT-GROWI\G IN THE METROPOLIS.— What very fine examples of fruit have been exhibited recently from gardens in the metropolitan area ! In illustration may be meutioned the exhibits of that painstaking young gardener, Mr. W. Taylor, at Tewkesbury Lodge, Forest Hill, and the many successes he has achieved, notably 1st in Cham- pion Class for Grapes at tho Royal Horticultural Fruit Show at the Crystal Palace, 1st in Cham- pion Class for Grapes at the National Chrysanthe- mum Society's Jubilee Exhibition, besides other prizes, not forgetting the grand collection exhibited at the November meeting of the Boyal Horticultural Society at the Drill Hall, James Street, Westminster. The Peaches and Grapes exhibited at the July Meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society by Mr. Keif, gardener at St. John's Villa, Regent's Park, were fine specimens of high culture, and deserving of all praise. So that with all the disadvantages attendant on gardening in London, the fruit grower at least can hold his own against the more favoured provincial cultivator. John Carvilc, F.R.H.S. HOME-GROWN AND AMERICAN FRUIT. — In " A. D.'s " remarks on the above subject in a recent issue there is a great deal of truth, and growers should remember and put his suggestions into prac- tice. The colour and clearness of skin in fruit, always appeal to the ordinary purchasers, who some- times buy when they have no need to do so. One large fruit-grower, an acquaintance of mine, says there is more in the colour and appearance of the fruit to recommend it than in flavour, the latter being sought for by the few, but the people in general regard most the colour and price. It is not very enticing when the would-be buyer sees a mixed lot of Apples or Pears, some large, some small, some ripe, others half- ripe, or may be rotten, tumbled anyhow into a basket. It is true we still have something to learn from the foreigner in gathering, grading, packing and marketing fruit ; and I believe that much can be made by sell- ing good fruit well packed. S. 11. WOOD-ASHES are used here fir many purposes in garden and field, and are I consider, good fertilisers. We use a good deal of wood as fuel in one place every day, the fire being on an open hearth, and long and largo pieces of wood are burned, the fire-place being G feet wide, a circumstance that saves much labour in sawing. At this season of the year we employ a small quantity of coal (as sometimes the wood is green), uuless we have bacon up the chimney to dry, wood is then chiefly used, but it is no detriment to the bacon to use a little coal. We put pieces of wood 5 to 6 feet long, and 6 inches diameter, on the fire, so there is much saving of labour, time, and of waste, compared with what wood prepared for a grate woul I require. It may cause perhaps some doubts in 1 lie minds of some as to the size of the fire-place, but being built some hundreds of years ago, when wool was the ouly fuel used, it was very convenient to feed the fire with long pieces. J. C. Blewbury. LATE CHRYSANTHEMUMS.— The fullowiug late- flowering Chrysanthemums amongst many others may be depended upon to give satisfactory blooms about Christmas time and the New Year: — Golden Gem, J. S. Dibbens, L. Isere, W. W\ Coles, Lady E. Sanders, Peter the Great, Ethel, Lord Brooke, Geo. Daniels, Marie Hoste, Duke of York, Cecil Wray, W. H. Lincoln, Julie Lagravere, President Borel, Madame Carnot, Silver Cloud, Mr. W. G. Whittle, G. C. Schwabe, Primrose League, H. Neve, Miss M. A. Haggas, Mr. W. W. Clarke, Fair Maid of Guern- sey, Inter-ocean, Grandiflorum, Princess Victoria, A. 0. Adam*, and the single variety, Mrs. Langtry. The above varieties were very good here on Janu- ary 1, and some had been used for Christmas and church decorations ; Peter the Great, Ethel, and Julie Lagravere are excellent. B. Wadds, BirdsaU. [Accom- panying this communication there came a box of blooms representing a number of the above varie- ties. At such a season their usefulness is beyond doubt. Ed.] HOW TO CLEAN LAND OF COUCH GRASS.— The best, cheapest, and quickest method to get rid of this noisome weed is to steam cultivate the land when dry, doing it both ways at about 5 inches deep, or more if this be required ; and then well drag it first with coarse drags, and gather up into heaps and burn, aud then harrow again with finer tined harrows, and afterwards harrow it as often as possible, and con- tinue to burn all that can be collected. After you have got it clean, give a guinea per pound for what remains. I planted Barley in May after cleaning the land, as much as time would permit as it was getting late, and I had a good crop after, only ploughing, dragging, and harrowing the same. The piece was divided into two parts for experimental purposes, and this was laid after being cultivated in June, and in the manner stated above, it being full of what the carse produces, viz , Charlock, &c. This was mown and got off the land before seeding, and used as litter, burnt and in other ways destroyed. The land was then ploughed and planted with Wheat, and this pronounced by agriculturists to be the best piece of Wheat in the neighbourhood ; and being close to the Queen's highway it was open for inspection and criticism, as this is the age for that. This piece of land was full of Couch-grass, just like a hayfield after being dragged. I am sorry to say that I was insane enough to take to several acres of land adjoining my own, and its condition was similar to that piece, and worse than I thought; but I have mastered it, and trust to have a good field when I thrash out the crop. My own land gets the pest from the adjoining field, but by giving one guinea pet- pound for it you can cure it. The question is asked, does land deteriorate ? my answer is, Yes, by star ra- tion and poor culture ; and No, if fed off aud kept clean. My own land has been planted with corn ever since I cau remember, viz., Wheat, Barley, and Beans the same every third year, and I never heard my father say anything different, never followed or planted with roots, and only treated as above. I am in my 66th year, and my father was aged 78. J. C, Blewhuri/. THE WEATHER IN SCOTLAND.— In the north the autumu was one of the most sunless I ever remember. Although the weather was comparatively mild, fruit trees were long in casting their leaves ; but fruit- buds appear to be abundant. Mild weather at that season is not favourable to the ripening of the wood, or conducive to fruit-bearing the following year. Our thermometer indicated 52° on New Year'a-eve. M. Temple, Can-on, Stirlingshire. Society. THE POTATO TERCENTENARY. (Continued from p, 13.) 'I'm- Raising op New Varieties.— Mr. Arthur Sutton, in speaking on tins subject, said ;— In attempting to effect an improvement in the cultivated funis .if the Pot. (to. it is fortunate that Hie old rule "like produces like" does not in this case hold good. Had the development of the Potato been restricted by such a limita- tion, it is probable that our present supply would resemble in character that of which Gerarde wrote three centuries ago. I need soareely remind you that. Potatos are more en- largements of underground stems, shott-med and thickened, in which starch is stored up in smaller or larger proportion, according to the characteristics of the several varieties. Like other underground stems, the tubers possess buds or eyes, from which, by fresb shoots, the plant is cipable of redevelopment. It will therefore be obvious that improve- ment by selection of the tubers is impracticable. Anyone can demonstrate this by planting a tuber which from any ciuuse may be misshapen. The produce will revert to the uniform type of the variety to which it belongs. The only modification of this rule 1 am acquainted with is in the cases where all the tubers oF one plant show a uniform divergence in character, either for better or worse, accompanied in the foliage by a corresponding divergence from the type. When this is so it is possible that, by planting these tubers and continuously selecting the plants during growth, a slightly different Potato might result, as in the case of some types of the Ashleaf section, which are dwarfer and more compact than others, and vice versa. Outside the Ashleaf class, bow- ever, I know of no such instances. A really first-class seedling Potato is not liable to degenerate so quickly as is generally supposed. If degeneration sets in soon after its introduction, it merely proves that the variety is one which ought never to have been brought to public notice. January 9, 1897. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 29 Potato Di3EASE.— At the present time the Potato fungus is f. ni -lit by two methods, differing fundamentally in principle. By the system originated in Franco an effort has for some years been made to fortify the plant against the attacks of the Phytophthora, or Peronospora. The crop while growing is either sprayed with the liquid Bordeaux Mixture known as B millie Bordelaise, or the plants are dusted with a powder consisting of similar chemical constituents. In th; elaborate series f.f experiments conducted in conjunction with Professor Gilchrist, of the University Extension Col- le e, Reading, in 1895, we found that in the first and second i irly \ Lrieties no advanf tge was gained by spraying. These i*]m|.s finished their growth before disease con Id attack the pi nit'., ind the dressing did not appreciably lengthen the period of growth ; in fact, there was an actual loss on the sprayed plots. During the past season— 1S9G— these experi- ments were continued, witli the result that in thocaseofa late main crop Potato there was a gain of 6 cwt. 3qr. 4 lb, per acre ; but exactly the same spraying applied to the White Elephant Potato gave a loss of 12 cwt. 2 qr. It is, therefore, a question whether in the majority of cases there would be sufficient additional weight per acre to compensate the grower for the somewhat laborious task of spraying his crop three times during the growing period. I must, how- ever, point out that the soil of the experimental grounds is very light and porous, and that the climate is dry ; and I consider these facts account for the different results ob- tained where spraying has been carried out on heavier soils under moistcr climates. The other system is attempting to render the Potato crop less liable to diseise by raising and distributing seedlings having a robust constitution, capable of resisting the attacks of the fungus. In this system I hive for years taken a deep interest and it occurred to me that it might be possible to succeed in popularising this branch of experimental work, especially if aided by photographs illustrating various stages in the history of the experiment! I have conducted. To hose a few examples of related species are added. Those who attempt to raise seedling Potatos must possess abundant patience. Like many other species which are not habitually multiplied by seed, the Potato has a remarkable teudency to revert to the wild form. It may be necessary to cultivate 100 — or, perhaps, 1000— seedlings before finding one which is re illy worthy of a place amongst the better varieties already existing. M. de Vn.uoRiNsays th.at in France the raising of seed Potatos has been proceeded with in a somewhit haphazard manner, while we have followed a more systematic method, seeking, especially, richness in starch, excellence of flavour, power of resisting disease, with little tendency to develop haulm. Unfortu- nately, he says, they are not always able to profit in France by our progress, because the French have a marked preference for Potatos with yellow flesh ; whereas with us for many years past there has been a preference for white- fleshed Potatos. Hence, even the celebrated Magnum Bonum, which my house had the honour of introducing in IS76, after a brief period of popularity in the Paris markets, h is been almost abandoned as a table variety, on account of 1 be Mesh being too pale in colour. M. dc Vilmorin remarks that in Germany considerable attention has been given' to the raising of seed Potatos, more particularly with the object of uht. ruing varieties which are specially adapted for the pro- duction of alcohol and starch. Pot i,\ts the subject nf a lecture by Professor Malde He Wherever the Potato is grown, there are several conditions wliich hold good (1) A warm, dry, well drained soil, in a healthy state of fertility; (2) liberal manuring; (3) sound s :cd ; (4) a change in the stock of seed ; (5) varieties which p.,sess disease resisting properties; (>'•) varieties which are suitable for the market ; (7) deep and thorough cultivation ; (3) a good seed bed ; (9) a system which admits of proper moulding. There is, undoubtedly, groat waste in attempting to grow them on a large scale on land not suitable for them. It' necessity drives, and Potatos must be grown, the uu- f ivourable soil should be rendered, sj far as p issible, similar 1 1 the deep but friable soils on which they prosper. This, o c mrse, must be effected chiefly through cultivation ; but cultivation can do little if drainage is required. There can be nodoubtai to the advantigc of deep cultivation. The roots of Potatos like to penetrate deeply. During th^ past two yoars my ownobiervations ha.') lei mo to think that a very large portion of the moisture which is taken up by the plants i-t obtained by the deep roots, although the surface roots are, to a great extent, the feeders. We have hai two opportunities of wa'ching the effect of drought on our hot gravel soils, the under moisture for which is obtained from shattow springs, and theio springs have completely failed. On both OCOasions fiirly heavy rains have not hid so groat an effjet on the parched crops as might have b^en expected; but when the r tins have been heavy enough to go to the roots, there has been a rapid growth. I am speaking of instances whero, thr mgh prolo lged drought, growth had not only stopped, but the plants were withering. The greater tho depth of cultivation, the more moisture there will be about the roots in a dry time, and tho easier will excessive moisture 1 >o drained from the tubers; while, of irae, the roots range more easily for food as well as moisture. The Potato is a gross feeder, and requires a considerable amount of nitrogen to make full growth. If, however, ni- trogen is largely excessive and mineral manures are distinctly deficient, the very heavy haulm and small tuheration on some of the bog land is produced, Good quality ia obtain- able 'inly when there is sufficient lime, potash, and phos- phoric acid available. Farm-yard manure is a good dressing for most soils ; while, on good fen lands, large quantities of superphosphate of lime— even as much as half a ton per statute acre — are employed very satisfactorily. The subject of manuring is, however, one which would occupy a whole paper, so it is useless to attempt it here. The Potatos which it is advisable to grow are those which sell readily. Ditriag the past few months it has been re- peatedly pointed out to Englishmen how foolish they are to adhere to their prejudices and not to adapt their export manu- factures to suit the taste of those to whom they hope to sell. When a people have become accustomed to a particular type it takes a long time to wean them from it. The foreigner does not attempt it ; he simply supplies what they want. The Englishman tries to force his own ideas down their throats, and they will not have them. Is there not somethiog of a similar nature with regard to the Irish Potato grower? The Irish people have acquired the taste for what is regarded in England as a coarse-flavoured Potato. An E glishman wants his Potato as mild as his butter. The Englishman is probably a bad j udge ; but at the same time he is going to buy what he fancies, and the consequence is he will only have what is mild. He also wants a white-fleshed Potato, while the more popular Irish Potatos are yellow fleshed. In this the Irishman is like the Frenchman, for in France the white Potato is more or less despised. It, there- fore, is probable that the Irishnnu is right, and where he gr >ws for his own consumption he is very foolish not to grow what he likes. If he is satisfied with growing merely for his own con- sumption, and something over for the pig and chickens, the matter might rest here; but when I was in Ireland I felt strongly that there was to be a great advance in Irish farm- ing in the near future. Straws show which way the wind blows, an i 1 saw many straws which made me come to the conclusion that more skill and energy were going to ho put into Irish farming. This must mean more production. If more is produced it must be exported, and the great import- ing country lies alongside of it, and there is nowhere else where the produce can be better placed than in England. To do this the Irish farmer must cater for the special market, and those he grows for this purpose must not necess irily be what he most approves of, but which are most approved of by the customer he hopes to obtain. He must, in fact, learn what is popular in England, and lay himself out to pro- duce it. I found when in Ireland that an idea prevailel that the English do not like a mealy or floury Potato. This is a mistake. The highest prices cannot be obtained unless the Pobato cooks dry. Those deep-eyed Potatos so popular in Ireland are not appreciated in Englaid, where far greater variety in the methods of cooking, in many instances neces- sitating the peeling of the Potatos, is practised. It maybe right to couk them in their skins, but Englishmen are not prepared to limit themselves to one or two ways of cooking, and they will not buy a waiting Potato. The Englishman dare not buy them because his wife says he is not to, and if the wife lets them pass, the cook who has to prepare them will not. The modern domestic would rather cut the whole top off them than pick each eye out separately. Whilst Irish growers have been sticking to their prejudices they have lost one market, which from the favourable nature of the climate they >>nght to have commanded. I allude to the early new Potato trade which has been seized by Jersey, the Canaries, Malta, Egypt, and other countries having a mild climate : had Ireland grasped the situation it is probable th it some of these countries would not have been competitors at all. Such varieties as Myatt's Ashleaf, Sharpe's Victor, Cole's Favourite, The Puritan, Markot Favourite, Supremo, Triumph, and Windsor Castle- are necessarry if this trade is to be obtained. It will hj necessary as a rule to grow these near to shipping places, as the high rates and inconveniences of the Irish railway systems are to an extent prohibitive. If a good business is establi bed, means fi »r collecting and transporting would doubtless be organised. It is with all classes of Po- tatos necessary to market them in good condition, but it is more particularly so w.th carlies. They must be well selected and properly packed. The greater portion of the export trade must naturally be in late varieties. Whether Ireland sticks to the Champion for its own consumption is a matter for the Irish to decide ; it is, however, useless for export to meet the better and therefore more paying markets in Eng- land. If Irish Potato culture is to bo improved with the idea of successfully competing in England, the Champion and similar coarse varieties must be left out. The Beauty of Bute is a degree hotter th ra the) hampion, but in accordance with English ideas it is second-rate. I was somewhat disappointed with it In trial with about twenty ..ther kinds, as it was tho earliest to disease this year. Except for this it appeared likely to yield well. Coarse Kidneys will not obtain good prices. The Kemp, which does well for the Irish early trade, is not well suited for export ; far better Potatos arc obtain- able at the time these are ready ti come in. The past two hot, dry seasons havo been distinctly favour- able for the growth of the Champion, and have done much to maintain, if not increase, its popularity. Its success during the dry seasons which hive prevailed of late is in itself asource of dinger. It must bee jdisc ised to a serious extent when wet summers prevail again. < li mates do nol change materi- ally. The sense of Security which the past few years have produced should not lull the grower Intoastatoof dormant carelessness— there will be a sharp awakening if be permits it. The Champion is not a sate anchor to trust to. In its early vigour it practically savod Ireland; in its deteriorated state it is no longer safo, and disease must overt dec ii on the first occasion when a season favourable for the devoloptnc.it of disease comes. WhiM II Is so popular for culinary purposes, and in dry seasons crops satisfactorily, I do not advise its absolute elimination, but I regard it as being a careless and wilful act on the part of growers to place practically their existence on ths growth of one variety of Potato, when by almost common assent that variety has become enfeeble! and no longer reliable. There are three ways in which the grower cm help himself— by good cultiva- tion, a selection of varieties which possess the b?st power of resisting disease and such as command good prices, and by spraying. If be can be got to see the folly of trusting almost entirely to one variety— good as that variety proved itself in the past — I feel sure he will conduct his Potato growing on similar business lines. Kidney-shaped Potatos are not popular in Ireland ; though why they should not be so in dry seasons I do not quite understand. I am aware of the great tendency all but the newest introductions have to produce second growth, and therefore inferior qudity, when from any cause thiy receive a check in their growth. We have largely given up growing late kidneys beciuse of this tendency to second growth, as our farms are in a particularly dry climate, and the soil is largely a hot, burning gravel, so that in hot seasons they are liable to rec-ive a check. But in ordinary years this docs not hold good in Ireland. I should therefore recommend those late kidneys which have been sufficiently long before the public to have proved themselves, but not long enough to have become afflicted with the weaknesses in- cidental to old age. Although scarcely a kidney, there is probably nothing better than the Up-to-Date, which in its short career has rapidly attained extraordinary notoriety, and alongside of it I would put ths Farmers' Glory, whose weakness is its strength ; for if it has a marked failing, it is its robustness, which, after all, is generally a virtue in a new variety. Among the rounds I regard the Wonder as being the best wet season variety, for it appears to revel in wet, and one piece on a farm near Holbeach, where a large quantity of wet fell when showers were few in most places, yielded seventeen tons per statute acre. Among many varieties, over thirty, which we grew this year it was the last to be affected by disease in the wet period of the latter part of August and all September. On the 25th September, when other varieties were blackened, we had pieces still practically free from disease. I regard it as highly important to grow a selection of varieties embracing those which flourish best in dry seasons, and others which grow best in wet years, as then excessive losses may be avoided to a great extent. In these days of spraying it is advisable not to grow varieties which produce such tall haulm that the sprayer cannot he worked into them. A change ot seed is always advantageous, though, when it is taken from a climate differing widely from that to which it is transported, it may give a disappointing result in the first season, and, in fact, may seem to lose some of its more marked characteristics ; but after acclimatising for one season it attains its normal condition. This is noticeable not only in the Potato, but in crops such as Barley, Wheat, mothod— things of chanco, in which there was uelthov honour nor credit , and to be plain, it appeared to mo a blol on our inb I ligenee that sueh should be-that a plant of such value to the human raco should bo so ill understood and rationally cared for that its continued successful cultiva- tion could be at any time a matter in which there was „ d0Ubt. However. SUCl) ClianOQ seedlings ils the Yutoria. the Champion, and the Magnum Bonum (if my information in regard to th.- lattet i trletj d correct) showed to mo thoro was a power within tin' plant, II properly underst I and developed, that WOUl I plaee Cm- Pol tt.. in a pm, tieally reliable position as one of thi n ito ! i i producing planta known. in ih> nsidoratlonof this Important matter it dawned upon 30 THE GA R DENE It S9 CUB ONI CL E. [January 9, 189?. my mind that it might be worth while, So far as my ingenuity could carry me, to adopt some of the methods of the most famous breeders to 18 inches high. It is one of the best of our seaside Conifers, and from its usefulness as a timber-tree-, where it does well, it is invaluable. The Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga Douglasii) must always command attention. Unlike the Scots Fir, it has a starved-looking appearauce in youth, improving with age for general ornamental appearance, and its rank as a timber tree must depend upon the locality where it is grown. As an ornamental Conifer in uplands, where it is partly sheltered, it has no equal. It appears that the Colorado seedlings are tho hardiest and best, beating our native seeds in that direction, as the latter seedlings have a tendency to grow on longer, and catch the e*rly autumnal frosts ; this is a point, of considerable importance. 1 saw samples uf them both here and also at Little it Bal- laiityno's, Carlisle, and noted that the Colorado seed- lings were better matured as regards this season's growth. The Spruce Firs are here in pretty plantations, and seem to stand the shade of deciduous trees of same size better than any similar Conifer. It is beautiful to look at, and comes in as one of the principal plan- tation trees. The Silver Fir does not appear to do so well in this locality, there is a dispositioa to get siekly-looluug, although it is much iu demand ; and where it does weil, as about the Duke of Argyll's estate at Rosen eath, where the two largest trees exist in this country, years ago described by the writer in the Gardeners Chronicle, nothing could be more stately, and the beautiful silver sheen of the branched makes it a most desirable plantation tree. The Crimean Silver Fir (Abies Nordrnanniana)i* ii good breadths, and one of our most sj mmetiical Cou.- fers up to the time it steers clear of the " lou.-e," then its needles get discoloured and fall off, rendering it very unsightly. Iu a young state it is most desirable, although it will never take the position claimed for it a quarter of a century ago by some foresters as the future Silver Fir of commerce. Piuus austriica is always in demand, and does fully as well as any of its tribe in or about town, country, or seaside. It will always take rank as a tine screen tree, rapidly getting up ; however, gettinguglier and less useful the older it grows. There are quan- tities of it in this nursery. Amongst the lesser fry of Conifers that arc largely grown here, and seem to find a ready sale, areCupressus Lawsoui in variety, the golden form is particularly striking. Nothing seems to be more cultivated than Retinospora plumosa aurea, which seems to do well everywhere, and then Retinospora squarrosa is about the best smoke-standing plant we have in the whole race. Among deciduous trees, wo noted the Horse- Chestnut, which does splendidly, from small trees up to those 12 feet high ; but, singularly enough, neither the scarlet nor the yellow will do, getting diseased in the bark, stunted, and unfit for commerce. A large business seenis to be done in the common Alder, a good tree for wet land3, and grown in quantities here from 2-year seedling up to 4 feet. The common Ash is growing in importance for estate work, and when in large size it is invaluable for avenues about towns, withstanding smoke, and chemical vapours generally, better than any other tree. It grows well, too, on a clay subsoil, and the firm say that they never can get overstocked with it. Hornbeam we were glad to see quantities of, as it is so useful as a hard-wood tree, not beaten in this respect for endur- auce, and is highly ornamental when planted for park decoration. Beech is a plant that seems to be bought everywhere, both for hedgerow and for forest- purposes. Thorns or Quicks like good treatment, and seem to piy the better they are seen to. This hedgerow p'aut is always iu demand, and no nursery for the list few years has hul an overstock of it ; con- sequently its value is well sustained even iu these hard agricultural times. Birch is in great quantity, and in numerous variety, the weeping form of it is very noticeable, and the lots of 3 to 4 feet of the silver form covering a considerable area. The English Oak revels in these quarters, and there are many rows of Turkey Oak and a good sprinkling of the American varieties. The Myrobalan Plum, used as hedging, is grown in quantity, and the Service-tree and the Rowau, so useful iu mixed plantations, pass before the eyo. Limes are in quantity, from 2 to 3 up to 10 feet high and more, and are so much J n demand for small places that the stock is readily taken up outside of the trade. One of the most striking subjects for autumn and winter decoration is the Goldendeaved Willow. It is a grand distance object, and in the lines which wo saw of it illumine the grounds with a brilliancy without a rival. It is a straight stiff grower, and is in every way suited for the margins of lakes near running water, and among underwood. There is a large stock of fruit tree-, particularly Apple, worked both on the free and Paradise etoclc, presenting a good appearance, quite free from American blight. The stock of Gooseberries is con- siderable, and the other smaller fruits are well represented. There are many other plants — Rhododendrons and Roses, for instance — which we must pass over alto- gether. The place is in first-rate order, the whole of the subjects being properly bandied, and kept clear of noxious weeds. Ihere is no waste of space in tho shape of unnecessary roads and walks, and the grounds generally, covering over 70 acres, are free and open, few, if any, protective hedges being planted, and the neck of forest trees fully exposed to the four winds. J. A. VARIATION IN FERNS. The following extracts are taken from a paper read before the British Pteridological Society by Dr. Stansfield, on " Weismann's Theory of Heredity and its relations to British Ferns." We have eliminated much of the purely speculative part of the paper, aud confined the matter as closely as possible to ascertained facts and inferences from them. " Herbert Spencer defines heredity as the capacity of every plant and animal to produce other individuals of a like kind. We are so accustomed to this phenomenon of heredity that the superficial, who always form the vast majority of mankind, look upon it as a matter of course, and as a thing not requiring to bo explained, The more thoughtful, on the other hand, have for long looked upon it as an inscrutable mystery— a thing not to be explained by human January 9, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 31 intelligence. Of late years, however, various attempts have been made to penetrate someway into the mystery, and of these, one of the most important is that of the German Professor, Weismann. Heredity. To put the problem in a concrete and familiar form, we want to know how it is that Ferns always produce Ferns ; mice always reproduce mice, and men and women have human children. How it is that seedlings from a Scolopendrium are always Scolopendriums ; that in a pure bred herd of Alderney cattle we never get a Kerry calf ; that from a pure flock of, say, Black Spanish poultry, we never get a Cochin-China chicken. Again, we want to know why Alderney calves are not all alike, but on the contrary, are all differeut ; why there are so many different seedlings in a sowing of A. f.-f. sctige- I'uiii, and so few variations in a sowing of L. ps.-mas crispa gracilis ; why the same pair of human parents will have one child with red hair and another with black. Further, we want to know why children (animal and vegetable) occasionally bear a much closer resemblance to one or other of their grand- parents, or even to some more remote ancestor, than they do to their immediate parents. All these questions and many others Weismann tackles and answers more or less successfully. Those who care to go into the matter more fully, will find what they want in Weismann's book The Germ- 2>lasm, which has been translated into English, and published in the contemporary science series by Walter Scott. Of course the best-known method of reproduction of organisms is sexual reproduction — that is, by the union of two germs ; but there are asexual modes of reproduction, buds, bulbils, and cuttings. Of similar asexual forms in the animal kingdom, I may mention the parthenogenetic production of drone eggs by the queen bee, and the viviparous reproduction of aphides, or green-fly, by the imperfi ct insect, both of which are quite independent of any process of fertilisation. To begin, however, with the more familiar process of sexual generation, we know that the whole of the characters of the plant or animal must in some way be capable of being packed up within the extremely minute compa;s of a sperm-cell and a germ-cell, and since a spore is capable of producing both sperm-cells and germ-cells, the whole of the complex characters of a Fern, say Athyrium f.-f. clarissima or Lastrea montana Barnesii, must somehow be contained within the narrow compass of a spore. The ultimate male and female elements are of course the ovum, or egg-cell, and the antherozoid. or sperm-cell. Of these, the egg-cell is very much the larger, but we do not therefore find that the off- spring as a rule resemble the female parent much more than che male. On the other hand, tho characters of the two parents are generally fairly equally balanced, and when they are unequal, those of the male are just about as likely to preponderate as those of the female. The inference must be either that the hereditary substance is weaker in the large sgg-cell than in the very small sperm-cell, or that only a small part of the egg-cell consists of hereditary substance, the rest being merely nutritive material. There is abundant evidence that the latter is the case. When the sperm-cell or antherozoid penetrates the egg-cell, it takes no notice of the great body of the latter, but plunges through it and makes straight for the nucleus with which it blends itself. We shall see by-and- by that there is reason to suppose— not that the hereditary substance is the nucleus or the cell, but that the nucleus contains the hereditary substance. The Division of the Nuclei. The growth of plauts and animals consists in the division and sub division of cells. Within a com- paratively few years, it has been observed that when- ever a cell divides into two, a very complicated process is gone through. Somewhere in the interior of the cell, and generally about the middle, can be seen by the microscope a small round spot, generally of a slightly darker colour than the rest of the cell— this is the nucleus. When the nucleus is stained and examined with the highest magnifying powers, it is found to be an extremely com- plex body ; it is separated off from the rest of the cell by an extremely delicate membrane or wall, which, however, under certain circumstances, sometimes dis- appears. It is permeated by an extremely fine and complicated network of threads. When a cell is about to divide, some curious ohanges take plaoe in the nucleus, and particularly iu the network of threads which I have mentioned. The threads cease to be a network, and assume the form of a single coiled fibre ; next, this breaks up into a number of detached pieces, which then arrange themselves in the form of a series of loops around the equator of the cell. Each of these loops then split along its whole length, as if a piece of untwisted rope had its strands separated into two thinner ropes, and the split portions are drawn gradually towards the two ends of the cell, where they join themselves together into two bundles, are followed by the rest of the nuclear substance, and form two separate nuclei. While this process has been going on, the protoplasm of the cell has been tending to collect itself around the two daughter nuclei, and by the time the nucleus has fully divided, the rest of the protoplasm is ready to follow its example, and to divide into two parts. This complicated process takes place whenever a cell divides ; that is to say, it is taking place in millions of cells iu almost every growing plant. To it the name of "mitosis" has been given by biologists, and it is highly suggestive of the extreme im- portance of the nuclear threads of which I have spoken, and to which the name of "chro- mosomes" has been given, because they have the property, in a pronounced degree, of absorbing colouring-matter, which may be brought in contact with the cell to which they belong. Now an egg- cell is developed from the ovary in the same way that other cells are developed. When, however, an egg-cell is fully developed or ripe, its nucleus divides into two parts ; but, instead of the whole cell dividing, one of the halves of the nucleus is simply thrust outside the cell, and there perishes. The part thrown out is called a "polar body." The nuclear loops, however, in this case are not split, but simply one half of their number are removed in their entirety. From that moment no further develop- ment takes place in the egg-cell until fertilisation has occurred, and that process consists in the replace- ment of the lost half of the nucleus by another half nucleus, containing a similar series of rods or loops, from a sperm-cell. All this, of course, is a matter of observation and fact, and not of theory. Variations in Ferxs. If we come to examine Fern varieties in detail, we shall find that nearly all of them are cases either of excess or of deficiency of development in some part or parts of the plant. According to Weismann, these correspond to local inequalities in the nutrition of the germ-plasm iu the parent Fern. One thing you will all have noticed, viz. ; that you may sow spores of a perfectly normal Fern generation after generation without getting aDy appreciable variation in the seed- lings. But if you once get a break — once get a varia- tion, however small, from the normal type — and sow from that, you immediately get a number of fresh varia- tions. Take Mr. Barnes' crested dilatatas aud mon- tauas, for example. Mr. Barnes first of all found a natural break differing comparatively little from the type -what we should call an ordinary variety. Sowing this, the result was a number of varieties much superior to (i.e., more abnormal than) the parent ; doubtless along with them were a large number inferior to the parent, and probably some quite normal ones. Mr. Barnes, however, like the wise man he was, threw the bad ones away and kept only the good ones. In this way almost any slight natural variation, by repeated sowings and selections, may bo developed to almost any extent compatible with life. This is explained by tho first variation affecting a few only of tho " ids " [elementary particles] of the germ-plasm. Let us suppose for the sake of con- venience that there were twenty ids in the germ-plasm, and that, say three of them, were so modified as to pro- duce cresting. Then, at the next generation we get a reducing division. It might happen that the crested ids, as I may call them, might be thrown out in the polar bodies, in which case we should get a return to the normal form. On the other hand, it might happen that ten normal ids of the egg-cell might be thrown out, leaving seven normal and three crested. If this egg-cell should happen to be fertilised by a sperm- cell which had similarly thrown out all normal ids, we should get a new germ-plasm, containing fourteen normal ids and six orested ones, in which the crested character would be intensified in the next generation. I may give you an ocular illustration of this by sup- posing the " ids " to be represented by ooloured discs. Reversion. Let us now glance for a moment at the phenomenon of reversion or atavism. An organism will sometimes exhibit characters and peculiarities which cannot be detected in either of its parents, but which belonged to one or other of its grand-parents, or even to some ancestor many generations back. The explanation of this in Weismann's theory is very simple. I have already explained that the germ-plasm of an individual contains " ids," derived from a long line of ancestors. Every variety of recent origin probably contains some normal " ids " of the species to which it belongs. Mr. Druery can tell us that in raising youug plants of A. f.-f. clarissima, some of the offspring tend to run back to the normal form of A. filix- fcemina. The reason for this is that by a reducing division the germ-cells have got rid of some of the clarissima ids, and so the normal ids have obtained a majority and gained the upper hand. There are probably, however, some clarissima ids still contained in the germ-plasm of these degenerate forms, but these form only a small minority, and are consequently unable to produce much impression upon the character of the plant. If, however, we sow again from these renegades we get a fresh series of reducing divisions, and in some of these it may happen that the clarissima ids gain the upper hand, aud so we again get a few clarissima seedlings from the degenerated parents, although the bulk of the offspring are pro- bably normal Athyrium filix-fcemina. Let as take as another example Polypodium v. cornubiense, which produces normal fronds among tho dissected ones. In this Fern the abnormal ids have presumably only a very small working majority, and eo the government is apt, as it were, to be caught napping, and to be occasionally outvoted. Sometimes this defeat is so humiliating that the government resigns and the opposition takes office, that is to say, the Fern reverts entirely to the normal form. It is probable, however, that if we sowed spores from these reverted plants we should get fresh reducing divisions and recombinations, in some of which the advanced party would again gain the majority and again take on the reins of government. I am not aware that this has been done in this particular case, because Fern- growers as a rule prefer to sow from their best plants and not from their worst. From the biological point of view, and for scientific reasons, however, it would be well worth while to occasionally sow from reverted forms aud reoord the results. There is a prevailing impression among Fern- growers that if wo sow spores from characteristic parts of a plant, we are more likely to got improved forms than if we sow from parts which bear the particular character in a less degree, or not at all. It is a common practice, for instance, to take the spores from crested tips of fronds and pinnm, in the hope of getting improved crested forms in the off- spring, I maj Bay at once that this idea and practice does not fit iu at all with Weismann's theory. According to Weismann the germ-plasm is the same in all parts of the plant, and we an- therefore just as likely to gel true seedlings of A f.-f Kalothrii by sowing from tho wor.-t fronds rs by Bowing from the best. This point i-an only lie determined by a largo number of impartial experiments, instituted far tho express purpose of finding out tho truth, and not for the purpose of either raising a Stock of good Ferns, or of confirming our preconceived notions. For my own 32 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 9, 1897. part I have never satisfied myself that there was any- thing to be gained by sowing from particular parts of a frond, and I am certain that it is quite possible to obtain characteristic seedlings of a variety by sowing from parts of the frond which do not bear the particular character in question.'1 Florists' Flowers. WHEN TO PROPAGATE THE CHRYSANTHEMUM. To those of your readers conversant with the columns of the Gardeners Chronicle twenty years ago, this will be reviving an old subject, but even to them, and to our youuger brethren of the spade, I hope it may be interesting; for as good wine requires no bush, neither does such a suitable subject require any commendation. To recall the past twenty years, and compare the varieties then in cultivation with those of the present day, we find none of the Japanese of 1876 now existing ; while, on the other hand, those ot the incurved section are, to a very great extent, still popular. But the improvements made in the Japanese section are simply marvellou3, indeed, so much so that Mr. Norman Davis (who is a great authority on the Chrysanthemum), remarked to me a little while ago, "I think we have gone almost as far as we can get in improving them, and they will soon be on the wane.'' Well, this is quite reasonable. Have not many other species of plant* had their day, and then made room for something more popular .' It has occurred to me that we may do a good deal to preserve the populaiity of this, the queen of autumn flowers, aud as it i* not the first time I have made suggestions which have afterwards been taken up with good results, I hope that my present proposals may be taken up with equal zes1-, and meet with as good results. It will be remembered that when this subject appeared in the pages of the Gardeners' Chronicle twenty years ago, it arose from a few seasonable remarks from the able pen of that excellent cultivator, the late Thomas B lines, December 8, 1S77, on p. 719, where lie a Ivocatcs early propagation, and gives very pithy reasons for doing so. The subject was afterwards taken up by the late Mr. Hinds, who condemned early propagation, and gave reasons why it should be deferred to the end of January or early February (see Gard. Chron., December 22, 1S77, p. 779). This latter letter was criticised by the pen of the present writer (January 26, 1878, p. 107), aud in doing so 1 made the following proposal: — "Perhaps it would be desirable to raise a subscription for the purchasing of a huge Challenge-cup or trophy, to be competed for annually at a meeting in connection with the Koyal Horticultural Society, the victor having the custody of the cup from one annual meeting to the other, in the same way as some of the Challenge-cups iini trophies are contested for at the National Kino Association's meetings, and in addition to the cup a money prize may be awarded, the amouut of which may be determined by the society. It would be a good plan to offer such a prize for twelve blooms iu each section. This arrangement would admit growers of all classes, and would undoubtedly t-timuhte Chrysanthemum growers to the utmost extert, a->.d prove a very considerable advantage to the society, a* it would create considerable interest, and raise *}he Chrysanthemum a step beyond its infant days." At the time I wrote this there was no Challenge-cup in existence for Chrysanthemums, neither did the It >yal Horticultural Society take the subject up. The King- ston Society, which was the first to adopt a Challenge- cup, had just held their first show on Nov. 21 and 22 (see Gardeners' Chronicle, p. 663, November 24, 1877); and on November 27, 1879, their first Ch .1- lenge-cup was competed for, and from then until now that society can truly boast of a grand run of success, and the society has been supported by growers who stand unrivalled in the Chrysanthemum world. It is also interesting to note that at that time the amalgamation of those societies which were the parents of, and are uow known as, that influential body, " The National Chrysanthemum Society," had not taken place, as it was not until Maroh 1, 1S83, that Mr. Cannell pro- posed the adopted name of this Society, and which came into operation January, 1884. That the adop- tion of Challenge-cups at Kingston had a remarkable effect in stimulating Chrysanthemum cultivation is certainly beyond dispute, for proof of which I may instance the numerous societies which have sprung into existence, and which have in most cases estab- lished their challenge competitions with cup3, &c. We also have some of the best cultivators in the Kingston competitions, and in looking up the reports of the shows held there, I find the following winners, viz. :— 1879, Mr. Harding, Putney; 1S80, Mr. Tuu- uington, Liverpool; 1881, Mr. Faulkner, Liverpool ; in 1SS2, the competition was limited to the3e three winners, but unfortunately Mr. Faulkner died a few days before the competition came off, but his blooms were staged, and Mr. Harding won the first cup for the last time, at the same time that the second cup was being competed for and won by Mr. E. Molyueux, Swanmore Park, Bishops Waltham ; in 1883, Mr. Molyneux winning again, and taking the second cup. In 188 4, Mr. Molyneux was again to the fore ; and iu 1885 he repeated his victory, and finally won the third cup. Iu 1886, Mr. Gibson. of Morden, came to the front and won ; and in 1887 he repeated hU victory, aud finally won the fourth cup. In 18 iS, Mr. Coombs, of Teddington, won ; and in 1889 he repeated his victory, and finally won the fifth cup. In 1890, Mr. Beckett, of Surbiton, wou ; in 1891, Mr. Carpenter, YVeybridge, won ; in 1892, Mr. Mease, of I.eatherhead, won ; and in 1893 the competition was restricted to these three wiuners, and the cup was finally won by Mr. Mease ; and the first competition for the sixth cup was taking place, it bein; won by Mr. Neville, of fwyfi.rd, Hants. In the year 1894 Mr. Higgs, of Leatherbei 1, came to the front a winner, repeating his victory t'le fjllowiug year, winning the sixth cup. In the year now passd 1 away, Mr. Huut, of Leatherheal, won for the first time. This is a maguificent record of whit cau be done by a society determined to h >Id its o.vq in the Chrysanthemum world, constituting a g 10 1 example for others to copy. Only let a society o!F._-r good prices, and a keen cjmpetition is sure to result, and where there is good competition, tli9 pab'ic will assemble in large numbers, giving supp >rt to the society. As num rous Chrysanthemum societies have discovered who have competitions for Challenge- cups, some of greater value than others, which w he u won twice or thrice are finally won, it has occurred to me that if a few influential men were to join together aud raise the sum of 200 or 300 guineas by subscriptions obtained from grower* in general, we might then have a mtgnifieent oru- petit:on trophy. The competition m'ght receive its start at a London show, aud then go t i, say, E linburgh one year, Dublin auother, Liver}) >oI, Exeter, Birmingham, Glasgow, Belfast, and other centres in turn, and in perpetuity, adding a sum of mouey with tho trophy each year. Such a przj ought to stimulate both employers aud employed to take greater interest iu our queen of autumn fl iwers, aud so ward off the "wane" to the furthest ditc ; aud we should so :>nse3 cultivators from the provinces get into the front ranks — meu who have never b.-en heard of, an 1 which is exactly what is wanted. We knov the effect produced at Kingston by a 23-guiuei cup ; what, therefore, would a 300 guinea cap do? Aul who cau say that such a trophy wju'd not hive the effect of creating county societies with trophies of their own to be competed for i i their respective area=>. Will the National Ohrysautha- mum Society or the Royal Horticultural Society take up the matter of otgiuisation ' as I feel sure such a movj would meet with a hearty respoa:e from many quarters, aul I should think affiliated societies would also help in the matter. The present is most opportune for getting the affair established, aid so commemorate in the Chrysanthemum world Her Majesty's long reigu. For some years pa produce the finest blooms ; but cuttings taken off ii the second week of April produced the finest bloom; of any incurved Japanese Chrysanthemum that I evver gardeners. Abuttlon Thompsoni, plunged in u'-iuch pots, amidst rich crimson Begonias, iu heat al-o, gave a rich effect, the plauts keeping 24 inches iu height, and of rich variation. The mansion, as shown in the illustration (fig. ), is of a bold— indeed, noble character. It seems to embody the finest features <>f the Italian school, and whilst lofty and mas-tive, is yet very light and graceful. It stands prominent on the higher ground of the park, with a broad belt of fine trees at the back ; whilatin front runs a broad terrace-walk, from which flights of steps lead to the noble fountain- basin :>nd parterre garden-* below. Beyond is a broad expanse of park, and in the dis- tance a fine lake, with extensive woodland beyond. The conservatory is p'aced right in the centre of the building, and whilst admirably suited for plant decoration, it can also be readily converted into a hill or reception room. The roof c insists of a huge dome. On the north side of the mansion, aud in the near pleasure-grounds, are numerous fiuc Coinh r< Cricket aud lawn-tennis grounds have been amply furnished by the gardener, who has every depart- ment in the most perfect condition. Worth Park is famous for its splendid breed of Jersey cows, and the dairy erected a fe-v years since out in the park is worthy of the breed. It consists of two floors, one for summer below, and one for winter above. The fittings and appointments are of the most perfect obtainable, and the entire building is superbly fur- nished ; even the most modern form of cream- separator is driven by electricity. Such dairies aro not for the trade ; but when a-soctated with wealth, as in this ease, they are delightful to look upon and to enjoy. A. D. ©uttttacjh JAMES WEBBER. -On the 4th instant, at Tor- rington Square, James AVebber, of Coveut Garden, in his fifty-sixth year. By the death of this gentleman Coveut Garden Market loses one of its most eminent representative?, aud horticulture one of its most active supporters. In almost every public movement for the furtherance of horticulture or the promotion of the welfaro of its practitioners, Mr. Webber was to the fore, taking his share in the work, as well as giving l.berally to the charities connect' d with horticulture, aud with the market and parich, with which he wai so long connected. He was, we may add, ono of the originators of aud permanent Hon. Sejieiary of the Covcnt Garden Life Boat fund. His loss will especially bo severely felt at the Gardeners' Koyal [leuevoleut and the Gardener*,' Orphan Funds. Mr. Webber .d.-.o did good service in directing the attention of our fruit producers to the great necessity for the careful selection and proper pacting of their consignments. For many years Mr. Webber supplied us with the greater part of our market reports, and was always ready to render us valutble information aud assis*- ancc iu questions connected with the market. Mr. Webber's establishment in the Centre Avenue is one of the oldest in the market, having been carried on originally by his father, and at his d^ath by his mother, in conjunction with Mr. Tajler. The Weather. [The tirm ''accumulated temperature " indicates the aggre- gate amount, as well as the duration, of degree* ol temperature above or below 42° Fahr. for the period named : and this combined result is expressed in Day- degrees— a "Day-degree" signifying 1° continued for twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for an inversely proportional number of hours.) ACCOMUL\TKO. Si 3 + 4 + 3 + i + 4 + 1 + 3 f 3 + 3 + 3 + " ■^"a ro Rainfall. 1 J !l| *2 '0.5 s.s D:>y. dog Day- deg. 21 4- 10* 23 4- 77 21 f \y 2i + 68 3! + 4> 0 + 10-' 11 4- 160 11 + 210 11 4- 221 ;.> 4- n>; 8 4- 2i2 0 + 332 - 251 2 + 451 170 1 213 K.HI :uv 136 1 I 111 1 + 190 2 - 173 j 20 - Ill 9 I- 216 15 1 191 8 + f'lS6 311 - n: 7 + '22; 39 7 ; 7 1 1 ; 4 - '20s ao-i Tlio districts indicated by Dumber iu tho first column tho following :— 9, Scotland N /'lo,,,,."/ H'h o' pmla ui i Ih.tru'h 1, Scotland. 15.; 2, England, N.E . ; 3, England, 4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London Pruuipal nv.F;.ii7. Ac , DutnctK — 6, Soottond, V 7, England. N.W. ; s. England, S.W. ; 9, Ireland, ! 10. liviuii. a. : 'Channel Islands. THE PAST WEEK. The following summary record of tho weathor throughout the British Islands for the week ending January 2, iB furnished from the Meteorological Office :— " The iceathtr continued mild ami changeable very gene- rally, considerab o falls of rain having alternated with poriods of clear sky. " The temperature was above the mean, the excess varying between 3° and 4°, the highest of the maxima were recorded during the mid lie of the week, and ranged from 57° in ' Ire- land, N ,' to 51° in 'Scotland, N.' The lowest of the minima, which were recorded on January 2, ranged from 2V in tho ' Midland Counties,' aud 23" in ' Englan 1, S.W.. N.W., and E.,' t) 31" in ' Scotland, N ,' and to 37° iu tho ' Channel Islands.' During the greater part of the week tho minima, even at tho northern and inland stations, wero much above tho freezing-point. "The TOin/aK was more than tho m)au over the Kingdom as a whole, but was just equal to the normal in 'England. S.W. and N.E.,' ami rather less than it in 'Scotland, E ,' ' England, S.,' aud tho 'Channel Islinds.' " TUobrijtltl sunshine exceedc I the mean in most localities, but was somewhat deficient in .some of the west in districts, as well as in Scotland, N.'and the 'Channel Islands. ' The percentage of the pu-sible duration ranged from 41 in ' Eng- 1 ill 1, E.,'and from :i I m ' England. N. E.,' to 19 in 'Scotland. E ,' and the ' Channel I -lands' lo 17 in ' England. N.W ,' and to 7 in 'Scotland. N.' " A R K E T 8. COYENT OARDEX, J1NUARY 7. - [Wo cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They ure furnished to us regularly every Thursday, by the kindness of several of the principal salesmen, who revise the list, and who are responsible for the quotations. It must be remembered that these quotations do not represent the prices on any particular day, but only tihe'genetfal averages for the week preceding the date of our report. The prices depoud upon the quality of the samples, the supply id the market, and the demand; aud they may fluctuate, nut only from day to day, but often s cvcraltirm. s in one day. Ed.1 Plants in Pots. — Aver oe Wholesale Prices. I. d. s. *. s. d. i. d. Adiantum, per doz. 4 0-12 0 Eric is, hyetnalis, a-spidistras,perdbz. 12 0-30 0 terdoz 12 0-15 0 — specimen, each 5 0-15 0 Ferns, small, doz. ... 1 o- ■ 0 A-alcas, per doz. ... 21 11-12 0 5 0-1 0 Chrysanthemums) Ficus elastica. each 1 0- 7 6 6 0-12 0 Foliage plants, per — specimen plants. doz. 12 0-31 0 1 S- 2 6 G nislas. perdoz... 12 0- 1 Cinerari.s. per doz 9 0 1:0 Hyacinths, perdoz. 6 0-1- 0 Cyclamens, perdoz. VI -IS il Marguerites, p. doz. 8 0-1 L 10-76 Palms, various, ea. 2 0-lu 0 12 0-24 0 — specimens, ea. 10 6-84 n Evergreen Shrubs, Puiusett'aSj perdoz. 9 0-18 0 in variety, doz. ... 6 0-24 0 12 0-1. Erica., per doz. ... 10 0-12 0 Tubps.ldoz 6 0- u C-ir Flower l-Avbra itt Wholesale Prices. 1 d. s. d. s. d. i. d Anemone, doz. bun. Orchids: — Arums, p. I2blooius 4 0- (i 0 Cattleya, 12blms. 6 0-1 lloiivardias, perbn. 0 6-09 Odoutoglossum Carnations, pr. doz crispum, 12 bra. 2 0- 0 bloims 1 0- 2 i. Pelargoniums, scar- Chrysanthemums, let, per 14 bun. 6 0- S 2 0- 6 II — per 12 sprays .. 0 6- t 9 — doz. blooms 1 G- 6 i) romsLttias, perdoz. Eu. h iris, per dozen 2 6-4 il blooms 6 0-1 0 11 y.iciiiths( Roman), Py) etlirums, 12 bn 2 u- J doz. sprays 1-10 Hoses (Ereuc'i), per Lilac, wh. (French), doz. blooms 1 0- '. 0 per bunch 3 6-50 — Tea. perdoz, ... U 9- 1 Liliuin Hurrtsi, per — yellow (Mare- 5 0- S 0 chal), per doz. 6 0- ! Lily of the Valley, — red. per dozen 1 0- 1 dozen sprays 0 9- 1 ti — pink, per doz. 3 0- 1 Maidenhair Fern, — Safrano, p, doz. 1 0- per 12 buuehes ... 4 0-80 Tuberoses. 14 blms. 0 6- Marguerites, per 12 Tulips] per doz. ... 0 o- 3 bunches ... 2 0-40 Violets (Fr.)Pormo, Mignonette, per per bunch 2 li- • doz. bunches ... 4 0- II 0 — — Czar, per Mimosa (French), bunch per bunch 10-16 1 6- 0 — (Eng), per per doz bunches 16-30 doz. bun. 1 6- 6 OHCHIO-BLOO u in variety. Vegetahlfs -AVEmu k Wholesale Price >. d. s. d. s. d s d. Artichokes, Globe, Caulillowi rs, C 10-60 wall, p. i , i ii , 11 9 — Chinese (st.l Cu.oiol'i rs, 1 chysl rifera), grown, oleel . perlb 0 3 — poi do . .. 0 11,1 is, Kronen, Muse U» (In. loo ) Channel 1-.. il. DOrlb 10 10 R ...i i Madeira Kid perdoz, 0 9 nor, per bkt. >.■ . k do per p in- of s lo 111 lb. ... l : l .; net, ■ '! f.. i lb Cauliflowers. SI. weight 0 l'-l 0 Malo, per do i ii 1.0O l'"s 1 1 CI) irb .01 | i 1 ... 1 doz. u i.l' I'.., about 12 n. ,., roa 3 0- : 0 Full -apply on i ... ,i 1 l.ov lr.nl.- No .i.i i .'. o 111 34 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 9, 1897. Fruit.— Average Wholesale Prioes. s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. Apples, Blenheims, | Grapes, Gtob Col- per sieve ... 5 0-60. mar, 2nd qual., — Wellingtons, per lb 13-16 per sieve ... 5 0- 6 0 — Muscat, 2nd — Ordinary qual., p. lb. ... 2 0-26 kinds, per | — Muscats, Eng- sieve 2 0-30 lish, lstquality Grapes, Alicante,lst per lb 3 6-46 quality, per lb. 13-10' Nuts, Cob, per — Alicante, 2nd 100 lb. ... 50 0-55 1 quality, per lb. 10-12 Pine-apples, St. Mi- - Gros Colnian, ' chael, ea< lb, ... 3 0-50 selected, p. lb. 1 9- 2 0 I SEEDS. London: Jan. 6. — Messrs, John Shaw & Sons, Seed Merchants, of Great Maize Pond, Borough, London, S.E , write that some little inquiry has this week sprung up for CloVer and grass seeds, and a fow travellers' orders have already come to town. Values all round exhibit considerable firmness, whilst American cables for Red Alsyke and White come especially strong. In Mustard and Rape-seed the tendency is upwards. The demand for Peas and Haricots continues disappo nting. Canary-seed meets with slightly more attention. For other Birdseeds the sale is just now very limited. English Winter Tares are in good request. Linseed keeps steady. FRUIT AND VEGETABLES. Glasgow: January 6, — Averages of the prices current at market during the past week : — Pears, Gd per lb. ; Apples, Is. to 2s. per stone ; Tomatos, Guernsey, Gd. per lb. ; do., Scotch, G\d. do. ; Grapes, home, Is. to 2s. do.; do., foreign, id. to Gd. do.; Vegetables: -Turnips, white, 2s. to 2s. Gd. per dozen bunchos ; Swedes, Is. per cwt. ; Savoys, Is. to Is. 3d. per dozen ; Cabbages, Gd. to Sd. do. ; late do., 10d. to Is. do. ; Red do., 2s. Gd. to 3s. do. ; Cauliflowers, English, 2s. to 2s. Qd. per dozen ; do., Dublin, 2s. to 2s. Gd. do. ; Parsnips, 4s. to 4s. Gd. per cwt. ; Herbs, assorted, Id. to 2d. per bunch ; Leeks, Is. 3d. to 3e. 6d. per dozen bunches ; Mint, Gd. per bunch; Onions, Dutch, 3s. per bag; do., Portugal, Is. per stoue ; do,, Globe, 3s. to 3s. G I. per cwt. ; Parsley, o$. to Gs. do. ; Greens, 3d. to id. per bunch ; Celery, table, Is. to 2s. id. psr bundle; do., common, 9d. to Is. do.; Potatos, best, Gd. per stone ; Carrots, 2s. Gd. to 4s. (id. per cwt. ; Broc- coli, 3s. per dozen ; Artichokes, 10s. to 12s. per cwt. ; Cucum- bers, Gs. to 12s. per dozen ; Lettuces, round, Gd. to 9d. do. ; do., French, \hl. to Is. do. ; Horseradish, 2s. to 2s. Gd. per bunch ; Mushrooms, Is. to Is. 3d. per lb. ; Beetroot, Gd. to 7d. per dozen ; Cross, 3d. per ba-ket ; Brussels Sprouts, Is. 3d. to Is. 9d. per stone ; Endive, Is. 6d. to 2s. per dozen. Liverpool: January 6. — North Hay Market: Turnips, 19i. to 20s. ton. Potatos : Imp.rators, Is. Sri. to Is. lOd. cwt. ; do , Main Crop, 2s. 3d. to 2s. 9d. do. ; do., Champions, Is. KM. to 2s. do. ; do., Bruces, Is. lOtf. to 2s. id. per cwt. ; Turnips, 8 '. to 10ri. per 12 bunches'; Swedes, Is. to Is. id. percwt. ; Carrots, 2s. Gd. to 2s. Qd. percwt ; Onijn?, English, 4s. to 4s. Gd. per cwt ; do., foreign, 2s. Gd. to 2s. 9d. do. ; Parsley, G I. to Sd. per 12 bunches ; Cauliflowers, Is. Gd. to3s.perdozen ; Cabbages, Sri. to Is. id. do. ; Celery, Sd. to Is. 4d. roll.- Birkenhead : Potatos, Gi. to Sd. per peck; Grapes, English, 2s. Gd. to 3s. 6d. per lb. ; do., foreign, 6d. to 8d. do. ; Pinos, English, 5s. to 10s. each ; do., foreign, 4s. 6d. to 6s. 6d. do. ; Mu h- rooms, Is. to Is. Gd. per lb. CORN. Average Prices of British Corn (per imperial qr.), for the week ending January 2, and for the corresponding period in 1896, together with the difference in the quotations. These figures are b vse i on the Official Weekly Return : — Description. 1S96. 1S97. Difference. Wll6.lt Barley Oats .. t. d. 25 2 24 7 13 10 s. a. 30 0 24 8 ItS 2 «. d. + 54 + 0 1 + 2 4 Enquiry. " lie that guestiofieth much shall ham much." — Bacon. Custard-Apple, and Mango. — Will some readers of the GaTdcncrS Chronicle kindly inform A.S. T.it the plants mentioned above have fruited in gardens in this country ? Notices to Correspondents. Books: Cyclamens: and How to Grow Than. Would Mr. F. C. Edwards of !», Sholebroke View, Chapel- town, Leeds, kindly furnish C. B. Woolley & Co. with the address and name of the publisher of his book. Cider Apples: W. Hill, Brisbane. Broadleaf Hereford, or Norman ; Cherry Hereford, or Norman ; Cherry Pearmain, Cunimy Hereford, Foswhelp (old), Handsome Hereford, or Norman ; Kingston Black, Strawberrry Hereford, or Norman ; Wisteston Seedling. The list of cider-making varieties sup- plied by Mr. John Watkins, Pomona Farm, Here- ford, is published in the Royal Horticultural Society's Quarterly Journal for November last. Custard-Apple and Mango: A. S. T. Evergreen in India. The plants would rest during the dry season. In the hothouse in this country the plants should rest during the period of least heat and light, as other tropical plants have to do under cultivation. Distance op Fruit Trees PROit Fisnces dividing the land of different o.vners: R. 3f.y New Orleans. We in this country have no law which fixes the distauce at which trees of any kind may be planted from one's neighbour's boundary, although actions at law for damage, loss of light, &c, sometimes arise. In the case of overhanging branches, these may be cut off up to the dividing line, after giving the owner of the trees notice that such operation was going to be performed. The detached brauches must, however, be removed by the owner of the trees. Erratum. — Hardy Fruit Calendar, in last week's issue, 12th line from the bottom of the column, read, " Take the tree by the stem, and shake it in an upward direction, in order to let the soil trickle in among all the roots, and bring the latter to within 6 inches of the surface after the lemaiuing portion of the excavated soil has been returned," Sec. Lobelia inflvta, &c. T. L. Wild. Seeds miy be obtainable of the larger botanical gardens in the '• States," aud so far as we can ascertain the trade does not deal in either the seeds or plants. Seeds of L. siphylitica, L. cardinally L. erinus, and others of more common employment in the garden, may be obtained of any large seed merchant in this coun'ry. Market Gardeners: W. O. If employed solely in market gardening, no licence is required to be taken out for them. Market Gardeners' Compensation on Removal: J. B. A copy of the Act of Parliament to which you refer is obtainable at Messrs. Eyre & Spottis- woode, Queen's Printers, Great New Street, F.tter Lane. Name of Fruit : George Dixon. Hoary Moruing. Names of Plants: Correspondents nit answere I ii this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number. — J. H. M. Cyrtomium falcatum. — H. K. Epidendrum fragrans. — A . Young. Magnolia acuminata, " Cucutnber-tree." Tbe le.if and note accompanying have been unfortunately mislaid for along time. — L.W.F. EUeagnus pungens. — J. LK Tussilago fragrans. Norwegian Fish Manure : J. P. It is sold by the larger horticultural sundriesmen in Loudon, whose names and addresses you will find in the Horticul- tural Directory and Year Book for 1897. Peach Tree not Fruiting : G. Henley. Having taken the one heavy crop, a check was given, the result of which was a poor crop the next year, with great wood production as a result, aud but few blooms, and these thrown off. Under these circumstances, there is nothing better than com- plete transplantation, replantiDg the roots very shallow, and doing nothing that will have the effect of causing an excessive growth of wood. If the cure seems to be partial, and but few bloom-buds form the first year afterwards, root-pruning or transplantation should be performed just before the leaf falls. Means should be taken to keep the roots from going deeply; no mulch should be used, aud little else beyond good stiff loam and half-inch bones as a rooting medium. When affording water to the border, let it be a thorough soakiog when the soil on probing it shows that it really needs water. Planting on a Surrey Hillside ; Soil light Loam : G. K. Pinus Pinaster, P. austriaca, Holly, Thorns of all kiuds, Tamarisk, Sea Buckthorn, the common Lime, Wild Crab, common Sycamore, double and single-flowered Furze, yellow aud white Broom?. Among fruits, the Quinces and the Medlars would do well, as well as Filberts and Cobs. Primula with Variegated Leaves : IV. L. Varie- gation is not common in Primula sinensis, in so far as regards the foliage, although in the case of the flowers white-spotting exists in some varie- ties, and has become fixed to a certain extent. If the variegation is of a pleasing kind, and you obtaiu some fine forms of it in succeeding generations of seedlings, it might prove of decorative value. Report upon Filberts, etc., ey Mu. A. F. Barron : L. Maurer. It appeared in the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society for the year 1878, p. 100. Enquiry at the Society's office, 1 1 7, Victoria Street, London, S.W., would elicit from the secretary information as to a copy of this report being available or otherwise. Roman Hyacinths: W. . MeL>.-J. B.— D. R.— E. D.— A. H. -A. D.-li. H. D'O.-J. L.- J. D.-D. R. W.-E. W. CATALOGUES RECMVED Ed Webb & Sons, Wordsley, Stourbridge— Seeds and Implements. H. i 40 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 1G, 1897. place most plants fail, and of all places the thickly cropped shrubbery is the worst in which to plant these Pffionies. Deep rooting, and of great natural vigour, they cannot attain anything like perfection unless in deeply worked and very rich soils. I have known their roots descend more than 3 feet into the earth, and when they dp this the plants are not likely to suffer in times of drought. In all cases the soil should be deeply trenched, and manure may be added with a liberal hand, but always selecting a position free from theinflueuce of tree-roots. The early autumn is the best time to plant, and preferably the end of August, while their foliage is retained. This is the most rational season to plant, if we study the time and way in which the new roots are produced. Where it is followed large plants seldom feel much of the shift, and flower fairly well in the following year. Not ao those that are replanted at any haphazard period, particularly when growth has recommenced, which is of all seasons the worst for moving the plants. If the planting cannot be done at the end of August or thereabouts, an endeavour should he made to get it done before the end of the year. Some nurserymen, who make a specialty ' of Pseony culture, lift a certain number of plants in August or September, with which to fulfil late orders, and lay them in readiness. This produces a sort of time check on the fresh roots that would have been made had the plants remained undisturbed, and plants thus treated invariably give satisfaction when replauted. In my own case, I have found it of service to lay the divided plants in coal-ashes in pre- ference to soil. They keep the plants and crowns quite plump, and they have not the tendency to root afresh so quickly as in the moister soil. Once planted properly, Peonies may remain a dozen years without further disturbance, but require a heavy mulch of manure each autumn. J. The Week's Work, THE FLOWER GARDEN. By Chari.es Herrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead. Planting Deciduous Trees anel Shrubs. — Continuing ray remarks on this subject, I will noxt take Mag- nolias of this section, which are mostly early-bloom- ing shrubs, that do most successfully when planted in somewhat sheltered positions. Magnolia con- spicua is one of the best and earliest flowering of these ; M. purpurea and M. p. Leone" varieties which are rather later in flowering, but withal very desir- able ; while M. stellata or Halliana, a smaller- llowered variety, of dwarfer growth than either ; and M. glauca Thompsoniana, a summer-flowering fragrant variety. M. tripetala is a strong grower, with handsome flowers and leafage, worthy of mention. Among Prunuses, P. Pissardi is a very effective variety, which, besides having the advantage of flowering early, has foliage of a dark red, con- trasting well with that of other kinds of shrubs. Of other species mention may be made of Calycanthus floridus, C. precox, Rhus Cotinus, Cereus siliquastrum, Viburnum Opulus, and V. plicatum, Sambucus nigra aurea, the Brooms, including Cytisus fillipes, the Spanish Broom, which blooms so persistently throughout the summer, Pyrus floribunda, P. Malus, P. M. baccata and others, Ribes sauguinea, Dier- villeas, and Japanese Acers. The hardy Ghent and Pontic Azaleas should be planted in quantity where the soil is or can be made suitable for their successful culture. It need not necessarily be peat, as the plants grow freely in any moderately light sandy kind of soil that is free from lime in any form, and which in preparing it has received a good dressing of rotten leaf-mould. Summer Bedding Plants wintering in cold frames, viz, Calceolarias, Gazanias, "Violas, Antirrhinums, Pentstemons.and others, should be afforded abundanco of air in mild weather, otherwise there will be much loss of foliage. Great attention will be required in removing decaying leaves, stirring the surface of the soil, and in affording water. Herbaceous Borders. — There is an advantage in leaving the growths of early-flowering Chrysanthe- mums, and some other plants, as a protection to the stools, but this not being permissible always, a mulch- ing of partly-rotted tree-leaves, spent Mushroom-bed materials, or fine coal-ashes may he afforded instead ; and among the more susceptible subjects to be so treated are Fuchsias, Montbretia, Zauschneria califor- nica, Agapanthus umbellatus, Aloysia citriodora, Golden Sage, and Salvia riugens. Of border Chrysan- themums it is advisable to lift a clump or two of each variety, place in boxes, and introduce to an intermediate or cool-house to furnish cuttings. No frosts of sufficient severity have as yet occurred to injure any of these subjects, but as severe frost often sets in suddenly it is well to be prepared. Choice or scarce varieties of Michaelmas Daisies may be increased now by potting-up young suckers from the old plants, and keeping them in cold frames, or plunged in ashes under eome shelter for a month or two until fairly rooted. The flowers of these plants are of so much value in the garden and dwelling that no garden should be without at least a small collection of them. The old-fashioned varieties of pillar Roses are in keeping witli herbaceous borders, and when trained to stout stakes they constitute a desirable feature in the background of such borders. The planting of Roses should now be finished ; bulbs of Spanish and English Iris which were planted in the autumn or early winter, but where they are not yet planted, no time should be lost in getting the operation finished. During mild, damp weather, slugs are sure to be troublesome, eating off the young shoots of Delphiniums and other subjects, but a dusting of the plants and the soil around with soot, or very fine coal-ashes, will help to keep these creatures away from the plants. If new borders are going to be formed, the ground must now be trenched and got in readiness. If the staple is of a heavy nature, leaf- mould or charred garden refuse may be incorporated with it ; taking the opposite course with soils that are light or sandy, trenching in solid farmyard-manure, clayey loam, &c. Existing borders may now be dressed with rotten manure, which may be lightly forked in a few weeks later. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By P. Harris, Gardener, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury. The, Pinery. — If some ripe fruits are required in May and June, some examples of Queens should now be started, choosing those which are showing signs of throwing up, which can be known by the central tuft of leaves showing a tendency to open out. Ascertain the state of the soil, which should be moderately moist, and if a plant is found to be dry at the root, afford it sufficient warm water to moisten the ball throughout. These selected plants should be plunged in a bottom-heat of 80° to 85°, the house having a top-heat of 65° to 70°, and 10° more with sun heat. Syringe the bed between the plants, and the walls and floors, twice or thrice daily, having regard to the weather. Afford air in small amount on sunny days, doing this very carefully at the present season. As the plauts show for bloom, the temperature may be gradually raised, and when the flowers are expanded, a dryer and more buoyant atmosph<-re should be maintained, so that every flower will set. Afford liberal supplies of tepid liquid- manure when the fruits commence to grow visibly in size. Successions.— These plants should not be excited before the end of next month, but do not allow them on the other hand to get too dry at the roots, or some will prematurely show for fruit. In order to facditate operations next month, a good heap of potting compost may be prepared, and the following will be found an excellent mixture :— Take the required quantity of good friable loam that was obtained from an old pasture which has been stacked for three or four months, cut or pull the sods into good-sized pieces— shaking out much of the fine soil, spread these out on I he floor of a shed, and sprinkle over the soil a good proportion of half-inch bones, and a smaller one of fresh soot ; mix thoroughly, and make into a heap in a dry shed till required for use, when it should be placed somewhere to get warmed to the same temperature as the bed in which are the 1 lants to be potted. Have pots and crocks all washed, in readiness. Cherries and Plums. — Where these fruits are grown under glass, and they are required early in the season, a start may now be made with pot-trees ; and as these do not like hard forcing, a temperature of from 40° to 45° at night, with a rise to 50° by day, will suffice at the commencement, and for some two or three weeks. Be sure that the soil in the pots is sufficiently moist, uherries especially being impatient of a soil that is either too dry or too wet. The trees should be lightly sprinkled at closing time, if the day has been sunny; and just beforethe buds burst afford the house a gentle fumigation in order to destroy any lurking aphis, as fumigation cannot take place till the blossoms are set. Afford air abundantly in favourable weather, close early in the afternoon in fine, and earlier in cloudy cold weather, bu* do not allow the temperature to run up beyond 80°, or the fruit will drop. Tomatns. — Fruiting plauts will now be getting somewhat exhausted if still carrying fruit in any quantity. They should be afforded tepid manure- water when root-moisture is required, and if a second crop of fruit is looked for, the foliage should be removed, and the stronger shoots tied-in thinly as growth recommences. The flowers should be arti- ficially fertilised in order to ensure a better set thau would otherwise be obtained. Pot-off seedlings and cuttings, and place them near the glass ; and sow a few seeds at intervals for succession. Cucumbers. — Winter Cucumbers will now have passed the most critical time ; let a moist growing temperature of 60° to 05° at night be maintained, admit a small quantity of air in mild weather, and in order to encourage growth, a light covering of stable- litter placed over the bed will be found beneficial, taking care however that the rank aminoniacal fumes have passed away from it before use. When growth becomes more free, the old foliage should bo gradually removed, young growths stopped and tied in thinly, the fruits well thinned in number in order that a regular good supply may be obtained from the plants till young plants come into bearing. A few seeds may be sown and raised with the Melons to fill up probable vacancies among the winter fruiters. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. Write Orchid Grower, Burford, Dorking. Dcndrobiuins. — Our plauts of D. Wardianum, D. crassinode, D. Linawianum (moniliforme), and the distinct hybrids D. micans x , D. Dominii x , D. Alcippe x , D. Clio x , D. Aspasia x , and D. Wardiano- japonicum x , are now showing their flower-buds. In consequence of the present mild weather and the deficiency of sunlight many of these plants have commenced to make new growths from the base of the flowering bulbs. The grower should not be tempted by this to give them very much water at the root or a high temperature, or the young growths will make increased progress, and the flower-buds probably turn yellow and fall. Place such plants in a Cattleya or intermediate-house, upon the lightest Bide of the house, and keep the compost moderately dry until the buds commence to develop, when each plant may be given a thorough watering, and placed in the lightest available position in the East Indian- house. If the pseudo-bulbs show the slightest tendency towards shrivelling whilst the plant is in bloom, a little water should be sparingly given. Such plants as D. nobile, D. Ainsworthi x , D. dulce x (Burfordiense), D. Juno x , D. splendidissimum x , D. Leechiauum x , D. Schneiderianum x , D. Cassiope x , D. Virginia? x , and the D. melanodiscus and chrymo- discus crosses are not so difficult of management ; they may, therefore, be removed from the Cattleya- house into greater warmth so soon as the flower-buds are well advanced, and be carefully watered until the blooms are past. D. crepidatum, D. cretaceum, D. primulinum, D. superbum (macrophylluin), and its varieties euosmum, gigauteum, and Huttoni, should be suspended close to the roof-glass in the East Indian- house, and be kept rather dry at the root until the flower-buds appear. Plants of the evergreen section, as D. densiflorum, D. thyrsiflorum, D. Griffithianum, D. suavissimum, D. chrysotoxum, D. Schrodera, and D. Farmcri, now resting, should at present be kept iu the coolest part of the Cattleya-house, and if the growths were thoroughly ripened they will need little moisture. If. however, they are neglected, and allowed to shrivel, the leaves prematurely turn yellow, and in a short time fall off. The tall- growing species, as D. fimbriatum, D. moschatum, D. Paxtoni, D. dixanthum, D. clavatum, and D. dalceolus, if placed in a house where the night tem- perature U about 50° to 55°, and be kept rather dry at the root for the next two or three months, will produce larger spikes than if kept warmer. The beautiful D. Dalhousioanum enjoys the temperature of the East Indian-house at all seasons, and must on no accouut be allowed to shrivel for want of water : for though conducive to large spikes of bloom, tho after-growth is often deficient in size aud strength. The comparatively new D. Phaheuopsis should be placed in the cooler part of the same house, and no water will be necessary unless shrivelling is feared. The pretty Australian D. remulum is now flowering iu the cool-house. It should be cultivated in a teak- wood basket or shallow pan, and given very little material to root into. During growth it requires a temperature slightly higher than that which the Odontoglossum-house affords, but it must be very carefully watered, as the young growths are liable to January 16, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. ■n dump off. When these growths are completed, place the plaut close to the roof-glass iu the cool-house, and keep it perfectly dry at the root until the (lower-buds are well advanced. After flowering, and until growth recommences, dryness at the root is advisable. The same kind of treatment is necessary for D. Kingianum and its varieties. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. B G. H. MA.YOOCK, Gardener, Luton Hoo, Lutun. The Conservatory. — To maintain a good supply of flowers in this house, cleanliness must be enforced, and a suitable temperature maintained. The plants should not be brought into this house uutil they are well into bloom, nor before they have been cleansed by sponging or fumigation. Cyclamens require very careful watching to prevent injury from thrips. The thrips secrete themselves near the crown of the bulb, aud attack the flower-stems as they appear. Green- fly is the greatest enemy of Cinerarias, aud to keep the plants clean, incessant care is needed. Continue to afford support to the shoots of Bouvardias in flower, and keep watch against scale. The atmos- phere of tho house should be kept buoyant, avoid extreme temperatures, aud give air on all favourable occasions. Greenhouse Climbers. — Lanagerias are best trained over corridors, where their pendent flowers may be seen to advantage. They do best planted out in a prepared bed of three-parts peat to oue of loam, with plenty of sharp sand and charcoal, aud over efficient drainage. Little pruning is needed until the plants have filled the available space. Being half-hardy they should bo kept as cool now as possible. Clematis indivisa lobata is better adapted to trail along wires or up columns. It should be planted out or putted forthwith in good rich loam, and suffiehnt oharooal to keep it open. Thin out the growths, and keep those remaining free from brown-scale. Plumbago capensis may be planted against back walls or trained on balloons. Give them a mixture of three parts loam to one of peat, and a liberal quantity of sand. They may be pruned hard back each year after flowering. Bignonia venusta is worthy a place in every collection, aud when once established it is one of the loveliest of greenhouse climbers, and very free-flowering. It is best seen to advantage if trained up the roof of the house, and some of the growths allowed to hang loosely. It may be planted on the south side of the conservatory, as the plant is fond of sunlight, where it will afford a slight shade for the plants underneath in summer. The plant should be given a good root-run— say, about 3 feet by 2 feet space. Plant in a mixture of one half rough loam, one part of leaf-mould, and one of peat ; this will continue good for two or three years if the loam used is not cut too small. During the growing .season lightly syringe in the afternoon, and prevent growths from becoming matted together. Train the leaders 3 inches apart, and let the lateral growths be suspended at intervals. After flowering, and when the limit has been reached, a thinning-out of the growths should be done, and this is all the pruning required. Trachelospermum jasminoides, a plant of somewhat easy culture, may be trained along the rafters, or balloon shape, as required. It thrives well in a mixture of half loam and half peat, with plenty of sand ; prune-back, and keep well syringed during the growing season. The flowers are very useful for the making of bouquets. The variegated form makes a strong plant, suitable for large vases, if trained for that purpose. Aspa- ragus plumosus, if planted out in the cool house or on the back wall of a vinery or Peach-house, will afford plenty of cutting material, and doe« not require the amount of heat often given. General. Work. — Gradually lessen the water given to plants of Euphorbia pulcherrima (Poin- settias) and E. Jacquinireflora, that havo flowered, aud place them in a cooler house, in a position near the glass. In the cool-house tho specimen plants of Azaleas or Heaths should be turned round ouco weekly to expose all sides to tho light. Never allow the plants to bocorne very dry, and thoroughly satu- rate the roots at each watering. Large plants of Brugmansias (Datura) Kuighti should now be pruned hard back, aud afterwards washed with some good insecticide, as they are subject to white scale. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. Bij W. Pope, Gardener, llighclere Castle, Newbury. Broad Beans.— Make a good sowing of these at ouce upou a south border, or other warm situation. These Beans do tho best in a heavy soil. Early Longpod is a first-rate variety, and should be sown in rows 2 feet apart aud 9 inches in the row. As a preventative from mice it will be well to coat the seeds with red-lead before sowing, and this may bo easily done by putting the seed into a pail and sprinkling them with water, then with red-lead, and shaking well together. For exhibition purposes a few rows of Mammoth Longpod may be sown, and given a few inches more space in the rows. For small gardens, or where small Beans are appreciated, none is better than Beck's Dwarf Green Gem, sown in rows 1 foot apart. Early Mazagan is also a useful sort for early use, and takes up but little space. Foreing Operations in General. — A suitable quantity of material being in readiness for forming hot-beds, a beginning should forthwith be made with beds for hastening early Potatos, Carrots, Radishes, &c, to meet the spring and early summer requirements of the family. If the ordinary hot-bod frames are employed, the beds should be made from 3 to 4 feet thick, putting the materials solidly together as the work proceeds, as tho heat is thereby rendered more lasting and less fierce. Let the beds have a margin of at least 1 foot all rouud the frames, but do not slope the surface much from the back to the front, the boxes beiug generally made with sufficient slope ; and with a level surface inside, the application of water to the plants penetrates the soil more readily. In selecting varieties of Potatos, give preference to such early varieties as come into use quickly, and which possess short haulm : and Sharpe's Victor or Sutton's Al arc amongst the best of these. Plant the sets in rows 1.4 foot apart, aud 1 foot from set to set, and not less than fi inches deep. An early variety of Radish may be sown thinly between the rows, although they do best when sown in a separate frame. The soil should be rich aud light, aud made fairly firm before planting ; and if ordinary garden- soil be used, a good proportion of well-rotted leaf- mould should be incorporated with it. As soon as the tops appear above the soil, afford air freely on bright days and in mild weather, covering the glass securely at night. The soil for Carrots should be rich and light, preferably of a sandy nature, aud if a Bmall quautity of fresh soot be mixed with it, it will be improved ; let it be 9 inches in depth, and fairly firm. Early French Horn is tho most suitable for frame-work, and may be either sown broadcast, or thinly in drills, drawn at 6 inches apart, and rather less than 1 inch in depth. Thin the seedliDgs to 2 or 3 inches apart, afford ventilation at all times when the weather is favourable. If a few extra fine roots are required, every alternate row may be sown with Veitch's .Model, or Sutton's Early Gem, and afterwards thinned to 6 or 8 inches apart. Continue to bring forward successive bitches of Rhubarb, Seakale, Asparagus, &c. If a few roots of Rhubarb be dug up and placed in a warm shed, they give a supply for some weeks, aud it is a much easier aud better method than covering roots in the open ground. Sow Mustard and Cress every week or ten days, and do not cover the seeds with soil. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. ByH. W. W»rd, Rayleigh, Essex. Planting Raspberry Canes. — The present is a suit- able time to make uew plantations of canes of last year's growth. Raspberries pay well for generous treatment, and delight in a deep, moderately light, rich soil. Plants that are allowed to occupy the same ground for more than five or six years gradually lose vigour, productiveness, in spite of beiug annually mulched. It is necessary therefore to make fresh plantations every few years in ground which has been trenched from IS to 30 inches deep (accord- ing to the natural depth of the soil), aud in which two or throe layers of old hot-bed or well- rotted stable-yard or other manure should be incor- porated during the process of trenching. If the soil be of a heavy, clayey nature, liberal supplies of leaf- mould should be intermixed with it. The skilful cultivator invariably endeavours to correct and render the rooting-medium (soil) as congenial to the plant's requirements as possible. When tho trenched ground has become settled, some selected caues should be planted, from 1 to il inches apart, in rows about I feet asunder, treading the soil pretty firmly about the roots in planting. Afterwards obtain some posts about 3 inches Bquare, aud drive oue at oaeh eud of the individual lines of caues. Lighter ones may be placed between to strain two sets of galvauised wire upon, and to these the canes should be trained, aud care taken to leave room iu the ties of bast for the development of growth; and in case of a further settling- down >if trenched ground to allow of the canes subsiding therewith, instead of being hung up, as would be the case when tied tightly to the wires. Then apply a surface-dressing of half-rotted dung, such as that from an old hot-bed, to the depth of 2 or 3 inches between the rows of plants. This mulch will pre- serve the soil about the roots iu a more uniform degree of heat aud moisture. Varieties of Raspberries. — Superlative is a robust grower and a heavy cropper, producing extra large berries of fine quality ; Carter's Prolific, Baumforth's Seedling, and Norwich Wonder, are also excellent varieties in all respects. Magnum Bonum is a good white-fruited variety, aud Belle de Funtenay is the best autumn-fruiting variety that I am acquainted with. The canes of the last-named sort should be cut to the ground now, or early next month, as the fruit is borne on the current year's growth. Grafts of Fruit Tt ees should be taken oft, tied together and labelled ; they may then be laid-in a few inches deep in soil until the time arrives for engrafting them on young stocks of the several kinds. The present is a good time to obtain seedling fruit - tree stocks, and to plant them 6 inches apart in rows 2 feet asunder. These may be worked in the spring and early autumn of 1898. Almond and Brompton plum for Peaohes, Crab aud Paradise for Apples, Apricot aud plum seedliugs fur Apricots, common Cherry or Mazzard for Cherries, Prunus damasica and Myrobolan for Plums, and Pyrus communis and Quince for Pears. THE APIARY. The Laying of a Queen. — A queen can lay 3000 eggs a day, but not every day. Hero are observa- tions on a colony of bees I followed iu Palestine from January to December, 1891. As nearly as I sould make out, the colony numbered some 10,000 bees on January 1 : — D.ito. Daily Average. Total. January 1 to 20 100 2,000 20 to February 7 666 11,98S February 7 to March 3 ... 700 16,800 March 3 to IS 2,333 34,995 „ 18 to April 10 2,600 57,200 April 10 to May 21 1,000 40,000 May 21 to June 11 2,111 56,997 June 17 to July 10 2,277 50,094 July 10 to August 3 1,250 30,000 August 3 to 29 ,, 29 to September 13 200 September 13 to October 14 October 14 to November 11 35 1,000 November 11 to December 10 2S 1,000 December lu to 31 0 Grand total 320,034 About the same at the end of the season as regards the number — 20.000 bees ; at all events, this gives us an average of 70 eggs a day for 335 days, or 1 760 eggs a day if we take the honey-flow seasou from March 3 to August 3. The colony did not swarm, and at tho end of the seasou it was reduced to very nearly what it was iu the beginning : 300,000 bees were hatched and passed away ; the colony had produced nearly 180 lb. of honey. This honey was taken by the extractor April 10 ; April IS, Orange-blossom honey ; June 13 to 19, chaste tree honey; July 10 to August 3, Thyme honey. From " Gleanings." The Coming Royal Show.— Bees and bee products uow form an attractive portion of nearly all the agricultural shows held in England, aud at the Royal Agricultural show in particular, where everything in connection with bee-keeping may bo seen. The British Bei Journal announces that the committee of tho British Bee-Keeper's Association havo been enabled to draw up a schedule of prizes which will, no doubt, bring forth keen competition, aud impress upou the minds of visitors the great importance and extent of the bee-keeping industry throughout England. The great featuro of the show will be a county trophy class, open t" all counties in tho United Kingdom, and .i- there will be 633 or more, one silver an 1 four bronze medals, the class will undoubtedly be the mosl magnificent that has beon seen in this country. Classes will also be included for heather hone; iu comb, and extracted, dark honey, boes'-wax, honey- vinegar, and mead altogether live medals and £8 in m ly. As prizes will be offered for good sampU a of honoy for 1897 and previous years, it would bo a. well to hold auy stock on hand if the quality is ol the very best ; but however good tho quality might be, unless il 16 uie-ly kept, it wilt be I1..I Worth showing, and tin- price must in consequence be reduced to about one half. 42 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 16, 1897. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER. Letters for Publication, as well as sj-c^imrns and plants for naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Welling- ton Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications should be WRITTEN ON ONE SIDE ONLY OF THE PAPER, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly signed by the writer. If desired,, the signature will not be printed, but kept as a guarantee of goo,! faith. Tin: Editor doesnot under- take to pay for any contributions, or to return unused com- munications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be careful to mark the paragraphs they wish tite. Editor to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. THDBSD \Y, Jan. 2l-Lmnean Society. SATURDAY, Jan. 23— Royal Botanic Society. SALES. /Tuberoses, Spineas, Begonias, Greenhouse Ferns and Plants, Ac, at Piotheroe & Morris' Rooms. Great Sale of Border Plants, at Stevens' Rooms. TUESDAY, ; Azaleas. Perennials, Ruse.*;, Pa tees, Gladioli, &c, at Prother & Morris' Rooms. (Japanese Lilies, 70.000 Tuberosis, Gladioli, (Continental Plants, Are , at Protheroe A: Minns' Rooms. msuKMiiAi, •">»• -""j Palms fr.au the Continent, looo I Roses, Fruit Trees, Plants. Bulbs, \ Liliums, &c, at Stevens' Rooms, f Gloxinias, Clematis, Gladioli, I Roses, Begonias, &c, at Pro- THURSDAY Tin V tlicroe & Morris' Rooms. THUnblJAl, Jan -'.importations 0f Liliums from | Japan ; Orchids, Border Plants ' and Roots, at Stevens' Rooms. i Continental Plants, Roses, Lily of Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from observations of Forty-three years, at Chiswiek. —37-4°. Actual Temperatures : London.- January 13 : Max., 42°; Min.,37°. Provinces. -January 13: Highest Temp. , 40°. Scilly ; Lowest, 34°, Stornoway. No one, we believe, doubts the ThcHorticul- widespl.ead feeling tnat a norti_ tural Institute. ,,,•,...<. . • cultural institute ot some sort is wanted in this country. Paris, Berlin, Vienna, Calcutta, Boston, Philadelphia, Ghent, and other cities possess a building suitable for the meetin gs of their principal horticulturalsocieties. Those whose business it is to visit the Drill Hall or the Aquarium ask sometimes bitterly, " Why should London wait ? " The halting response that was made to the scheme proposed by Baron Sir Henry Schroder supplies one reason why we have to wait, and we do not think, nor apparently do our correspondents, that the scheme proposed by Mr, Wood in a recent issue has any better chance of success. But horti- culturists nevertheless owe their thanks to Mr. Wood for putting before them a scheme. We can hardly suppose the author himself can imagine that his complicated project, as it stands, can be carried out ; indeod, he says he is quite prepared to find some parts of his scheme will require modification. Taken, then, as a basis for dis- cussion only, Mr. Wood's scheme deserved atten- tion. From it something more practicable may eventually be evolved. One thing, we think, is clear, no hall of sufficient dimensions to hold shows of the largest extent could be built in London with any chance of success. Even the Casino at Ghent is not large enough for the quinquennial shows, and annexes, tents, and greenhouses have to be supplied. If this fact be recognised, then it will be seen that a smaller hall than that projected by Mr. Wood would suffice for ordinary occasions, whilst larger shows might be accommodated elsewhere, as they are now. Bound this smaller hall might be grouped rooms which would suffice for meetings of the minor societies, for the Lindley Library, and other horticultural purposes without the necessity for permanent exhibitions and shows of objects not relevant to horticul- ture, and which, we imagine, would quickly degenerate to the music-hall level. But even on this smaller scale, site, funds, management would have to be provided. Mr. Wood says nothing about the site, but we do not think that would be an insuperable difficulty. As to the funds, we confess Mr. Wood's ideas seem to us more ingenious than practicable, and knowing by experience the difficulty there is in getting funds even for our horticultural charities, we have very grave doubts whether money would be forthcoming in sufficient amounts to maintain, much more to erect the structure. Then, as to the management, would or could the Boyal Horticultural Society under- take such a task, and if it did, would there not be theusual amount of jealousy and criticism ? and would not the specialand provincial societies co as they do now, to a great extent, hold aloof, and, as the phrase is, "run their own coach ?" In spite of these forebodings, which none would be more cordially glad to see annulled, than ourselves, we hope the central idea will be kept in mind. Free but relevant discussion will soon show what is practicable, and what is not — the ground will be cleared, and the duty of horticulturists to their prolession will once more be put to the test. Whatever we may think of Mr. Gardeners' Wood's scheme for a grandiose le^nstitattion. haU for horticultural purposes, there can not be the least doubt as to what our duties to the gardening charities are, and no one will question the propriety of the appeal which we have now the pleasure to lay before our readers, in full confidence that it will be responded to — " The extraordinary event — unique in our country's history — of Her Majesty's completing in June next the sixtieth year of her beneficent reign, demands from us all, I venture to suggest, some special effort testifying to our deep thankfulness for the wonderful progress made in efery way by our nation during the past sixty years, and for the many blessiogs we now so freely enjoy. Animated by this feeling, the Executive of the Gardeners' Royal Bene- volent Institution (of which our beloved Queen has been the Patroness for forty-five years) has deter- mined to endeavour to celebrate so remarkable an occurrence by establishing a special fund to be called ' The Victorian Era Fund,' the income from which shall be devoted to affording temporary assistance to those applicants who are waiting to be placed on the Pension List, and who have been subscribers to the Institution, every friend of which it is confidently felt may be relied upon to do their utmost to help raise a sufficient sum the interest of which shall be devoted to the benefit of those who, when in a position to do so by becoming subscribers, did what they could to assis1". others. The Committee con- sider that a sum of at least £5000 will be required to enable them adequately to carry out what theA" propose ; and this in addition to the amount required to meet the usual yearly outgoings of the Institu- tion, which exceed .£3000 (the sum paid at the present time in pensions alone being £2840). I, as chairman of the Committee, appeal to every gardener [and garden lover] in the country to aid us in raisin ; this sum— 1st. By giving what he can himself, and urging his brother gardeners [and friends] to do the same. 2nd. By earnestly appealing to all lovers of gardens to contribute something to this object. And I feel certain that if every gardener [and friend of gardening and gardeners] will do what he can. the proposal of the Committee will be fully realised. "Auy further information or details of the scheme will be most readily given either by myself or by the secretary, Mr. George J. Ingram, 50, Parliament Street, London, S.W., who will also be pleased to forward to any applicant collecting cards or boxes. " Earnestly begging you to give the matter your warmest support. " I am, he, Harry J. Veitch, Chairman of Com- mittee and Treasurer." Separate appeals will be sent to gardeners and to amateurs of all degrees, but the insertion of a word or two relieves us from the necessity of publishing both. The annual meeting io in progress as we write these lines, and the fifty- eighth anniversary festival dinner will be held at the Whitehall Booms, Hotel Metropole, on Wednesday, May 26, 1897, the Bight Hon. Lord Bothschild, in the chair. The following donations &c, are already promised : — His Grace the Duke of W estminster, President .. £100 0 0 The Baron Schroder, Vice-President 200 0 0 C. Czarnikow, Vice-President 50 0 0 N. N. Sherwood, Trustee (in memory of Emma Sherwood) 200 0 0 Harry J. Veitch, Treasurer 250 0 0 W. Sherwood (in memory of Emma Sherwood) ... 100 0 0 E. Sherwood „ „ „ ... 100 0 0 May Sherwood ,, ,, ,, ... 100 0 0 George Monro 100 0 0 James Veitch & Sons 250 0 0 Thames Bank Iron Company 21 0 0 A. Watkins 10 0 0 James Hudson 5 0 0 J. W. Seden(Life Subscription) 10 10 0 J. Sedcn 2 2 0 LlNNEAN SOCIETY.— On the occasion of the meeting held on December 17, Dr. A. Qunther, F.K.S., President, in the chair ; the President directed attention to the very handsome clock recently pre- sented to the Society by Mr. Frank Crisp, and now fixed over the doorway of the Meeting-room, and a cordial vote of thauks to Mr. Crisp was unanimously recorded. Messrs. James Green and J. II. Gar- diner exhibited a series of sciagraphs of British Batrachiaus and Reptiles in which the details of the skeleton were very sharply defined, and its relation to the external outline well shown. Mr. J. E. Harting exhibited a supposed hybrid between the common brown hare (Lqjus timidus) and the Irish hare (Lepus variabilis), recently obtained in Carnarvonshire, where the latter species had been introduced in 1878. He compared the specimen in question with examples of both the above-named species, and contrasted their distinguishing pecu- liarities, pointing out the intermediate characters exhibited by the supposed hybrid. His remarks were criticised by the President, who thought that too much stress should not be laid upon external appearance and colour ; that the question of hybridity should rather be determined by comparing the rela- tive measurements of the leg-bones ; and that the Irish hare should be compared iu detail with the hare of southern Europe (L. meridionalis or rnedi- terraneus). Professor Howes drew attention to Natbusips' observations upon the Peyer's patches of the Leporines, aud pointed to the necessity for examination of the viscera. Mr. Barrett Hamil- ton, who was present as a visitor, was incliued to regard the supposed hybrid as an example of the ordinary brown hare turning white iu winter, hitherto unnoticed in this country. Mr. Thomas Christy inquired what position the so-called Belgian hare or Leporine occupied iu relation to the question of hybridity ; and was answered that the popular notion of that animal being a hybrid between the hare and rabbit was fallacious, since it was nothing more than an overgrown tame rabbit coloured like a hare. Mr. B. B. Woodward gave a demonstration, illustrated with lantern-slides, of Mons. F. Bernard's January 16, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 43 researches iuto the development of tho binge of bivalve shells. Oil behalf of Dr. A. J. Ewart, a paper was read iu continuation of one previously com- municated by hini, and entitled : "Further Observa- tions on Assiuiilatory Inhibition." Mr. W. C. Worsdell gave the chief facts of a paper dealing with the "Development of the Ovule of Christisouia_. a genus of the Orobancheaj." Referring to Professor Koch's detailed account of the development of the ovule of Orobauche, he remarked that Christisouia as a parasitic plant was of such interest, and differed so much iu its vegetative structure from Orobauche, that it seemed to be worth while to record the facts of its embryological development. A brief description of poriuni from a hypodermal cell ; the casual occur- rence of a double arehesporium ; the absence of tapetal cells ; the division of the arohesporium into four cells, the lowest of which subsequently grew into the embryo-sac ; au anomaly was observed in oue ovule, iu which two of the uppermost cells per- sisted as rudimentary sacs, in one of which the nucleus had divided into four ; the large &ize of the syner- gidae, as compared with that of the corresponding cells at the antipodal end ; the outgrowth of the embryo from the ovum as an elongated unicellular structure ; the fusion of the pjlar nuclei ; the early stages in the formation of the endosperm ; the sequence of cell-divisious jn the developing of embryo. " On the Chalcididce of the Island of Grenada, "West Indies." This paper, communicated by Mr. F. D. Godman, F.R.S., F.L.S., dealt with the Chalcididae collected by Mr. H. H. Smith, under the auspices of the British Association Committee for investigating the Fauna and Flora of the West Indian Islands. The collection consisted of from 600 to 700 speci- mens, aud comprised six new genera and seventy-two new species, which were described. The geographical relationships of the group were discussed. The next meeting of the Society will be held ou Thursday, January 21, at S.O p.m. precisely, when the following papers will be read : —Dr. G. Elliott Smith, " On the Origin of the ^E^ afe^SfflJ >? ^s>< FlG. 10. — ROSE GARDEN AT WALTON LEA, WARRIKJTuN. (SEE 1\ 39.) the vegetative parts of the plant was then given ; these were : the rhizome like, anastomosing network of roots bearing tubers at interva's, from which latter the exogeuously- formed haustoria are pro- duced. The haustoria penetrate the rojts of the Bamboo or Strobilanthes upon which the plant is parasitic. Tho lateral roots aud the stems are produced ondogenously ; the lattor grow rapidly, and after producing tho flowers die, at the end of tho season. The dower resembles, in its main features, that of Orobanche. Tho ovary in one species is unilocular throughout, in another specks it is bi- locular below, and unilocular above ; the placentas are two in number. By the aid of blackboard drawings the author then described the development of the embryo-sac aud the embryo. This was shown to follow essentially tho same lines as in Orobanche. Its main features were ; — the origin of the arehes- and the irregularity of these ; the extremely rudi- mentary character of the embryo as compared with ordinary Dicotyledonous plauts,this being perhaps eve n more pronounced than in Orobanche. Finally, it was pointed out that in a great many plants the vege- tative and tho reproductive organs have not always, by any means, a parallel development, A striking iustanco of this was to bo Been in Christisonia. In this plant the vegutative structure was of a very abnormal and reduced type, and remarkably different from all other Phanerogams; whilo, on tho other band, tho structure aud development of theombryo- sac had remained essentially of the same normal type as iu the majority of Dicotyledons. The paper was oritieised by Dr. D. H. SCOTT, who testified to the im- portance aud interest of some of the facts established. On behalf of Dr. L. O. Howard, entomologist to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a paper was read corpus callosuca : a comparative study of the hippo- campil region of the cerebrum of Mar&upialia and certain Cheiroptera ; Dr. .1. GrlLOHuISr, "' On the Minute Structure of tho Nervous System of the Mollusca;" Exhibitions :— Dr. John Lowk, Fossil Antlers of lied Deer from the Cambridgeshire Fens ; Messrs. If. and J. urit< Flowers of Garden and Greenhouse by EL Stkp aud W. Watson (F. Warm: & Co i — & I No. 4, Lyon, H. Bouvier. — Bt wi 0* n< rat* d* Si i Pures et Appliqutes, 7th year, N... 23, Dec 15, LS96, cousueroo a la Tuuisie, by MM, Mam.mi; CoBNU and obhQTB.—Siblioffrapky of the moi'i Imp Hani Contributions to American Economic Entomology, by Sa.mum. IIknshuv, I S. Department i»f Agriculture, Division of Eutomology. Part V., L. to Z., and 46 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 16, 1897. Index. — Vinton's Agricultural Almanack (tor 1897). A year-book for farmers and laudovvuex'3. Agricul- tural Gazette Office (Vinton & Co., Ludgate Circus, E.C.). — Fourth Report.of the (New Zealand) Depart- ment of Agriculture, Wellington, N.Z. — Dictionnaire Pratique d' Horticulture ct de Jardimtgc, 56th livraison. The authors of this book have got as far as the letters Puce, in their valuable work. — Catalogue des Graines el Plantes Virantes ojfertes pendant Vffivev, 1896- 1897. Jardin des Plantes, Paris. Applications for seeds or plants mentioned in this catalogue should be made before Jan. 15, to M. le Directeur du Mus<5um, 57, Rue Cuvier, Paris. — List of seeds collected iu the garden at La Morlola, Veutimiglia, Italy (for private circulation only). — Listc des Graines Jiecoltees par le Jardin Alpiu d'Acclimatation, H. CorrkViin, 'J,, Rue Dancet, Geneva. — A Dictionary of Birds, by Alfred Newton and Hans Gadow. This is the fourth and last part of this treatise, including from Sheathbill to Zygodactyly together with Index aud Introduction. (London: Adam & Charles Black.) — Atlas de Plantes de Jardins ct cV Appartements, par D. Bois (Klincksieck, Paris). — Popular Bulb Culture, W. D. Drury (TJpooti Gill, 170, Strand).— The Rosarian's Year-book, 1897 (Bemrose & Sons). — Cata- logue of African Plants, collected by Dr. Fried- rich Welwitsch, Part I. by \V. P. Hiern (British Museum, Natural History, Cromwell Road, S.W.). — Annuaire Geniral Horticole (Paris: 167, Boulevard St. Germain). — He&dorjfcr's Monatslicftc fur Blumen und Garten Freunde (Oppenheim, Berlin). HYBRID CINERARIAS. Iu consequence of the the discussion in Nature, some time ago, on the origin of the garden Cine- raria, I was led to make a number of crosses among allied plants. The first set of six made between Seuecio uiultiflorus (female) and pollen taken from colour-forms of the garden Cineraria, is now in bloom, and for various reasons is de- serving of record. The plants are exceedingly handsome, aud there is a strong predominance of the male parents iu the colour and size of the flower-heads. The colours of the garden Cineraria have been transmitted almost unimpaired : the white centres are perfectly pure and not in the least confused by the rosy-lilac of the mother ; whde the deep blue-purples and maroons are still bright aud similar, though toned down to some extent. One male parent was a magent.i with white ring around the centre, and this ring iu the offspring has dis- appeared entirely ; but in the case of a lavender-tipped father the progeny are also white, with lavender tips. So Btrong has the influence of the pollen-parent been on colour and size, that the influence of the female requires to be sought for. A curious feature appeal's in many of the plauts for which it is not easy to account ; but I fchiuk from its character, and from its occurrence in 40 per cent, of the plants in flower, that it must be congenital. It consists iu a spot or spots on several or all of the ray florets, white in the case of pale flowers, and in the case of dark flowers formed by paler areas of the same colour. It is of no horticultural consequence — for the present, at any rate ; but one cannot help thinking that it shows a possible process in evolution. If it may be regarded in this way, we have here au original variation, pro- duced by the crossing of distinct species, which, in proportion to its utility in attracting insects, would have a good chance of becoming fixed and intensified. It might be due in some way to the high develop- ment of the garden Cinerari i, but nothing happeus, in any case, for which there is not an original endow- ment in Nature. It may be noted that these spots occur iu the first plant to flower of the reverse cross, in this case white on a maroon ground. The inflorescence departs somewhat in habit from that of the garden Cineraria, and from the point of view of an artist is much improved ; being looser and more elegant. In Eome plants of one of the crosses, however, the inflorescence of the garden Cineraria is very nearly reproduced, but these are iu small pots, and dwarfed iu consequence. Apart from the unexpected degree of dominauce of the male parent, in the colour and character of the flower-heads, the plants are all very nearly inter- mediate, and there is no remarkable variation between them. In height, the progeny tends rather to favour S. multiflorus. The auricles at the base of leaf- stalks are very nearly in shape like those of the garden Cineraria, especially at the base of the plant, but the degree of dentation appeal's to be less. The reduced lateral loaflets of S. multiflorus have almost entirely disappeared, but about 32 per cent, of the plants show definite indications of them. In tho shape of the leaf-blade and in the hairiness of the under-surface, appearances are as nearly intermediate as possible. The involucres vary in hairiness con- siderably, but there is a general agreement iu plauts of the same cross ; and, as the garden Cineraria varie3 considerably, 1 take it that the degree of hairi- ness has been governed by the male parent. This dominance probably belongs to the garden Cineraria as such, and not to sex, because a plant of the reverse cro-s, of which I am not now treating, is coming out with flower-heads of clear white in the centre, with deep maroon band, and not at all affected by S. multiflorus. Burbidge draws atten- tion to this douiinance of one species over another, whichever way the cross is made, in his Propa- gation and Improvement of Plants, p. 122, but I do not fiud that it is recoguised by Bailey iu his Plant- Breeding, aud notes of the occurrence appear to be few. Professor Henslow iu his paper on Hybrid Rhododendrons in the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society, vol. xiii., p. 240, referring to the assertion often made that a hybrid resembles the mile parent in the flowers, aud the female parent in foliage, says, "It would be more correct to say that the offspring may resemble either parent in either way and in various degrees, according to some uuex- plainable prepotencies in them respectively ; " and, further on, writing on the forms of the corolla of the hybrid or cross iu Rhododendron, gives au instance of this prepotence. ''Thus the small-flowered R. multicolor and its variety, Curtisii, invariably brings down the size of the corolla of the larger-flowered species with which it may be crossed, whether it is used as the male or feunle parent, to some approxi- mation to its own in tho offspring." Mr. Burbidge kindly gives mo the instance of Nepenthes RarHesiana, which always seem3 to be prepotent, either as male or as female. As he suggests, instances are no doubt numerous. I have now to explain the modus operandi of making these crosses : The heads of Senecio multi- florus were covered at an early stage, in small groups, with m islin, iu order to exclude insects. When the organs were in proper condition, the pollen of the best forms of the garden Cineraria wa3 brought, each to the heads of the intended bag. and a label applied accordingly. No further precaution, judging by results, appears to have been necessary. If anything had gone wrong, it must have been that pure S. muliiflorus would have come from the seed saved ; but in no case has this happened, and therefore it may be assumed that S. multiflorus is sterile to its own pollen -at least, to a considerable extent. The heads are protandrous, and a good state of the pistil must arrive before the pollen can be applied. The progeny of each cross repeats the colour of the pollen- parent so nearly as to confirm the label iu nearly every case. These hybrids have, of course, no immediate bear- ing on the origin of the garden Cineraria, and it remains to be seen whether it can be touched by others yet to flower. I feel sure, however, that no investigation can be complete without the evidence of S. Tussilagiuis. Unfortunately it is not iu cultiva- tion, and I should be extremely grateful to any reader of the Gardeners' Chronicle in the Canaries who would be so kind as to send me seed. It is especially desirable also to receive a fresh wild stock of S. cruenta, beciuse I think we have not now the best possible form. It appears to me that some of the wild relations of the garden Cineraria are not too perfectly represented by books and specimens, and I should therefore receive very gladly any seeds from allied plants of herbaceous habit. It would be of interest to possess more com- plete information on the relative distribution of the kinds, and of the areas they occupy. If any two grow withiu reach of the same individual insects, it appears inevitable that they must cross, and the facility with which crossing takes place is proved by the fact that not one of the thirteen crosses I have attempted has failed to produce a hybrid. R. Irwin Lynch, Botanic Gardens, Cambridge, Plant Notes. CHRYSANTHEMUM NIPPONICUM. This Japanese species was described iu 1872 by Frauchet from specimens collected in Nippon by Savatier, where it is wild, and is also cultivated for the sake of its large, handsome flowers. It is a peren- nial shrub, about 2 feet high, with numerous stout brauches clothed with fleshy oblong - spatulate, toothed leaves, aud bearing numerous erect stalked flower-heads, the latter 3 inches across, the disc large, turbinate, yellow ; the ray-florets broad, over- lapping, and pure white. It is allied to C. arcticum, and our native C. leucanthemum, the Ox-eye Daisy. There are cxamplos of it at Kew, obtained from Messrs. Ihunuiann & Co., Naples, and from the Yokohama Nursery Co., in whose catalogue it is offered under the mine of Leucanthomum nipponicum. It is quite hardy, but the stems are killed down by frost. The flower-buds set freely, aud there was a good promise of flowers this year, but the first snap of frost destroyed them. Accordiug to au account published iu Mailers Deutsche Garten Zeitung by Georg Marquardt, Zossen, this plant is a useful winter- flowering shrub for the greenhouse. He recommends that the cuttings should be put in during April, in a close frame, where they root in about a mouth. They should then be grown on in pots under the same treatment as the common Chrysan- themum, or planted out in a sunny border, to be lifted and potted iu autumn. In a cool house the flowers expand in December and January, when they are of the greatest value both for the conservatory and for the supply of cut flowers. W. W. H E Y W 0 0 D. This, the residence of Lord Justice Lopes, is beautifully situated near the rarjge of Wiltshire Hills at Westbury, and stands in its own park of some 100 acres or more. Its extent cannot be accurately estimated by sight from its undulating character, and the interception of the many large, spreading and handsome trees that abound. Among these are many Elms of enormous size, which tower up to great heights. Oaks, though not so numerous, are nevertheless of large dimensions, one specimen standing uear the house has tempted the timber merchant to proffer a large sum for it, but without avail, Lord Justice Lopes setting too high a value on its presence as a landscape object to part with it for its mere commercial value. There are many other trees of interest in the park, notably some Horse -Chesnuts, one having a spread of branches 85 feet, and being otherwise well propor- tioned ; also Sequoias (Wellingtonias) and Thorns. The house is approached through two entrance lodges, the one occupied by the gardener (Mr. \V. Robinson) having a foreground of tall tree?, a pleasant aspect and comfoi table appearance. The house standing as it is does on high ground, com- mands extensive and very pleasant views of the West- bury Hills and surrounding country. The pleasure-grounds, which are 7 acres in extent, aie well furnished with shrubs and ornamental trees, the belts of Laurel are kept neatly trimmed, and tho- roughly under control. Of the evergreen trees there are eome nice specimens of Abies Nordmanuiana, Thuiop- sisdolabrata, Cupressus Nootkatensis, Sequoiagigantea, January 16, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 47 Cryptomeria elegaus, Abies Pinsapo, A. cepbalonica, Pinus austriaca, Cu press us Lawsoniana, and a fine old specimen of Weymouth Piue. There are also some large copper Beeches, but undoubtedly the feature among deciduous trees is the very fine Catalpa, which stauds on the steeply sloping lawn between the house and lake. This is probably one of the finest in exist- ence. It has a diameter in blanch of 00 ft., and its limbs, which are proportionate to its great breadth, rise directly from the ground-line, and are supported by strong iron bands and chains, as well as heavy forked timbers for carrying the horizontal branches. Its age must extend considerably over a hundred years. It has, I believe, a history extending through three generations of the .fudge's family, and its increasing vantage of a substantial glass coping, and this, with the natural shelter furnished by the lofty walls, and a belt of trees to break the north and east winds is sufficient, without movable front blinds. The crops of Peaches every year are splendid, both in point of size, numbers, and colour, and reflect much credit on Mr. Robinson, who personally undertakes the work of pruning and nailing. Many of the trees, too, have been planted by him, as well as numbers of Apples and Pears. The varieties of Peaches grown comprise such excellent ones as Sea Eagle, Bellegarde, A7iolette Hative, Dymond, Goshawk, Condor, Wal burton's Admirable, and Princess of Wales ; and of Apricots there are the well-known Moor Park, Breda, Hems- kirk, Royal, St. Ambrose, Shipley'-', and Kaisha. annual crop from six trees number 500 fruits, the varieties being Stirling Castle, Sea Eagle, and Belle- garde Peaches ; Lord Napier, Pitmaston Orange, and Humboldt Nectarines. Brown Turkey Figs occupy a portiou of the back wall, and furnish some fine fruit during August and September. Melons, Cucumbers, and Tomatos are grown in other houses, and at the time of my visit there was ripening a heavy crop of some fifty medium-sized Melons in one small bouse. About 550 Strawberries in pots are grown iu about four sorts, and it is doubtful if there are many better samples of Augusts Nicaisesent to London during the season than those from Heywood. Many of the berries weigh from 1! to 2£ oz. each, and there are practically none le^s than an ounce of this variety. FlO, 11. — CHRYSANTHEMUMS DURING THE SUMMER MONTH; AT HEYWOOD. (SEB P. 48.) age and size have a due appreciation from its present owner. It flowers profusely each year, and appears to be as healthy as it could have been at any period of its life. It has been an object of interest to the landscape photographer on more than one occasion. The kitchen-garden, which comprises about 3 acres, closely adjoins the house and pleasure-grounds, is well stocked with espalier, bush, and pyramidal trees of Apple3 and Pears, while bush-fruits and Strawberries are grown in proportion to the demands. Plums, Cherries, and cordon Pears occupy wall space on east, west, and north aspects, the south being devoted to the culture of Apiicots and Peaches, which are well grown at Heywood. For Peaches, there is a 50 yards' run of wall, and the same amount of space is devoted to Apricots. Standard and dwarf-trained trees are i arranged that every useful inch of space is occupied. Both crops, have the ad - Only the best kind* of Apple? and Pears are planted, and these produce fruit of good size and quality. A handsome range of forcing-houses, 48 yards in length, was built a few years since for the growth of early and late Grapes, and early Peaches, another large cool house being devoted to midseaoon Nec- tarines, Figs, and Peaches. Grapes are very well grown, particularly Muscat of Alexandria, Mndresfield Court, and Lady Downes. Black Hamburghs have a house to themselves, with the exception of one rod of Madresficld ; so, too, have Muscats, and these produce fine bunches, brightly coloured, and halving largo berries. Lady Downes, in the late house, wero excellent in every respect. Two small divisions are devoted to the earliest Grapes and Peiches ; and here, as in all other departments, there is abundant proof that the one in charge is a practical man, and is thoroughly supported by an appreciative employer. In the cool Peacb house previously mentioned the Royal Sovereign, too, does well as an early fort in pots. A varied assortment of decorative and cut-flower plants is grown to meet the demand of the house and conservatory. Tuberous Begonia.s, zonal and other Pelargoniums, Bouvardias, double Primulas, Poiusettias, Azaleas, Allamaudas, .Stephanotis, Celosias, Anthuriums, Tea Hoses, Ciclogynes, arc some, among others, well grown ; Palms, Crotons, Dracaenas, Eul alias, Pandanuses, are a few among the various ornamental foliage plants, A house ia devoted entirely to Ferns in pots, and these make a dense mass of fronds during die Bummer ami autumn, completely hiding their pots ami tho stages on which they stand. The conservatory yields Camellia blooms in abundance in their season, as well as Orange blossom and fruit in quantity ; and the Bide sta accommodate a portion of the Chrysanthemums in winter, for wuieb Heywood 1ms a local fame. The 48 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 16, 1897. owner takes a great interest in these, and his collec- tion is kept quite up to date in point of variety. About 450 plants arc grown, principally for large blooms, and sixteen 1st prizes have been won at exhibitions during the past season. Our illustration onp. 47 affords a good idea uf the vigour with which the plants grow. There is no flower-garden proper at Heywood, but the borders in the kitchen-garden provide a wealth of useful flowers for cutting. On the sides of the small garden-pond, which occupies a central positiou, summer flowers are grown, and two very large specimens of the pigmy Spruce, Picea excelsa var. pygmea, are quite at home, and have occupied the borders for many years — so many that no record is known. They are very fine specimens. W. S. NOTES on THE SEASON of 1896, ISLEWORTH, MIDDLESEX. The first two months were temperate, and the period March to July (inclusive) above the average in temperature. The whole of these seven months were very dry, with the exception of a seasonable rainfall in March. The last five months were cold and wet. The average maxima for the whole year amounted to 57°; the extreme maxima 93°, and the extreme minima 21°. The rainfall measured 2T44 inches. The night tem- peratures during the summer were generally low, and the extreme mnnthly minima in no case exceeded 44°. A temperature of 70° was reached on seventy-seven days, and frost occurred on fifty-seven nights. There was no severe cold during the year, and snow was only visible on two days. The period of drought that began with the advent of April, and lasted into August, proved very destructive on these dry soils ; and the torrential rains of September ruined quite one half of the fruit that had escaped the vicissitudes of the spring and summer. Vegetables. — A great deal of disease was apparent on the nvun crop and late varieties of Potatoa, which made a stunted growth in the first instance, and a secondary growth in August and September. The earlier varieties were free from disease, and produced a heavy crop of uudersized tubers. Peas were very difficult to deal with on account of the intense drought, and misdirected efforts have re- sulted in a great increase intht; sparrow- plague recently. Lettuces "bolted '" early, and the intense heat of the surface-soil prevented the summer sown seed from germinating in t!me to procure a winter crop. Fruit. — Pears and Apples bore generally heavy crops (especially the early Apples). Flavour of course varies from year to year. This year Cox's Orange Pippin was far superior to Ribston Pippin. Among the Pears, the old Beurre' Bosc was again triumphant over all others. Mnrie Louise suffered from some difficulty in seed production. I fail to find any really matured seeds, and a large crop rotted off wholesale from premature decay of the pips. The few fruits that were pipless remained sweet and sound many weeks after the others had perished. The wall Apricots bore fine crops, and the Straw- berry crop was large in quantity, but the fruits were i- mall in size and inferiorin flavour. My one Quince tree was overweighted with an immense crop. Against this the Gooseberries, Standard Plums, Cherries (dessert), and Brambles (of sorts), were absolute failures owing to the drought. Currants had a heavy crop, but were badly blighted. Wall Peaches (out- side), carried a fair crop of rather undersized fruit, but fully one half was ruined by five consecutive days of incessaut rain etrly in September, just when the bulk of the fruit was ripe. Filbert and Cob-nuts a .small crop. Walnuts fair crop. Flower Garden. — This proved a year of disappoint- ment mingled with some surprises. Thrips and ear- wigs were a plague until the September rains came. I noticed also a fly which laid eggs in the blossoms of the Begonias, and the small maggot when hatched, caused the blooms to fall early. The so-called rusty Begonia disease is, I thiuk, caused by the intensity of our midsummer sun, combined with an arid air and too high day temperatures. It never seems to affect late-flowering Begonias, or those grown in moderately shady positious out-of-doors. Early in the year the April drought afflicted the border Narcissi, and later on the Roses and Japanese Lilie3 proved very unsatis- factory, with the exception of those which flowered very late in the season. Zinnias were a complete failure, with the exception of Z. Haageana, which stood the drought well. Sweet Peas and annuals generally failed altogether, except the favoured few that received exceptional attention in watering. On the other hand mauy Cape plants revelled in the hot soil and burning suns of May, June, and July, and bloomed in profusion. The great bulbs of Bruusvigia Josephinse, always uncertain of blooming in this country, all, with few exceptions, threw up their sturdy flower-scapes. Those in the open took a far more brilliant colouring than those under glass, and not only lasted Ion.r in flower, but withstood the rains and winds of Sep- tember without damage. B. Cooperi also took a very brilliant colouring outside, and flowered freely. Lycons squamigera both wintered and flowered finely outside against an unheated wall, without any protection. Gladiolus Lemonei flourished admirably, but some of the species refused to make any growth until September. Seedling Dahlias (naturally later in being planted out than old plants) did very well, but those planted out early failed. Oncidium incurvum flowered very finely in the open all July and August, and stood the weather with- out any injury to the blossoms or bulbs. Evergreen Conifers suffered much in the period May to August, especially Wellingtonias, Araucariaa, aud Lawson Cypress ; but Cedars (including the maligna 1 C. Deodara) were unharmed. The French Flint-glass Bottle Company's system of fruit-pre- serving has proved very satisractory for Apricots, Morello Cherries, and some kinds of Plums ; also for syrups. There is no real difficulty in the process. A. Wor8leyt Mandeville I/onsc, Tslewovtli, CYT1UPEDIUMS IN BRUSSELS. Our illustration (6g. 12. p. i9) shows a view in one of the Cypripedium-houaes in At. Lucieti Linden's newly-established nursery at Moortebeeck, Brussels, recently alluded to in our columns. More than 5000 flowers of O. insignc and its varieties were open at the same time, which produced an astonishing display. Specimens illustrative of fifteen va-ietiea were to have been exhibited at the Rnya] Horticul- tural Society's meeting on Tuesd iy last, but were delayed in transit, prob tb'y in consequence of the fog. Home Correspondence. PEARS OF GOOD AND BAD QUALITY.— Every season the merits of some particular Pear ;ire brought bofore the readers of the gardening papers, Fome of which are due to climate, some to soil, or the nature of the seaeon. This shows it will not do to depend on a very limited number of varieties, as some gardeners are incliued to do. To the market- grower this may not matter, as he cultivates those which he thinks will bring in the best returns, regardless often of quality ; but with the private gardener it is far otherwise — he must supply dessert and kitchen fruit of good quality for eight months in succession, and the more varieties the better are his chances of obtaining satisfactory crops. In recent issues of the Gardeners' Chronicle favourable mention was made of Huyshe's Victoria Pear, a variety of which I have a tree trained on an east wall, where it is perfectly worthless, the soil being too retentive, and therefore too cold for it. It never fails certainly to produce a crop of fruit, but the quality is very poor. It is a Pear that is not suited for a cold, clayey soil in Yorkshire. [Have you tried it upon the Quince stock ? Ed.] Glou Morceau in the same soil, but on a west wall, brings fruit of fair quality most years ; this year, however, it failed to fruit. That favourite old variety, Couseiller de la Cour, which is here a sure cropper, and of excellent quality, although it ripens too close on the heels of Marie Louise. This variety is so seldom mentioned by writers, that I am led to believe the flavour in the south is not so good as here. I should be interested if some of your readers would relate their experiences with it. I was glad to see that your contributors, on p. 763, for December 19, were so obliging as to give at the foot of their notes the part of the country they reside in. /. Easter, Nostell Priory Gardens. AN EARLY VIOLA. — One of the very earliest to bloom is the Yellow Ardwell Gem, old in point of time, but to be grown for years to come by flower- gardeners, on account of its tufted growth, earliness, freedom of bloom, and persistence. It is of a clear sulphur tint, and this useful variety has, by means of sports, originated two other most useful bedding varieties, viz., Goldfinch, yellow,, distinctly edged with pale purple, and this in turn sported to Duchess of Fife, having a light primrose giound distinctly edged with blue — a charming variety. It was recently stated by a leading authority on Violas, that there are three epoch-making types among them, one, and the earliest, is Magpie, which the late Mr. John FlemiDg used to employ with such admirable effect at Cliveden, and which it is believed has never exactly reproduced itself from seed ; Duchess of Fife, which is well denominated a leading flower, for it finds admirers on every hand ; and Iona, the leading Viola in 1894. a combination of lavender and-blue back, with a white blotch on each of the lower petals — a most distinct and striking flower of marked in- dividuality of colour. R. D. POLYGONUM BALDSCHUANICUM.— I have read with pleasure the remarks concerning the above plant, without doubt the most delightful species of the genus. The plant may be fairly described as a climber, or at least a twiner, which, from a garden point of view, gives it additional value and interest, for the growths readily twine round any other body which may be near it, and in this way a number of growths of from 12 to 18 feet in the season is made. During the past season a very fiue example of it was for a lung time quite a feature, flowering in the her- baceous department at Kew in one of the beds oppo- se to the small alpine-house, I was at the time much struck by its beauty, and its value as a hardy climbing plant. The example at Kew very much resembled that 6gured in the Gardeners Ckr-mtcle at p. 17, but it is scarcely possible adequately to describe the beauty of the plant. If memory serves me aiight, a few twiggy sticks of some 8 feet high had been provided fur it. to the summit of which it quickly attained, then, for want of any further upward suit- port, the growths had toppled over all around in a neglected fashion, forming a beautiful head, the stems for several feet being wreathed with its panicles of white blossoms, faintly tinted with rosy-pink. It is just the plant for placing at the base of a worn-out Wellingtonia, for this, with its branches left as long as possible on either side, would afford just the support it requires. In a cut state it is eqinlly charming, for its pretty hastate and rather glo-py leaves dis- play its pleasing panicles in a most effective manner. E. Jenkins. QUEEN'S DIAMOND JUBILEE. —Whatever may be the fate of the proposed Horticultural Institute — and it would not appear to be a very rosy one — looking at, the practical outcome of the horticultural hall schtii.c started under such influential auspices a few years since, there is one way, within the reach of the humblest amongst the horticultural com- munity, of worthily commemorating the Diamond Jubilee. Hero it is: Let the gardeuers of the United Kingdom combine to raise, for this year at least, the quarterly grant to the poor little ones at present enjoying the benefits attached to the Gardeuers' Orphan Fund. The gardeners did a noble thing in instituting this excellent charity in 1887. Let them amplify the good work in 1S97, and it can be done with very little self-denial, if every g;irdeuer in the country will embrace the opportunity for doing good that such a memorable occasion suggests. To those knowing anything of the children on the fund, it is common knowledge that the 5s. per week allowed to the particular child has (in many cases) to do duty, owing to the distressed circumstances of the widow, amongst the other niernbi is of her often far too numerous flock. The 5s. thould be confined to the child elected — it is little enough, in all conscience ; and stern poverty steps in and decrees that in spite of any rules which committees may make, they must often be inevitably disregarded by the higher and more pressing claims of Nature. It is not too late January 16, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 49 now for the executive of the Fund to organise a card collection amongst the gardeners of the country, and to have the return3 by Celebration Week. Will it take the hint hero thrown out in a kindly and good- meaning spirit? Necessarily, the majority of the rejoicings, &c, incidental to the Commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee will be practically confined to adults ; in this particular case gardeners will have a grand opportunity of makiDg a noble exception. May they at once embrace it. J. B. HOME OF HORTICULTURE —The letter from Mr. Douglas in your issue of January 2 deserves a reply, emanating, as it does, from one of our best-known and most respected horticulturists. Mr. Douglas dwells upon the unsuccessful efforts which have been made in the past to establish a home for horticulture. They nil prove that horticulture single-handed is unequal to providing a suitable home for itself; and shows, such as the National Chrysanthemum show and similar exhibitions, can be conveniently held ? To relieve Mr. Douglas from undue anxiety, I hasten to assure him that we do not "ignore the hysons to be learnt from previous failures." but hope to profit by them. These failures prove that a combination of all the other sciences with horticulture is imprac- ticable ; also that horticulture alone is net strong enough to provide its own home ; hence the only alternative is to unite such as will live happily together (under the auspices of the Royal Horticul- tural Society) and prove aD attractive combination. Our continental neighbours — so far in advance of us in this matter, to our disgrace, be it said — have proved that horticulture and the fine arts may be associated to their mutual advantage. No one knows better than Mr. Douglas the necessity for providing different houses for different classes of plants. Hor- ticulture requires suitable surround ngs, and will rjot upon second thought, Mr. Douglas may not see very much to laugh at, either in the state of the benevo- lent funds or in any effort to augment them. James L. Wood. THE LATE MR. JAMES WEBBER.— No doubt to many gardeners or general readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle, Mr. James Webber, whose lamented death you last week recorded, was a very successful sales- man of garden produce, and no more. To many others, however, he was well known for his active work in connection with gardening charities. To too few probably was he known as a very earnest and unselfish reformer of our market habits and customs, especially in relation to fruit. With the exception of Mr. George Monro, who was a very sympathetic co- operator with Mr. Webber, no other Covent Garden salesman ever attempted to do so much to promote reform in fruit-packing for market sale as he did. -OVPllIFEDICJM-UOnSK IN M. L. LLNL >lOO.tTUBKF.CK, BUUSSfcXS. (SEE I'. 48J that a combination of all the other sciences with horti- culture spells f.iilure. I venture to say that such a rc&ult might have been foreseen as inevitable ; for Mich projects, despite the pomp and ceremony which attended their inauguration, and the " great flourish ot' trumpets," which Mr. Douglas particularises. He, however, adds, that this usually accompanies unsuc- cessful horticultural schemes ; and here I would it mark that a very great flourish of trumpets will bo required to herald Mr. Douglas's Temple of Horti- culture (formed after the similitude of the " Drill Hall of the London Scottish Volunteers in James Street, Westminster," "a building on a modest scale, not for large flower aliows"), when he lets us see his plans, because such a scheme would be predestined to failure, and therefore should have a great flourish of trumpets, like ite unhappy predecessors. A building for large shows is precisely what is now fo urgently demanded, and nothing short of this wi 1 meet the requirements of all interests, This was most forcibly stated by Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., aud al-o by J. A. Bevan, Esq., at the Jubilee Chrysanthemum bauquet. Perhaps Mr. Douglas will suggest where the largo thrive amidst the glamour of a music-hall, nor in the company of shooting-galleries and Punch-and-Judy shows. This may serve in some measure as a reply to his remarks as to the Aquarium. The ill-fortune that has attended the Alexandra Palace is proverbial, and it is therefore' weak to mention that placa in this connection. I have brought forward a scheme based upon the experience of our neighbours, aud have suggested that the fine arts might; be profitably associated with horticulture. My opinion remaiua unchanged, and I await the publication of some better projects from those who have so freely com- mented upon my own. Mr. Douglas' flight of fancy into the region of exhibitions, whero he tees exhibi- tions of kid glove?, state carriages, matches, &c, is of course very fine ; but upon his descent to this sublunary sphere he will perhaps allow that his imagination has played him false iu this instance. The only explanation for such a remarkable idea is to be found in the reference which 1 made to a three days' festival in aid of tho benevolent funds ; but kid gloves, stato carriages, aud matches, were in no wise contemplated or even hinted at. Perhaps, Mr. Webber's efforts were not limited to the giving of good advice. He did for several years alone, and liter, in conjunction with Mr. Monro, offer at some of the London exhibitions, but especially in connec- t on with those of the Royal Horticultural Society, valuable money-prizes in furtherance of the object he had in view. Like some of hi-t market colleagues, but in a very practical way, Mr. Webber realised how much I03S resulted to homogrowers of fruit because of their very defective market methods of packing. It was natural enough that any man of ordinary tWl- ing, and of a sympathetic nature, should realise the grave deficiencies of our home methods as compared with the much better ones of the foreigner ; our superior homegrown fruit being, by its bad packing, heavily handicappet in the market. Smce Mr. Web- ber's prizes originated in what now seem to bo the far off South Kensington Jays of the Koyal Horticultural Society, very great progress has been made, especially in relation to soft fruits, and to an appreciable extent with Apples aud Pears ; although much yet remains to be done by the rank and file of growers. I always found in connection with the judging of tho classes for 50 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 16, 1897. which Mr. Webber's prizes were offered, much more interest than related to the judging of ordinary fruit classes. Mr. Webber invariably assisted at the function, and would, in making awards, always give reasons for so doing. He was not easy to please, because he had good ideals, and wished to see them realised practically. The earlier classes were insti- tuted prior to the introduction of that wonderfully popular and excellent packing ingredient, wood-wool, and cotton-wool was the chief element employed. That material rarely gave to the judges satisfaction. Mr. Coleman, of Eastnor, was, I think, the first to introduce soft, sweet, clean moss, especially for Punches, and this material was greatly liked. It was not, however, equal to wood-wool, a material that everyone could have at disposal, whereas moss needed considerable cleaning and preparation. Now wood-wool, which is so cheap, places all on an equality, although even that does not make skill in packing always equal. However, great progress has been made all round. No doubt, it would be a pity were packing classes for all descriptions of fruit entirely withdrawn from exhibition schedules, for the best examples do offer to young growers very useful objectdessons, and invariably tboy create great interest. We must not forget that, much aa things have improved, there is yet great room for further development. Neither should we forget that in this valuable work few men have been such earnest pioneers as was the late James Webber. A. D. POTATO DISEASES. — On p. 13 of the Gardeners' Chronicle for January 2 ("Potato Tercentenary"), Professor Johnson is reported to have stated " that the fungal filaments (the mycelium of the Phytoph- thora infeetans) in the tubers, &c." (of the Potato), 11 do not die, but rest in the tuber during the winter to germinate with the diseased tuber in the following spring, and to spread disease in the newly-formed snoots ; " and then he warns us that diseased Potatos in consequence should not knowingly be used as seed. Has this theory been fully established by our scien- ti6c men and experimenters? I ask this question, as for a long time there has been great controversy upon this subject, and it is of the utmost practical import- ance to us who cultivate the Potato, and Professor Johnson seems to speak so definitely. Professor Plowright, in his lecture before the Royal College of Surgeons, in February, 18:H,held this rather different opinion. That it is at least uncertain " how the Phy- tophthora exists from the summer of one year to the summer of the next;*' that those sexual organs which were found by Mr. Worthingtou G. Smith, and thought by him to be the resting-spores of the fungus, have since been much disputed to be as such, and that "if we fall back upon the theory that the fungus hybernates in the tissues of the tuber, it seems to afford no satisfactory explanation of the process. It is also stated by eminent mycologists that the action of the mycelium upon the tissues of the Potato plant is essentially destructive, and when the tubers are affected with Phytophthora in the autumn months, they almost invariably pass into decay ; but if infected tubers are preserved through the winter mouths, the mycelium dies. Also it is stated that the Phytophthora infestans and the wet- rot (Bacillus amylobacter) cannot long live together ; that the former is generally succeeded by the latter, and if very bad, destroys its mycelium. We know the life-histories of many of our most destructive parasitic fungi, such as rust and mildew, smut and bunt, ergot, &c, of Graminere, and how in each instance the life cycle is completed, and it would, I am sure, be very interesting to many of your readers if it could be explained how the fungus, whether through the mycelium, resting-speres, or otherwise, germinate in the spring, "to spread disease in the newly-formed shoots," as Professor Johnson says it does. I have often planted diseased Potatos in the spring, and found no difference whatever in the crop from those grown from healthy tubers ; and similar results have often been recorded in the columns of your paper. Alfred Gaul, Shrewsbury. BRITISH GUANO. — I know of some soils winch require little or no manure, and where the study must be not how much, but how little may be used. A safe method, however, is to hive all the ground in- tended for the different crops trenched or double dug early in the autumn, and this will give the fowl manure a good chance of being well permeated through the soil during the winter. There is more in this early surface dressing than many amateurs are aware of. I stated recently in a small article which you were kind enough to publish, that on my land , which is of a poor light sandy nature, that I top dressed six square yards every morning, which proved sufficient for a heavy crop of Onions. Now on a good depth of soil of a rich loamy nature less than half this quan- tity is necessary. I strongly recommend all who have gardens and allotments to pay more attention to my plan of manufacturing and utilising the fowl manure. Some people residing not far from where I am scribbling these lines, are keeping over 200 fowls — ah ! and in a filthy condition, with tons of this valuable article under their perches, which has not been cleared out for, I daresay, some few years. Now, these very gopd, simple, and kindly-disposed individuals, will talk to you by the hour about this crop not doing well, and the other crop not paying, hard times, and such like ; and you may as well try to turn the " moon into a greeu cheese "—an old saying—as to conviuce them of their great mistake ; they will turn you off with, or put you down with, such words as, "to err is human ! " Well, I am now trying all in my power with object-lessons to prove to these good folks how they throw their money away foolishly. Joseph Meredith, Rose Mount, Bishop's Often, Eccleshall, Staffs. THE HISTORICAL MULBERRY TREE AT SYON.— Visitors to the gardens at Syou House, Brentford, will note that this old tree, which bears a plate announcing Chat it was planted by an Earl of Northumberland in 1548, is renewing its youth in a very satisfactory manner. Some years ago a branch broke away from the old trunk while retaining its hold upon the stock ; falling upon the ground, it began to put forth roots into the soil below it. Earth was brought and piled up above the rooting-point, and now it has grown into a vigorous tree, thus handing down the old one to posterity in a rejuvenated condition. Every year it becomes an increasing object of interest, and bears testimony to its longevity. It is care- fully tended by Mr. Wythes, who has the satisfac- tion of seeing it flourish beyond his best expectations. R. D. FLORIFEROUS EUCHARIS GRANDI FLORA. — HaviDg read in the Gardeners' Chronicle instances of flowers of unusual growth or bloom, I should like to mention the fact that two pots of Eucharis are tlowering for the fourth time this year. The bulbs are growiug in 10-inch pots, and they stand very near to the hot water pipes in my stove-hou^e. One plaut has now sixteen spikes of bloom, and nearly all of them have five or six, and one has a spike of seven blooms, all fully open. Rohcrt Sydenham, Bir- mingham. THE EUCHARIS MITE.— The enclosed Eucharis bulb, so badly affected with mite, has been lying in my office window since last June. It has been exposed to a very low temperature, the window having been frosted over several times this winter. I quite believe that there is no cure for it save the one frequently given in the Gardeners" Chronicle, viz.. the burning of all affected stock. J. H. W, CEDRUS DEODARA.— The woods near to Belvoir Castle are noted for their fine timber trees of various kinds, but Cedrus Deodara cannot be couuted a success ; and even if it had thriven, I very much doubt if the timber would be of any value. C. atlautiei, on the other hand, grows freely, and soon makes a fine tree, with a good straight bole, in which respect it differs much from the Cedar of Lebanon ; nevertheless, I incline to the opinion that these two varieties are botanically identical. A fine specimen of ( 'edrus atlantica had to be cut down here after the storm at the beginning of 1894, and particulars of its size, Ac, were noted in your columns soon after. The stem of this tree had a girth of 8 feet G inches at 3 feet from the surface, a good record for ninety-six years' growth ; but I am informed that the timber proved very soft when it was sawn up a short time ago. There are mauy trees of it here of similar size which are growing in a strong blue clay that is reputed to be 60 feet is depth. These trees are sheltered to a great extent by older specimens of deciduous trees, and the height above eealevel is 270 feet. IT. H. Dicers, Belvoir Castle Gardens, Grantham. APPLEY TOWERS AND LADY HUTT GRAPES.— Although rather late on this subject, I will give my experience of these varieties, so few gardeners having given theirs. I planted some young Vines at the time these varieties were distributed, including one each of Apploy Towers and Lady Hutfc. The vinery in which these Vines were planted had a very flat heavily-timbered roof, and was rather shaded, more- over the soil was not one of the best for the Vine. In order to obtain as much light as possible, the Vines are trained up the middle of each light, a brick path runs along the front, and prevents an outside border being made. The border iuside the vinery is divided into bins by brickwork partitions 3 inches thick, built in cement, extending from the front wall to the path, aud each division contains two Vines, has the usual sort of drainage overlying a cemented floor, and soil to the depth of 2£ feet. These bins were made because owing to the narrowness of the border, it needed oft renewing, and as the contents of one biu were renewed each year without disturbing the others, they had their advantages. The other varieties included in the same vmery are Black Ham- burgh, one of Madresfield Court, Buckland Sweet- water, and Foster's Seedling. The fruit is ripe by the beginning of August, and that of Lady Hutt is later thau any of the others. Appley Towers is in my opinion the better Grape of the two. Both Vines grew vigorously, Appley Towers colours well, but its bunches as yet are not large ; the berries resemble those of Madresfield Court, but they are not so large, aud not so pointed as those of Black Alicante. The flavour when the bunches are allowed to remain on the Vines, as these did till November, is, I think, an improvement on Black Alicante ; but the skin is not so thick nor so hard as in Lady Dowues' Seedling, than which variety it is an improvement as regards flavour. I am inclined to think it will prove to be a useful Grape, but less attractive a^ an exhibition variety. The best examples that I have noticed were growing on Vines in the gardens of Keele Hall iu 189,r», and perhaps Mr. Wallis will kindly give us his opinion of the fruit as grown in the good Grape soil of that place. The fruit of Lady Hutt does not please me, the greenish colour, also mentioned by others, being much against it, yet I have left it for a long time on the Vine well exposed to the light. The flavour, however, is better than might be expected, but it is not equal to Buckland Sweetwater or Foster's Seed- ling. It shows fruit freer with me than Appley Towers, but this may be owing to fruiting itou spurs. It has a nice, round, good-sized berry, which keeps well, although the skin is not very thick. J. Lambert, Poiois Castle Gardens. HUYSHE'S VICTORIA PEAR. ETC.— Respecting my remarks upon the above (seep. 11 in the issue for Jan. 2), I should have stated that the trees an- growing iu the vale of Berkshire, about fifteen miles from Reading, Oxford, and Newbury, either way. J. C. A NEW TOLL AT COVENT GARDEN MARKET. — I should like to say a few word* on a matter that is of great inlereat to a number of your readers, viz., the imposition of a new toll at CoventGardm Flower Market on the 1st inst. This new toll is one halfpenny per box on all cut b'ooms, &e , which arrive to be sold on commission, those staud-holders who sell their own goods being ex- empted from payment of the toll. Now to me this seems strange— why should those who are Don- stand-holders be so taxed ? Is it not such as we who pay the commission-agents' stand-rent? And, but for us, he would not require such stands. I really think that, considering the hard struggle we small folk have to gain a decent living, his tJrace might be content with the market-due* previously paid, an addition of a few hundred pounds per anuum being of little accouut to him, although to us they mean a great loss. It seems hard that, ar the same time that our local rates should be reduced by the Government to help us, that all we gain by that, and more beside, should go into his Grace's pocket. It seems but a trifle ; but, added to what we previously paid, it means a good deal. For instance, last week I sent eighteen boxes of blooms to the market, the dues of which amounted to 2s. Orf. ; aud then, of course, there is the carriage and salesman's commission. Tue tax is the little man's tax ; the bi3' grower has his own salesman, and is therefore exempt. /. Cull. Society. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Jandarv 12. -The first mooting of the committees for 1S07 took place in the frill II ill, James Street, Westminster, on Tueulay last. In the morning especially tlio weather was foggy, and there was but little sunlight Despite these adverse extern il condition?, however, there was a very satis- factory exhibition ; and, owing to several admirable collec- tions of Cyclamens, the display was a bright one, January 16, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 51 From the Cambridge Botanic Gardens an exhibit by Mr. Lynch of flowering-sprays of certain Senecio seedlings de- sorved more than passing remark, for besides being very orna- mental in themselves, they were the result of experiments that are alike useful and. interesting. Considerable interest attached also to the exhibit of a strain of Cyclamens from Brussels, which po:sessed flowers showing much modi- fication from the usual type, and, though the general opinion appeared to be sceptical in regard to their decorative value, t-.ey rep-esent a break that is well worth noting. Orchids were numerou-, and many meritorious plants were exhibited. There was a display of Chinese Primulas from Swanley, and ecveial large collections of Apples. Floral Committee. Premit': W. Marshall, Esq., Chairman, and Messrs. C. T. Druery, H. B. May, H. Herbst, R. Dean, Robt. Owen, Geo. Steven--, Jas. Hudson, J. Jennings, R. B. Lowe, Chas. E. Pearson, J. Fraser, Chas. Jeffries, J. T. Bennett-Poe, Chas. E. Shea, Chas. Blick, Geo. Paul, H. Selfe Leonarl, Harry Turner, Jno. Fraser, and J. W. Birr. A magnificent group of Free^i as was exhibited by N. L. Cohen, Esq., Englefield Green, Surrey (gr., Mr. Sturt). They were in five-inch pots, 5 bulbs in a pot, and each was surmounted by a rare lot of beautiful white blossoms, which created an unusually good display (Silver Flora Medal:. Chrysanthemums, though few in number, were not alto- gether abssnt from the meeting. Mr. Hawkes, gr. to the Earl of Jersey, exhibited a few blooms of a very singular narrow-petallcd gold-coloured decorative variety named Decorator; Mr. R. Owen, Castle Hill Nurseries, Maidenhead, exbibitel three blooms of Hirsutum, an hirsute variety in the way of Louis Boehmer, but in the absence of any sun- light, it was difficult to decide the shade of colour. From Mr. C. Herrin, Dropmore, Taplow, were borne blooms of the useful, white decorative variety, Princess Victoria, which obtained an Award of Merit in 18H2. Messrs. T. CRU-rs & Son, Tunbrid?e Wells, exhibited a few plants of the Violet Amiral AvelUu aud also several flower- ing specimens of the curious winter flowering shrub, Hamamelis arborea. Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son, Highgate Nurseries, London, exhibited a group of plants containing Ericas such as E. melanthera, E. hyemalis superb.i, E. hyeniilis alba, Cyclam.ns, and AucuOa japonica vera uncommonly well fruited. All the | lants represented unusually good cultivation (Silver Banksian Modal). Messrs. H. Cansell . Sone sin0ulir Cyclamen's were shown by M de Lanohe, Rue de Constantinople, Brusse s The petds, in tead o. being co . plctely reflexed as in the ordinary Cyclamen tlowor, were more regular, bread, rotund and spreauing, aud reflext-d only to a horizontal positioa. Lach plmt jic ea ei a different degree of modification, and the petals in most cases were fringed. Tbey were shown as varitties of Cycla- men pai ilio. Brussels Gem, a crimson variety, was the most effective, being of an uncommonly good colour. Euctrique and Omnibus were fringed rather more than others, but I'assc paitout and Princesse Beige a'so presented inteiesting features. An Award of Meiit was recommended to the strain. Major Joice., Surmingiale Park, Ascot (gr., Mr. Thorne), contributed a group of about four dozen Cyclamen?. The plants were very meritorious in foliage aud flower, some of the white varieties especially being lirge and pure. The flower stems were a Utile drawn, owing to rather more beat having been used tban necessary, otherwise the culture was excellent (Silver Flora Medal). A capital collection of Cyclamens was shown by Mr. Jno. May, Gordon Nursery, St. Margaret's, Twickenham, Midd'c- sex. A considerable variation of colon- was re presented, and the flowers were of a first-cl iss strain. By cultivation tho foliage was obta;nei dwarf and am ill, and the flowers, though short-stemm^d, were well above the leaves ; alto- gether a very even collection. Mr. J. May also exhibited fr.ngod flowered varieties, white and pink (Silver Flora Medal1. Mr. J. C..ojK, Fordo Abbey Garden*, Chird, exhibited some nice Cyclamen blooms, and two good sprays ■■! il uvuvs and br els of Euphorbia pul merrima. Orchid Committee. Present: Haivy J. Voitch, Bag,., Id the Chair ; and Mojsrs. Jas. O'Brien (lion. Sec), Do B. Craw, hay, R. Brooman White, 11. M. Pollett, 11. Ballantlno, Fred Hardy. J. Gabriel, G. W. Law-Schofield, W. II. Whi'o. W. II. Young, II. J. Chapman, E. Hill, J. Jaques, W. Cobb, J. Douglas, C. 1'ilcbcr, and T. W. Bond. A very good show of Orchids was made by the ' exhibitors, notwithstanding the dark and dull day rendered it necessary that the Hall should be lighted by gas. Baron Sir H. Schroder, The Dell, Eghaui (gr., Mr. H. Ballantine), exhibited in granl form the beauti'ully blotched Odontoglossum crispum var. Stevensii, with fifteen very large flowers on a spike, the exhibit securing a Silver Flora Medal. Baron Schroder also sent a smaU group of Orchids made up of the pretty Odontog'.ossum crispum Eveliua, a finely spotted variety; a singular pale yellow O. crispum ; Cattleya Loddigesii superb i, the largest and be^t form of the species which has yet been exhibited (Award of Merit) ; Cypripedium x L?eanum superbum, a grand plmt with over twenty flowers; Cypripedium insigne Sanderianum. with several blooms ; Cypripedium x Madame Curte ; Phaio- Calanthe X Sedeni ; and the matchless Cabmthe X Baron Schroder, raise 1 at The Dell. The Hoi. Walter Rothschild, Tring Park, Tring fgr., Mr. E Hill), showed the very distinct anl beautiful Mor- modes hadiuu (Kolfe n. sp ) var. luteum, a new Peruvian introduction. The typ?, which is alsi in Mr. Rothschild's collection, has glowing purplish-crimson flowe s. 1 he v r. luteum now shown had two fine spikes of bright yellow flowers (Award of Merit) ; also the remarkable Bulbophyl lum Dayanum, Bot. Mag. t. 6119. which until now has not been seen for some yeirs. The sing dar (eiture in the flowers is that the sepals are bordered by a shaggy fringe, and the lip has several raised toothed ridges of a dark rose colour (Botanical Certificate). F. A. Bevan, Esq , Trent Park, Barnet (gr, Mr. Lees], was awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a very fino group of Odontoglossums, among which noble plants of O. Pescatorei were prominent, and in the centre of which was a very large and profusely flowered specimen of Cypripedium insigne C. L. N. Ingram, Esq., Elstead House, Godalming (gr., Mr. T. W. Bond), sent Laslia x Lucy iDgram (purpurata 9, Perrinii o* ) a very fine hybrid with the general features of L. Perrinii, but much en'argud. The showy labellum was Inter- mediate in form between the two pareu's, and exhibited at the tip of its dark-red purple apricot half the characteristic light lilac mark, often remarked in L purpurata (Award of Merit); L. x Amoma (Dayana 9, aneips 6"! a very singular cross; L. x Exquisite (Perrinii x Day-ana) but which had passed its best; Lajlio-C'attleya x Venus (L.-C. X clegans Turneri 5 , C. Perclvaliana ; and L.-C. X BcgiDa (C. intermedia x L.-C. x elegans Turneri) both pretty hybrids. Fred Hardy, Esq., Tyntesfield, Ash ton-on- Mersey (gr., Mr. T. Stafford), showed a peculiar yellow form ot Cypri- pedium insigne, with pale green flower-stem and yellow and white flower, showing no trace of markings; C. x Germiny- anum superbum, C. X Leeanum Masereelianum, Ladia anceps Dawsoni, Dendrobium x Cybele, D. x Schneideri- anum, and Odontoglossum Mirandum. Messrs. J. Veitcb & Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery, King's Road, Chelsea, staged a very effective group, in which were Cattleya X Miranda (guttata Prinzii 9 (Amethystoglospa) Triansei 6") with light rose-pink sepals and petals, and label- lum in form, and colour much resembling L. Perrini ; and Cypripedium X Prospero (SpiceriaDum 9, insigne Saiidemeo* ) both of which appeared for the first time; also of better- known hybrids, several fine Ladio-Cattleya x Pallas, which is not only a fine flower but the inflorescence bears from Ihree to five flowers; L.-C xlogrami, CattleyaxIeucog!o;s.i, Epidendrum x Endrcsio-W'alli.sii and E x elegantulum ; the pretty oran^e-scarlet Dendrobium sube'ausum, and the rose- purple D. glomeratum, Lycaste Skinueri and L. S. alba, Oneidium varicosum Rogerrii, O. dichromum, Stenoglottis lon.ifolia ; und among a large number of remarkable Cypripediumswerc C. x Euryades, C. x I.nlhe, C. x Harri- s\ ni supeibum, C. x QSnone C. x Niole, and a number of fine forms of C. X Lecaoum (Silver Flora Medal;. 1 1 the group staged by Messrs. F. Sander & Co., of St Albans, were La-lia anceps Sehroderiana, L a. Ililli, and a } retty variety like a small L. a. Dawsonii, named L. a. gemma ; D.-ndrobium x Dulce Oakwood var., a pretty soft rose -pink tinted flower; D. x Cacsiope and D. Bancioft- ianurn the last named a neat and profuse floweri'.g ally of D. spccios!um (Botanical Cerlifi ate); the pretty and rarj Miltonii Endresii ; four plants of the elegant Phaio- Calanth) x Arnoldia: ; Odontoglossum mevium exeellens, O. Harrjanum, Lycaste plana rubroglossa, L. Skinneri alba, Cattleya Chocoensis virginalis, C. Triana-i illustris, Steno- lbynchus maculatus, Paphiuia Randi, Oneidium pulchellum, Cypripedium X Hoffmannianum (insigne x Boxalli) ; C. X Ms. D. So!omon (Lathamia.-um aurcum x Spicerianum'<, C. X Morrisianum (Harrisianum x insigne), C. X Mrs. E. G. Uihloin (villi sum aureum x Leeanum giganteum), C. x Lyndianum superbum, O. insigne Dimmockbuiuoi, and Phahenopsis Stuaiti in i, Won Hands var , a small form but very prettily marked on the lip aud lower halves of the lateral sepals. Mess-s. Linden, l'Horticulture Internationale, Pare Leo- pold, Brussels, showed Cochlioda ruloanica maxima, a grand variety with rich, dark magenta flowers, aud for which a Cultural Commend ition was awarded ; and Cochlioda X miniata (Noezimi x vuleanica) with indescribably vivid cinnabir scarlet flowers, evidently a blend of the parcntagu indicated; also Cypripedium x Lobaudyanum (Ilaynaldia. num x pbilippinensn), in which the best features of both tho agent* used were incorporated, and an improvement on each effected, which qannol bo said Ol many hybrid Cypripcdiums (Award <'f Merit . Messrs. Linden also Bjiowed Cypripedium insigne fuscum and C. i. Warburtonianum, both distinct in their way, and Odoiitoglossuiifcrispum musaicum, a pretty form in which the spots cluster in the middle of the petals. De B. Crawshav, Esq., Rosefield, Sevecoaks (gr, Mr. S. C oke), showed Ltelia anceps, "Mrs. De B. Crawshay," a large well-formed flower of the "grandiflora" class, and tho darkest in colour which has yet appeared, the whole flowe being of a glowing dark rose -purple, the front of the lip dtep H. Greenwood, Esq., Highficld, Haslingden, Lancashire, showed Cypripedium x Lilian Greenwood, a very large and showy hybrid of the C. x Olenus class, and which may be between C. bellatulum and C. callosum. The flower was thick in texture, s iffused with bright rose, and spotted on the petals with purnle (Award of Merit). Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Clapton, were awarded a Silver Banksiau Medal for a group in which were the lare Pha'a;- nopsis x intermedia Brymeriana, Odontoglossum crispum cui-pidatum, ^nd other good Odontoglossums; Angra;cum sesquipedale, Cattleya Eldorado, Cypripedium x Madame Georges Truffaut, C. x Leeanum giganteum, C. x L. suicr- bum Low's var., and other fine Cypiipediums, &c. John Stark, Esq., Crostun Towers, A'derley Edge, Cheehire (gr, Mr. S. Marshall), sent Cattl-ya Triamvi " Beruard," a large flower with purple spot on tLc petals, like those of C. T, Backhousiana. Mr. Otto Froebel, Zurich, sent a form of Odontoglossum x Andersonianum, with very few spots on the segments ; nnd Reginald Young, Esq., Linnet Lane, Sefton Fark, Liver- pool (gr., Mr. Poyntz), sent Lycaste Skinneri, Young's var. (L. S. armeniaoa of Reiehenbaehia, vol. i»i,, p. 39), a remark- able apric t-yellow tinted variety. Fruit Committee. Pre ent; Philip Crowley, Esq., in the chair, and Messrs. Geo. Bunyard, J03. Cheal, G. T. Miles, G. W. Cummins, A. F. Barron, J. Willard, Jas. H. Veitch, T. J. Saltmarsb, J. Wright, Alex. Dean, Jno. A. Laing, J. W. Bates, Geo. Woodward, W. Fair, C. Htrrin, H. Balden-on, Chas. Ross, Geo Wythes, F. Q. Lane, G. H. Sage, G. Reynolds, Robt. Fife, T. Francis Rivers, and Geo. Norman. There were numerous exhibitors in tLe competition for flavour in Apples and Pears 'Ihe cest adjudged Apple was again Cox's Orange Pippin, from Mr. J. Powell, llsiugtou Gardens, Puddletown. The fruits were obtained from 18- years-old bush trees upon the Paradise stock, grown upon light loam on chalk in Dorset. 2nd, Blenheim Orange Pippin, shown by Mr. Geo. Woodward, gr. to Roger Leigh, Esq., Barham Court, Maidstone. These were obtained from Standard Orchard . trees on the Crab stock in stiff loam. The best Pear was Winter Nelis also from Mr. Woodward, taken from trees in the open on the Quince stock, planted in loam. -2nd, Ne Plus M.uris, shown by Mr. 0. Thomas, Royal G .rdens, Frogmore. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Co., Royal Exotic Nursery, King's Road, Chelsea, exhibited fru'ts «f Appl s ; Fraise d'Hof- finser, a pretty-coloured fruit, suitable for the kitchen and for exhibition; Stand id Bearer, which has already recciv d an Award ot Merit ; and Belle de Boskoop. The las*- ine tioned w. s reomme ded an Award of Merit. It is a large fruit, very like a good-sized Blenheim, i-nd .ts text re is apparently »bont the same, butthequality is pei haps better. It is useful for desert, or kilchai use. Mr. J. Crook exhibited a few highly-coloured good fr.-its of Dumelow's Seedling Ap, le, and some others. Mr. Geo. Wytbes, yr. to Earl Percv, Syon Heus , Bruit- ford, exhibited a nice lot of fruits of Syo.i Prolific TomaUs (Cultural aommendation). Messrs. Geo. Bunvard A: Co., The Old Nurseries, Maid- stone, exhibited a magnificent collodion of Apples in inn dishes, and twelve ditbes of Pea s. Both culinary and desser varieties wore represented, aud tie spccimci.s wcie of the finest quahty (Siher gilt KuigLtiau Medal) Another display of Aj pics and Peais, in about eighty dishes, was shown by Messrs. Jas. Veitch A: Sons. The Pears included DirecteurAltt, at the age of 81, of Mr. Thomas Hailing, of the well- known Aberdeen firm of Mes8rs. Cardno a: Darling, Seedsmen aud Nurserymen. Air. Darling was a native of Dalkeith, and came to Aberdeen in 1S39, beiug employed as gardener at W'oodhill, then belong- ing to the Grants of Monj musk. There ho remained for twelve years. He then entered into partnership with Mr. George Cardno. 52 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 16, 1897. [The term "accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre- gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of temperature above or below 42° Fahr. for the period named : and this combined result is expressed in Day- degrees — a "Day-degree" signifying 1" continued for twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for an inversely proportional number of hours.] Temperature. Rainfall. Bright Sun. if IS ACCOMOLATED. More (+) or less (-) than Mean for the Week. No. of Rainy Days since January 3, 1897. 1897. Dura- )7. - a 1 *■■!< .4 1 Above 42°, difference from Mean Bince January 3, 1897. Below 42°, difference from Mean since January 3, 1897. Total Fall since Jan. 8, Percentage of possible tion for the Week Percentage of possible tion since Jan. 3, 18 Day- Day- Day- Day- ' lOths deg. deg. deg. deg. Inch. Ins 0 2 + 3 20 - 2 - 221 8 - 4 0-3 11 11 i 2 + 0 27 - 6 - 16 1 - 4 0-5 6 6 s 0 aver 0 31 - 6 - 5 3 + 5 07 1 1 3 0 a-ra- 0 33 - 7 - 12 6 + 5 1-0 6 6 4 0 aver 0 37 - 8 - 8 s + 6 1-3 3 3 5 3 + 9 10 - 2 - 27 6 + 5 1-2 7 7 6 1 + 3 IS - 6 - 13 2 - 5 1-0 6 6 7 0 aver 1 23 - 7 - 10 1 - « 0-6 3 3 8 2 + 11 7 + 3 - 20 6 + 7 1-5 8 8 1) 1 + 7 23 - 4 - 5 1- 6 0-7 13 13 111 1 + 20 11 + 3 - 12 7 + 6 16 IS IS 2 + 29 0 + 6 - 11 S + 1 i; 1-5 15 15 The districts indicated by number in the first column are the following : — 0, Scotland N. Principal Wheat-producing Districts — 1, Scotland, E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, E. ; 4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London, S. Principal Grazing, die. , Districts — 6, Scotland, W. ; 7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, S.W. ; 9, Ireland, N. ; 10, Ireland, S. ; "Channel Islands. Markets. COYENT GARDEN, JANUARY 14. Plants in Pots.— Average Wholesale Prices. Adiantum, perdoz. 4 0-12 0 A.spidi^tras,perdoz. 12 0-30 0 — specimen, each 5 0-15 0 Az;tk';is, per doz. ... 24 0-42 0 Chrysant hem urns, per doz. ... 6 0-12 0 — speoimen plants, each 1 &- 2 6 Cineririis. perdoz. 8 0-12 0 Cyclamens, perdoz. 12 C-18 0 iDrac-snas, each ... 10-76 — various, p. doz. 12 0-24 0 Evergreen Shrubs, in variety, doz.... 6 0-24 0 Ericas, per doz. ... 10 0-12 0 Ericas, hyemalis, per doz 12 0-15 0 Ferns, small, doz.... 10-20 — various, doz. 5 0-12 0 Ficus elastica, each 10-76 Foliage plants, par doz 12 0-36 0 Genistas, per doz... 9 0-15 0 Hyacinths, per doz. 6 0-12 0 Marguerites, p. doz. 8 0-12 0 Palms, various, ea. 2 0-10 0 — specimens, ea. 10 6-84 0 Poinsettias, perdoz. 9 0-18 0 Solanums, p. doz..., 9 0-12 0 Tulips, doz. pots .. 6 0-90 Cut Flowers.— Average Wholesale Prices. *. d. s. d. Anemone. doz. bun. :•. 0- 6 0 Orchids:— Arums, p. 12 blooms 3 6-50 Cattleya, 12 bin Bouvardias, perbn. 0 6-09 Carnations, pr. doz. blooms 10-26 Chrysanthemums, doz. bun. 2 0-00 — doz. blooms 16-60 Euch. iris, per dozen 2 6-40 Hyacinths( Roman), doz. sprays ... 0 6-10 Lilac, wh. (French), per bunch ... 8 6-50 Lilium Harrisi, per doz. biooms ... 5 0-80 Lily of the Valloy, dozen sprays M aidunkair Fera, per 12 bunches... Marguerites, per 12 0 9-16 4 0-80 bunches 2 0-40 Mignonette, per doz. bunches ... 4 0-60 Mimosa (French), per bunch ... 10-16 Narcissus, various, per doz. bunches 16-80 Orchid-bloom s. d. s. d- . 6 0-12 0 Odontogloi crispum,12bm. 2 0-60 Pelargoniums, scar- let, per 12 bun. 6 0-90 — per 12 sprays... 0 6-09 Poinsettias, per doz. blooms 4 0-90 Pyrothmms, 12 bu. 2 0-40 Roses (French), per doz. blooms ... 10-20 — Tea, perdoz. ... 10-16 — yellow (Mare- chal), per doz. 6 0-90 — red, per dozen 10-20 — pink, per doz. 3 0-40 — Safrauo, p. doz. 10-26 Tuberoses, 12 Dims. 0 6-10 Tulips, doz. pots ... 0 6-13 Violets (Fr,)Parme, per bunch 3 0-50 — — CZ! , per bunch - — doz. bun. (Eng.), per doz. bun. variety. Appli — WeUingt. Fruit.— Average Wholes. Blenheims, Prices. kinds, per Grapes, Alicante.lst quality, per lb. — Alicante, 2nd quality, per lb. - Gros Colman, selected, p. lb. Vegetables. Grapes, Gros Col- 6 0-70 mar, 2ndqual., per lb 1 3- 0-8 0 — Muscats, Eng- lish, 1st quality per lb 4 0- — Muscats, 2nd qual.. p lb. ... 2 0- ! 13-19 Nuts, Cob, per 100 lb. ... 50 0-5; Pine-apples, St. Mi- chael, each ... 3 0- i 10-12 19-20 -A VERA' Wholesale Prices. Artichokes, Globe, perdoz. — Chinese (3ta- chys tuberifera), per lb Beans, French, Channel Is., — Madeira Kid- nev, per bkt. of 8 to 10 lb. ... Cauliflowers, St. Malo, per doz. Oauli flowers, Cher- bourg, per 3 0-36 0 3 — 1 6- 1 Cucumbers, home- grown, select., per doz. ... 6 0- Mushrooms (Indoor) per lb 0 4- Potatos, New Kid- neys, Channel Islands, per lb. 0 C- — Kidney Pota- tos, French p. lb. 0 2-1 13-16 Rhubarb (Forced), per doz. ... 1 0- 10-26 Sea Kale, per pun- net, 3$ to 4 lb. weight 0 r- 1 3- 1 i> Tomatos, Canaryls- Cauliflowers, Corn- lands, per case, wall, per crate 11 0 about 12 lb. 3 0- Potatos. Trade has been slow the last week, but no alteration prices. Wet weather against the sale. SEEDS. London- : Jan. 13. — Messrs. John Shaw & Sons, Seed Merchants, of Great Maize Pond, Borough, London, S.E , write that there is now rather more inquiry for Clover and grass seeds. The trade travellers have started on their journeys, and are sending home some orders. Meantime prices all round exhibit extreme steadiness. For Mustard and Rape-seed more money is asked. Sanfoin continu s scarce and dear. In Italian Rye-grass there is an advance. Peas and Haricots, owing to the mild weather prevailing, are just now neglected. For Bird seeds the sale is meagre Buckwheat favours holders. Linseed is steady. The Board of Trade Returns give the imports of Clover and grass-seeds into the United Kingdom for the past year as 405,071 cwt., value £787,764; as against 3f6,280 cwt., value £855,524 for 1895. CORN. Average Prices of British Corn (per imperial qr.), for the week ending January 9, and for the corresponding period in 1896, together with the difference in the quotations. These figures are base! on the Omclat Weekly Return :— Description. 1896. 1897. Difference. Wheat a. d. 25 4 s. d. 31 1 s. d. + 5 9 Barley 23 11 25 5 -0 6 Oats 13 9 16 3 + 2 6 Trade Notice. We are informed that Mr. E. P. Brown, Seed Grower, Coggeshall, Essex, has admitted his two sons to partnership, and that the business will henceforth be carried on under the title of E. P. Brown k Sons. Notices to Correspondents. Books: S. A. T. The Landscape Gardener, by J. Newton (published by Hardwick, Bogue & Co., Piccadilly, London) ; Parks and Gardens of Paris, by W. Robinson (Macmillan & Co., Bedford Street, Covent Garden) ; How to Lay Out a Garden, by W. Kemp (Bradbury, Agnew & Co., Bouverie Street, E.C.) ; Landscape Gardening, by H. E. Milner (Simpkiu, Marshall & Co.. Stationers'" Hall Court, E.C.) ; Gartcnkunst und Garten Sonst und Jetzt, by H. Jager (Paul Parey. Berlin).— C. B. Woollcg 1> Co, Cyclamens awl /low to Grow Them, by F. C. Edwards (published at 7, Sholebroke View, Leeds). — Head Gardener. Dictionary of Gardening. The work makes four bandy volumes. The publisher is Mr. Upcott QUI, Bazaar Office, 170, Strand, W.C. Chinese Primrose : C. B. W. Only a variety of the Chinese Primrose. The sportiug is probably due to a reversion to the colour of some of its pre- Chinese Sacred Lilt : Cliina. The bulbs could not have been grown sufficiently long before importation, or the maturation was not complete. Cyclamens: E. St. J. T. Yes, both are "sports," but when desirable, such sports may sometimes be " fixed." Erratum. — In the article on Chrysanthemums {p. 32) of our last issue, Mr. Ollerhead desires us to state that he meant twenty-five plants were purchased, and not five, as there stated. Figs on Back Wall of Vinery , /. I. E. — A bad place for Fig trees, it being much shaded by the foliage of the Vines ; and if the roots are not kept to a very narrow border, the result is strong, fruitless wood, which no sort of pruning or stop- ping will make fruitful. We should advise restricting the root-run, planting in a soil consisting of loam three-quarters, lime-rubble one eighth, and charred soil one-eighth, made very firm when replautiug the Fig-tree, whose roots must be cut in to suit the width of the border, which need not be greater than 3 to 4 feet. Let the plants run up with a single stem to within 4 feet of the roof, where they should be stopped, and branches carried radially from this poiut for a distance of 4 feet. The Vine-rods should be cut away at the top to allow full sunlight to reach the Fig-trees. By this means short-jointed, fruitful wood may be obtained. Insect Devouring Yotjng Fern Plants : G. M. G. The grubs belong to one of the plant-eating two- winged flies (Diptera) ; it will scarcely be possible to say what species without breeding the insect. R. McL. London County Council Parks' Committee : Constant Reader, — The official charged with the care of the public parks and open spaces is J. J. Sexby, Esq. ; the names of the sub-committee dealing with them are unknown to us. Why not enquire at Spring Gardens '? Names of Fruits : T. IF. S. Pears are too much bruised, from being over-ripe. No. 2 may be Glout Morceau. Names of Plants : Correspondents not ansivcred in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number. — t obstrrable in any of the magnificent examples of forms figured in Lindenia, tt. Dir., Dili., notwithstanding the fact that amongst these are found several which, in the colouriug of the petals and sepals, come very near to our plant. Among similar Catasetums, C. splendens var. Aliciio (Lindenia, t. cdlvii,) exhibits towards the apex (but not at the base) darker purple coloured sepals and petals, a pure white lip, with a yellow-coloured expansion of the spur and a white column ; and in these flowers figured in t. dil, to the left-hand beneath the figure of C. splendens, the spotting of the perianth is missing. C. splendens var. rubrum has a yellow-coloured lip ; C. Luciani, Cogn. (Lindenia, t. cdliv.), possesses petals that are less spotted, dark is a timber-tree under sylvicultural or plantation treatment. Yuur correspondents indulge in sur- mises, but do not seem to have the trees. Mr. Divers' letter is an example. I know the kinds of trees that thrive at Belvoir, and it must be one of the few places where its botauically identical relations — Cedrus atlantica and Libani do so well, and the Deodar is a failure — for, as a rule, where these two grow, the other will, and does thrive. Sir C. Strickland, in your pages, and elsewhere, says I do not seem to get much support. Well ! there are our own trees, on one of the bleakest aspects in Yorkshire, and they will take a good deal of arguing away. Then, there is Veitch's Manual of the ConiferoBj where the species are carefully desoribed, JaUuaht 23, 189V.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, 55 which supports me thoroughly. Next, there is Johannes Senilis1 Pinaccm, even more favourable in the same direction. Next, Grigor's Arboriculture, which says ditto, and describes fine examples forty- five years of age, not far from John o' Groats, and at other places in the Highlands ; and lastly, there is Brown's Forester on the same side. Experienced cultivators and writers may be credited, to some extent, with knowing something of their subject. Can Sir Charles match them on the other side ? As to Mr. A. D. Webster's assertiou that the Deodar is but for comparison 1 herewith send you good, mature, thick pieces of old limbs of the Deodar, the Cedar of Lebanon, and the Larch — from trees growing almost side by side and under equal con- ditions. The Deodar limb is about forty years of age. Cedar of Lebanon a little older, and the Larch older still. I have cut them and planed them to show the wood sectionally and lengthwise, and. you will notice that in the Larch and Deodar the heart- wood appeal's to be formed earlier, and is much more clearly defined, than in the Cedar of Lebanon — which Selerripedium Boissieranum Rchb.fs. FlU. 14. — FLOWEIt OF SHLENITRDIUM BOISSIERIANUM. (sEE P. 54.) not well adapted to exposed sites, the correspondence in your pages goes at least to show that exposed sites are the only sites that do suit the tree. In a very lengthy and particular report of the Deodar, copied into Woods and Foirsts from The Indian Forester in 1884, it is stated that in its native haunts the Deodar 11 avoids southerly slopes, but thrives on every other exposure, being perhaps most vigorous and abundant on slopes facing the north-cast." Tho samo report states that the Deodar " avoids the bottoms of ravines and valleys and similar damp places," a fact fully corroborated in The Field, in re- gard to this country. The timber of our Deodars is neither soft nor inferior. I cannot send you a tree, means earlier maturity. The Deodar I have marked by a " D " on the bark, the Cedar of Lebanon by an ''L," and the Larch is not marked at all. The ex- amples sent are not seasoned, and were all cut off tho tree two days ago. " Hard and heavy ' ' is tho Admiralty test of timber, and I think the Deodar is about the best example of the tree [very heavy. Ed.]. I think little of any wood taking a fine polish as a test. Tho L-irch, by common consent, is a coarse wood in the grain, but it will polish like a looking-glass. I have a book-case made from a Larch tree (grown at Drumlanrig) forty years ago as glossy an well-var- nished mahogany to this day, and neither warped nor shrunk. From the Indian Forester report on the Deodar I cannot help giving tho following further quotation, corroborating, as it does, my opinion of its sylvicultural merits : — '* In these forests, as elsewhere, Deodar is pre- eminently a shade enduring tree, especially during the first half-century of its life. Seedlings will remain alive under the densest cover for years. "The preceding figures prove clearly that young Deodar can not only survive for many years under a dense leaf-canopy, but that a dense leaf-canopy is less hurtful to it than complete exposure to weather influences, the most destructive of which are evidently drought, strong heat, and the weight of superin- cumbent snow, which breaks the leading shoot and bends down and distorts the thin flexible stem. Thousands of vigorous saplings and poles attest the fact that, provided the cover surrounding and over- head is not extremely douse, young Deodar is always able, with its long, slender, graceful leading shoot, to pierce through the over-topping leaf-canopy into the direct sunlight above without suffering any very appreciable diminution of vigour. Hence thinnings made with the object of giving more light and grow- ing room to Deodar must be made cautiously and with a sparing hand. No greater mistake could be made than to thin out the forest surrounding or overhead in any wholesale manner." In conclusion, I should imagine that there are plenty of thriving examples of the Deodar through- out the country if we could hear of them. What became of the ton of seed sent from India by the Government between 1850 and 1S60 ? The late Mr. McNab, Curator of the Edinburgh Botanies, stated, in 18fi7, that this seed was distributed among three nurseryman, viz , Messrs. Glendinning, of Chiswick Nursery, London; Messrs. Skirvin^, Walton Nursery, Liverpool ; and Messrs. Lawson & Son, Edinburgh ; and that the quantity raised in Edin- burgh was very large in proportion to that raised elsewhere, because the seed was, for the first time in Europe, sown broadcast, like Scotch Fir, in the open air, instead of in pits or frames, as in London and Liverpool {The Gardener, January, 1867). Mr. McNab speaks of many of the earlier-planted trees he knew of as being in a " faultless state," but says the un- precedented winter of 1S60-61 injured many Deo- dars, chiefly those planted in damp situations, and those trees suffered worst which had their branches broken and disrupted by the frost, while other Deodars growing side by side suffered no injury whatever. In any case, I am very dubious about one cold <-pot here, where also every leaf of every tree is coated with soot from the surrounding coal and iron-works, being an exceptionally favourable ppot for the Deodar, and we have a good few up and down of alt sizes in all sorts of situations, and have not lost one ; while the trees that have grown fastest are in a mixed Fir plantation, where they beat the Cedar of Lebanon, the Spruce, and keep pace with tho Scots Fir and other species. I would have thought also that the Deodar would have succeeded at Sir Charles Strickland's fine place, near Bridlington, which I had once the pleasure of being shown over, and where I saw many fine trees, including, if I remember rightly, the Deodar. I remember my visit very well, for there I saw, for the first time tho rather raro Sirex*gigas, a destructive Pine-borer ; and a young plantation of Larch artificially pruned of their lower branches, and wondered what was tho object of it. Ji, $impson, Wortley, January 15. Orchid Notes and Gleanings. ODONrOGLOSSDMS AT WALTON GRANGE. Fon many years W. Thompson, Esq., J. P., of Walton Grange, Stone, Staffordshire, has been known to possess one of tho finest collections of Odontoglossums in the country ; and so well are their requirements understood by Mr. Thompson and Mr. Stevens, his gardener, that it would bo almost impossible to pay a visit to Walton Grange and not find plants in (lower that would gratify the most 56 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 23, 1897. fastidious orchidophile. At the present season of the year no one would expect to find a large number in full bloom in any one collection ; therefore, the relatively fine display at Walton Grange is calculated to occasion surprise. Amongst the many Odonto- glossum crispum in flower, there was none that did not possess beauty of form, much substance, or distinctive markings. Of named varieties, there were 0. c. fastuosum, the original plant named by Reichenbach, showing the distinctive, small-sized, regular, bright purplish-blown spots ; 0. elegantius, conspicuous for its pale yellow ground colour, and chocolate-brown markings ; O. Andersoniauum, repre- sented by several forms, each differing more or less ; 0. madrense, a species not often observed growing robustly, was carrying five fine large blooms which had plenty of substance ; 0. Pescatorei, a single plant, c irrying four large branching spikes, and one hundred flowers. Plants of 0. tripudiane, O. pulchellum mijus, 0. vexillarium were remarked in full bloom. The following species and varieties were well represented, viz., Oncidium Forbesii, 0. tigri- uum, 0. crispum, 0. uudulatum, 0. ornithorhynchum, and its beautiful and fragrant variety, 0. o. album. The darkest form of Lselia anceps that I have yet seen is found in this collection— a beautiful specimen carrying six large flower-spikes. I also observed an especially fine specimen of L. Gouldiana, with seven flower-spikes — the variety one of the best in cultivation ; also the useful L. autumnalisatrorubens, Backhouse, a portion of the plant figured in the Orchid Album was in bloom, side by side with the variety L., or Luelio-Cattleya Arnoldiaua, obtained by crossing L. purpurata and C. labiata. Cypripediums are but new favourites with Mr. Thompson, and as yet the collection of them is not a large one, although those he already possesses are of the choicest varie- ties. The following are some of those in flower at the time of my visit:— C. Leeanum, C. L. giganteum, C. L. superbum, C. Calypso, C. Lathamianum, C. Swinbournei, 0. iusigne Dorothy, and C. Minosa, a new Veitchian hybrid, of which more will yet be heard, Of Cattleyas and Lielias, Vandas, Zygo- pelalums, Masdevallias, and Angrsecunis, there was an exceptionally good display of bloom for the season. J. I. A Case of Abnormal Flowering in Den- DROBIUM NOBILE. I have a plant of Dendrobium nobile Wallichii now in flower which has the peculiarity of floweriDg two years in succession from seven of the nodes ; five are on one and two on another of the old pseudo-bulbs. In all there are sixteen flowers, which are quite as large, and the colouring as good, as those on the young pseudo-bulbs. During my experience I have never noticed such an occurrence before, although some of your numerous readers may have done so. In my opinion the variety D. n. Wallichii is far superior to the ordinary D. nobile, as the growths or pseudo bulbs are longer and stouter; the substance and colouring of the flowers are much better, and the nodes are not so liable to turn to growths instead of flowering, on a plant being placed in a brisk heat, aa is the type. I grow both side by side in the same house, the plants thus receiving similar treatment. W. Silcock, Bolhjcombc Gardens, Liphook. The Rosary. THE PARENTAGE OF ROSES. Ue till a comparatively recent period this was a subject which from Rose-cultivators received in- adequate attention. Among those who were some- what exceptional in their estimate of its importance, and perceived intuitively that the origin of a Rose had much to do in the way of determining its capa- bilities, was the late Henry Bennet, one of the greatest of modern raisers, many of whose creations, such as Grace Darling, Visaountess Folkestone, Captain Hay ward, Mrs. John Laing, Princess Beatrice, Cleopatia, and Princess of Wales, quite rival those of the late M. Guillot. All of these have almost ideal characteristics ; they are vigorous in habit, distinctive in colour, exquisite in form, attractive in fragrance, and very floriferous. And there can be no question that attributes such as those which distinguish these varieties were largely the result of cross-fertilisation. The good work in this direction begun by the late Henry Bennet has been carried on effectively by Mr. William Paul, Mr. George Paul, and the Messrs. Dickson of Newtownards ; and hence we have at present, in all probability, finer varieties of the Rose, and hardier in constitution than in any previous period, however eminent for productiveness, in the history of horticulture. Our knowledge of the derivation of modern Roses is necessarily fragmentary, but perhaps all the more interesting by reason of the limitations byjwhich it is environed. Among the oldest of their august parents is the venerable La Reine, whose name I greatly fear is in great danger of being forgotten, but which may still be found perhaps in the late Mr. Rivers' Rose Amateur's Guide, a work lovingly written, and universally revered. It is not discoverable in modern catalogues, for the obvious reason that like many of its contemporaries, it has long been super- seded, and therefore consigned to oblivion. From it Levet derived in 1871, Francois Michelon, a moat commanding Rose ; and two years earlier, that grand autumnal bloomer, Paul Neyron. General Jacque- minot, raised as far back as 18-ri3, has proved itself a most prolific parent ; and its descendants, such as Pierre Notting, XavierOlibo, Senateur Vaisse, Charles Lefebvre (so greatly eulogised by the Dean of Roches- ter, who affirms t^at its first appearance marked an epoch in the history of the Rose), Alfred Colomb, and the incomparable Duke of Edinburgh, varieties not yet entirely superseded by any of their successors, have been for the most part, I might almost say in- evitably, in virtue of their origin, of brilliant com- plexion. Jules Margottin has also been productive ; to it we owe the still highly popular Beauty of Waltham, raised by Mr. William Paul in 1862, valu- able alike as a garden and exhibition Rose ; Duchesse de Vallombrosa. Magna Charta, and Therese Levet ; the last -mentioned variety being the parent of that beautiful Scottish hybrid perpetual entitled Duke of Fife, "obtaiued'' (I believe that is the correct term) by the Messrs. Cocker of Aberdeen, who have also given us two of the sweetest of all modern introduc- tions, Duchees of York and Duchess of Fife, of which the latter was derived from Countess of Rosebery. From Sdnateur Vaisse have come Madame Victor Verdier and other bright varieties of kindred character ; while Charles Lefebvre, raised by that consummate French rosarian, M. Lacharme (who was also an eminent wine-originator) in 1861, has given us Dr. Andry, of lustrous carmine hue ; Horace Vernet, a splendid crimson of velvety texture, but. very unfortunately, of most limited capability in the direction of growth ; Lord Macaulay, a Rose of great substance and brilliancy, introduced into cultivation in 1863, a contemporary of Marie Baumann and Duchesse de Morny ; and Mrs. Harry Turner, a much more recent production, of exceptionally beautiful colour, its crimson hues flashing through deep maroon like the glory of sunset through a purple cloud. I should ere this have mentioned that among the finest dark descendants of General Jacqueminot are Prince Arthur and Duke of Albany, the former raised by Mr. Benjamin It. Cant of Colchester in 1875, the latter in 1883 by Mr. William Paul. These are among the grandest Roses in my garden. I find them much more vigorous than Horace Vernet, and infi- nitely more reliable than such varieties as Abel Carriere and Prince Camille de Rohan, which, if grown in a strong sun, are certain to be ''burned ;" while, if relegated to a shadier region, their flowers, for lack of inspiration from the heavens, fail to appear. A. K. Williams, a Rose of less capricious character, of perfect form, and satin- crimson hue, ia generally supposed to have been derived from Alfred Colomb. Duke of Edinburgh ia the still-surviving parent of a most fascinating family, including Bright- ness of Cheshunt, the eminently exacting Reynolds Hole, whose virtues aud vices are exactly those of Pierre Notting and Prince Camille de Rohan ; the luminous Duke of Teck, and the beautiful maroon-shaded Sultan of Zanzibar. No cultivator who compares that darkest of crimson Ro3es, Sir Rowland Hill, with Charles Lefebvre, could fail to find the affinities existing between these. Yet here again, the law of variation has found room to intervene. It is also discoverable in Caroline Testout and Augustine Guinoisseau, both of which are interesting varia- tions from the fragrant La France. It is not quite so 'observable in Duchess of Albany, unless in the stronger growing habit of that variety, and its somewhat darker hue. Of La France itself the origin was not known, even to M. Guillot, by whom it v. as discovered among his successful seed- lings in 1867 — a memorable year in the history of the Rose. Catherine Mermet has been rivalled, if not eclipsed, by several of her daughters, such as Bridesmaid, the Bride, and Muriel Grahame, all of which possess dis- tinctive endowments, and the " fruity " fragrance of their eminent parent. White Lady is an artistic advance on Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, a majestic Rose, from which came also Margaret Dickson, one of the most notably endowed of the white hybrid perpetuals, whose colour, however, has been derived from Merveille de Lyon. The great Irish Rose (Margaret Dickson) is an inveterate grower, and has a tendency to expend its strength in the production of superfluous wood ; this, and an occasional lack of compactness in the centre, are its only limitations, for which its remarkable beauty, i^s ^combined strength and sweetness, make ample amends. By reason of its purer colour and greater productiveness, it is much more valuable than Marchioness of Londonderry for garden decoration. David R. WUliumson. FERN VARIETIES. Referring to the interesting series of articles on *' Methods of Plant Propagation" which are now appearing in your columns, I note that the writer, "Experience,'' follows up a very clear and accurate description of the modus operandi of Fern propaga- tion through the spore by a theory of variation which I cannot help contesting. "Experience" writes, "I have little hesitation iu saying that all the singular and interesting varieties in the Lady Fern (Athy- rium), in the Button-hole Fern (Scolopcndrium), with which the late lamented Mr. Sim, of Foot's Cray, made such a long catalogue of, resulted from cross- fertilisation during the complicated germination of the spore." Passing by the fact that a reference to Mr. Sim's Fern Catalogue, which lies before me as I write, and is dated 1863, is scarcely up to date, con- sidering the wonderful development of British Ferns in the subsequent thirty-three years, I would call attention to the fact that of the fifty-seven varieties described by Mr. Sim therein (many of which would not now be grown, being imperfect seedlin* forms), all the typical good varieties were fouud wild in various parts of the country ; while in Mr. E. J. Lowe's recent list (1891), out of 313 varieties of this species described, no fewer than ninety-six are wild finds, and the great majority of the rest are sub-varieties raised therefrom, only a few being recognisable as crosses. With regard to the Hartstonguc or Button-hole Fern (a new name to mo, but very appropriate as descriptive of the appearance of the long spore heaps), the type forms are again all wild finds, although Mr. Lowe has succeeded in raising au immense number of combined varieties. In his list of varieties of this species, no fewer than 218 were found wild. The simple fact, however, that these sports originate so freely iu a wild state does not of itself confute " Experience's " theory ; it must be considered, in conjunction with the other f.tcts, that these wild sports are almost invariably " solitary " finds bo far as their individual peculiarity is concerned, and that there is absolutely no evidence to show that the mere oross-fertilisation of two normal forms induces a change of type. In wet weather it is highly probable that among closely- crowded prothalli cross-fertilisation is frequent, and January 23, 1897. ] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 57 doubtless the autherozoids of one prothallus are often carried to another by insect agency, so that if this caused sporting, varietal finds should be frequent enough. As it is, however, though a large number are now in culture, the wild, i.e., new finds, are but slowly accumulated, and it needs a very keeu hunter, a vast stock oi' patience, and a lifetime to boot to form a collection worthy of the name on one's own account by simple seareh. On the other hand, when once a " break " from the normal is found, it is usually pos- sible, starting from this, to " improve " it or increase its peculiarities by selective culture from spores; but here again there is uo evidence to show that the sub- sequent diversity of the seedlings is due to cross- fertilisation, except where different varieties are pur- posely sown together in order to obtain combined types. At one of the Fern conferences some years ago, I exhibited a number of Athyria i*aised from unmixed spores, which in their diversity rivalled even Mr. E. J. Lowe's extraordinary crosses, though they all sprang from one plant and one sowing. What cause i the initial variation in an original sport is a profound puzzle, and a marvel to boot, when we find source of biological phenomena, from which doubt- less, sooner or later, a fuller comprehension of the underlying laws of variation will result. Chas, T. Vrucry, F.L S. WINTER-FLOWERING PLANTS AT ARUNDEL CASTLE GARDENS. The demand for flowering plants and those with ornamental foliage is great at Arundel Castle all the year round. Especially called for are flowers for embellishing the church at festive seasons. At the present time there is a grand display of Calantbes in one of the houses, which is a notable example of good cultivation. Some of the plants of C. Veitchii have as mauy as forty expanded flowers on some of the spikes, and so great is the vigour of some of the bulbs that four spikes are produced. Some were observed iu which the flower-spikes emerged from the extreme top of the pseudo-bulb. C; vestita rubra and C. v. lutea are also grown in great numbers, and do equally well. On the occa- sion of a recent visit 500 spikes of these three varie- FlO. 15. — GROUP OF CALANTUK3 AT ARUNDEL CASTLE. an entirely new plan introduced on more symmetrical beautiful lines, combined with such stability and con- stancy that the spores produce the new type exactly for generation after generation. Tl at croBS-fertiliea- tion does this is out of the question ; myriads of flowers are so constructed that cross-fertilisation is ensured, audit seems to be a beneficial factor through- out. This, however, tends to preserve the type by levelling down individual peculiarities rather than to lead to the wide and sudden departures to which your correspondent refers. As regards systematic hybrid- isation, that has long since passed the " endeavour '' stage, the possibility of crossing allied genera being demonstrated by Mr. E. J. Lowe's combination of Coterach officinarum and Scolopendrium vulgare, a note upon which appeared in your columns some timo back ; while Mr. Schneider's successes with Poly- podium vulgare and several widely different exotic species, P. Schneideri to wit among them, place the practicability of union between allied species beyond all doubt. Of lato years, indeed, a very considerable addition has been made in this direction to our know- ledge of Fern life, and since the attention of scientific botanists has been brought to bear on the varietal forms, they have beeu found to constitute a rich ties combined were to be seen in one hou.se, arranged on a groundwork of Fern?, forming a very fine sight (see fig. 15). Other species of Orchids are cul- tivated, viz., Cattleya, Dendiobiums, Cypripedium, and Odontoglos>ums of different species ; the charm- ing Masdevallia tovarense in well-flowered examples ; grand specimen of Cymbidiuin eburneum which was throwing up dozens of flower-spikes ; C. Lowianum about to expaud its flowers -a well-growu specimen, with several fine flower-spikes. Euphorbia ( Puinsettia) pulchcnima, and other Euphorbias, are extensively grown ; many of the former had fine bracts, which measured 18 inche* across. Among other plmts observed in quantity were Primulas, zonal Pelargo- niums, late varieties of Chrvsanthemums, Cinerarias, Cyclamens Vulcnn, Butterfly, Salmon Queen, &o. Lily of the Valley is extensively forced, nnd single crowns are those principally used. Begonias Gloire de Sceaux and other varieties for winter bloom receive much attention. Several houses nrj filled with Palms, Codijcums (CVotons), Dracaenas in well grown examples. I also remarked some grand Richardias carrying many spathes. Tho various departments are well managed by Mr. Burberry, the Puke of Norfolk's head gardener. A. 0, Cultural Memoranda. FRUIT-GROWING IN LONDON SUBURBS. Fruits of various kinds can be grown successfully iu the suburbs of London, which at times are enve- loped iu fog. Mention was made in a recent issue of the Oardcners' Chronicle of Vines at Tewkesbury Lodge, Forest Hill, which I may say I had the pleasure of seeing about eighteen months ago, and which struck me as being thoroughly well done. The vinery is a very fine house or houses. I was also struck with the wide distance apart at which the Vines are planted, which, no doubt, is a great aid to successful Grape culture. I may be wrong, but should say that the Vines had a space of 6 to 7 feet between them. But there are other places equally near town where fruit- growing is carried on with marked success, namely, at Gunnersbury Park and House ; also Mr. Tate's, at Streatham, and at places where the gardener is not allowed to exhibit. At one place in particular, Hazlewood, Upper Norwood, Mr. Munday, the late gardener, produced very fine Grapes, and thirty years ago, when I was there as under gardener, Peaches and Nectarines, finer in size, Bhape, colour, and flavour could not be found elsewhere. W. Ravenhill. A Method op Cultivating. Euphorbia pul- CHERRIMA. Many of my friends have naked me to put in print my methods of cultivating Euphorbia (l'oimettia) pulcherrima. I take the cuttings in August, and put them siugly into 3-inch pots in a propagating-frame, and as soon as the pots are filled with roots they are potted iuto 5 inch pots. The compost I make use of consists of turfy loam, peat, silver-sand, charcoal broken up small, and a small quantity of bone-meal. 1 keep the cuttings near tho glass iu the stove for a week or two after potting them, then set them in a cold- frame, affording plenty of air by day, shading them for a time from bright sunshine, keeping them on the dry side for a time, and never afford stimulating food till the bracts begin to show. The plants are removed to a house with a minimum degree of warmth of 60° about the beginning of October, and fed with Thomson's manure ; and I had plants at ^Christmas with bracts that measured 17 iuches across. The secret of success in growiug this plant is to get the wood thoroughly matured. Alexander llay, Ashford Gardens, Wilmalow. Trees and Shrubs, PICEA OBOVATA. Tuts species is by no means commonly cultivated, the climate of our country, save iu a few u -land situatious, seeming uusuttaMe to its requirements. It is hardy enough, coming from Siberia, vet it has generally a miserable and starved appearance, which is probably owing to our mild and humid climate. I have seen a good hpecimen growing in an open, airy, though sheltered position, on high-lying ground ; but, indeed, neither in an ornamental nor useful capacity is the tree worthy of culture. It is somewhat after the style of the common Spruce, but altogether lighter and with lithe branches, and drooping branchlets. Cones are freely produced, these being sub-erect, and juat half the length of those of the commou Spruce, or about 3 inches. They are nearly egg-shaped, or obovate, the scales,' edges beiug quite smooth, as opposed to thoso of the common Spruce which are crenutated or wavy. Unless for plantiug as a bota- nical specimen iu the pinetum, I would not suggest that Picea obovata be procured. Pinus Laricio Pali.asiana. This is a far more distinct and valuable forest treo than is generally supposed, although in the latter respect it cannot compare with the species in the pro- duction of straight clean timber, as it branches more freely, and those are proportionately heavier and larger, and produced down almost to the ground-level, on trees growing iu tho open— a rare occurrence with THE GARDENERS' CHBONICLE. [January 23, 1897. the species. I measured a short time ago ouo of the Urgest specimens of P. L. Pallasiana growing in this c mntry, which was fully 75 feet in height, the spread of branches nearly as great, with a stem girth at 3 feet of fully 9 feet. The tree is growing on light sandy loam in a Surrey park, and it is certainly a very handsome specimen, the long, sweeping branches, much-divided truuk, and deep green bristling foliage rendering it peculiarly distinct and ornamental. The cone production of P. L. Pallasiana is remark- able, at least when compared with the species, nearly every branchlet tip bearing a trio. The cones are much bigger than those of P. Laricio proper, being [from 3 to 4 inches long by 1 4 to 2 inches at widest part, and of a pleas mt yellow-ochre colour. Even the lower branches bore cones freely, a l>y-no-means common occurrence with any member of the Pinus family. But the reason that I wish particularly to bring this variety under notice is for its now justly acknow- ledged value for planting in peaty soils that are not over-dry or well drained. A curious example of th'B was brought un ler my notice recently, where a Larch plan tvtion formed on peat bog turned out a failure owing to drainage having not received sufficient atten- tion. The ground certainly had been drained after a fashion, but too few water-channel-* had been cut, and the consequence was that, owing to excessive dampness, all tho trees, excepting such as had been planted by the ditch-sides, became covered with a lichen, and gradually would have died out had they not been removed. A number of fresh drain* wero cut, the original ones cleared out and deepened, the Heath, Bilberry, and other shrubby growth cleared away, and the ground replanted with the common Scots Pine and the present variety, P. Laricio Pal- lisiana. These trees are now models of beauty and health, the foliage being of tho brightest and healthiest description, and the rate of growth rapid — all pointing out that they are peculiarly suitable for peaty soil and a fully exposed situation. A. D. Webster. down, and stick the cuttings about 3 inches in the ground at the distances indicated, and tread the soil on either side in doing so. Colonial Notes. A NEW YELLOW-SPATHED IUCHAttDIA. I enclose a photograph of two plants of a new golden Richardia, grown and flowered by mo at my residence, Rhine Villa, Sea Point. You will notice the bold, vigorous habit, and bright variegation of the foliage. This, combined with the large, deep, golden blooms freely produced, make a plant difficult to surpass in effectiveness. The plants conio from a different locality to that in which Richardia Elliottiana and Pentlandi were discovered, and they are in every respect an improvement upon them. I flowered them for the first time laBt Beason, the two pots producing sixteen spathes. The same plants now in flower, carry nineteen blooms, one of which has a "double" sptthe. The colour is of tho brightest shade of yellow, and the spathes are very large. Donald Ross, 80, Brce Street, Cape 2'own, South Africa. [The photograph tent, exhibits two stocky plants witli broad leaves set on rather short petioles, regularly spotted over the entire surface of tho blade. Spathes as high or higher than the leaves. Ed.] The Week's Work. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. Byil. W. Ward, Rayleigb, Essex. The Propagation of Gooseberries and Currants. — Cuttings of approved varieties should be taken off at once. They should be made about 12 inches long and consist of the butt ends of straight shoots. Remove all the buds except four at the top, to obtain bushes with 5 or 6 inches of clear stem above ground. The cuttings should be inserted 6' inches apait, in rows 12 inches asunder, and a border under a north or east wall will be a suitable place for them, but they will root equally well in the open. The ground having been dug, put the line Varieties of Gooseberries. — White : Cheshire Lass, Whitesmith, and Bright Venus; (Yellow), Golden Drop, Early Sulphur, Yellow Champagne ; (Green), Berry's Early Kent, Green Gascoigne, Green Hedge- hog, Rosebery ; (Red), Whinham's Iudustry, Crown Bob, Rifleman, Lancashire Lad, Red Champagne, and Warrington. Currants (Black), Baldwin's Champion, Carter's Champion, and Lee's Prolifica; (Red), Rahy Castle, Red Dutch, anl Peine Victoria; (White), Transparent and White Dutch. Pruning Currants. — Established bushes of Red and White Currants should have the young shoots cut back to one bud from the old growth ; leaving from 5 to 8 inches of young wood in pruning young bushes until they reach the desired dimensions. Black Currants, as well as Gooseberries, require different treatment. The y oung growths of established bushes should bj thinn ed-out (not spurred backed as is fre- quently done), and all lateral growths cut back to one bud, topping any of the young shoots retaiued to form tho bushes that may be likely to touch the ground when heavily laden with berries. Cut out one of any shoots that cross each other, so that the centres of the bushes may be left open. Planting Young Trees of Gooseberries and Currants. — In making plantations of Gooseberry and Currant bushes, a distance of 6 feet should be allowed between the rows, and between the bushes in the rows. The space between the rows and plants can be cropped with Cabbages, Cauliflowers, and Aahleaf Kidney Potatos, until the bushes have attained to the full size, A good dressing of manure should be well dug into the land previous to planting. When planting the bushes take hold of the stem of each and shake it in an upward direction, the soil then trickling among all the roots, which should remain within 5 or G inches of the surface when the soil has been trodden and made level. When planting Gooseberry and Currant bushes in borders adjoining walks, and it may be to take the place of old exhausted bushes, prepare the holes about 15 inches in diameter and the same depth, and in- corporate a few shovelfuls of short manure with the excavated soit. Should the staple be of a stiff nature, add a little leaf-soil, wood or coal ashes. Stmwberriia.—H new plantations are to be made in the spring, the ground should be prepared by digging deeply into it a liberal dressing of manure ; or better still, trenching it between 2 and 3 feet deep, according to the natural depth and quality of the land, breaking up and retaining the subsoil in the bottom of the trenches, and wuiking-in two or three layers of short dung. If the work be done at once, the loosened ground will have ample time to settle before planting is done. For general use Royal Sovereign, Auguste Nicaise, and Sir Joseph Paxton are sterling varieties. THE KITCHEN1 GARDEN. By W. Pope, Gardener, Higholere Castle, Newbury. Early Cauliflower. — A sowing of Cauliflower should now be made thinly in boxes or pans, selecting what is known to the trade as extra Early Forcing or First Crop, placing the boxes, &c, on a shelf in a house or pit heated from 55" to 60°. As soon as the plants have a true leaf, prick them off carefully into boxes filled with rich loam and leaf-mould in about equal proportions, at i inches apart each way, aud replace them in full sunlight, admitting air carefully in increasing quantity till they get properly hardened off, in readiness for planting out about the end of March. For exhibition purposes, seeds of Sutton's Magnum Bonum may also be sown ; aud this variety being a little later than First Crop, and an excellent Cauliflower for any purpose, will form a succession. Autumn-sown plants in frames or hand-lights must be aired freely whenever there is no frost, the lights being removed when it does not rain or snow, and coverings of mats or litter only being used at night in the event of hard frost. Early Cabbage, Lettuce, and Celery. — If the autumn- Bown Cabbages are a failure, means should be taken to remedy this to som* extent by sowing seeds of some good dwarf early variety in boxes, and growing them on similarly to Cauliflowers, for planting out-of- doors early in March. If properly grown and hardened, and given a warm position when planted, these become fit for use almost as soon as those planted out in the autumn. A little Lettuce seed should also now be sown, selecting a good early Cos variety for this sowing ; or, if a Cabbage Lettuce be preferred, some seeds of Commodore Nutfc. Sow a pinch of Celery in a pan, and place in a Cucumber or Melon-pit till germination takes place, covering the seed very lightly with sandy soil, and a square of glass on the edges of the pan. For August and September use, nothing surpasses Sutton's Early Gem; whilst for early exhibition, nothing is better than Wright's Giant white, and Standard Bearer, red. Leeks.— Where large and well-blanched Leeks are required early, seed may now be sown thinly in pans or boxes, placed in a gentle heat, aud treated in the same manner that I advised for Onions. They may, however, be allowed to grow rather for a longer time in the seed boxes before being pricked off, using rich turfy loam, to which a good proportion of half-rotted leaf mould has been added, all pressed firmly together in the boxes, allowing 3 inches space between the plants, and growing them for a time in a greenhouse or warm frame. If afforded a too high temperature, the plants will be likely to throw up flower-heads in tho early summer. The plants being gradually hardened off may remain in the same boxes till the laud is ready to receive them, towards the middle or end of April. The remains of last year's main crop may now be lifted and laid-in on the north side of a wall or fence, where they will keep in good condition longer than if allowed to remain in the open quarter, the ground also being free for other uses. Horseradish. — The present is a good time to make new or re-make old Horseradish beds, the ground being trenched to a good depth. If an old bed is to be re- planted, pick out every root, keeping the largest and cleanest for use. and the next size for planting ; put a thick layer of rich m inure at the bottom of every trench as the work proceeds, the roots being planted with the dibble in rows 2 feet apart, and 1 font from set to set. Parsley.— Should the supply of Parsley seem likely to be unequal to the demand, seed may be fowii now in boxes, placing these in heat, pricking off the young plants when an inch high into a frame over a gentle bottom-heat, keepiug them close for a few days ti I established. A supply from the same sowing would also be available for planting on a warm border in March, and will generally prove very useful. PLANTS UNDER GLASS By G. II. Maycock, Gardener, Luton lloo, Luton. Winter-flowering Carnations. — The time has arrived when these plants may be propagated by meaus of cuttings. First prepare a light kind of compost, having plenty of sharp sand or road grit incorporated in it. place four rather wiry cuttings in 3-inch pots, make firm, afford water, and plunge in a gentle bottom-heat in a frame or forcing- house. In a month they will be ready to pot singly in 3-iuch pots. Be- ware of letting water lodge in the axils of the leaves, and aim at getting them to strike quickly. If nume- rous cuttings are obtainable, any potfuls which appear to be stubborn may be thrown away, and auother batch put in. Avoid excessive heat, or the constitu- tion of the future plants will be weakened. A bottom-heat of 70°, and top-heat of 65°, should be maintained : gradually harden off the plants after the first potting. C annas. — These useful plants are gaining in public favour, and deservedly so, being of easy culture, ornamental, and free flowering. Here they are largely used for bedding-out purposes, and for that purpose they receive similar treatment to that afforded the Dahlia. For pot-culture. I prefer keep- ing and resting them in a cold house. A start may now be made with the batch intended to flower early. First prepare and mix thoroughly together, two parts of loam, one of leaf-mould, one of Band and dried cow - manure, with a small quantity of charcoal. To save time, place them in their 6owering-pots, the size of which will depend on the size the plants are intended to reach ; but for ordinary purposes, 8-inch pots will bo found sufficiently large. Not much drainage is required, still it must be efficient. Shake out and select a few of the strongest crowns to be potted, cutting away the back part of the old rhizome ; water well when potted, and place on a stage or shelf near the glass in the intermediate-house. Cannas need an occa- sional fumigation. General Work in the Plant Houses. — A pinch of seed of Begonias, Gloxinias, and Colosias may now be sown ; and tako cuttings of zonal Pelargoniums if plants to flower in the autumn are wanted. Divide and re-pot plants of Aspidistra lucida variegata which may be January 23, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 59 too large for general purposes, placing them in gentle heat to re-establish. The compost used for them must not be rich, or the variegation will disappear ; but it may consist of one part loam, one leaf-soil, one road-grit, and one lime- rubble. Oq the plants getting established, remove them to a cooler house, and gradually harden them off. Cuttings of Panicurn variegatum, rightly Oplis- mcims Burmanni variegatus, for decorative purposes should now be taken, usiug '1 or 3-inch puts for them, as beiug the more useful size, and placing six cuttings in a mixture of loam, leaf- moult), and sand. They will readily root, and may then be removed to the side- stages of tbe stove or the conservatory. A good stock of Isolepis gracilis should now be potted-up for similar purposes, dividing up old plants iuto small pieces, and using, as before. 3-inch pots. vYhon the roots permeate the soil, afford plenty of water ; and when root-bound, afford weak liquid-manure water, placiug a saucer under each. Carex variegata and Eulaha japonica variegata may be similarly dealt with, l'roceed with the propagation of foliage and other decorative plants too numerous to mention here,, a little perseverance at this season saving time during the busier days to come. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Growo-, Burford, Dorking. Eulophietla Elisabeths. — Any of this compari- tively new plant which are strongly routed, and whose flower-spikes are beginning to push up from tbe base of tbe growth of tbe current season, should be afforded plenty of wattr at the root, taking care that the soil be not soddened with it, as the flowtr- spikes would theu be liable t) damp-off. Whilst the weather continues dull, tbe plant should be brought near to tbe roof-glass ; but, although this speciea is not hurt by strong light at this season, it must not be direct sunlight, or the leaves will soon be injured. Those who have purchased plants recently imported, should place them in crocks only, as a commence- ment, and stand them in a shady part of a warm Cattleya-house, damping the stage and the sides of the pjts once or twice daily, and in about one week water may be poured through tbe crocks several times a day. With this kind of treatment roots soon begin to grow, and potting bicome necessary. For the proper growth of the plant, fibry-peat, turfy- loam, and sphagnumnioss, in about equal parts, should be mixed together, and made warm befoie use. A moist shady corner of the hottest house may theu be provided for them, and throughout the season of growth abundance of water should be sup- plied. It is a native of Madagascar, and terrestrial. Miscellaneous Orchids, — I give under this heading some genera aud species, which under cultivation present many difficulties — Bollea crclestis, Pescatorea ceriua, P. Dayana, P. Klabochnrum, P. Lehmanni, Huutleya mel^agris, H. Waitesiana, aud Batemannia Burtii. The plants will in most cases soon begin to make growth, which in some cases will render atten- tion being paid to re-potting. Pots or pans of a suit- able size being chosen, they should be half-tilled with drainage, and rough peat, sphagnum-moss, and a moderate quantity of half-decayed leaf-soil. In re- potting a plant, raise it high above the rim of the pot on a cone of tho above materials, and this is a very im- portant point in maintaining a plant in a healthy state. At this season, all of these plauts may be kept in the coolest part of tbe East Indian-house, shading them carefully from sunshine, affording water overhead once or twice a day, and at the root likewise as often as may be necessary, and moisture should de freely afforded during growth. The young roots are apt to be gnawed by woodlicc, and traps should be set for these insects, or much damage will be done. Stenia (Choudrorhyncha) pallida, S. Chestertoni, and Zygopetalutn grand ill or nm require a similar kind of treatment, rlabenaria rhodochila is a plant that is now Leginniug to grow, and must have its tubers repotted forthwith. In doing tm>, turn them out of tho pots, and probably more than one will be found in a pat. If an increase of the stock of this plant be required, repot each tuber singly. The pols should be of a suitable depth, fumi-hed with several pieces of crock at the bottom, upon which the base of the tuber should rest, the top being immediately below the rim of the pot ; aud having placed a tuber prop, rly, proceed to till up around it with smaller crocks to within one inch of the top, surfacing with the following mixture — peat and loam iu equal parts, finely-chopped sphagnum muss, a, moderate quantity of tiuely-broken crocks and coarse silver-sand, just covering the tuber so that its point may be observed through the compost. For a few days after repot- ting no water will be required, and then an occa- sional sprinkling overhead with a fine rose watering- can will suffice to induce activity. When in full growth, an almost unlimited supply of water becomes necessary. This species of Habenaria is a native of China, aud should not be grown in much warmth, or Thrips will soon play havoc with the leaves. A cool part of the intermediate-house is a suitable place for the plant at all times. The rare Cymbidium Devon- ianum, now commencing to push out its flower- spikes, will require close attention, to prevent these pushing down into the compost. The hybrid Miltonia Bleuana, and its varieties nobilior and virginali-", now throwing up their spikes, should be closely examined, to ascertain if Thrips are infesting them ; aud if any are present, take means to destroy them forthwith, or a whole year's labour will be lost. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By F. Harris, Gardener, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury. Pot- Vines. — Where Grapes are required at a very early date, pot- Vines become almost indispensable. If these were started with a view to obtaining ripe fruit at the end of March, or the beginning of April, the Vines should now be nearing the flowering stage, when they will require a higher temperature, a dryer atmosphere, and the bunches careful fertilisation. Wheu the flowers are set, and the best bunches can be determiue 1, remove the weaker ones, but leave from four to six bunches upon each Vine, according [to its strength. As soon as the berries are large enough, they should be thinned, carefully removing small berries first ; but early Grapes should not be thinned nearly so much as late ones. Afford the Viues a top- dressing of good loam, with a sprinkling of an efficient artificial fertiliser, and afford copious waterings with warm liquid-manure. If such helps to growth are neglecte I after the Grapes commence to swell, the result will not be satisfactory. Maintain the bottom- heat at 70° to 75° by the additions of warm leaves and stable-manure that have been prepared, and if some good loam be put on the top, and the roots encouraged to root into it over the tops of the pots, this will also be conducive to a good finish in the Grapes. A moist growing temperature should be kept up by frequently damping down with liquid-manure during periods of hard firing, and especially at night. Early Peach House, — If this house was started in November, the trees will now be passing out of (lower, and may with safety be kept a little warmer. Afford the trees a moderate application of tepid water to encourage the fruit to commence swelling, and spray the trees with warm water at closing time upon warm sunny days. If tbe least sign of green fly should appear, destroy them by gently furti- gation, but taking care that the smoke does not become hot ; several mild applications being better than one severe one. I find it is much safer to fumigate Peach-trees as soon as the fruit is quite set than afterwards, for when it has beeu necessary to fumi- gate in the later stages of growth, harm to the foliage has generally ensued. Do not dis-bud too soon, as it tends to check growth too early in the year, but when absolutely neee-sary, dis-bud very gradually by removing a few shoots each day from the more advanced branches. Careful attention to this detail, and iu tho matters of syringing, watering, aud venti- lating, will be likely to result iu good, fully developed fruit, and healthy foliage. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By Charles Herein, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead. Pelargoniums for Summer Bedding. — Owing to the fierce drought of the summer of last year, some varieties made so little growth that it was almost impossible to take cuttings ; and where the Btock is below the requirements, means should now be taken forthwith to propagate them. Assuming that the gardener has space in a warm house for tho plants standing in pots and boxe?, they may be potted-ofF singly, using for the purpose largo 60s, aud placed in the house, where, it subjectod to a temperature of from 55° to 65°, they will soon establish themsolves. In potting-on? bedding-plants of this sort, it is unne- cessary to use any crocks iu the puts, but to employ a little of tho rougher sittings of leaf-soil instead. As soon as the plauts have grown a few inche* iu height, shoots fit for cuttings will be obtainable, which, if taken off at a joint and inserted singly in small pots, or four into a huge 60, will Boon root if tbe pots are placed on shelves over the hot water pipes, or in a bod of warm leaves iu a vinery or forcing-pit. All of the leaves should not be stripped off the cuttings, as if two or three are left, the cuttings will break the more freely, and sooner make busby plants. If the leafstalks are much drawn, the better way is to take them off, leaving merely the ter- minal bud. Plants removed from the flower-beds iu early autumn and potted may now be placed in heat to furnish cuttings. Where the stock of Pelargoniums is sufficient for future needs, the general potting off need not take place till towards the end of next month, at which time in most gardens there are more houses in which to place them. The pel tat una or Ivy-leaved varieties are useful as dot- plants wheu of 2 or 3 feet in height, and plants of these should be potted on as may be required, placing a stick to each, to which the shoots should be loosely tied as growth goes on. Fuchsias.— Of late years the Fuchsia has deservedly taken, as at a former period was the case, au impor- tant place in the summer flower garden ; and the plants which were struck in the autumn of 1896 which wore, as I assume, potted early last month into 60's, and have been kept growing in a house fur- nished with a temperature of 50° to 60°, will now be well rooted and fit for shifting into larger, say 5-inch pots. The potting soil for the Fuchsia at this stage, should be moderately light and rich. After potting the plants stand them near the glass in a house with a temperature 5° higher day and night than that they previously occupied. Any plants that were potted up from the beds in the autumn, if cuttings are wanted, may be slightly pruned, and placed iu gentle heat, the others being more severely pruned aud kept cool for a time. Fuchsia cuttings, as soon as obtain- able, will strike quickly in bottom-heat, then potted off; and when grown on quickly they make good plants by the end of the month of May. An excellent variety for summer-bedding is the old Madame Coruillison, very free in flowering, and of a pleasing colour, that is, with dark-red sepals, and semi- double, white corolla. Lord Beaconsfield is another effective variety for this purpose, of tall growth, flowers large, single, a self-coloured rosy -carmine. Empress of Germany is a dark double-corollaed, free-flowering variety, which is much used in Hyde Park. Ballet Girl, double-white, produces masses of bloom, aud quickly makes a good pyramid. The well-known Mrs. Marshall is another good bedder. F. gracilis variegata is an excellent variety of slender growth, with variegated foliage ; while F. Meteor is adapted for the edging of beds when pegged down, having leafage of a bright bronzy-red colour. Evergreen Shrubs. — Among early-flowering ever- green shrubs, the Andromedas take a prominent position. A. floribuuda, in a sheltered position, is just opening its first flowers. BeiDg a fibrous- rooting plant, it may be moved at almost any time during the autumn or spring. A. japonica, with larger flowers and longer racemes, blooms rather later, and is a desirable variety. Andromeda, or Zenobia speciosa, a partly deciduous summer-flowering variety, with handsome spikes uf large Lily of the Valley-like flowers, is not so often seen in gardens, although it is a desirable plaut, which continues in bloom for a considerable period. Viburnum Tinus (Laurestinus)iswcll known ; and of other useful shrubs for planting may be named — Berberis Darwini and B. stenophylla, Olearia Haaati, varieties of Peruettya mucronata, Vacciuium ovatum and V. stamiueum ; Aucubas, male and female ; Rhododendrons in variety, Kalmias, and Buddleia globosn, which although not perfectly hardy, survives ordinary winters, and iB a handsome flowering shrub. Crataegus La>landi, when weli berried, forms a conspicuous object in the shrub- bery borders, also Arbutus Unedo, and Andrachne. H ollies in variety, with both gold and silver variegate forms. The Silver Wedding of Mr. and Mrs. T, WHILLANS, Blenheim Palace Gardens, was cele- brated on Jan. 6, on which occasion his Grace the Duke of Marlborough sanctioned the use of the spacious corridors of the new south block of greenhouses (which were prettily decorated aud illuminated) for the purpose of entertaining the many ftiende, including tho principal domestics at tho palace, who had assembled to honour tbe event. Mr. and Mrs. W. were the reci- pients of numerous tokens of friendship and kindly congratulation. amODgdt others a handsome Bilver cake-basket, given by the garch n < rnph^h, which will, no doubt (as we trust tor many years to come) be regarded as a most sincere expression of kindly sentiments. 60 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 23, 1897. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants for naming, should he (aid n\wd to the EDITOR, 41, Welling- ton Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications Should be WRITTEN ON ONE SIDE ONLY OF THE PAPER, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly signed by the writer. 1/ desired, the, signature, will not be printed, but kept as a guarantee of good fioth. The Editor doesnot under- take to pay for any contributions, or to return unused com- munications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. Illustrations.— The Editor will thankfully receive and select photographs or draivings, suitable for reproduction in these pages, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, £c; but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Local News.— Cor res) >o ndc n ts will greatly oblige by sending to the Editoe early intelligence >f load events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists. tiewspapers.—Correspondents sending newspapers should be careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. SATURDAY, J, WEDNESDAY, J MEETINGS. n. 23— Royal Botanic Society meet. {Begonias, Gladioli, Tuberoses, Greenhouse Plants, &c, at Pro- theroo & Morris' Rooms. r9700 Roses, Azaleas, Iris, Car- TUESDAY, Jan. 26- nations, &c„ nt Protheroe absorption into the surrounding areas of bricks and mortar, or to waste and neglect ; to recover such spots, and place them under the management of the town authority, would be an invaluable memorial of the Sovereign's long and beneficial rule. Finally, there may be some earth-work or ruin of great interest, or even some building of rare architectural beauty or historic associations, which might be pur- chased aud devoted to some public purpose, and which would form a possession of unique value for future generations. In one or other of these ways the amenities of the neighbourhood may be perma- nently enhanced, and a lasting memory of the Victorian reign preserved, in a form which would be a permanent source of pleasure and interest to the inhabitants. Lord Hobhotjse is chairman of the joiut com- mittee ; and Messrs. Basil Holmes, 83, Lancaster Gate, Londou, W., and Lawrence W. Chcbb, 1, Great College Street, London, S.W., are hon. secretaries to the joint committee, to either of whom communica- tions may bo addressed. December, 1896." Royal Horticultural Society.— It is pro- posed that Norman C. Cookson, William Mar- sball, and H. J. Veitch, be olected members of the Council at the annual meeting on February 9, in place of Sir Alexander Arbuthnot, George Bun- yard, and Henry J. Pearson. The Victorian Medal. — In connection with the three concluding paragraphs of the Report of the council, which is now in the hands of the fellows (eee p. 66), the following letters, kindly furnished by lie v. W. W. Wilks, may be of interest to our readers — "December 18, 1896. " Sir,— I am desired by the Council of the Royal Horti- cultural Society to ask you to lay before Her Gracious Majesty the Queen, patron of the society, a proposal which they Leg leave to bring before their follows, for the establish- ment of a medal or medallion in celebration of the attain- ment by Her Majesty, in 1897, of the 00th year of her happy, prosperous, and beneficent reign. With Hor Majesty's gracious permission and approval, the council wish to name their medal The Royal Horticultural Society's "Victoria Medal ; " and their proposal is that it should bo awarded by the society, " Honoris Causa," to a certain number of persons distinguished for their services to horticulture, or eminent in the science and art of gardening. The council express a confident belief that no such distinction exists at present, and that the institution of such a " Medal of Horticulture " would be received with marked favour by Her Majesty's garden-loving subjects. Thoy therefore venture humbly to hope that their proposal may meet with Her Majesty's gracious consent and approval. " I have the honour to be your obedient servant, "Trevor Lawrence, " President." Rt. Hon. Sir Fleetwood Edwards, K.C.B. "Osborne, December 23, 1896. "Sir,— In reply to your letter of the lSthinst, which I hive laid before the Queen, I am commanded to express llcr Majesty's regret that she can only refrain in this instance as iu all similar cases, from giving any personal opinion with reference to any specific proposal for the commemoration < f the 60th anniversary of the reign. At the same time, the Queen hxs no possible objection to raise to the establishment of the medal referred to, or to the nam: that it is proposed should be given to it— and they would appear to be points that rest with the council of the Royal Horticultural Society. " lam, Dear Sir, "Yours faithfully, '"(Signed) Fleetwood J. EpWARps " 8irTat:vQft Lawrenck, Unr, January 23, 1897. J THE GA RDENER S9 CHR ONI GL E. 61 BULBOPHYLLUM ERICSSONI, Krdndin, n. $p. — By the kiudnesB of the Hon. Walter Rothschild, wo are enabled to give an illustration (fig. 16) of this remarkable species, which was imported a few rears ngo by Messrs. F. Sander & Co., St. Albans, through their enterprising Swedish collector, Ericsson. It was described from dried specimens sent by that collector slender flower-stalk, and you will get an idea of this extraordinary new Ilulbophyllum. The flowers have a yellowish white ground colour, the sepals and petals are heavily spotted with dark brown, the lip is red, and has a very strange spongy texture at the disc." Not only is tho species remarkable for its showy flowers, but its large shiny green leaves, sur- Wylam on-Tyne, for his successful hybridisation of Orchid*, extending over many years, by which a large number of new and beautiful forms have been added to this remarkable family of plants. To Martin R. Smith, of Warren House, Hayes, an eminent amateur, who has been most successful in the raising of Carnation*. By his efforts many new FlQ. 16.— BULBOPHYLLUM ERICSSONI. to Messrs. Sander, by Dr. Kbanzlin, in ih*s Gardeners' Chronicle, October 28, 1803, p. 522. The illustration represents a very fine and distinct new .species ; and a still stronger specimen, which is sending up two stout flower-spikes iu the Hon, Walteu LioTHSCUlLD's Collection, may probably quite come up to tho words ofDr. Kuan zl is 's description: — "This is by far the most striking new Orehid received for some time past. Imagine a group of from nine to twelve flowers Of a large Chimeeroid Ma*devallia, surmounting a mounting its long and rather slender pseudo-bulbs, render it an ornamental plant wbeu not in bloom. It is probably a native of New Guinea, and therefore a warm-house plant. Veitch Memorial Fund.- The Veitch Me- morial Trustees have decided to present, this year, a large Silver Medal for distinguished service to horticulture, to each of the following gentlemen : — To Norman C. Cookson, Esq., of Oak wood, and beautiful varieties have been raised, especially in tho MalmaUon e eel ion, and among those which, on account of their hardihood and beauty, are adapted for culture in the oppu border. To Professor I,. H. Bailey, of Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., in recognition of his efforts, bj means of his lectures and his writings, to place the culti- vation of plants on a scientific basis ; to promote the extension of horticultural education, and, by numerous trials and experiment*, to improve ant} 62 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 23, 1897. render more productive, plants grown for eoonomio purposes. To Charles Naudin, of Antibes, a distinguished French botanist and horticulturist, who, by his pro- longed series of experiments and observations, has much advanced the theory and practice of hybridi- sation. M. Naudin has also been highly successful in introducing, cultivating, and distributing a large number of plants of gre.it economic importance, and of thus enhancing the resources not only of his own, but of other countries. To Herr Max Leichtun, of Baden-Baden, as one who has rendered eminent service to horticulture by the introduction of a large number of interesting plants, and who has displayed equal sagacity and skill in their cultivation. The Trustees have also decided upon placing a medal and prize of £3 at the disposal of the Shrop- shire Horticultural Socioty, to be competed for at their Great Commemorative Exhibition in August next ; aud have allotted a similar Medal and prize of ■£5 to the Trentham Horticultural Society. Horticultural Club.— The monthly dinner and con;ersazione took place at the Hotel Wiudsur on Tuesday, 12th inst. The chair was taken by Mr. Harrv Jas. Veitcu (Vice-chairman of the Club). The subject for discassiou was ''The Proposals for Horticultural Memorials of the (Queen's Roigu," which was opened by the secretary, Rev. H. H. D'O.mbrain, who passed in review the various proposals which had been advanced in the gardening journals, and expressod his opinion, that not one of them was practicable, and that as far as a Horti- cultural Institute, of whatever character it might be, was concerned, there was no situation in Loudon that could be coosidered eligible ; that what was required was not so much a hall where large shows could be held as a home where such fortuightly meetings as those of the Royal Horticultural Society could be held, together with some suitable offices for committee meetings and horticultural gatherings, which must be held in a central position alike suitable for the provincial and the suburban exhibitors. A discussion took place, and the general opinion was that, with the air full of schemes for the popular celebration of tbe 60th year of the Queen's beueficeut reign, the year 1897 was not a good time to launch a scheme for the national benefit of horticulture, more especially after Her Majesty had herself iudicated that what would be most acceptable to her would be the strengthening of the nursing institutions, hospitals, and other works of mercy for the relief of the suffering aud poverty-strict en masses of the people. Horti- culturists would have a good opportunity presented to them of following this particular line in strengthen- ing the new '"Victorian Era Fund" about to be raised by tbe Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution, particulars of which appeared in our issue for the 16th inst. American Fruit in Vienna. — Apples and Pears from the United States, Canada, &c, have been selling, as we learn from an Austrian contemporary, on the Vienna market, the first at from 5cL to 8d,t aud the latter from 3fZ. to Is. per kilog. The quality is good, the exporters fully unders'anding that only good wares would sell at a profit. The fruit-growers of Great Britain are. therefore, not alone in experien- cng the competition of the American in the home- markets. This may, this season, have been enhanced by the enormous fruit-crop of excellent quality hai- vested in America, accentuated by the smallness of the crops on the continent. Pruning the Walnut-Tree. — The pruning of the Walnut-tree should never be performed during a period of frost, nor yet after growth has begun, as that leads to bleeding, as in the Vine ; but in the spring, just before growth recommences. Agricultural Education in Aberdeen UNIVERSITY. — Since the changes were made in the teaching of agriculture in the Aberdeen University, those in charge have not allowed the grass to grow under their feet. A new popular class has been started for those who have had little or no previous scientific training in the subject, by Mr. Wilson (Lecturer in Agriculture), Mr. Hendrick (Agricul- tural Chemistry), and Mr. Young (Veterinary Science), with great spirit, on their own responsibility ; aud the creditable efforts of ihese gentlemen to popularise the subject deserves every encourage- ment. The course lasts for a month, the classes being held daily (except Saturday), from 1-30 to 5 p.m. Dimorphic Cypripedium. --Messrs. Sander & Co. obligingly send us a curious sport, which derives additional interest from tbe legal proceeding* which have lately taken pUce with reference to similar sports. The plant in question is Gypripedium Dauthiert. In some years, a? we are informed, all the Mowers are of the usual character, whilst in other years all the flowers produced are smaller in size, thinner in texture, pale iu,(colour, indeed quite free from the rich violet colouring of the nerves of the dorsal sepal. This year the plant has produced one of those degenerate flowers at the same time as the normal blooms. The flowers have been on our table for several days, and it is curious to observe, as we write, how the typical flower pr^erves its brilliancy of colour and firmness of texture, in spite of the foggy atmosphere to which it has been subjected. The other flower is limp and wretched, its segments all depressed, and of the colour of a dirty rag. The staminode3 aud stigmas are, except iu size and colour, similar iu the two flowers. We do not hear that the foliage of the plant is subject to the same degeneration. "Atlas des Plantes des Jardins et D'AppartementS." ParD. Bois. Paris: Klinck- sieok. (Text, 432 pp. 8vo ; 320 coloured plates.) This is a series of coloured plates, accompanied by a descriptive text, and devoted to a selection of the plants most frequently met with in cultivation by amateurs. It is therefore intended more particularly for those who are not professed girdeners. To them in particular, and to gardeners in general, we com- mend these volumes. The information given is no compilation, such as is commonly the case in horti- cultural literature of this class ; but it is, within its limitations, an original book, indicating much re- search, observation, and judgment. Of the plates also we can speak iu terms of high praise ; they are accurate and faithful— not exaggerated, and contain- ing details not often found iu such works. The only defect we can point out is that the artist has occa- sionally selected fur representation specimens of poor varieties that do not do justice to the plant ; t,ike, for iu3tauce, t. 290, representing Lilium speciosum. We fear the bulb-merchant would not secure mauy customers if the flowers produced from his bulbs were not of better quality than that represented in the plate in question. A like remark might be made of t. 248 — Lycaste Skiuueri ; aud of the Masdcvallias on plate 243. Hampton Court Palace Gardens.— We understand that Mr. A. Graham, who has been superintendent of these gardens for a period of about twenty years, aud who made effective use of carpet- bedding there, has resigned ; and is succeeded by Mr. Gardiner, superintendent of Greenwich Park Gardens. Mr. Fred Turner, F.L S., has recently been offered and has accepted the position of consulting botanist to the West Australian Government in succession to the late Baron F. Von Mueller. Mr. Turner's work will principally consist in naming and describing the economic plants of the western colony. In the first instance, he will name and describe all the forage plants and grasses, so that the pastoralists and farmers who are settled there may know of what their pastures are composed, supposed poisonous plants, noxious weeds, &c. This work will be done in asimUar way to that done by Mr. Turner for the pastoralists and farmers of Queensland under instructions from the New South Wales Govern- ment. Mr. Turner is the author of numerou* illustrated and descriptive works, on "Australian Grasses/' and other economic subjects. The work in connection with the West Australian flora will not necessitate Mr. Turner's leaving Sydney, so that pastoralists farmers, nurserymen, and others who have been accustomed to send him botanical specimens to be identified aud described can forward them as usual. Pine-apple : Analysis and Manure.— The October Bulletin of the Botanical Department, Jamiica, contains the following notes on the Pine- apple by Mr. J. J. Bjwret, F.S.C., F.l.C, Island Chemist — Asa of Pine-apple. rotash KaO 49 4! Chloride of Potassium KC1 "SS Chloride of Sodium NaCl 1T01 Magnesia MgO 8*8) LimeCaO 1*15 Phosphoric Acid P3Os 4 OS Sulphuric Acid HaS04 Trace Silica SiOa 4'0i Phosphate of Peroxide of Iron 2*93 99 29 Judging from this analysis of the ash of the Pine- apple, potash is the most important mineral sub- stance which it requires. Of course phosphoric acid is also necessary, and so are lime, magnesia, and iron, but it must be a very rare soil which does not con- tain iron and magnesia in ample quantity, aud usually there is enough lime also present. It io difficult to make suggestions respecting manuring in total igno- rance of the nature of the soil to be manured. But certainly no harm can be done, and probably much g> tod, by adding phosphoric acid* and potash to the soil ; the former best as finely grouud basic slag or Thomas' phosphate powder, price about 55*. per ton, f. o. b., in England. A dressing of from 5 to 10 cwts. per acre will supply phosphoric acid for three or four years, and also some quantity of lime. The potash can, I think, be imported into Jamaica rno^t cheaply as chloride of potash ; its price is about £S per ton, f. o. b., in England. From J to 1 cwt. per acre would be a dressing for a year. But tho Pine-apple also needs ni'rogen for its growth ; this might be supplied as nitrate of isoda at £10 per ton, — giving one cwt. per aero when the plauts have started to grow rapidly. The Surveyors' Institution. —The next Ordinary General Meeting will be held on Mon- day, Jauuary 25, 1S97, when the adjourned dis- cussion on the paper read by Mr. Howard Martin (Fellow), at the hist meeting, entitled "The Future Development of the Surveyors' Institution," will be resumed. The chair to be taken at S o'clock. It has been found desirable to alter the date of the Annual Dinner from Wednesday, March 3 (the date given on the Calendar), to Wednesday, February 24. The dinner will take place at the Hotel Cecil. THE WEATHER.— The character of the weather has greatly changed since our last issue, the tem- perature becoming much colder, with snowfalls in London and the southern parts of the country generally. From Salisbury and Cambridge we learn that frost of 11° severity was experienced on Sundav night. The Ulster Horticultural Society.— An encouraging report was presented to the annual meeting of the Ulster Horticultural Society, which was held recently, Mr. Jas. Johnston, J. P., presiding. This is one of the more flourishing of the Irish hor- ticultural societies. The position of the Society is steadily improving, and its show (see fig. 17) held in November was much in advance of any previous one. Moreover, the weather being fine, the receipts were greater than on any previous occasion. The fine displays of Chrysanthemums, cut flowers, and fruit, are especially commented upon. At this show a new and interestiug feature was the Veitch Memorial Prize competition for the best group of stove and greenhouse plants, which was worthily won by Mr. Gray, gr. to J. B. Houston, Esq. The receipts from all sources amounted during the year to £505 Qs. lid., as against an expenditure of £181 14*-., leaving a total balance in hand of £5i 18s. 5d. It was men- tioned in the course of the meeting that the Society January 23, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHBONICLE. 63 would celebrate the diamond jubilee of the year by offering a prize of £100 for cut blooms, open to the whole United Kingdom. The prize will be named, 'The Lady Mayoress Victoria Jubilee Championship Prize." Reading and District Gardeners' Mutual Improvement Association. — The aunual general meeting of the Reading and District Gardeners1 Mutual Improvement Association was held in the club room on Monday, January 11, Mr. T. Neve, th& chairman of the association, presiding over a large githering of the members. After the report and balance sheet, which were of a very satisfactory character, had been read and adopted, the following members were elected to fill the various offices during the ensuing year : — President, Mr. C. B. Stevens; chairman, Mr. T. Neve; vice-chair- man, Mr. E. Dearlove ; librarian, Mr. Jas. Martin ; :ssistant-libraiian, Mr. E. Dorr; treasurer, Mr. W. Phpi's; secretary, Mr. J. Pound, Junior. Avery Btandard on the upper white portion bears many purple markings ; ornatum, the arrangement of spots on the standard in three different sizes had a curious effect. Other good varieties we have no space to mention. M. Linden sent also two varieties of Cypripedium Iiebaudyanum, one remarkable for the good proportions of the flower. C. Lawrenceanum Moortebeckiense, from MM. L. Linden et Cie., had a largo and unusually dark standard ; (J. microchilum (from the same exhibitors), was very distinct-looking. M. Moens showed C. Memoria Moensi and C. Laddensis. Phajus X Mar- tina; (P. Blumei X tuberculosis), from M. A. Van Imshoot, was remarkable for richness of colouring; Cattleya TriauEei lucid*, from M. Linden, is pure white with a lip, delicate yellow in the throat, purple at the b.ise, and with a frilled white edge ; Odon* toglossum X flavo-marginatum, also from M. Imshoot, has all the divisions of the flower bordered with yellow ; Oncidium Phahcaopsispuuctatum, the whole flower daintily speckled, is a gem ; Mesospinidium hearty vote of thanks was passed to the retiring president, Mr. Arthur \V. Sutton, for the great interest he had shown in the association during his term of office. A beautiful collection of Primula obconica was Bhown by Mr. Townsend, gr. to Sir William Faurer, Sandhurst Lodge, and was greatly admired. Meetinq of the Brussels Orchideenne. — Among other exhibits at the last meeting were thirty plants of Cypripedium insigne from MM. Lucib-n Linden et Cie., of Moortebeck. Theso Orchids were all so Hue, that to solve the difficulty of deciding which of them were the best the jury voted, with the result that the following varieties received awards: — pictissatum (unanimile), the standard of wh'ch is spotted with purple on a white ground, and the form and colouring are exceptional ; fuscum, standard all mahogany-brown, well set off by a wido white margin ; tigrinum, very spreading standard, with large spots; supcrbiens, a fino flower, the standard with a very wide white edge ; Camof nberghi, standard round, fresh green, with lnrgo spots and wide white margin ; illustre, standard and lower sepal large, the latter with several lines of dots, the AT THE EXHIBITION OF THE vulcanicum maximum, with a raceme of seventeen beautiful flowers, won a Diploma of Honour dVuna- nimiU for M. Linden, and a First class Diploma of Honour was also awarded to him for Mesospi- nidium m'uicatum, in which the mual colouring of mintatum was seen beautified with a shade of gold. Cattleya Triansei eminens is of a delicate rosy tint ; and a Lielia autumnalis, from M. Van Wambeke, was exceptionally fine. At. Linden also sent Odontoglossum crispum musatcum ; O. crispum aurosum (Diploma of Honour), 0. Hun- newallianum maximum. Cattleya x Lombaerdiana, of a beautiful lilac-purple colouring, and very elegant (First-class Diploma of Honour), and other varieties. From the Royal Kstates at Laeken came a fine plant of Odontoglossum crispum, a fine variety, with four racemes of blooms, two being of unusual length Ch. dc B. Winchester Gardeners' Mutual Improve- ment Association.— (m Tuesday thol2thinst. ata meeting of the above association, Mr. Curtis, gr. to W. F. O. SntANoKR, Esq., Springhills, Southampton, read a paper on " Tomato Culture under Glass,'* illustrating his remarks with plants, the seeds of which had been sown thickly, and also with plants raised from thinly-sown seeds ; also showing rods a year old, from which fruit was cut at the end of December. The discourse was in&tructive, and the members present were invited to put questions to the lecturer, which many of them did. A number of plants in flower or berry word exhibited, chiefly Primulas, Cyclamen?, and Solanums. The Wolverhampton Floral Fete for the present year has been fixed for July 13, H, and 15. It will be held in the Public Park. SCILLY.— According to the Western Morning News, the first special I rain of flowers from the I>les of Scilly for the season was despatched on Tuesday, 12th inst., from Penzance for the London Midland, and Northern markets. The consignment consisted of about 1800 packages, weighing between 10 and 11 tons, and the train consisted of five vehicles. The Broccoli traffic from West Cornwall has also commenced in earnest last week, and on Monday three special trains were despatched. Up to the present very fair prices have been realised. Newcastle and District Horticultural Mutual Improvement Society.— The monthly meeting of this society was held at their room, 25, Westgate Koad, on Tuesday evening last. Mr. Bullock occupied the chair, and there was a good attendance of members, Mr. Davids, gr. at Thorn- hill Towers, Sunderland, read a paper on the " Odontoglossum," which was very much appreciated. An excellent discussion followed, in which many took part. EFFECTS IN EXHIBITION. Tbe art of arranging plants for exhibition pur- poses affords an excellent opportunity for the display of artistic taste, as well as originality of conception. In regard to the disposition of plants in groups, we have frequently expressed the opinion that the con- tinental shows are much before the majority of our own. At York and Shrewsbury the grouping is always good ; but the plants used in both cases are, for the most part, usually of a dwarf character, and the effect, though excellent in its kind, is not that which may be obtained with a free use of large, handsome Tree - Ferns, graceful specimen Palms, and other plants. At few of the exhibitions is landscape effect in a free, bold manner, attempted, and we therefore repro- duce a photograph (fig. 17) that represents an exhibit by Mr. McKinnou, Curator of the Botanical Gardens, Belfast, at the Chrysanthemum show held by the Ulster Horticultural Society in November last. The exhibit is a successful imitation of a 1 tndseape scene, and includes a miniature lake, rockwork, a fountain, and glen effect. The background appears to be particularly appropriate, and the Tree-fern, Palms, Dracaenas, and Bamboos, are convenient in Bwe and form. We have been favoured with a photograph also from Mr. Thos. Paul, Hon. Sec, which represents a collection of stove and greenhouse plants exhibited at the same show by Mr. Thos. Gray. gr. to J. B. Houston, Esq., Orangefield, Belfast, an exhibit that was distinguished by an award of the Veitch Memorial Medal. Though the plants appear to be worthy of every commendation, the photograph itself is not so suggestive in character as the one we have reproduced. Plant Notes. A HYBRID CINERARIA. There is flowering in the Botanical Gardens, Shefliold, a plant of Cineraria, distinct from any other with which I am acquainted, and which, judging from its appearance, will mike a welcome greenhouse plant for flowering in the winter months. The plant com- menced to flower in a cool hou=e two months ago, 64 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 23, 1897. and it is still iu flower. The habit of the plant is shrubby, thereby differing from C. cruenta which is herbaceous, like the common garden Cineraria ; the leases are somewhat small, and not unlike those of C. lauata, although the stems and under surface of the leaves are less white and woolly than is the case in that species. The flowers are about 1^ inch iu diameter, aud the colour approaches magenta. It has the appearance of being a hybrid between C. lauata and C. cruenta, the character of both these species being well marked in the plant. Our attempt to raise it from seed has been unsuccessful, but it is eisily propigated by means of cuttings put into a close frame in a cool house. William Harrow, Jan. 1. INDIA. We have briefly to call attention to some remark- able publications laiely issued from the Calcutta Botanic Garden, under the superintendence and largely under the authorship of Dr. King. They comprise three parts of the Annals of the Royal Botan ic Garden, Calcutta, and when all the difficulties and drawbacks are considered, constitute, as we have said, some remarkable publications reflecting the greatest credit on the energy and capacity of authors and editor. The second part of the fifth volume contains a Century of New and Rare Indian Plants, described by Mr. P. Briihl, Dr. D. Prain, and Dr. George King. Mr. Briihl alludes to the necessity of studying the botany of the districts mentioned by Caspar Bauhin, Gouau, Guettara, and others, of tracing the'relatiou of the flora of the North-west Himalayas and the Cau- casus, and of establishing the affiuities between the flora of the Central and Eastern Himalayas and that of Japan. The botany of the extreme Eastern Hima- layas is said to be all but unknown. "The results of the partial explorations of the CUunder valley, very clearly indicate the close relationship of the flora of the Himalayas east of Sikkim to the floras of Yunnan, JTupeh, Setchwan, aud Kansu, point to a rich harvest, which is ready to be gathered in the inhospitable regions which stretch from the eastern frontier of Sikkim to the haunts of the Mishmis and Abors." Tlie first part of the sixth, volume contains a re- markable memoir, by Brigade-Surgeon Lieutenant- Colonel Cunningham, on the Causes of the Fluctua- tions in the [amount oj] Turgescence in the Motor Organs of Leaves. The object of the author is to show that these movements are not due to irrita- bility of the protoplasm, but to purely physical pro- cesses, dependent on osmosis, or on alterations in the relations existing between local supply and lois of water. Details of a large number of experiments are given a* well as coloured illustrations of the phenomena observed. An excellent index accompanies the, memoir, which deserves and will obtain the careful consideration of physiological botanists. The same author contributes an account of a disease affecting the leaves of Ipomoaa rubro-ccerulea by a parasitic fungus, Choanephora Simsoni, which is of special interest as showing a kind of starting-poiut from which various groups, both of the higher and and lower fungi, radiate. From a physiological and genealogical standpoint, this new fungus deserves the closest attention. The seventh volume of the Annals, lately issued, c mtains a monograph of the Bamhu&ece of British India by Mr. J. S. Gamble, the Director of the Im- perial Forest School at Dum-Dum. It does not need a specialist to divine that this is a model monograph. In the introduction, details are given as to the literature of the subject, the morphological structure and geographical distribution of the species. Tuese are distributed through — 1, North West India ; 2, Central India ; 3, the Western Ghats ; 4, Ceylon ; 5, Bengal ; G, Burma ; and 7, Malaya. One hundred and fifteen species are described, nearly twice as many as were known to Muuro from the same countries. The sheaths of the culms vary in different sp9cies, and supply good points of distinction in their texturej covering, and form. The aheath as here understood includes the sheathing petiole, the abor- tive lamina, aud the ligule. As to the nervation, Mr. Gamble quotes Kurz, who says little value can be attached to fie size, shape, aud nervature of Bimboo leaves. Transverse veinlets, according to Mr. Gamble, occur only in the genera Arundiuaria and Phyllostachys ; in others, what appear to be transverse veinlets are not really such, but are caused by glands, which in fresh specimens are seen through the leaf as pellucid dots, and in dried specimens as raised lines, giving the appearance of cross-bars between two neighbouring intermediate veins. The descriptive text, which is carefully drawn up and methodically arranged, is accompanied by 119 lithographic quarto plates, giving the floral and other details. Botanists and foresters have now at their disposal a monograph which will not only prove of scientific interest, but of great practical value. We venture to congratulate the author and authorities of the Calcutta Garden on this satisfactory production, and appreciate the wisdom of the Government in sanctioning its publication. FORCING RHUBARB: CULTURE OF ROOTS. As regards the forcing of Rhubarb, I do not intend to make many remarks, as almost every reader of the Gardeners Chronicle knows how to do that. But there are differences in the produce from the varieties each will afford, and some are early, others late, in striking ; the position the roots occupy when growing has also an influence on the plants. It is surprising how soon plants fit for forcing can be obtained from seed, but these cannot be relied upon as being true tn nam?, with the consequence that some are late and some early. These should be marked with labels, so that in taking up roots for forcing only the early growing varieties are dug up. If seed be sown early in the spring in rich soil in rows 2 to 3 feet apart, the seed- lings may be thinned in the row to half that distance ; and as some of the plants will take the lead) I carefully lift the strongest, and transplant them, and though they miy the following season lack the size of other roots they are earlier in starting, and therefore of value where large quantities of stalk-* are required. The forwardest of the seedlings the next season will be found to be much earlier than one would suppose would be the case iu plauts from one and the tame sowing. These plants lift well as early in the winter as may he required, and soon turn in. Another importaut detail in Rhubarb for forcing, whether of seedlings or otherwise, is not to weaken the growth by pulling much of the growth during the summer, as, although the plauts soon appear to recover from the mutilation, with seedlings every encouragement should be given the plant to make strong crowns, and to this end all leaf-growth should be left untouched. My remarks are not meant to apply to roots of large size, with many crowns or buds that are not intended for forcing. Sowing seed, aud growing on the plants solely or iu gre.it pirt for forcing, is not the only method practised, although I would strongly recommend it. Division of the root, when properly carried out, and good attention is paid to cultural details, answers well enough. Divisions of the root take at the least two years before fair-sized crowns form if no extra atten- tion be given them, aud the stalks are drawn for use. This is a point which gardeners often overlook, hence I lay more stress upon the necessity of good summer culture. I do not prefer seedlings to roots obtained by division, but when special culture is pursued with Rhubarb from seeds the results are better. Rhubarb requires deeply trenched soil, plenty of manure, and the plants when growing are the better for occasional doses of liquid-manure ; but overcrowding must be guarded against by wide planting. For some years my method was to plant a small quarter of Rhubarb yeai'ly for forcing purposes, till I was induced to try seeJ, splitting up the roots in the usual manner, and affording the above methods of cul- ture, but the roots were seldom strong enough in one year for the forcing-house, although a few might be. I found seed gave much better plants, and they took very little more time. When making anew plantation with divided roots, only the younger buds or crownB near the outside should be made use of, all decayed parts being rejected. If a few roots only are required, select some of the strongest side buds, and plant a piece of land yearly. Rhubarb is frequently planted in odd corners, but it is better to give it an open position, say single lines here and there, and treat it liberally, as, if neglected, the plant soon deteriorates. If the plant must be grown on shallow soils, special care should be taken by preparing broad trenches as for Celery, throwing out and wheeling away the gravelly, eandy, or chalky subsoil as the case may be, and substituting better soil incorporated with manure. Much water in dry weather will be required by the plants in such soils, and this is a matter which must not be neglected ; nor rich mulching. The crowns also benefit by a little cover being placed over them in severe weather. A few words a3 to varieties. To bear hard forcing, no variety is better than the Royal Albert, or as it is better known, Early Red, a favourite market Rhubarb on accouut of the siza of the stalks. For many years Johnston St. Martin's was our earliest variety, and I do not think it is yet beaten for earl mess, but iu poor soils, it is not large, although of good colour. Many gardeners force the less well-known Hawke's Champagne, a grand variety as regards quality and productiveness, but not so early a* Royal Albert ; still, it is one of the best for preserving, and to follow the others named. There are other Rhubarbs, but not being good forcers, or being paler in colour when forced, or for other reasons, [ do not mention them. G. Wythes. Home Correspondence, THE PEACH OUT-OF-DOORS.— Mr. Mayne, gar- dener, liicton, Devon, writing under the above head- ing at p. '279 of the last volume of Gardeners1 Chronicle, desires information with regard to the training of trees on walls with nails and shreds, aud wire and ties. If Mr. Mayne were to refer to his Gardeners Chronicle for October 30, 1895, hi would see a note of mine on Peach and Nectarine tree*, two of each, trained to wires— galvanised iron wires — which had received two or threa coats of stone-coloured paint. These wires are fixed horizontally at G inches apart, being passed through galvanised iron eyes (which were also painted), standing about 1 inch from the wall, and to these the branches and shoots were lied with bast in fan form, the walls being about 12 feet high. The article in question will show that the trees and the crops which they annually bore were everything that could be desired, aud had I not thought of severing my connection with Longford twelve or eighteen months earlier, I should have wired the other Peach walls, so satisfactory were the results secured from the trees in question ; although, for that matter, all the Peach trees out-of-door--', as well as indoors, grew well, and bore heavy crops of fine fruit annually under the treatment which they were subjected to. But the fruits obtained from the trees trained to wires were unusually free from insect disfiguration, owing to the fact of their not being close to the wall, and from the crevices of which woodlice and other troublesome creatures prey upon the side of fruit next the wall without being seen until the fruits arc gathered. However, to any reader of the Gardeners' Chronicle who may contemplate wiring a Peach-wall, I would eay if the wall should be an old one, " first wash it with liquid- lime, into which a few haadfuls of fresh soot has been stirred, dabbing this well into the crevices with the whitewash-brush in doing the work, and then point the juinta with good mortar." I cannot see any reason why good crops of Peaches aud Nectarines cannot be secured from trees occupying walls having a south, west, and even ea3t aspect in all the southern and western counties in England, Ireland, and Wales, and in the south and west of Scotland under proper cultivation. H. W. Ward, Lime House, Rayleijt, Essex. In reply to James Mayne's cuquiry in a recent issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle, on the sub- January 23, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 65 ject of nailiug aud wiring walls, I may state that here nn the wolds of the East Riding of Yorkshire, Peaches grow and fruit admirably on walls that were built and wired for these trees and for Pears, &e., twenty-four years ago. The wire is of iron galvanised, and is placed perpendicularly at 6 inches apart. I have not observed any bad results from use of this kind of wire. The trees are easily fastened to the wires, and the saving of labour compared with nailing ia considerable. The walls are in condition, with- out nail-holes, to harbour earwigs, wood-lice, &c; the wires are placed close to the face of the wall, the branches and shoots being tied with raffia and soft string. The cast-iron studs which secure the wire to the wall have small heads, and are driven in close. With wire running vertically, it is easy to train a tree in any fashion. For training Morello Cherry trees, wires are very satisfactory. The lengths of wire being short, it is an easy matter to replace one when broken, or become rusted through, which is not often the ca'e, if a wall is provided with a good coping to keep the face of the wall dry ; when strong Blioots press tightly on the wires we insert a cloth shred or bit of canvas between the shoet and the wire. We usually have good crops of Peaches, with no more protection afforded them when in flower than a double thickness of fishing-net. Bailey Wadils, Birdsall, York. CEDRUS DEODARA AND C. ATLANTICA.— More than sufficient has appeared in recent numbers of the Gardeners' Chronicle to show that in favourable spots the Indian Cedar, Cedrns Deodara, grows and thrives well, and forms a beautiful tree in this country ; while ample proof has been given, if it was needed, that this valuable timber tree in Northern India is never likely to become a profitable one to plant extensively for timber in the British Isles. Its timber, so far as it has been fairly tested, is neither better nor worse than that of the Cedar of Lebanon, of which home-grown and fully-matured timber has long been available for experiment. The timber of (he Deodar may improve as the trees reach maturity ; but no sign of any improvement has yet appeared in the timber of the oldest trees grown in this country, and tested. It was introduced in 1831, and therefore the oldest timber experimented upon has not been the produce of a " ripe " tree. On p. 50 of the last week's Gcvdencrs' Chronicle, Mr. Divers gives some very interesting remarks about the Mount Atlas Cedar, Cedrus atlantica, at Belvoir Castle, in which ho expresses his opinion that C. Libani and C. atlantica are identical, botanically. In that opinion most authorities now agree, and include the Deodara in addition -looking upon the three trees as geographi- cal varieties of one species : although, for garden pur- poses ii may be better for a while yet to treat them as specie, each having two or more varieties. The most intercstiug point, however, in Mr. Divers' remarks is, where he mentions a Cedrus atlantica cut down in 1894, with " a girth of S feet 6 inches at 3 feet from the surface, a good record for ninety-six years growth," and adds, 'there are many trees of it here of a similar size ; " and presumable of the same age ? It 13 recorded by our best authorities that Cedrus atlantica only reached Europe in 1841, and it would be of special' value to clearing up the history of the tree in Kn»land if the origin and date of introduction of the " many ti ees " of it growing at Belvoir Castle could be cleaily explained and substantiated as occurring in the end of the last century ? Tradition has it that a tree of C. atlantica was planted at Biol, in East Lothian, in the year 1707. Is there any record extant to prove this ? Specimens with cones from Belvoir and Biel might be sent to the editor of the Gdrdtners' Chronicle for identification; and the history, as far as it can be given on good authority, of the trees at both places would be interesting reading. IK RORIDULA GORGONIAS. -This remarkable Cape insectivorous plant is now flowering here for probably the first time under cultivation. The plants were raised from seed received from Kew two years ago, and are now of different heights up to 1 foot in the largest specimen. This species resembles greatly K. dentata, and is of an erect growth, with alternate liuear leaves, bearing what appear to be two sets of tentacles, long and short, tipped with reddish glands, the former possibly alone digesting, as in R. dentata. Although a near ally of the Droseras, it differs in the tentacles, exhibiting no movement, and thus more nearly resembles the genus Drosophyllum. Tho ter- minal inflorescence here carries six flowers, about half an inch in diameter. The petals are white, and around the style are arranged the anthers, which are brown, with yellowish uppermost tips ; the yellow stigma being raised a little above the anthers. Like the Droseras, the flowers, are short lived. This genus has always excited considerable interest in these gardens, where specimens of R. dentata were for several years to be seen, some of which were more than 5 feet in height. The illustration in the Gar- deners' Chronicle for September 26, 1891, on one presented to Kew, well portrays the habit of these remarkable plants. Unluckily, these fine plants never flowered, and the species is, I believe, not now in cultivation. The cultivation of the genus does not seem difficult when the right position is found for them, which, according to experiments made here, is a fairly moist atmosphere in a temperature a little below that kept up in our tropical stoves. The plants are by no means vigorous in rooting, and a sandy peat is the compost we use for them. R. L. Harrow, Royal Botanic. Gardens, Edinburgh. A CLUSTER OF APPLES. — With regard to the cluster of Apples figured on p. 27 of a recent issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle, Prof. Bailey, in his newwork, The Survival of the Unlike, alludes to the pre- valence of a dissociation of sexes in cultivated Apple trees ; and that while Apple blossoms appear in clusters of five to ten, yet rarely are more than one or two developed into Apples, although with Crabs it is often the case. This loss of progeny in orchard Apples is due to the greater vigour of the one which withdraws the nourishment to itself at the expense of the others ; but the question is, why should it do so, as it is not the case with the wild tree? Mr. Bailey says: — "I am inclined to think that these extra flowers serve a very useful purpose in supplying pollen to those which chance to set, for not only is the supply of pollen in the individual flowers probably becoming less with tho improvement of the Apple, but it is also probable that more is needed to incite the enormous increase in size over that of the inferior aboriginal Apple" (Op. Cit., p. 352). Now this is due to the great tendency to separate the sexes in some culti- vated fruit trees. This, therefore, probably accounts for the fact of one blossom which is " more female " in character developing a fruit, while the others are "more male," and so tend to fall without setting at all, or if they do, such fruits fall prematurely. The rationale, therefore appears to be, that high culti- vation favours the development of the female organ — just as Mr. Meehan has shown, that in tnonoscious trees the female flowers are on the stronger shoots— with an accompanying suppression of the female organ in other flowers, to which the sap does not run so directly. Hence, there results more or less degrees of infertility of particular varieties with their own pollen. It is a mistake, "therefore, to plant large area3 with one variety only, if such appears to be at all self-infertile. " Mixed orchards," writes Mr. Bailey, " are, as a rule, the most successful ones." With regard to the cluster of Apples from the north of Ireland, such would consequently seem to indicate a tendency to return to the conditions which obtain among wild Crabs. George Hens/on: WOOD-ASHES AS A MANURE. — The value of wood-ashes is not so well understood as it should be by tho gardener. Some of them admit that under certain circumstances wood-ashes are useful as a manure ; but it would puzzle them to afford a reason for their belief. Mr. Willis' note on the subject in a recent issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle contains some facts especially useful to the gardener. No finer dressing can lie afforded to soils of a loamy nature, especially those which are easily worked, and which wet weather does not render unworkable for great lengths of time. I can remember that in the garden where I served my apprenticeship wo used to keep a smouldering heap in an out of-the-way corner pretty nearly the whole year round, and the ashes from this lnap were sifted from time to time, and used for top-dressing the lawns. Since then I have found out that wood-ashes can be used with advan- tage for various purposes, but the sifted product of tho smother-heap should not be left exposed to the weather. Ornamental foliage stove plants are espe- cially benefited by wood ashes being mixed in the putting-compost, no material that I have used giving a better colour to tho foliago. I have grown Crotons, Dracicuas, Palms, Marantas, &c, with and without wood-ashes, and the contrast between those which received wood-ashes and time which did not was almost incredible. Euoharis grow luxuriantly if wood-ashes be mixed with the potting compost ; Chrysanthemums, Roses, Carnations, Vines, and Tomatos, aro especially benefited by frequent top- dressings of wood-ashes. Most gardeners know the value of wood-ashes when applied to many sorts of root-crops, and no better manure can be given to a field of Potatos. I am of opinion that where wood- ashes are applied to an open soil, farm-yard manure must also be liberally applied. One benefit derived from wood-ashes when mixed with pitting mixtures is the length of time, during which the soil remains sweet ; and if towards the end of the growing period a little of the surface-soil be removed, and a sprink- ling of wood-ashes, together with suitable soil afforded the plant, the vigour of the plants will remain unchanged for a considerable length of time. T. II. Smith, South Tottenham. PRIMULA OBCONICA.-Iu addition to the value attaching to this plant for blooming so freely under glass at this season of the year, must be added that of the blossoms standing well in a cut state, with the addition that the partly-expanded buds will open out wheu the flower-stems are in water. It is as fiee of blossom as a double white Primula sinensis, and like it, it is successional as well ; and the flower-stems being long, they are well adapted for home decoration in various ways. So far but comparatively little variation has appeared among seedlings. The blossoms of some are larger, rounder, and stouter than others, aud there is a tendency to deepen the tints of some individuals to something approaching mauve. Supposed crosses with P. sinensis are doubtful, and perhaps it would unite better with P. Sieboldi ; at any rate, the experiment is worth making. R. D. VIOLAS AS BEDDING PLANTS.— The chief value of the Viola lies in its adaptability as a bedding plant. It is also exhibited in sprays, but that is a mere incident in its development, and the practice can scarcely endure for long, and one main reason is that it has led to a number of varieties being put into cir- culation because they are exhibition s irts, and quite apart from their usefulness in the flower garden. Orders have been given for varieties seen exhibited as sprays only to be found of loose tall growth, irregular in hlbit, spare of bloom, and disappointing, of the large number of varieties now in cultivation but few are d-stined t » be permanently grown ; and of these latter sorts over ten years old still hold the field. The Royal Horticultural Society is wisely arranging a trial at Chiswick next year, as a test of adaptability for flower garden work ; it is to be hoped the com- mittee of inspection will select only those of dwarf compact habit, free aud persistent in bloom, producing symmetrical rather than irregular and uneven heads of bloom ; and insisting upon stout well-formed flowers of distinct colours or harmonious combi- nations. If they will do this they will prove benefactors to the horticultural community. Wheu it was stated by one of the leadiug officials of tho National Viola Society that the use of the Viola as a spring bedding plant is a barbarous practice, it was felt that the society was practically condemning one of the most useful purposes to which the Viola can be put. There is urgent need for a group of Violas of hardy character, that staudiug the rigours of our English winters, will bloom wilh the Hyacinth and the Tulip. There are a few varieties which may be termed precocious bloomerJ, such as Ardwell Gem, Bullion, Skylark, Blue Cloud, and Lemon Queen ; and to these may be added Sweet Lavender, one of the earliest to flower on two-year-old plants. This group needs additions of jet greater precocity. Earliuess of bloom is the great desideratum, aud the Viola needs to be subjected to the same course of training the late Mr. William Iugiam used to carry out with his Aubrietias, Wallflowers, Primroses, and other subjects at Belvoir. His favourite phrase was that he educated his plants— meaning that he selected his seed-parents because of unusual precocity in flowering, and in this way he obtained subjects to bloom in February which had hitherto not flowered until March. Sumo such process is needed with the Viola. As a rule, two year-old plants will be found to bloom earlier than young ones. While unwilling to appear dogmatic, I think that plants obtained from divi- sion bloom etrlicr than those obtained from cuttings. Therefore I would pull Hie plants to pieces in Sep- tember or October, and plant them out in nursery beds, and allow them to r ain lie ne year, and then employ them for carpeting beds of bulbs to Bower in the spring. Such plants would in a year make dense tufts ; they would furnish the surface at once, and during mild intervals during the winter would blossom, and as s las the weather became spring-bke, proceed to flower bountifully ; or, plants may be raised from cuttings in duly, planted out in nursery-beds as soon as rooted, aud then employed 66 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 23, 1897. for carpeting becte in October. They would bloom fairly early in spring, and with an occasional top- dressing or two with rich soil, bloom all through the summer. Precocity may be furthered by selecting the earliest bluomera among the seedlings. It is usual to sow seeds in spring, and if this be done in bos^s, the seedlings need to be pricked off into other boxes as soon as large enough, or into a prepared bed in a cold frame, and planted out in showery weather in July ; while something would probably depend upon the size and vigour of the plants. Such varie- ties which are among the earliest to bloom, if other desirable qualities are present, may be selected as evidencing precocity, and eventually prove useful in the spring garden. Any substantial additions which can be made to the select list of early-flowering Violas will be gladly welcomed by those who are leading the movement in favour ot a revival of spring bedding. It. D. CUPRESSUS MACROCARPA.— The correspondent of the Gardeners Chronicle, " Experience," now con- tributing a valuable series of articles on the propaga- tion of plants, and on methods of transplantation, brought to my mind, in his allusion in a recent issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle, to the great liability of Cupressus macrocarpa to make large top- growth and relatively few roots, a remarkable case in point, which could have been seen in the gardens of Howick Hall, Alnwick, some few years ago, and which may, for all that I know to the contrary, fctill be seen there. A small, pot-grown specimen of C. macrocarpa was planted in the soil of the old flower-garden in the year 1856. which grew at a great rate in the deep virgin soil resting on whinstone, making 2 to 3 feet of leader in a year, and becoming proportionately bulky — indeed, it soon became a hand- some tree, although many thought rather inappro- priately situated, as it turned out, in front of a range of glasshouses. Its over-turn was constantly pre- dicted by those who remarked its great bulk and apparently fragile root-hold of the soil. These predictions, so far as I know of, were not verified, its tap - roots having passed through the soil into the fissures of the whinstonc, auchoiing the tree most securely. In shallow soils, unless these phould chance to overlie chalk, which is a substance abounding in fissures, and which many species of Conifers succeed in admiiably, the tre^ is sure to get blown over when large, unless screened from the more boisterous quarters. If this paragraph should meet the eye of Mr. Inglis, he would perhaps tell us if thin specimen of C. macrocarpa, planted by Mr. Moore, is s* ill in existence at Howick. F. M. The Annual Report baa been issued in anticipation of the annual meeting on February 9. The Council are glad to be able to report the conclusion of a full and satisfactory year's work. Financially, the balance in band is not as large as it was last year, but this is more than accounted for by the extra- ordinary expenditure which the Council felt able to under- take at Chiswick, the whole of which has been defrayed out of income. The conservatory at the entrance to the gardens, which had for so many years required repair, has been entirely removed, and replaced by a building in every respect worthy of the Society ; and the two old greenhouses, Nos. 1 and 2, which had been an eye5ore to the gardens by reason of their ruinous condition for almost a generation, have been remodelled and rebuilt. The total of this extraordin iry ex- penditure is over £500. Under the head of ordinary expenditure at Chiswick, £1870 lias been spent on the general work and repairs and keeping up of the gardens. Amongst other work, House No. IT has been practically rebuilt, Nos. 15 and 6 have been very thoroughly repaired ; the young men's bothies have also been put in good order aud made more comfortable. The receipts by sale of surplus produce amount to £344, making the net ordinary cost of rhe gardens £1520. The Council have every reason to congratulate themselves and the Society upon the selection which they made to fill the office of Garden Superintendent. At Westminster, nineteen Fruit and Floral Meetings have b±en held in the Drill Hall, James Street, Victoria Street, and six Committee Meetings have been held at Chiswick, besides the larger Shows in the Temple Gardens, on May lit, 20 and 21 ; and at the Crystal Palace on October 1, 2 and 3. Lectures have been delivered at fifteen of the Meetings, exclusive of those given at the Crystal Palace. The number of awards granted by the Council, on s Committees, has been as follows :— SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Scientific Committee. January U.— Prese.it: Mr. Michael (in the chair); Mr. Lynch, Rev. W. Wilks, Dr. Russell, Dr. Bonavia, Mr Douglas, and Rev. G. Henslow (Hon. Sec). Toinatos Disease i.— It was reported from Kew that the specimens exhibited at the last meeting were too much decayed to be able to ascertain what fungus, if any, had caused the disease. Senecio multijlorus Hybrids,— Mr. Lynch exhibited a num- ber of specimens which he had rained by crossing S. multi- florus with various forms of the garden or cultivated Cinerari:'. The colours much resembled those of the latter plant, the foliage being intermediate, and the height about 3 feet. All but one had S. multiflorus as the female parent, the results showing therefore great prepotency on the part of the mile (Cineraria . S. multiflorus was firat introduced from the Canaries in 1855 (Bnt. Map., tab, 4994, Doronicum Bourgsei). It was subsequently lost from Kew, and reintroduced to Cambridge by Mr. Gardiner in 1895. Some of the flowers showed a peculiar circular white spot on the red tip of the petals (Gardeners Chronicle, Jan. lb, 1897). Cineraria cruenta. — Mr. Douglas said that he is raising seedlings of this plant, in order to see if it varies towards the cultivated forms without being crossed. Mr. Lynch observed that C. Tussilaginis was a species which apparently most nearly resembled the cultivated Cineraria. White Narciss\ts, Artificially Coloured.— Dr. Russell exhi- bited some cut flowers of white Polyanthus Narcissus, which he had placed in solutions of acid red magenta (Judson) dye, and in acid green. The colours bad traversed the fibro- vascular cords, and then spread over the intermediate tissues, forming a border round the ends of the petals. He proposes investigating the matter to try and discover the general nature of those colours which will act in this way. It took from twelve to fifteen hours to infuse the perianths. Mr. Henslow remarked that John Laurence in his book on gardening (1726), says that people in his day used to colour flowers by letting the roots lie in a solution of the lees of claret. On the Recommenda- tion of the §i AWARH. z = -s n8\ 6 Floral Committee. Orchid Cummittee. Narcissus Committee. Oold Medal i _ 1 3 1 ! 6 Silrer-gilt Flora 5 - — 17 1 1 21 Silver-gilt Knightian 2 — 9 — — 11 Silver-gilt Huiksian 1 — 1 10 1 13 Silver Flora 13 — — 68 34 - 115 Silver Koightian 2 — ' 16 — — 18 Silver Banksian 8 — 22 78 43 1 152 Bronze Flora — - — 7 — — 7 Bronze Knightian — — 4 — — — 4 Bronze Banksian .. — — 5 26 5 — 36 First Class Ce, tinea e ... 4 - s 30 36 — 84 Award of Merit 17 — 23 210 100 2 3.V2 Butaniral Certificate 1 1 - 2 47 - 51 Cultural Commendation ... s — 13 6 35 — 02 HigUly Common led HI - — — — - 10 Commended 3 -| ■ 3 Total 75 1 102 463 303 4 948 The Council must again express their opinion that there Btill appears to be a tendency to multiply unduly the awards recommended, and they earnestly request the- several Com- mittees to consider seriously whether there is not a real dinger of impairing the value of these distinctions by such increase of their number; and whether it would not be possible, as Well is politic, to be somewhat less generous in the recommendation of award-* during the ensuing year. Tbis is a question which the Council cannot but regard with sili itude, and they hope thit every Member of the Com- mittees will consider that he has a real individual responsi- bility for the welfaro of the Society in this matter. The work of the Committees has of late increased so con- siderably that the delay of communication between the Council and the Committees has on several occasions caused great inconvenience. The Council, therefore, think it well to revert to an old rule of the Society, that the Chairmen of the principal Committees shall in future be chosen from among the Members of Council. At the unanimous request of the Orchid Committee, and on certain members of it undertaking to pay a third of the expense, the Council have arranged to have paintings made of all the llowers certificated by this Committee Exhibitors must, therefore, distinctly understand, that in submitting their flowers in future to the Committee, they thereby tacitly consent to their being painted should they obtain any aw rd, and must bold themselves ready to give all reason- able facility to the Society's artist to do so. The Orchid Committee desire to have these paintings as an accurate record of the characters and peculiarities of the plants to which awards are made, finding it practically impossible for their members to bear ii mind the details eiety has been continued so as to enable Fellows at a dibfotucc to enter more fully into and reap the benefits of tho study and work of those actiocly cng iged at headquarters. Vol. XIX., P rt 3, and Parts 1 and '2 of Vol. XX , were issued during the year, and Vol. XX , Part 3, is now almost ready for issue. In January, [893, the Conned published a list o( all the Plants, Flowers, Fruits, and Vegetables certificated from the yeu* 1859 to 1S92. A Supplement is now ready, bringing the list down to December, 1898. Each part is is-ued at tho price of One Shilling, but the two together may be obtained for Eighteen pence, at the Society's Otfico, An examination in the principles and practice of Horti- culture was held on May 1, concurrently in different parts of the United Kingdom, a centre being established wherever a magistrate, or clergyman, or achoolraastor, or other re- sponsible person accustomed to examinations would consent to superintend one on the Society's behalf, and in accordance with the rules laid down for its conduct. No limit as to th; age, position, or previous training of the candidates was imposed, and the examination was open to both sexes. 151 ca didites presented themselves for oxanination. The names and addresses of those who succeeded iu satisfying the examiners, toget icr with the number of marks assigned to each, will be found in the Society'^ Journal, Vol. XX., Fart 1, 1896, page 68. It is proposed to hold a similar ex imination in 1 07, but at the request of those most netrly concerned, the date has been altered to Tuesday, April 6, so as not to clash with the examinations held at the beginning of May by the Science and Art Department. Candidates wishing to sit for the examination should make application during Febr i try to the Secretary, R.H.S. Office, 117, Victoria Street, Westminster. The Cumcil have heard with much pleasure that N. N. Sherwood, Esq., Master of tho Worshipful Company of Gard- eners, has most kindly offered, in connection with tho Society's 1S97 examination, a Scholarship of .£'_'"> a year for two years ; full particulars of which will be found in the Society's Arrangements for 1897, lately issuid to all Fellows. Another similar Scholarship has been promised for 1SV»S, by G. W. Burrows, Esq., a Member of the Court of the same Worshipful Company. Acting in conjunction with the Lindley Trustees, the Council have devoted considerable attention to the Library. AH serial publications have been kept up to date, a largo number of valuable volumes have been bound, and the following new books, amo-tgst others, added to the Library, January 23, 1897/ THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 67 viz.: " 'J lie Student's Handbook of British Mosses," " Les Vigm.s Ainevioaines," "Useful Plants of Japan," "Orchids of South Africa,'" " Scott's Flowerless Plants," &c, &c. A sum of £129 has been received for the Catalogue Fund, which was started in 1S94, and the proof sheets of the Catalogue are now in the hands of the printer. The hearty thanks of the Society are due to all the Mem- bers of the Standing Committees— viz., the Scientific, the Fruit and Vegetable, the Floral, the Orchid, and the Nar- cissus Committees, for the kind and patient attention which they have severally given to their departments. The best thanks of the Society are also due to all those who, either at home or abroad, have so kindly presented books to the Library, or plmts or seeds to the Gardens. A list of the donors has been prepared, and will be found in the Society's Journal, Vol. XX., Part 3. 1897, now almost ready for issue. Where so many have been generous it almost appears invidious to mention any by name, yet the Council think it only their duty on behalf of the Fellows to publicly think the principal donors, amongst whom have been Messrs. George Bunyard & Co., of Maidstone ; Mr. John Fraser, of Woodford ; Messrs. Lee sh >wed the mean biroraeter reading to be 29 S59 inches. The highest thermometer reading, 7o 83 on May 11; lowest, 22-8° on January 23; mean, 48'2°. T-tal sunshine f.), ho believes to bo the typical Aria sueciea, Koehno; while tho other ho considers to be a hybrid between that species and Sorbus apcuparia, Linn., but very closoly relate.) 1 1 . the former. All the Arrjn plants of which specimens wero received by Professor Koobne, he declares to bo hybrids. Two from Glon Catacol ho considers to be tho typical hybrid Aria suociea X Sorbus aucuparia (Cratrvgus Aria var. founica, Linn. ; Sorbus hybiida, Linn, and W. Koch ; Soibusfcnnica, C. Koch), whilo all tho others ho considers to be intermediate forms be^woen this and A. sueciea. It would, therefore, appear that A. sueciea, Koehne, had not been collected in Arran by Dr. Landsborough ; and as Professor Conwentz, when he visited the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, last year did not find that species in the Herbarium collection, there seems to be some doubt as to its occurrence in ArraD, especially as the collection contains a considerable number of specimens of what are supposed to be that species from various parts of the island. Professor Koehne further remarks that he is peisuaded that if careful search be made, intermediate forms between the typical hybrid and S. aucuparia will be found, and he states that these forms "are scarcely to be distinguished from Sorbus aucuparia, since they have completely pinnate leaves, in which, however, the upper leaflets are a little decurrent on the midrib of the compound leaf, or are slightly fused together." A. D. R. SOME OBSERVATIONS ON TJREDINE/E. In a previous article (Gardeners' Chronicle, vol. vii., p. 773), it was shown that Puccinia bistorta: is heteroo- cious in character, and that the common earth-nut (Conopodium denudatum) serves as host for the aecidiospores. During the spring months of the past year, close attention was again devoted to the study of this uredine, and a quantity of leaves of Polygonum bistorta bearing the teleutospores were over-wintered for this purpose. As a rule, it is not ■easy at the close of winter to find a trace of the teleutoBpores, at that time the leaves of the host being completely decayed. Last winter, however, was exceptionally mild, and during February and March fragments of bistort leaves dotted with sori of teleu- tospores were readily to be found, and early in March these were observed to he in an active state of germi- nation. By the end of March rccidiospores were unusually abundant on the leaves of the earth-nut. In various works Polygonum viviparum is also given as a host for this uredine, but in previous cul- tures, while the iecidiospores readily produced uredo- spores on Polygonum bistorta, the result always ended in failure on Polygonum viviparum. From this I was inclined to think that two species had been confused, more especially when Dr. H. O. Juel described (J/jW. Beil. iv., Ofversif/1, > JJ Accumulated. XI ±i a «> 1 • 1 1 1 § . 1 5 1 lis 1 5 Above 42°, difference from Mean since January 3, 1897. Below 42°, difference from Mean since January 3, 1S97. No. of Rainy Days s- January 3. 1S97 Total Fall sinco Jan. 3 Percentage of possible tion for the Weeli 5 ■ Day- Day- Day. lOths 1 dog. dog. deg. dog. Inch. n i - 0 5S - 8 - 6 8 - 7 C-7 16 14 i 3 - 0 58 - 13 - 3 5 - 7 0-6 8 7 8 1 - 0 36 - 12 - 11 1 + 18 12 9 6 3 0 aver 0 36 - 13 - 21 1 - 11 1-4 7 1 4 2 - 0 40 - 16 - 9 3 - 10 1-5 4 4 5 0 aver 0 21 - 13 - 37 3 - 9 1-6 3 6 A 3 - 0 4? - 15 + 1 12 - 6 1-1 26 17 1 2 - 0 36 - 14 - 8 7 - 7 06 6 4 8 2 - 0 21 - 10 - 27 9 - 8 1-5 14 12 11 4 - 0 43 - 16 + 9 8 - S o-s 24 19 1(1 4 - 2 33 - IS - 2 7 - 8 1-8 US 24 0 aver 15 4 0 aver - 20 6 - 10 1-7 17 IS The districts indicated by number in the first column ; the following :— 0, Scotland N. Principal Wheal-producino Diitricl$ — 1, Scotland, E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, E. ; 4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London, 3. Principal Qraang, vii., 1877, p. 271, he says, " This is a very pretty novelty, some- times with very large flowers." This week specimens of it have been received from W. C. Walker, Esq., Winchmore Hill, and H. Cary Batten, Esq., Abbots Leigh, Bristol. The flowers are large for the species ; white, with the tips of the sepals and petals coloured rose-purple for about one-third of their length, and the front lobe of the lip of a rathor darker rose- purple with an orange keel in the centre. It is a pretty variety of a very useful winter-flowering species. LUDDEMANNIA LEHMANNI. In describing this very striking and showy Orchid, Reichenbach designated it " a fresh member of the mysterious genus Luddemannia," and until recently but little was known of the plant. For some time past it has been in flower in the collection of R. I. Measures, Esq., Cambridge Lodge, Camberwell (gr., Mr. H. J. Chapman). The large pseudobulbs FlQ. 18. — SPECIMENS OF CRESTED CYCLAMENS. (SEE PP. 70, 81.)! Sandene, which differs from both the above ? Both these varieties must be spurious, since they are not C. i. Sandene ; but, at any rate, the one Mr. Ball has is really a very fine flower, aud much superior to Mr. Hardy's in point of size and colour. Orchidists seem to have a curious way of sometimes multiplying names for the same variety, and also of reversing this process by having several varieties under the same name. S. S, [The statement of "J. H. T." referred to above, is quite correct. There are not two varieties of C. insigne Sanderse, though possibly the allied, but inferior, C. insigne Sanderianum, and other similarly inferior varieties, may have got confounded with it in some gardens. Ed.] Cypripedium callosum Sanders. Not until Norman C. Cookson, Esq., of Oakwood, Wylam, in a letter dated January 18, conveyed the information — "So far I have no seedling Cypripe- dium callosum Sandene up" — was I aware that the remarks in the Gardeners' Chronicle, January 2, p. 1, under the heading of " Novelties of 1806,'' in which Mr. Cookson's success in raising C. Lawrenceanum Hyeanum, and kindred subjects true from seeds, is mentioned, was not correct so far as C. callosum Sanderse is concerned. Mr. Cookson, however, hopes to raise it in a similar manner to the kindred C. Lawrenceanum Hyeanum, illustrated from his home-raised specimen in the Gardeners Chronicle, January 16, p. 37. and stout plicate leaves much resemble those of the Acinetas, and from the base descends a pendulous raceme of many wax-like orange-coloured flowers, tinted on the reverse side of the sepal with copper colour. The individual flowers are both curious and pretty, aud the plant being evergreen is always ornamental. James O'Brien, CYCLAMENS. The strains and races of Cyclamen, which form so beautiful a display at this season of the year, are all the result of variation under cultivation of one species, C. persicum ; so that in this case the u improvement" cannot be attributed to cross-fertilisation. Lately, there have been fresh departures from the type which bid fair to be the forerunners of different forms, and are thus of great interest to students of evolution, as well as to florists. Whatever we may think of them now from the aesthetic point of view, it is certain that they will develop into forms of greater beauty in the future. The illustrations (figs. IS, 19; show a variation which we first observed a few years ago, in which the petals branch so as to form crests and fringes analogous to what we see in many of the Kails (see Gardeners Chronicle, May 7, 1887, fig. 118). Now Messrs. Low have taken the matter in hand, with the result shown in the woodcut — an additional figure January 30, 1897.] THE GARDE NEBS' CHRONICLE. 71 (fig. 18c) is given in anticipation, as showing what we are likely to get. Another variation consists iu the branching of the edge of the petals, so as to form a fringe analogous to what we have iu the Chinese Primrose. This race was first brought under our notice by M. de Laughe- Vervaene, of St. Gilles, Brussels, who designates his strainas "Papilio1' (fig. 19). Specimens of this Cyclamen persicum. var. papilio were recently brought under the notice of the Floral Committee, and were specially remarkable for the breadth of the petal, which was often less reflexed than usual (see p. 51 in Oardeners' Chronicle, January 16). No doubt these variations A NURSERYMAN'S PARADISE. Last summer, while on a visit to northern Italy, a call was made by me at Pallanza, a small town on Maggiore, Italy's largest lake. The situation of this fair spot on a promontory of the western shore is very fine, but the most favoured position of all, viz., the actual tip of the promontory immediately beyond the town, is owned and occupied by Messrs. Rovelli Bros., nurserymen. From their beautiful gardens an almost uninterrupted view is to be had of the lake, from the encircling Swiss mountains on the north to the pretty rolling country at the foot of Maggiore. Fig. 19. — a fringed cyclamen flower, o. PERSIOOM "-papilio.' n some disturbance of nutrition at a particular stage of growth, but this explanation does not lead us very far in determining the proximate causation. In any case, it is desirable to record the first beginnings of changes which may ultimatoly prove of great horticultural importance. In this connection we may also mention a variety, flowers of which have been sent us by Mr. Perry, gardener at Higham House, Colchester, and raised, as he tells us, between Messrs. Sutton .v Sens' variety 0. p. Butterfly, and an old strain of C. persicum. Tin flower nearly equals in size the first-named, but is not puje white, there being a purplish stain at the edge of the orifice. It was in this unique positiou that iu 1848 the late Mr. Kovelli, acquiring several acres of land, estab- lished a nursery. Prior to that date Mr. Rovelli had for years held the responsible post of Director of the Borromean Islands — a miniature archipelago in Mag- giore, close to Pallanza. These islands have been the property of the Borromeo family sinco the 17th cen- tury, iu the last decade of which the barrenness of tho Isola Bella was turned into loveliness by the formation of terraced garden.-, stocked with luxu- riantly-growing tropical plants and trees, with the addition also of a stately chateau. Tho love of arboriculture and knowledge of exotics having been acquired in this lovely spot, it is hardly to be wondered at that Mr. Kovelli should have determined to establish for himself an exotic nursery. Nor could he have chosen a more ideal position for such a purpose. It may be stated at the outset that the strength of the collection is in its out-door growth of trees and shrubs, of which such a wonderful assortment, and so many rare and beautiful kinds, may bo met with, that one can only attempt to give notes of some of the most important ones. Such a series of specimens could not well be grown otherwise than under the Pallauza conditions of atmosphere. The temperature is very moderate on account of the shelter afforded from the north and east by the encircling AlpH, and also, no doubt, because of the tempering iufluence of the vast sheets of water evaporating on either side of the nursery. The minimum winter temperature of the nights is only from 3° to 5° below zero of Centigrade, or 5° to 9° of frost according to the Fahrenheit scale. During the day-time, the minimum is about 3° Fahr. only of frost. Except during unusually hard winters, the night temperature may show a somewhat lower reading, but the variation is said to be always small. Several of the scarcer sorts of Asiatic and American trees attain in Messrs. Rovellis' nursery to a great height, and show a luxuriance of growth almost without parallel away from their native habitat. Several trees are especially noteworthy too, on account of their great rarity, notably, a magnificent plant of Keteleeria (Abies) Fortunei, which Messrs. Rovelli consider to be unique (see Gardener* Chronicle, 1884, vol. xx., pp. 42S, 429, figs. Si, 83). In point of size, this is undoubtedly so, but since returning home, two other specimens in England have come under our notice, one with Messrs. Veitch & Sons, and the other iu the arboretum of J. Rashleigh, Esq.Menabilly, Cornwall. The Pallanza specimen measures 14 metres in height, and 12 metres through the foliage, or about 16 feet high, and a little over 39 feet through. Resembling a Cedar in appearance, when fully grown, Keteleeria (Abies) Fortunei is unique among Firs. The branchlets are sub-pendulous, the leaves pointed, about an inch in length, and either scattered or ranged in a spiral fashion round the branchlets. The cones (see Oardeners' Chronicle, 1S84, vol. xxi.,p. 34.8), reaching 6 inches in length, taper somewhat from base to apex. Its habitat is south-eastern China, where it may be found on the mountains to the north of Foo Chow in abundance. Of the genus Pinus growing in Messrs. Rovellis' nursery, the following are worthy of mention : — Pinus patula (Mexico), a very distinct species, about 45 feet in height ; foliage spreading and pen- dulous. Veitch, in his Manual of Conifers, 1SS1, p. 172, eays: — "A beautiful Pine, with spreading branches and long pendulous foliage. In its young state it is ' as like a green fountain as a green Pine,' on account of its bright gi een, drooping slender leaves, which quite conceal the stem and branches.'' (See Oardeners' Chronicle, 1885, vol. xxiii., pp. 108, 109, figs. 19, 20.) Pinus longifolia, a tall, sparingly-branched species, with vivid green pendulous foliage. A native of the valleys of Nepal and Bhotan, India ; one of the most valuable timber trees iu the Himalayan region. Pinus palustris, a grand specimen, some 45 feet iu height. Native of North America. Pinus Russelliana, foliage borne in tufts at the extremity of the branches ; leaves very long and nendulous. This is a fine and distiuct-lookiug tree, of somewhat tender constitution. Habitat, Real del Monte, Mexioo. Pinus insignia (California). — ThiB well-known species in English nurseries may, at Pallanza, be scon 45 feet high at least ! Pinus Lambertiana is a species noted as beiug the tallest-growing I'mo known : iu its unlive home it is said to roach 200 or 250 feet iu height. Its cones are proportionately largo, from 15 to 20 inob.es long, and its seods ire edible, found iu California, Oregon, &c. The Pallanza collection is specially rich also iu the genus Cuprea-.ii.-. and one is struck at once by their 72 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 30, 1897. gracefulness and beauty, as well as by their vast proportions. Cupressus Hugeli (= Beutbami), a specimen 15 feet in height. Cupressus Corueyaua, a variety of C. torulosa, from the Himalayan region, and possibly from China. Cupressus species? "from the hills of India," 15 feet high. Cupressus torulosa niajestica, 40 feet. Many Thujas have also attained great heights. T. gigantea as much as 45 feet. The so-called Umbrella-Pine of Japan, Sciadopitys verticillata, may here be seen in fine character, 20 feet in height, and beautifully furnished. Of other choico specimens, Cuuuinghamia sinensis glauca, Abies bracteata, and A. lasiocarpa (Lowiaua '!) each attain to 40 feet, and Araucaria brasiliensis to nearly 50 feet in height— truly a noble tree. Of all the rich assortment, perhaps the most beau- tiful is the graceful, free-growing, but somewhat tender Pseudolarix Kajmpferi, which, on accouut of its long, delicate green foliage, has a character at once charming and graceful, in strong contrast to the majority of the Fir-tree tribe. This comparatively little-known species may here be seen as a large tree (see Gardeners' Chronicle, 1884, vol. xxi., p. 581, fig. 112). On the northern slope of the nursery promontory there is a grove of Camellias of the choicest kinds — large trees and smill, p.ome veritable giants of great age and others suitable for pot culture ; all healthy and well grown, including among their number the finest types known to commerce. It is surely a cause for no little regret that these beautiful dowering trees should have grown into disfavour of late, for though somewhat formal in their growth and infloresence, they fill a place which notwith- standing modern introductions has not yet been superseded, and it is to be hoped that these Asiatic gems will shortly ouco more become popular. Of out-door growing Palms, Messrs. Rovelli have a large and valuable assortment, aud it is wonderful how their various points aud peculiarities are displayed to advantage when growing naturally in the open ground, whereas iu greenhouses they are often so cramped that an attempt at scientific comparison is rendered most difficult. Hardy Bamboos too, which are now becoming so deservedly popular, are here in abundance. Fresh impetus has now been given to then- culture by great private growers, notably by A. B. Freeman Mitford, Esq., of Batsford Park, whose invaluable paper read before the Royal Horticultural Society, and pub- lished in their Proceedings for July, 1896, should have a most beneficial influence iu furthering the study and cultivation of Bamboos iu England. Many of the scarcer kinds are still hard to obtain, though we venture to predict that the day will soon arrive when no great south-country garden will be onsidered complete without its collection of hardy Bamboos, J. B. Nursery Notes. ORCHIDS AT MESSRS. H. LOW & CO.'S, CLAPHAM. Those of us who have been accustomed to pay visits to tho celebrated London nurseries for the last thirty or forty years have seen many changes. It used to be a pleasure thirty years ago to visit Messrs. Low's, and inspect the Orchids and fine collection of Cape and New Holland plants. From there it was a mile or two further out to the Lea Bridge Nurseries of Messrs. John & James Fraser, where the collec- tion of specimen hard-wuoded plants and Azaleas were grown — the winners of many first prizes at the leading metropolitan exhibitions. Gradually but surely the famous Lea Bridge Nurseries havo been absorbed by the builder of villas to let or " for sale on easy terms." .Mr. John Fraser has moved to higher and better ground with a purer air at Wood- ford. Messrs. Low are now going through the same process of development. In a few more years the Clapton Nurstr;.es, known to most of us since our boyhood, will probably be seized upon by the vendor of villas. In the meantime, the Enfield Nurseries of Messrs. Low are developing iuto importance, and new houses of considerable magnitude have been built for the Cape and New Holland plants, which aro not yet out of fashion ; and now the Orchid-houses are being built, tho CattleyashaVe been seut to Enfield, aud other things will follow. Dwellers intheeastaudnorth-eastof London are also feeling the effects of the fog to a'greater extent year by year. Mr. Fraser found it so at Lea Bridge. Mr. John Ward, at Leytonstone, tells me that he cannot grow plants there that he used to grow well fifteen or twenty years ago. Mr. Low makes the same complaint, and I am iu the same predica- ment, although I am further out than either of them. Tens, if not huudreds, of thousands of houses have been built iu fifteen years in the east and north-east, and the smoke of these rising heavenwards is doubt- less the causo of so many good growers failing to grow plants as they used to grow them, aud forcing us to seek a purer air further from London. There are some Orchids still doing well at Clapton, and first and foremost are Phahenopsis. A large span- roofed house was fillod with these plants recently. The flowers of Phalseuopsis open badly, or not at all, iu foggy weather, but the health aud vigour of the plants romaiu excellent. The rarer aud more beautiful varieties are amongst the Bupposed natural hybrids. Phalrenopsis intermedia Portei is a very fine form ; has sepals and petals white, with purplish base, and the lip rich rosy-purple and reddish spotted. P. intermedia Brymeriana is also a very delightful form. P. leucorhoda was also there in all its beauty, another hybrid which we owe to the agency of iu-ects between P. Aphrodite and P. Schilleriaua. There were also many fine plants in flower of P. Schilleriana, P. Stuartiaua, aud P. ainabilis. The hist thiee the most distinct aud boautiful of Orchids. A houseful of Miltonia Roezlii showed how well this fine species thrives iu tho London smoke. I have grown this plant well, and seen it well grown iu other collections, but never before have I seen such a fiue lot of plants as were to be seen here. Mauy of the white aud blotched varieties were in flower, aud the flowers do not suffer. Next to theso are the Cypri- pediums. Mr. Low has acquired a fine collection of hybrid fornix— tho Tautz collection which oontained many fiue varieties, which have flowered well ; doing well in the Loudon atmosphero, the flowers last a long time in good condition. There are many now iu flower, principally English-raised hybrids. C. Mor- ganiie is one of the best, it is a cross between C. super- biens and C. Stonei. The dorsal sepal is whitish with purplish veins, and the petals about 6 inches in length, are freely spotted like C. Stonei platytiuuium, aud it is quite as handsome, aud perhaps more elogaut. C. leucorhodum, a lovely variety, raised by crossing C. Roezlii with C. Schlimii albiflorum. This is to me the most fasciuating of garden varieties, the ivory- white of the upper sepal, potals, and lip, shading to delicate rose and rose-pink, are lovely. A plant of Measuresiauum is in flower ; it is one of the best of the C. venustum crosses. The whole flower, but chiefly the dorsal sepal, is veined with green from C. venustum, but the lip and sepals show the C. vil- losum parentage. C. Lathamianum is distinct and handsome, a cross between C. Spieeriauum and C. villosum. The reverse cross has also been raised, aud uamedC. Hera aud C. Belloua ; tho two were iu flower together, aud seemed to be much alike. C. Sallieri, from C. villosum aud C. insigne, raised in France, is also very fine as a garden hybrid. C. Madame George Truffaut was opening its flon-ers, and promised to have very rich aud dark-coloured blooms ; its parentage is C. Stoneii and C. ciliolure. Of tho C. insigne varieties, there are C. Sandera? and C. San- derianum, with some other fine varieties not in flower, but of great commercial value. I have left C. Leeanum until the last, but Messrs. Lo w possess all the best varieties ; and as many of them are now in flower, one can judge of their merits. C. Leeanum superbum, Low's variety, is not the largest, but the flowers are the most elegant and prettiest of the collection ; the upper sepal is pure white, beautifully spotted violet. C. L. gigm- teum is large aud handsome. C. L. eompaetum is a fine form of superbum ; but there is much variation iu the large collection. Amongst rare and beautiful things in flower was a charming Lselia. "A rare plant even in Brazil," L. Lindleyaua, the flowers are small in size, delicate blush shading to purple. It is figured in Botanical Magazine, tab. 5449, as Cattleya Lindleyana. Only a few Deudrobes were in flower, D. heteroearpum, the well-known parent of the best garden varieties ; D. Dominianum, delicate rose-purple ; Ai;rides falcatum Houlletianum, yellowish flowers.purple spotted. There is also a lovely pure-whito variety of Cattleya Gaskelliaua; the entire flower pure white with a stain of yellow in the throat. An immense number of plants of Angracuni sesquipedale were in flower, with smaller number of A. eburneum. Tho last plant that I noted is Deudrobium Johnsouiio, which has pretty pure-white flowers, the crest of the lip beautifully marked violet-purple. J.D. Messrs. Sutton k Sons, Reading. On Wednesday, 20th iust., I was enabled to visit this nursery and view the Primulas aud Cyclamens at present iu bloom. The Primulas are arranged in batches of one colour, aud so blended in regard to colours as to make them appear very fascinating. They are exhibited in great variety, aud their flowers are of great size and beauty. There were remarked oa one side of a house plants of Primula sinensis stellata, known commonly as Sutton's Star Primula, which was one mass of white flowers, with occasion- ally a flake of crimson iu tho star-like blossoms. The foliage resembles that of P. sinensis, aud the flowers aro borne in tiers one above tho other in profusion. The " Giaut " Primulas, with single flowers, were noticed as bciug very vigorous iu growth, and iu some iustauces iu flower, the flowers being as large as a crown piece. The plants were arranged in batches of colour. Of named varieties that wero particularly plea»iug, mention may be made of Pearl, Brilliant Rose, Royal White, Reading Scarlet, do. Blue, a'ld do. Pink. Snowdrift, Gipsy, and Rose Queen. The double-flowered varieties in the scarlet, piuk. blue, white, and flaked, were the perfection of Primulas. The Cyclameus presented a brilliant display, arranged in large batches like the Primulas, an 1 filling several houses. The colours are exceedingly varied, and range from white, red, rose, pink, crimson, and purple. The most noticeable varieties were Butterfly, a pure white flower of great sizs ; Salmon Queen, a variety with flowers of brilliant pink, and liuely-marked leaves ; Vulcan, a crimson-coloured flower of striking proportions. Theso plants are so sturdily grown that sticks are uot needed. R. C. GELEHY-GKOWING. A correspondent of American Gardening gives au accouut of his method of growing Celery, from which we extract the following particulars : — " I now have very fiue Celery grown in rows at au average distance of 1 foot apart, i.e., two rows, 6 or 7 inches apart, with au 18-inch space between them. Boards are set on both sides of the double rows when the plauts are about half grown. The boards should be kept well apart until tho Celery has nearly reached its growth, so as to keep tho leaves green and exposed to the air. The boards in ly be held in place by a short piece of baard with notches sawed in both end) an 1 placed on the others, so as to hold them the right distance apart. " The space between the rows wasmulched with ma- nure or other material that would hold moisture. Then I turned water on the rows aud kept them thoroughly wet. The water was taken from a brook ueir »v, ani elevated 6 or 8 feet iu a water-tank, and distribute 1 over the piece with iron pipes and hose. One could almost see the plants grow. " When tho Celery had about got its full growth the boards were crowded closer together, aud the blanch- ing was completed iu a very few days. The result was a large growth of well-blanched Celery. Jahcar? 30, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 73 " The advantages of this metho J are that about throe times as much Celery can be grown on the land as by the old plan of setting it in wide rows ; two rows being boarded together, it saves one-half the boards ; no earth is put around it, which saves washing the Celery. If the rows are mulched, it keeps down the weeds and retains moisture. No one will succeed with this plan except on very rich soil, and when the r iws are so close together irrigation is indispensable. '; This method is only adapted to early Celery and I he selt-blanching varieties. White rlume Celery 1'lauts are grown in hot-beds for the earliest Celery ; followed by the Golden Self-blanching for late fill use. "For winter Celery I set the Giant Pascal, Half Dwarf, and Golden Heart in rows 1 foot apart, leaving some wide rows to stand in when working it. This is irrigated the same as the early Colery. but is not banked or handled, as it blanches well nfter being stored in the cellar or trenches for winter." Seleoted specimens of Celery fetch a fancy price, so that the writer says he was getting for such specimens over 30 dollars per square rood, or at the rate of 5000 dollars per acre: "Ordinary Celery paid me at the rate of 300 dollars to 400 dollars per Here, or less thau one-tenth of that which was grown bp special culture and marketed without the help of the commission dealer. " By comparing the prohts of these two shipments it is easy to see where the money is in gardening. In the labour required to grow them there was but little difference. The greiter profit in the first instance was made by uBing large quantities of fertilisers and irrigation.'' American Notes. NEW SWEET PEAS. EvERtraiNG goes to show that the Sweet Peas will retain this year the remarkable favour which they have been developing for several seasons past. The methods and the material foundation furnished by Mr. Eckford have been rapidly utilised and adapted in this country. There are many Sweet-Pea amateurs and professional experts in the Eastern States ; but California is now the scene of most of the commercial variety-breediDg and seed-growing. Immeoee tracts of land are there given up to the production of Sweet Pea Feeds in a specially favourable climate, and in the charge of notable specialist?. A very promising lUt of new varieties is offered for 1897. Spinach. Perhaps the best of recent contributions in horti- cultural lines from American Experiment Stations is Professor L. F. Kinney's bulletin on Spinach. He reviews critically the history of the development of our garden varieties, their botanical origin, and gives a classification as the result of his field study, em- bracing practically all varieties known in this country. According to Professor Kinney, all the garden varie- ties of the commonest species (Spinacea oleracea), may be reduced to four types : — 1, Norfolk, or Bloomsdale group ; 2, round-leaved ; 3, thick-leaved ; and 4, prickly-seeded Spinach. Besides these, there are occasionally grown New Zealand Spinach (Petra- gonia expansa), and Mountain Spinach (Atriplex hor- teusis). A thorough study of cultural methods for market gardeners is added. Horticultural Instruction and the " Survival of the Unlike." The recent publication of Prof Bailoy's Survival of the Unlike (seep. 69), marks a great development in American methods of horticultural instruction, and less signincautly indicates a recent widening of the field of evolutionary philosophy. Within the last teu years the few agricultural colleges in this country were mostly of the training-school type, giving elementary manual instruction. The recentjnotable extension of agricultural courses into universities and institutions of higher learning, has had a tendency to put horticultural instruction into a basis like that occupied by related natural sciences. Thus, students of horticulture daily haudle the most profound problems of vegetable physiology and developmental philosophy. They take up theoretically and experi- mentally such problems as are discussed by Geddes, WeUmann, N;igeli, and Bailey. Professor Bailey has himself leeu a leader in this sort of horticultural teaching; and his new book may be best understood as an expression of that idea. It deals philosophi- cally with the ultimate principles governing the Fie. 20.— :ilip : origin and distribution oi varieties as those principles are to be seen exemplified in tho fruits, flowers and vegetables with which the horticulturist has to deal. F. A. Waugh, A NEW TULIP. appearance is sufficiently indicated in the woodcut (fig. 20). We can only add that the flower-segments are white, with a pale purple spot at the base exter- nally, but purplish internally. The filaments and anther* are botli purplish. As the collections from Chitral get examined, we shall doubtless hear moro of what is, in any case, a pretty garden Tulip, pro- bably an albino of some known species. THE LILIES OF THE PACIFIC COAST. The Pacific coast of the United States is wonder- fully rich in members of the Lily family. With nearly forty Calochorti. over twenty Brodirr-as, and thirty Alliums, nine Fritillnrias, and ten Erythro- niums, as many or more Liliurns and fifty other species distributed among twenty-five penera, the Liliaceje of the Pacific slope include a grand total of over one hundred and seventy species in a vast and comparatively unknown region, the exploration of which annually adds new species, or proves the existence of forms described by the earlier botanists, and since lost sight of. I doubt if there is any other region in the world where the Lily family i3 so rich and varied. The number of Liliums, or true Lilies, on the coast, varies according to the nomenclature followed. The Botany of California, published in 1880, men- tions eight species and one variety. Mr. Baker more correctly, as I think, distributes the s«me material into fifteen species and varieties in his synopsis of the genus. These species can be divided into several groups, according to their natural affinities. Lilium Waahinetonianum and its varieties, with the nearly related L. rubescens, will form the first of these groups, and into the second will naturally fall L. Columbianum, L. Humboldti and its varieties, and L. Bloomerianum, which is also known as L. Hum- boldti, var. ocellatum. L. Bolanderi, too, shares in the solid ovoid b'db aud leaf-character of this group, although its flowers differ in form. A third group, and a very large one it is, will contain the western relatives of Lilium euperbum, large bog Lilies with rhizomatous ro^ts and revolute flowers. These are L. pardalinum, L. Roezlii, and L. Warei, with the innumerable forms of L. pardalinum, some of which, as L. califoruicum, L. Bourga?i, and L, puberulum, are often treated as species. This wonderfully varied group is connected by a close chain of intermediate forms, possibly crosses, with the next group, which consists of the western relatives of L. canadense. In this group of small-flowered bog Lilies, L. parvum is nearly as various in its forms as is L. pardalinum ; but L. maritimnm is, as far as my observation goes, strictly monotypic. The type of L. parvum and L. maritimum have funnel-formed flowers. Lilium Parryii is closely related to the Pardalinum croup, differing only in having trumpet-shaped flowers. In growth, it can hardly be distinguished from L. pardalinum. Of these eleven species, Lilium pardalinum is most widely distributed, being scattered from central California to British Columbia, and eastwardly to the shores of Lake Winnipeg. L. Washingtonianum inhabits a long and narrow belt in the main Sierra Nevada range, and in the Cascades to British America. L. Parryi is found in Arizona as well as in its orignial location in southern California, and L. Colum- bianum is found to extend far east of tho Cascades in the Columbia River valley, but with these exceptions these Lilies belong to the mountainous regions of the Pacific coast proper in tho Sierra Nevada and coast ranges. Carl Pnrdy, in " Garden and Forest." At the last meeting of tho Royal Horticultural Society, Messrs. Sander exhibited a pot of what wc aro constrained to call a new Tulip, for its specific name has not j et been accurately determined. Messrs. Sander inform us that it came from Chitral. Its general Tropical Seeds and Plants.— Seed cata- logues are so numerous, that, any special mention of particular examples would be unfair unless they are marked by some special peculiarity. This is tin* n*e with "Messrs. J. P. Williams fc Brothkus, of Ilcnaratgoda, Ceylon, whose catalogue contains a de- scriptive lit>t of tropical plants suitable for cultivation on a commercial scale," 74 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 30, 1897. The Week's Work. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By Charles Herein, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead. Subtropical /Vawte.— Seeds of some of the slower germinating Brecies should now be sowu, viz., Canna, Grevillea, and Eucalyptus. The seeds of Canna germinate quickly if before sowing them they are soaked for twenty-four horn's in water which is kept rather warm. Some of the novelties of the Crozy section of Canna have beautiful flowers, and band- some, distinct looking foliage, and mostly they are of a dwarf habit. Plants which have been stored may now be increased by cutting up the rhizomes into pieces with one or more buds, potting them into pots of 5 or 6 inches in diameter. After potting aud watering them slightly, place in an intermediate- house, or plunge in a bed of leaves having a mild heat. Carnations. — Those of the "Marguerite" type usually raised from seed may now be sown early if required to make an outdoor display in the month of August. The flowers uf this variety are also admirable for cutting at a time when most of the other varieties have passed out of bloom. The seeds may be sown in small shallow boxes or pans filled with sandy-loam and leaf-soil, standing these on a mild hot-bed till the seeds germinate. Then removing to cooler quarters, and pricking them oft* into other boxes when two pairs of leaves have been made. The seed of the white variety may be relied upon to produce plants which come true, and the white, fringed blossoms are attractive and useful in the autumn for a variety of purposes. Sweet Peas. — For the production of early blossoms, seed should be sown forthwith in pots placed in a late Peach-, or other forcing-house, with a temperature of 40° to 45°, and immediately the plumule pushes through the mould, the pots should be transferred to a cold-frame. As a means of making the most of choice vaxieties, the seed of which is dear and scarce, sowing in pots is to be recommended, and if six or eight seeds are sown in a small 48, the entire potful may be turned out in the spring without check. Sweet Peas look well in the borders in clumps of three or more potf uls, or they may be put out in lines as usual. Where space can be spared in the kitchen garden, a long row or two should be sown for cutting from, and the soil usually being richer than in the flower-garden, the production of flowers is greater and longer continued if the seed-pods are kept picked off. The colouring of many of the newer varieties is rich and effective, and a dozen good ones will be found in the following :— Blanche Burpee and Einily Henderson, two good whites ; Mars, bright fiery crimson ; Countess of Radnor, delicate mauve ; Lady PeDzance, fine bright rose; Princess Beatrice, a popular pink variety ; Captain of the Blues, pale blue and purple ; Primrose Queen, pale primrose ; Senator, bronzy purple; Dorothy Tennant, nx-y mauve ; Boreatton, dark maroon ; Monarch, bronzy crimson aud violet. Begonias. — The tuberous -rooted Begonia has now become popular as a bedding-plant, and for a wet summer it is as such, in advance of the Pelargo- nium. The past two summers have not been " Begonia summers," but a position can generally be found for a bed or two, where if kept fairly moist, the plants are sure to make free-growth and flower well . Old tubers should be kept cool for a little time longer, unless it be wished to increase any of them by division. Prepara- tory to starting them for this purpose, the tubers should be placed closely together, in boxes or pans, upon a layer of leaf-mould or Cocoa-nut-fibre-refuse, and just covered with the same. They then re- quire to be put where there is enough warmth to start them very slowly into growth. A slight dewing over with tepid water should be afforded the mould when it appears to be dry. When the new shoots have reached a height of 1 inch, the tubers should be cut up into as many pieces as may be desirable, reserving one or more shoots to each, dipping the cut parts in fines and or charcoal powder, and potting them singly. Very little heat should be applied, as it is essential that a sturdy growth be made. If seedlings are required, seed should be sown forthwith. For this purpose the single erect flowering varieties are the best. The nurserymen sell Begonia seed in separate colours, which comes fairly true to kind. As the seed is very minute, especial care must be bestowed on the sowing of it ; and small square, shallow boxes or earthenware pans (not new) should be chosen for the purpose. Place 1 inch of crocks over the bottom, and then some rough leaf-mould, and having some finely sifted peat, leaf-soil and eaudy loam in equal proportions, fill the boxes, &c, pressing the soil firmly and making the surface smooth and level. Scatter the seed thinly and evenly over the surface, no sand being used before or after sowing, but cover closely with a piece of slate or glass, and plunge the boxes or pans in a gentle bottom-heat affording little if any water before germination bas taken place. The surface-soils hould not be allowed to be- come dry, and if the sheets of glass are carefully shaded from sunshine, no water will be required before the plants appear. In the case of the pans getting very dry, partially immerse them in warm water till the soil is made moist, but without allow- ing the water to rise quite to the surface of the soil. Fibrous-rooted Begoniasof the semperflorens type may be raised in the same way, several of the varieties as Crimson Gem, and others of rose and pink shades, are very free of growth and flower, and of use in forming distinct beds of colour or for mixed bedding. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Burford. Dorking. Heating the Homes. — For several days past cold winds have prevailed, penetrating the Orchid-houses, aud rendering heavy firing a necessity. As the plants suffer at such seasons from the aridity caused by hot- water pipe3 highly heated, no more heat must be employed than is really necessary ; at the same time, fluctuation in the temperature to any great extent should be avoided. As a means of maintaining the proper degree of warmth, without beating the hot- water pipes too much, some garden-mats should be laid along the lower part of the roof at dusk, making them secure against the wind. As au experiment in this direction. I have drawn down the wooden lattice blinds on several of the houses, letting them down above the mats, and have found them to be useful in keeping the mats from being shifted by wind, and pre- venting to a perceptible degree the wind impinging on the glass, thereby keeping the houses warmer with less fire-heat. Houses so covered have not the stuffy air that is generally noticeable when thick canvas- blinds are used for the same purpose. Where much artificial heat isused, its effect may be obviated in part by the admission of air whenever this is practicable or desirable, and by damping the soil or floor beneath the hot-water pipes several times daily. During the winter, the mistake is sometimes made of maintaining a hot. moist, growing atmosphere for the Cattleyas and East Indian and Mexican Orchids, thereby causing weak growth, and sometimes spot on the leaves, aud various forms of ill-health in the plants, which if not observable at the time, make their appear- ance soon afterwards. It is better for the plants if a moderately low and even temperature be maintained until the sun gains power later on, aud recuperates them naturally. The Odontoglossums of the cool-house feel the effects of artificial heat more than any other species, and much judgment is needed in maintaining the warmth from falling below 45°. Just before sunset, if the frost be severe, the temperature of this house may fall a few degrees below its proper standard, still no more heat should be turned on, otherwise when the house is covered for the night the warmth will be higher than is desirable. In this house many of the plants are showing flower-spikes, and a careful inspection of the plants by night for slugs and small snails will be very desirable, in view of the ravages done by these creatures. The Masdevallias must also be daily examined, slugs having a great liking for the young growths. If slugs abound, rare and valuable plants should be stood upon inverted pots placed in saucers filled with water, and even then the safety of the plants cannot be guaranteed, as slugs may be hiding amongst the growths or compost, hence the need for a daily examination of the plants. Colax. juf/osus is an attractive plant, whose flower- spikes arise from the young growths at this season. When the plant is cultivated iu the same house as Odontoglossum crispum it usually deteriorates, but if it be placed in the drier aud slightly warmer Masde- vallia-house during the winter, it keeps in good con- dition. From the time the flower-spikes appear on the plant it should be afforded water in abundance each time it becomes thoroughly dry, but not kept always saturated, or the black-spot will quickly disfigure the youug leaves, and eventually cause the decay of the growths and flower-spikes. Repotting may be done after the spikes are removed, or the flowers fade. Zygopetalum Clayii, a hybrid between Z maxillare x Z. crinitum, requires a course of treatment iden- tical with tbat which suits Colas jugosus ; Z. maxil- lare may also be accommodated in the Masdevallia- house, or at the warmer part of the Odontoglossuin- house. It is a species which is found growing in a state of nature on the stems of Tree Ferns, and if possible it should be fastened to a piece of the same, stood upright in a flower-pot, and made secure with a filling of crocks, &c. Now tbat the plant has begun to grow, it should be afforded water liberally. The Cattleya-house. — The plants of C. Trianon now prominently showing their flower-buds in the sheaths should be more abundantly watered at the roots, and as the flowers open the quantity should be lessened by degrees, and the plants kept moderately dry till growth re-commences. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. ByH. W. Ward, Rayleigh, Essex. Top-Dressing Orchards, dr. — Take advantage of frosty weather to wheel or cart manure on to orchards, and spread it evenly over the grass. In the spring a chain or bush-harrow may bo run over it to pulverise and scatter the manure and worm-casts. Good dress- ings of manure should also be wheeled on to fruit- tree quarters, where the distances at which the trees are planted admit of vegetable crops of various kinds, such as Potatos, Cabbages, Lettuces, and Turnips being taken. Tbis kind of work may be done when it is too cold to proceed with the nailing of wall trees. The manure should be dug or forked into the land assoou as the conditions are favourable ; care being exercised not to dig deep enough to injure the roots of the trees, which should receive the first consideration. In the case of orchards generally, the necessity for annual or bi-annual top-dressing of the ground is too often over- looked. Crops of fruits are gathered, the grass is mown for fodder, and nothing isgiveu back to the land to compensate for what has been extracted. This results in an impoverished state of the soil, and conse- quent poor crops upon the trees. Such circumstances occurevenonfarmsorestates wherea skilled and gener- ous method of culture is afforded to cereal and root crops ; yet wore orchards treated with equal liberality, they would yield more profitable returns than either, taking one year with another. Rubbish-heaps which have been turned over once or twice during the last twelve or eighteen months make useful material for top-dressing, orchards ; but if good farm-yard manure be laid on to the thickness of 1 or 2 inches, this will be productive of better results. An occa- sional dressing of leaf-mould will prove advantageous to trees growing in stiff soil. The Training of Wall-trees should be pushed for- ward during favourable weather, when the work can be comfortably and properly done. It may be doue after the sun has shone forth in frosty weather, com- mencing on the south wall in the morniDg, and following the course of the sun to walls having south- west and westerly aspect. The men should retire to the packing-shed, or other suitable place, after the sun has gone down, where they may cut up shreds, and sort over old nails for using the following day, which work should be resumed iu the morning until the sun shines forth. Thus, the handling of nails, shreds, branches, and hammer, may be performed with speed and precision by fingers unnumbed by cold. The training of espalier-trees should also be proceeded with, leaving sufficient room on the ties to prevent them cutting into the branches as these become larger. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By W. Pope, Gardener, Higliclere Castle, Newbury. Mushrooms. — Fresh beds may now be made, to come into bearing early in the spring. There is always a little difficulty at the present season in getting the manure into a suitable condition, aud 1 have fouud it advisable to add about a quarter of the whole of dry loam, and turn the heap two or three times at intervals, to mix it thoroughly. It should remain in a heap after the last time of mixing for one day before making it into a Mushroom-bed. The bod should be made in the usual manner, treading or beating it firmly together as the work proceeds As soon as the heat lias risen to 75°, the spawn may be inserted, and the bed soiled at once. The mixture of loam with the manure will prevent any excessive heat, arising in the bed, and the produce will be fleshier, and superior in quality thau when manure only is used. If no convenience exists for Mush- room-growing indoors, a bed or beds may now be formed outside with every prospect of success. A dry spot must be chosen, and the material of which January 30, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 75 to build the beds prepared by shaking it over, and separating the longest of the straw ; then turn it over on alternate days for a week till thoroughly sweetened, when the bed may at once be made up in the form of a ridge, 3 feet wide at the base, and as much iu height, beating the dung very firmly, and covering it when finished with a thick coat of litter, or with double mats, till the heat rises to the requi- site height, when the spawn should be inserted and 2 inches of soil put over the whole, and well beaten with a spade, again covering it thickly to retain the warmth and protect it from the weather. Jerusalem Artichokes. — These tubers should now bo lifted and sorted inta sizes, the largest being laid by for use, and those of medium size and good shape reserved for planting. This may be done at once if the ground be in a workable condition. Soil of good depth and fairly rich, is necessary to en-ure a good crop of tubers ; and let the rows be 2.V feet to 3 feet apart, and the sets 18 inches apart. In addition to the usefulness of the roots as a vegetable, the tops may be made to form a screen to objection- able features daring the summer season. The white is the best table variety. Mint and Tarragon. — Roots should be lifted and planted in shallow boxes to afford a supply of shoots in the spring. Cover the roots with soil to a depth of 2 inches, afford water, and place in a temperature of 60° to 65°. Potatos for Planting. — All garden Potatos reserved for planting should be spread out thinly on shelves or in shallow boxes. The early and second early varieties will in most cases have begun to sprout, and if allowed to remain in heaps, or in a dark shed or cellar, they will deteriorate. Tubers for garden planting should be sprouted before they are planted, but the sprouts should be stout and sturdy, to ensure which they must be arranged in a single layer, placing them with the eye-end uppermost in a place where the light reaches them, and where frost cannot enter. Where Potatos are grown in large quantities in fields, it is not possible to treat them all in this manner; still, these should now have the longer shoots removed if growth has commenced. Potatos stored for consumption should be served iu the same way, as if allowed to make a lot of long sprouts they are poor eating. Keep them as coot as is consistent with safety, and covered with straw or ba3t mats. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By F. Harris, Gardener, Eaatnor Castle, Ledbury. Succession Vines. — Such Vines, the forcing of which began about December 1, will now be breaking into growth, at which stage they do not require to be so heavily syringed, especially if the weather be sunless, much moisture at such times causing the points of the shoots and sometimes entire shoots to damp off. Where beds of fermenting materials are used in the vineries, it will be found beneficial to the Vines to turn the beds over occasionally to liberate the ammonia and moisture, thereby doing away with the necessity for much over-head syringing. Some gardeners may think this plan of using beds of fermenting materials old-fashioned, but it is not the less beneficial to the Vines, especially when these are aged, the rods breaking much stronger and the foliage coming stronger and healthier. I would, if stable-manure and labour were available, use these heaps in all our vineries, and I am sure, if the practice were common, instances of Vines eaten up with red-spider would be less often observed. As soon as the beBt growths are discernible, the weaker ones should be removed with finger-and- thumb, thus throwing the energies of the Vines into those in- tended to remain. All shoots carrying a bunch of Grapes should be stopped two joints beyond the bunch, the trellis being filled with the next break, thus causing the sap to be directed to the bunches. As the flowering period is approached, the atmospheric moisture should be gradually reduced, at the same time the night temperature raised to from 65° to 70°, with a corresponding rise by day. Afford a little ventilation whenever the conditions by day arc favourable ; gently tap tho rods of free- setting varieties every day about noon, and fertilise Muscats and other shy-setting sorts, by means of pollen carried from bunches of Black Hamburghs by means of a small box and a camel-hair pencil. Late Vineries.— All Vines remaining unpruned to this date must now be pruned without delay, dressing every wound made with knife or saw with styptic, or painter's knotting, in case of bleeding later on, Wash the Vines with Gishurst Compound soap, at the rate of not more than 4 ounces to the gallon of water ; clean the wood- work, glass, &c, with soapsuds, and take off the surface-soil of the inside borders if sour and much compacted by trampling ; give a dressing of good loam, to which has been added fair proportions of lime-rubble and soot, beating the whole firmly down with a steel fork. Lightly prick up borders not so treated, sprinkle over the surface a moderate dressing of Thomson's, Veitch's, or Wood's manure (all equally good). The borders may then be covered with a layer of stable-litter, so as to preserve a tidy appearance, and prevent the soil being carried on to the paths, &c. Afford warm water copiously to the borders, preparatory to starling the Viues next month. Carefully examine bottled Grapes for bad berries, for my experience is that they are keeping very badly this season. Succession Peach and Nectarine-houses. — The buds on trees which were stirted about January 1, and now expanding, should be afforded fumigation with tobacco to kill aphis. Overhead syringings should be discon- tinued as soon as the flowers begin to open ; a moderate damping underneath on fine days being found suf- ficient during the period of flowering. Another house may now be started if a constant supply of fruit be required. The pruning of the trees in later houses should now be carried out withoutfurther delay, and the trees washed, and fastened to the trellises. The later houses should be kept as cool as possible, closing them only during very severe frosts or high winds. If the trees are infested with scale, the XL All plant-wash will be found a capital dressing for them, and should be applied with soft brushes, using it in a very weak solution on the younger wood. I used it last year on some badly-infested trees in a cold house, which were but lictle troubled with scale afterwards. On pruning these trees the other day I was pleased to find scarce'y a trace of the insects on them. Keep the borders in late houses regularly watered ; drought at this season being a common cause of buds dropping later on. Bouvardias. — -Plants which were pruned hard during the flowering season will now be past their best, and attention should be directed to obtaining a sufficient number of healthy cuttings in the course of the next month. After shortening back the growths and clearing the plants of scale, place them on a shelf close to the glass, in a house having a temperature of 55° to 60°, affording less water at the root. The roots afford a means of propagating the plants by cutting them into small pieces, and placing them in pans of sandy soil in heat. The Forcing-house. — Continue to place fresh batches of bulbs and plants in this house at intervals, using the precautions advised in a previous Calendar. PLANTS UNDER GLASS By G. H. Mayco.k, Gardener, Luton Hoo, Luton. Camellias. — Attention should be given at this season to plants of the Camellia h'ained on the walls of the greenhouse and conservatory, sponging the leaves if they are infested with the black fungus with some soap-suds, in which a little flowers ofsulphur have been dissolved; or if scale infests them, with an insecticide. When the leaves of the Camellia are merely dusty, it is sufficient to rub them with a soft, dry cloth. If the foliage has an unhealthy appear- ance, the drainage may require looking to, and in any case a surfacing of fresh soil, consisting of loam, peat, leaf-mould, and soot, will be required, after removing the upper-crust down to the roots. Borders containing aged plants being filled with roots, are benefited with doses of liquid-manure containing a small quantity of soot. If there are thrips on the plants, use XL All vapour for several nights in succession. Fuclisias. — Large aged plants must not be allowed to become very dry at the root, or many of the roots will perish ; and at this season such plants should be hard-pruned, and put on one side, previous to starting them in warmth next month. Sericogr'aphis (Jacobinia) Ghcisbrcghtiana. — Any plauts which may have passed out of flower should be cut back, and a reduced quantity of water afforded. When the plant starts to grow again, and short- jointed cuttings can be obtained, propagation may take place. Strike the cuttings in bottom-heat of 80°, and pot-off as soon as they are rooted, using 60'a, and a mixture of one part of loam, one of leaf-mould, and one of sharp sand. When established, harden them off and keep them in a cold frame during the summer months. 'Centropogon Licci/anus. — This plant should have its leading shoots shortened back, and cuttings with a heel taken as soon as thn shoots are about 3 inches long. These strike in a mixture of leaf-mould and sand in slight bottom-heat underhandlights, and should be potted-off when rooted. They do best in tho stove during thespringmonths, When shitting them into their flowering-pots, say 6-inch ones, a mixture of half peat, one quarter loam, one quarter leaf-mould, with plenty of sharp clean sand and charcoal, should be employed. In the warmest part of the year, the plant does well in an ordinary garden frame, and in September it should be removed to the intermediate-house. Aged examples of these plants make good material where- with to fill baskets to be hung in the stove when iu flower. THE APIARY. By Expert. Honey as Food.— In a recent issue of the American Bee Journal, Professor Cook, a great authority on the scientific side of bee-keeping, contributes an excellent article on "Honey as Food/' in the course of which he says, after referring to the neces- sary constituents of a perfect -food, the inorganic elements, like water, salt, phosphate, carbonate of lime, &c., the non-nitrogenous organic containing oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon, illustrated in starch, the various sugars, and the fats, says,"' The digestion of food is simply to render it osmotic, or capable of being taken through an organic membrane capable of beiug absorbed." We eat starch ; it is non-osmotic, and would lie iu the stomach and intestines indefi- nitely, except that by digestion it is changed to a glucose-like sugar by the action of the liver, which is very osmotic, and so ab-orbed from the alimentary canal into the blood. Cane-sugar, though somewhat osmotic, is not readily absorbed, nor is it readily assimilated, even though it pass into the blood ; thus cane-sugar must be digested or changed into a glucose-like sugar. Bees gather nectar from the flowers, and as they seize it or draw it from the flowers, they mingle with it a kind of saliva or fer- ment from their upper head gland and the large glands of the thorax, and thus transform it into honey, which contains almost exclusively a reducing sugar, and not cane-sugar. Thus bees do to nectar what we do to cane-sugar — they transform it into a more osmotic and more assimilable glucose-like sugar. We call this in our case digestion of the cane sugar, and it is just the same when the bees do it. If any- one prefers, he may call it transformation. In any case, it makes honey a safer food than cane sugar, and we do well to eat it more generally, and it is espe- cially desirable as food for children. Child ren should be given all the honey at each meal- time they will eat. It is safer ; will do away with the inordinate longing for candy and other sweets, and, in lessening the desire, will doubtless diminish the amount of cane-sugar eaten. Thus, if cane-sugar does work mischief with health, the harm may be prevented. There can be no doubt that in eating honey our digestive machinery is saved work that it would have to perform if we ate cane-sugar; and in case it is overworked and feeble, this may be j ust the respite that will save from a breakdown. Again, if cane-sugar is absorbed without change, it will be removed by the kidneys, and may result in their breakdown, and so physicians may be correct in asserting that the large consumption of cane-sugar by the nineteenth-century man is harmful to the great eliminators, the kidneys, and so a menace to health and long life. It may be urged in reply to the above that honey is a poison to many. This is not the sugar of the honey, but some other element ; very likely the formic acid, or perhaps the extract from the flowers. It seems more likely that the deleterious element is the formic acid added to the sweet by the bee. This keeps the honey from fer- mentation, and is not harmful to many — only occasionally a person is unable to eat it. Snow. — Keep all snow clear of the entrances to hives — this is very essential, more particularly at this time of year ; and replace candy where required. Origin of Maize. -Some few years since, the late Dr. SSRENO WaTSON received from Mexico several plants of Maize, of which the seedlings were examined by the Professor, and by him najned Zeacanina, According to an article by Dr. Harsh- bergbr, in a recent number of Garden and Forest, this plant originated as an accidental cross between the cultivated Maize and " Teosiuthe," or Kuchlacna mezicana. It is further surmised that Maine may have originated by hybridisation iu this way. 76 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, [January 30, 1897. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER. Local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists. Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. WEDNESDAY THURSDAY, ( 9oc. Fran? d' Hort. de Londres meet o- Isle of Wight Hrat. Society meet. l_ Chester Pax-ton Society meet. Tuberoses, Spincus, Hoses Gladiol:, I Greenhouse Ferns, at Protheroe , ' & Morris' Rooms. ■ English and Foreign Border /Carnations, Montbrietias, P. ren- Feb. 2- nials, ic.it Protheroe & Morris' I Rooms , JapaneseLilies.Contnental Plants, Lily of the Valliv Crowns, 'lobe- roses, i'C, at Pr„tUor.ie & Hums' Feb. 3.' Rooms. ] 2000 Choice Roses, Fruit Trees, Shrubs, Border Plants, Liliums, I &c, at Stevtna' Rooms. /Hardy Perenn als, Pieonies, Dwarf I Roses, 4c., at Proth-roe & Morris Feb. 4 < Rooms. /Japanese Liliums, Bulbs, Border \ Plants, at Stevens' Booms. / Imported and Established Orchids at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms. j SciciitihcandMisicllaiieoos Effects, at Stevens' Rooms. Feb. 5 .' iaoe Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from Observations of Forty-Uiree years, at Chiswick.— 39'2°. London.- January 27 : Max., 41° ; Min., 29°. Provinces. January 27 (6 p.m.): Max., 41°, Valentin: Min., 32° , Aberdeen. The Report of the Royal Horti- Tu,ufrars„ci0ety.' cultural Society, repriuted in our last issue, must be considered on the whole as a very satisfactory document. It shows that good work is being done ; and good management in also obvious. It is gratifying to learn that tho ronovations at Chiswick, which havo been in hand so long, are at length completed ; and eminently satisfactory to know that the Count il have every reason to congratu- late themselves on the selection they made to fill the office of garden-superintendentvaeated by Mr. Barron. What is now wanted is to mako Chiswick more useful than it is to the gardening public. Tho trials carried out there are only of limited value, and as a rule aid little or nothing to horticultural knowledge, and contri- bute as little to its progress. They show that, under circumstances as they exist at Chiswick in a particular season, one variety may be better than another, but what is tho cause of that diversity is not considered, nor is any hint given in what directions we may look for future progress — hintssuch as tho obser- vations of the plants during growth should assuredly supply. A standard collection of the best and most suitable varieties of flowers, fruits and vegetables, should be kept for the purposes of identification and comparison by gardeners. Prom these collections inferior sorts, unless in some way of special interest, should be eliminated. In all possible ways, Chiswick should be made a model garden, whore the visitor might be sure to see all novelties, and the most approved methods of gardening earned out in all departments so far as circum- stances permit. We regret to have to renew our protest that no ett' irt was made last year to secure the attendance at Chiswick of the Fellows at stated times, or even of the members of the several committees as a whole. This year again the Council takes no pains to bring the Fellows to a garden on which they have expended within the year £1870, or, with tho necessary reductions, £1500. Of course, any Fellow can go any day he chooses, and some, perhaps, do ; but the bulk of the Fellows are not likely to go unless for some special purposes. We throw out for consideration a propos.il that a combined meeting of all the committees be held in tho garden during the coming summer. The purpose of this meeting should be to discuss subjects of common interest to all the committees, such, for instance, as tho pre- posterous number of awards to which the Council very properly draw attention, the revision of the rules of julging, the solectiot of new members for the ensuing year, the relation of tho committees to the council, tlie course of action to be recommended to the counctl, and other matters of that kind as the circumstances of the time may suggest or render necessary. The formal business meet- ing over, an adjournment might be made to the trial grounds and to the various houses and if some of the fellows f It disposed to take luncheon after their labours, means should bo taken to satisfy their requirements ! D mbt- less, under these circumstances, ma;-y Fellows who are not members of the committees would hi found willing to visit the garden on "inspection day." In any case, let us get to Chiswick and have the opportunity to see and hoar whit is going on. The Templo Show and the Fruit Shu.v at the Crystal Palaco afford opportunities for Follows and gardeners to meet, but their time is naturally taken up with the shows themselves, and neither the Temple nor the Crystal Palace is Chiswick. The visits of the Society to some of the great provincial centres seoni to havo given satisfac- tion, and indeed anything which is calculated to widen and deepen the influence of the Society in the provinces must be boneficial. Mr. Sherwood's generous offer of a scholar- ship of £'2.j for two years iu connection with the Society's examination in horticulture is mott encouraging, and no doubt it will bo confined to actual gardeners, or to those intending to follow gardening as a means of livelihood, else some well trained pupil-teacher or schoolmaster would run off with a prize presumably intended for gardeners only. Indeed, this is ono weak point in the prcsont scheme of examinations. Anyone within the limitations of age may enter for the examinations, and in consequence we have boys, and men, and girls, policemen and shoe- makers, and we know not who besides, competing one against the other, and with gardeners, amateur or professional. Still more unfair is it that lads from a garden-bothy miles away from a town, or from any contre where they can get instruction, should be obliged to com- pete with students from Chelmsford, who have an excellent training, and those from Swanloy or other colleges. Last in order among the paragraphs of tho Report is one relating to the proposals for duly celebrating tho diamond jubilee of the Queen's reign. Various proposals, it appears, have been made, and at longth tho Council, with at least the tacit assent of Her Majesty, have decided to strike a special medal or medallion, to be called the Victoria Medal of Horticulture, to be awarded " honoris causd in the domain of horti- culture." If the recipients be carefully selected, and not too numerous, this should be a coveted distinction. It is ono which many have rendered themsolves entitled to by years of honorary service to the Society, and through it to horticulture. Up to the present, the Society has left it to certain independent " memorial " trustees to award distinctions which would more suitably come from the Siciety, and even the Lindley Medal for good cultivation has not boon awarded for years. The additions that have during Garden Peas. the past few years been made to our already very extensive list of edible Peas, havo most largely been to tho medium tall section, which is perhaps the most generally acceptable section cultivated. Varie- ties that range from 2 feet to 3^ feet in height, are excellent for all descriptions of culture. Grown in fields for market picking they are of moderate height, tho internodes being short, growth sturdy, and the pods freely produced. When grown iu tho richost of garden soil and staked, tbey pod low down, and also to the very top, and thereis not the waste, ordinarily of 3feet, of barren growth which is usually found on tall Peas. So good, too, havo been the varieties recently introduced, that all round hard Peas are practically eliminated from lists except for very eaily purposes in fields; for in gardens the dwarfer wrinkled first earlies now have the primary place. It is sometimes remarked that modern Peas have less flavour than was found in the old marrows, such as British Queen, Ne plus Ultra, &c. But much depends whe her flavour be confounded with sweetness, for some of the old marrows were rich in sugar, and by many persons regarded as far too sweet. If tho more modern Peas lie lest sugary, that can hardly be termed loss, as there is with many excellent flavour ; also with these as with Potatos, flavour is often through condimouts, an added quantity. But whilst such advan- tages or disadvantages can bo claimed for modern Pea«, there can be absolutely no doubt but that in the matter of productive- ness great advance has been made. It is not merely in the length and in the number of pods that we see this, but where culti- vation is even fair, it is seen that these long pods fill well; so that when the best of all tests of productiveness is applied, that of the shelled quantity, it is found that Pea produce is as remarkable as is th it of pod. Pea pro- duction iu the form of new varieties, apart altogether from the stimulus given to it by competilions, has naturally been in the direction of fine pod production, and so long as these pods hive been well filled, with not large, but good, soft, succulent Peas, and abun- dantly set on tho plants, there has been great gain. Of that there can bo no doubt whatever. Last summer some twenty-five varietios of dwarf or modium height Peas were grown in Surrey, in both light and porous soil, and in stiff loam. In one case the plants were staked, iu the other subjected to ordinary field treatment. All were wrinLled Peas with one exception : Princess Royal, once a favourite, second early mirrow, grown iu this case with Prince of Wales, and one or two other old sorts, to test tho morits of the newer ones. In both cases the seed was sown thinly, much more thinly than is the rule in gardons, though not in fields ; and one good result was that iu spite of the pro- longed hoat and drought, all did well, and gave capital crops. It is sut prising how Peas thinly sown, especially the robust marrows, wi 1 Januart 30, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 77 78 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 30, 1897. make side-shoots, and more than compensate for thinness of plants. The laid Peas in the stiff loam, judged by ripe seed production, gave rather the best results ; but on the light dry soil the results were more than satisfactory, and none that is classed as first early was sown — but all were of mid-season, and late cropping varieties, the object being to manifest to the sur- rounding allotment-holders the value of new varieties such as grown, over those in common use, or which run unduly tall. Of these latter the failures to secure crops during the past summer were many ; indeed, they would succeed only where there were great depth of soil and ample manure, and abundant waterings were furnished up till at least the month of August. Selections were made of the leading varieties of four prominent seedsmen, and in the result in each case certain selected ones were specially the best, though all were relatively very good. The best two varieties under '24 inches were The Daisy and Dwarf Defiance, both first-rate second earlies for small gardens and allotments. Of those rather taller, a remarkably prolific early one was Senator. This variety attracted great notice, because of its excellent cropping powers, and though not so large as some others, yet it had well-filled pods. Stratagem, Sharpe's Queen, Promotion, Shropshire Hero, Enter- prize, Invincible, and Magnum Bonum, the latter having the finest pods, were all first-rate, and seem worthy of wide acceptance, though most of them are largely grown now. Two very superior Peas of medium height grown at Chiswick, and certificated later at the Drill Hall, are Boston Unrivalled, and the Gladstone, the latter apparently a specially superior late variety. Others good later on are Autocrat, regarded as one of the best ; and Late Queen. It is thus evident that in the section referred to, we have many excellent varioties. HYBRID Nymph/eas.— The illustration (fig. 21) at p. 77 shows another of the fine race of hardy Water Lilies which we owe to the patience and skill of M. Latour-Marliao. In some respects it is the finest of all, the leaves having a diameter of 12 inches. They are olive-green, and destitute of the purplish spots which occur in other varieties. The Mowers are pure white. Like the other varieties, this is per- fectly hardy, so that it forms a magnificent addition to our gardens. Unfortunately, we do not know the precise origin of these fine varieties, but the ordinary cultivator will think their beauty outweighs all other cousiderations. Our illustration was taken from a plant growing in a pond at Gunnersbury under the charge of Mr. Hudson. LlNNEAN SOCIETY.— At an evening meeting to be held on Thursday, February 4, at 8 p.m., papers will be read : — 1, " A Revision of the Tribe Nauclea (Nat. Ord. Rubiacetc)," by Dr. G. D. Haviland, F.L.S. ; and, 2, "A Contribution to the History of Now Zealand Echinoderms," by W. H. Farquhar. Edinburgh School of Rural Economy.— Mr. D. T. Fish is delivering a course of lectures on " Landscape Gardening " at the Royal Botauic Garden, Edinburgh. The following syllabus shows how the lecturer treats his subject : — The object and scope of the science and practice of landscape garden- ing. Dressing, keeping, and beautifying the surface. Choice and conformation of ground line. Vital impor- tance of considerable variety and sufficient depth of soil. Preparing the earth for its great artistic work. Drainage, enrichment, sub-cropping, &c. Forms of landscapes. Formal or geometrical gardens and demesnes. Natural, English, or mixed gardens and landscapes. Furnishing and planting of landscapes. Times, methods, materials. Filling in neutrals with Oaks, Beeches, and other trees. Lighting up landscapes with flowering trees. Planting in shadows with Conifers. Fringing landscapes with flowering shrubs and plants. The " Rosarising " of landscapes. The decoration and beautifying of our cities and homes. Essex School of Horticulture. — The Journal of the Essex Technical Laboratories (Chelm- ford) announces that an advanced course of instruc- tion will be given at the County School of Horticul- ture during the first three weeks of February ; and that a piece of land 3 acres in extent has been secured near Chelmsford for the establishment of a botanic and demonstration garden. The National Agricultural Union is deter- mined to impress upon its Parliamentary representa- tives the urgent necessity for a new clause iu the Finance Act, to abolish the injustice of the Land Tax assessment. In many instances the Land Tax, instead of being diminished by the Finance Act of last year, as it was expected, has been increased. By means of tbe official organ of the Union, evidence is being collected on the subject, which in due course will be laid before Parliament. Antwerp Royal Horticultural and Agri- cultural SOCIETY.— This society, founded in 1828, and which hitherto has organised 165 exhibitions, has lately become incorporated with the Antwerp Royal Zoological Society. Large buildings are to be constructed in the gardens of the latter, to include a salle des files, winter-garden, museum, conference hall, and refreshment rooms. The horticultural shows will henceforth be held in the Zoological Society's Hall, the first fixture being July 31 next. Conferences on Zoology and Horticulture will be hold at intervals under the auspices of the two Antwerp societies, now so happily amalgamated. Oh. Be B. AMSTERDAM. — A Chrysanthemum Club has been established in this city on the lines of the National Chrysanthemum Society." Geneva Exhibition.— Prix d'ffonnewr have been awarded to various firms for market-garden produce ; to MM. Froebel of Zurich, Boccard and Thibaud of Geneva, for ornamental trees and shrubs ; to M. Vachoux, for Roses ; to M. Boccard, for cut Roses ; to Messrs. Froebel, for new plants and stove plants ; to Messrs. Vachoux, for greenhouse plants ; to M. Pillet, for bulbous plants ; to M. Correvon, for hardy herbaceous plants — the eame gentleman also received a prize for horticultural literature and instruction. SWEET Peas. — The Florists' Exchange for Jan. 2 gives a series of outlines showing the average size and form of the standard in twelve of Eckford's newer varieties. The largest diameter is 38 milli- metres (1£ inch about). In form the standard is flat or involute on one or other or on both margins. The notch at the apex varies in depth, and the short stalk at the base is equally variable. AT HAYWARD'3 HEATH, on the 22ud inst., iC was decided to hold a Chrysanthemum show there during the coming autumn. It will be promoted by members of the Horticultural Society, but the accounts are to be kept separate. Chiswick Gardeners' Association. — At the usual fortnightly meeting of this body, held on the 21st inst., Mr. S. T. Wriobt, President, in the chair, Mr. J. Hudson, Gunnersbury House Gardens, read a paper on " Apples and Pears.*' National Chrysanthemum Society. —A meeting of the general committee was held at Anderton's Hotel on the 25th inst., Mr. B. Wynne presiding ; after the transaction of some formal business, the following resolution was unanimously passed:— "The Committee of the National Chrysan- themum Society desire to place on record their sense of the loss sustained by the society through the death at Forest Hill of Mr. W. Piercy, a well-known member, and an exhibitor at the shows of tho society. They bear in grateful remembrance his constant endeavours to improve and popularise the section of early-flowering varieties, and the useful additions he made to the section from time to time." A letter was read from Mr. J. W. Wilkinson, the secretary of the Royal Aquarium Company, stating that the directors would give the same amount of money to each of the four exhibitions as iu 1S95, and confirm- ing the selected dates of the same. Mr. C. Harman Payne, the foreign corresponding secretary, laid upon the table the large Gold Medal awarded to the Na- tional Chrysanthemum Society by the Agricultural and Horticultural Society of Ghent in November last for a collection of cut blooms of English growth taken over by the deputation, and also the official Certificate of Merit, awarded to a fine bloom of Madame Carnot, in the collection. A report from the Special Classification Committee of Growers was then read by the Secretary, and after some discussion it was unanimously passed, and a hearty vote of thanks was given to the committee for their services. The judges nominated by the schedule sub-committee to make the awards were, with one or two exceptions, elected. Eleven candidates for membership were elected, including three Fellows ; and the Dorking and district Chrysanthemum Society was admitted to affiliation. A MEMBERS' DINNER of the Hartlepool and Dis- trict Gardeners' Mutual Improvement Society was held at West Hartlepool on the 20th inst. About forty persons were present, and the event, which is the first one the Society has celebrated, was presided over by His Worship the Mayor. The Society is doing considei'able service to horticulture in the dis- trict, by affording means for the interchange' of ideas, and practices among its members. ILEX LATIFOLIA.— From Kilmacurragh we receive specimens of Ilex latifolia in berry. It is a fine Holly, which might pardonably be passed over as a Cherry Laurel or a green Aucuba. The globose berries are like those of the common Holly, but smaller aud paler in colour. Mr. Hugh Fraser.— The Edinburgh Evening Dispatch publishes a photograph of Mr. Huaa Fraser, who is about to retire from the service of Messrs. Methven & Sons, nurserymen, through failing health. Mr. Fraser has been with this firm during the last forty-eight years, and as a member of the Edinburgh Naturalist's Field Club and Micro- scopical Society, the Edinburgh Botanical Society, aud the Scottish Horticultural Association, is widely known and respected. He is tho author of a book upon Conifers and Rhododendrons, published by Messrs. Blackwood & Sons, and has frequently con- tributed horticultural articles to scientific and popular magazines. The Loughborough and District GAR- DENERS' MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION held their fortnightly meeting in the Co-operative Rooms, Woodgate, on Tuesday evening, the 19th inst. Mr. A. Hamshere of Beau Manor Gardens, occupied the chair. The subject-matter for the evening was Mr. Powell's " Notes on the Deciduous Dendrobiums, " the cultivation of which was detailed in a lucid manner. The essayist brought the following species to the meeting, viz. : — Dendro- bium nobile, D. nobilius, D. Leechianum, D. Ward- ni .mi, D. Cooksoni, D. Ainsworthi, and D. splendi- dissimum, thus adding much interest to his remarks, ljuoru Lodge wa3 long celebrated for its collection of ■Orchids, but since the death of the late Mr. Hole, tho greater part of the collection has been dispersed ; only a few varieties, which are of use as cut flowera, Ac, being retained. Isle of Wight Chrysanthemum Society.— The annual meeting of the Isle of Wight Chrysanthe- mum Society was held at Newport, on Saturday, January 10, 1897. The financial statement showed the Society to have commenced the past year with £23 9s. bd. The total takings at the tast show amounted to £30 7s. 5d., which with donations and subscriptions brought the total receipts up to £98 lis. id. The balauce romaining for next year is £22 7s. In the election of officers, Sir Charles Seely, Bart., was re-elected President ; Dr. Groves, January 30, 1897.] THE GARDE NEBS' CHRONICLE. 70 B.A., J.P., Chairman'; Dr. M. L. B. Coombes, Trea- surer ; aud Mr. J. Taflin, Assistant-Secretary. Votes of. tbauks were passed to all those who in any way rendered assistance at the last show. The Rainfall at Rothamsted for the Year 1896 was as follows: — Mouth. Rainfall in 1S96. Average Rainfall 40 years. 1S96, more (+) or !ess(— ) than average. Inches Inches. Inches. January IIS 2-45 - 1'33 February 0-59 T74 - 115 JLu-cb. 3 75 1 73 + 202 April 0 95 1-97 -102 May 0-4S 2-33 - 1-85 June 2 25 2 41 - 016 July 1-2" 2-73 - 1 4H August 2 91 2 60 + 031 September SOS 2-55 + 5 '53 October 1-13 319 -1 0 94 November 1 39 2-77 - 1-38 December «. 217 + 2 25 Total 12 montbs ... 31'34 2S 04 + 2-70 The total rainfall for the twelve months of 1896, writes Mr. J. J. Willis, amounted, according to the gauge of Sir J. B. Lawes at Kotbamsted, Hertford- shire, to Sl'34 inches. This is 27 inches, or nearly 273 tons of water per acre, in excess of the average rainfall extending over a period of forty years. The foregoing data shows that seven months of the year gave loss than the average rainfall, whilst the four months of March, September, October, and December, gave a total of more than '20 inches of rain, equal to about two-thirds of the year's fall. The rainfall of 1S96 was very similar in quantity to that of 1S94, but was very difFerently distributed over the various mouths. University of Dublin. — The Provost and Senior Fellows of Trmity College, Dublin, have directed that Dr. Edward Percival Wright shall continue to hold the Professorship of Botany in the University of Dublin for another term of seven years, from May 10, 1897. Irish Times. Gardening as a Remedial Agent.— One of the saddest afflictions that befalls humanity, and one of the most trying to the friends and bystanders, is epilepsy. The uncertainties and dangers attaching to it, the. frequent absence of all warning, to say nothing of other details which would be out of place here, too often render the sufferer incapable of con- tinuous work. If not so incapacitated, he has, Dot unnaturally, very great difficulty in procuring employment, or it may be is absolutely unable to do so. And yet open air exercise and healthy garden or field-labour are among the most valued means known to physicians of mitigating the disease. With this view, some descendants of the good Samaritan have established a National Society for the employment of epileptics, and a "colony" for the reception of such as are thus afflicted has been founded at Chalfont in Buckinghamshire. Here important work is being carried on, and here, as we are authoritatively informed , the physicians are meeting with success. Gardening operations of various kinds occupy a large share in the treatment, on which account the subjoined letter from the secretary may interest many of our readers : — " It may probably interest your readers to know that the ' Coluny ' recently established at Chalfont St. Peter, Bucks, fur the employment of epileptics in gardening', farm- ing, and other occupations, has already proved a great success, and is being very rapidly developed. The ' colonists ' Hvo in detached homes, each containing eighteen to twonty- fonr inmates, and several new homes will he erected in the course of this year. Everything that adds to the brightness and at tract! von ess of tho surroundings increase- tlio happincha uf the colonists, and indirectly tends r... the improvement of their health. Round each «tf tho homes, therefore, will be a small flower garden, and gifts of trees or shrubs would be highly appreciated. Terhaps I may also mention another gift that would be much valued by the colonists, namely, an old waggonettu or othor vehicle in which, on holidays, they might bo taken for drives, and enabled to see riumethiug of the very beautiful country that suarounds the colony. Gifts such as those mentioned, or any others that could bejntilised upon farm or garden, should be addressed to the Bailiff, Tho Colony, Chalfont St. Peter (Chafont Road Station), and would be most gratefully received and acknowledged. " I am, &c., "G. PennGaskell, " Secretary." "National Society for Employment of Epileptics, " 12, Buckingham Street, Strand, W.C." The Trade of 1896— The well-being of the community is so bound up with its foreign and colonial trade, that no excuse need be pleaded for a brief survey of last year's imports and exports, to which once a mouth for years past the attention of the reader has been directed under the heading of "Stock-taking." Some idea of the vastuess of the interests involved may be formed from the fact that, together, last year's imports and exports were valued at £681,729,544, as against £642,579,674 in 1S95, or an increase for the past year of some £39,149, 870. The figures are enough to take one's breath away. The past year's imports, as will be seen, are placed at £441,807,335, as against £416,689,658, showing a gain of £25,117,677, or over two millions sterling a month. The following figures are those which prin- cipally concern us here — taken from the summary table : — Imports for the Year 1895. 1896. Difference. £ £ £ Total valuo 416,689,65S 441,807,385 + 25,117,677 (A.) Articles of fuod and drink — duty free 140,242,879 146,301,708 + 0,05S,S20 (B.) Articles of food and drink — dutiable 25,05S,700 2.3,693, TOO + 635,006 Raw materials for textile manufac- tures 70,769,084 74,766,039 +3,996,355 Raw materials for sundry industries and manufactures 44,024,597 47,240,910 + 3,216,343 (A.) Miscellaneous articles 14,307,641 15,036,432 +66S.S91 (B.) Parcel Post 97S,U>1 1,012, 34S +34,157 Looking over the mass of figures in the section devoted to articles of food— duty free, we learn that the total imports of butter from foreign countries and various colonies foots up at £15,344,083 in value ; cheese at £4,900,428 ; eggs at £4,184,567 ; poultry and game were entered to the amount of £605,458. The value of fruits imported, including Oranges and Lean. ns, is placed at £5,540,069; but the following little table will be somewhat more explanatory— it gives for the year what we record month by month : — Imports tor THK Ykar. 1S95. 1896. Difference. Fruits, raw :— Apples ...bush. 3,292,262 6,177,192 +2,884,930 Cherries ... 195,632 219,367 + 23,735 Plums 401,080 560,246 +159,166 Pears ... „ 407,146 4S3.823 +76,677 Grapes •• ,■ 865,287 883,254 + 17,907 Unenumerated 1,249,563 1,427,105 +177,542 Onions 5,731,768 6,085,505 +350,737 Putatos ... cwt. 3,758,156 2,244,627 - 4,513,529 Vegetables, r; w uuenu- merated .. value £1,277,266 £1,284,634 +£7,368 The value of articles of food, dutiable and duty-free, is, as will bo seen, £171,095,414 — a very large pro- portion of the total imports, and full of encourage- ment to those who maintaiu that it is possible to retain at home much of the money sent out of it for foreign provisions. As to — Exports, the total for last year is £239,922,209, as compared with C225,890.016 in the preceding year— show- ing an increase of £14,032,193- an amount which, without doubt, would have been doubled hail politics been less prominent in many parts of the world. The gain in metals and articles manufactured there- from, except machinery, increased by £4,686.845 ; articles manufactured, and partly so, viz., yarns and textile fabrics, increased by £3,976,277 ; machinery and millwork have had a gain of £1,886,377. It is worthy of note that apparel aud articles of personal use put on £1,166,215 extra. But no more examples need be quoted as to the soundness of the export trade in articles of British aud Irish manufacture. In all of the above there is, we submit, a lesson for all the world — foreign and colonial — that furnished by free trade ; herein is to be found the greatest good for the greatest number— here, more than else- where, can the best man win. Isle of Wight Horticultural Improve- ment ASSOCIATION.— A special meeting of this Assoc iation was held at N ewport on Saturday last. Dr. Groves (Chairman of the Association) presided over a very good attendance of members. A unanimous vote of thanks was accorded C. L. Conaoher, Esq., the new manager of the Isle of Wight Central Railway, for his efforts in assisting the Association in the promotion of agriculture and gardening, the principal industries of the island, by reducing tho rates of carriage of garden and farm produce to London and other places on the mainland. It was also resolved that the association should be affiliated with the Royal Horti- cultural Society. A sub-committee was appointed to draw up a scheme for the re organisation of the asso- ciation. By the combined efforts of the market- gardeners in the island, and the members of the above association, much good can be done towards developing its horticultural and agricultural industries. Ginkgo biloba. — A Japanese botanist— Dr. Herase of the Botanical Institute, Tokio — claims to have discovered spermatozoids in this plant ; and another professor at the same University professes to have found similar bodies in Cycas revoluta. If these very remarkable discoveries are confirmed, an important link between the Conifers and the higher Cryptogams will have been brought to light ; but for the present, it is safe to await the confirmation of these researches. New Publications.— The Forester (Princeton, N. Jersey), which now becomes a monthly journal, under the editorship of Mr. John Gifford. — A Manual and Dictionary of Flowering Plants and Ferns, by J. C. Willis, M.A., Director of the Royal Bo- tanic Garden, Ceylon (Clay & Sons, Cambridge Univ. Press Warehouse, Ave Maria Lane). — Fruit Culture for Amateurs, by S. T. Wrioht (L. Upoott Gill). — Diseases of Plants induced by Cryptogamic Parasites, by Dr. Karl Freiherr von Tobecf; English edition by William G. Smith, Ph.D. (Longmans). — An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States, Canada, and the British Possessions, by N. L. Britton, Ph. D. & Hon. Addison Brown (New York : Scribners).— .BridSA Moss Flora, Part xviii., by K. Braithwaite, M.D. (303, C'lapham Road). HOLME LACEY, HEREFORD- SHIRE. This, the seat of It. Olivorson, Esq., is a fine old place, standing amidst beautiful scenery, and renowned for its extensive bedding-out. About 50,000 plants are annually displayed, and through the generosity of Mr. Oliverson, the public are privileged to visit his beautiful gardens. The mansion" is about half a mile from Holme Lacey station, and for nearly the whole distance finely-kept Holly hedges lino either side the road. Next to strike the eye are massive Yew hedges in perfect health, and clipped to perfec- tion ; and the Yew trees are cut annually by that very useful implement, the French primer, and pruned and clipped into a variety of forms, some quite novel. There are, too, somo fine Conifers to bo seen. Just now in the hall are some excellent groups, consisting of Chrysanthemums, (tichardias, Euphor- bias, Azaleas, Primulas, Lily of the Valley, Cyclamens, &c, aud in tho houses and frames there are plenty of plants to continue the display. Tho Richardias in 10-inch pots are extremely fine, both in growth of leaves and epathes. I found these were repotted as soon as the leaves had died down. Cyclamens. Veitch's strain, were carrying as many as thirty-six flowers, and 80 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 30, 1897. plenty more still to open. The Euphorbia (Poin- settia) had bracts which measured 18 inches across. In the greeuhouse there is a fiue show of flowers, and a plant which deserves to be much more grown — Stigtnaphyllum ciliatum — which should be seen in the best collection of climbers. Its flowers resemble those of Oncidium flexuosum, and the plant is very free -flowering. The Orchid-house aud stove combined contain a nice healthy collection of plants ; in flower were Calauthe Veitchi, C. vestita, and 0. oculata ; Phaius graudiflorus, Dendrobium Phahenopsis Sehroderiauum, and D. nobile Wardianum. The old conservatory is a home for Camellias, &c. The five vineries contaiu Vine3 in perfect health, although a vast number of plants are grown in them to keep up the heavy demaud for plants and flowers in the dwelling. Mention may specially bo made of Smilax, growing near the back wall, and trained up pieces of string ; and of large healthy batches of Freesia and Lachenalia tricolor. The Peach-houses are in fine form, the trees grown on the extension system, and some of the trees bought two years ago, look fully ten years old, and have borne heavy crops of fruit. Under the back-roof of the three-quarter span Melon and Cucumber-houses are well-grown plants of Stephanotis floribunda and Allamandas ; and the stage beneath carries well-grown plants of Adiautuni Farleyeuso, Eucharis grandiflora, and Spiraea jaoonici, with blos- soms just opening. The front portion is devoted to batches of early-flowering plants, bulbs, &c, and to plant-propagation purposes till the Cucumber and Melon plants are ready to plant out. The kitchen-garden walls are well furnishe 1 with fine trees, and the quarters well cropped with vegetables, and here, as elsewhere, careful cultivation is exhibited. I learnt that after the first Peas are picked and over, the haulm only is cleared away, and Runner Beans are dibbled in, the plants affording fiue late gatherings, thus saving the time of staking and diggiug at that very busy time of the year. I noticed in full flower a fine plant of Chimonauthus fragrans on a south wall, a beautiful shrub that should be more commonly grown thau it is. The general keeping of the gardeu reflects great credit ou Mr. Randall, the head-gardener. W. E. New _[n_vention. We have had submitted to us for examination the " Clozoue " Orchid-pot, brought out by the Messrs. Roslier, of Ipswich, designed to help the gardeners in the successful culture of Orchids and other epiphytal plants. " Air plants" demand plenty of humid air, from which their aerial roots derive necessary nourishment, while the base of pseudo- bulbs from which springs the young growth or leads, must be well above the. inimical influence of soured or saturated soil. Perfect drainage is the tine qua non of success. No crocks are necessary in potting, thus saving time to the gardener. A layer of moss, a few nodules of charcoal, peat, aud sphagnum placed in the lower part of the pot, and secured by wire or raffia to the raised centre, on the top of which the Orchid is fastened. Under the hollow, perforated cone the air passes freely, aud conduces to the health of the plant, causing the emission of strong and healthy roots, which burrow among the soil, from which all superfluous moisture (after watering by immersion or otherwise) rapidly drains away. The smaller sizes are made to suspend from the roof of the Orchid-houses, are light, and pretty in form, and ornamental when planted ; they are, too, most handy to water by plunging. The larger sizes fur standing on the stages are mounted on &mall feet of clay, to admit of the free passage of air and rapid drainage. For the prepiratory potiing of newly-imported Orchids as well as for maturing the growth of estab- lished plants, these ''Clozone" pots will be found useful. Fresh peat aud sphagnum can be added without undue disturbance or breakage of tender roots. The pot is well designed to meet the condi- tions above described. Cultural Memoranda. LUCULIA GRATISSIMA. This is a very handsome plant, amenable to pot- culture, but thriving best in a bed or border in a conservatory, where plenty of room can be afforded it. The rooting medium should cousist of fibrous loam, peat in equal parts, silver-sand, and plenty of saudstone broken into small pieces, also a small portion of lime-rubble. On the occasion of a recent visit paid to Firbeck Hall, South Yorkshire, the residence of the Hev. H. G. Jebb, I observed in the large conservatory a specimen which perhaps has no equal in the country. This was planted about the year 1880, and at the time of my visit it was carry- ing between fiOO and o"00 heads of fully-expanded flowers. The flower heads contain numerous flowers, one of two fiue heads given me by the gardener being found to consist of no less thin 106 fully-open flowers (fig. 22.) It is surprising that this beautiful Hima- layan plant is not more common in gardens, seeing the ease with which it can be cultivated, and the comparatively flowerless portion of the year during which its flowers appear. W. M., Lancashire. [Like the beautiful so-called greenhouse Rhododendrons raised in such numbers by Messrs. J. Veitch & Son3, the plant requires a temperature during winter, spring, and autumn, intermediate between that of the greenhouse and the stove. In summer, artificial heat is scarcely required. Our illustration is taken from a plant in the collection of J. Hope, Esq., Belmont, Midlothian. Ed.] Scotland. GLASGOW PUBLIC PARKS. There are f.mrteen public parks in and around Glasgow, covering in the aggregite about 1000 acre.*, which have been acquired, not counting the cost of "Glasgow Green," at a sum verging upon £450,000. Of these no fewer thau eleven hive beeu purchased since 1890, and laid out and dealt with according to the respective nee Is of the locality. Like every manufacturing centre of importance, tree and shrub life suffer greatly from smoke and other impurities, and hence much of the space is under grass, with plantations for margins; and where^the people mostly congregate, bedding out is introduced on a large scale — bulbs for 6priug, and miscellaneous plants for summer, involving, of course, considerable labour. The opening of the Botanic Gardens to the public is a great boon, aud one that is greatly appreciated ; aud the principal pirks, such as Kelvin Grove and the Queen's Park, are splendid examples of decorative and ornamental gardening. The lands of Oamphill, which are adjacent, aud form a connecting link with Queen's Park, add considerably from a woodlaud point of view to the people's estate, there being some fine specimens of timber trees about it which are carefully conserved, and the walks and drives are broadened to suit city life. An important and rather unusual feature that has been introduced since Mr. James Whitton's appoint- ment— which, by the way, is a popular one in every re- spect—in the erection of a range of glasshouses for sup- plying not only the needs of ornamental summer gar- dening, but for meeting the demands made upon the superintendent for plants for the decoration of the City Hall on all important occasions, and for the many ris- ing institutions which are kept up by the charity of opulent citizens. There is a block of ten houses, five on either side of a spacious corridor, with an orna- mental dome. The corridor itself is 174 feet long, 24 feet wide, and 13 feet high. The houses, which staud at right angles, are each 80 feet long, aud vary in width according to the material growu within. These houses are thrown open to the public, barriug two set apart for propagating purposes. During my visit the Chrysanthemums, which are galore nowa- days, and are about the cheapest and showiest fur- uishing-oiatorial that can be grown, were very gay, one almost felt a relief turning from the misses of unkempt Japanese — '" toozie," as the Scotch siy, be- yond measure to the quite beautiful flower* of such a variety, for instance, as Mary Anderson. There is a nice set got together of the more useful decorative Palms— Kentias and of the Dracaenas and Crotons, the stock of which is largo, and always a pleasure to look upon. Camellias, too, weie noticed in large numbers, and this is a place to recall people's attention to a class of plants uow-a-days undeservedly neglected. The graceful nauicled Humea elegans is grown by the hundred, as is the useful Francoa ramosa. Lapage- rias and Stephanotis, aud some of the showier stove- plants, Sikkim and hybrid Sikkim Rhododendrons arj grown iu quantity, chiefly for affording cut flowers ; and then the stock of bedding plants is large and varied. Two or three of the house3 are all but filled with Orchids of temperate and tropical climes. I was glad to observe a fine aud varied lot of Masde- vallias, in beautiful health too, one of the very best of the Harryaoa type, probably M. H. splendens. There is nice young stock of Odontoglossum crispum and its congeners. Cypripediums were bright and beautiful, especially the forms of C. insigue. Cattleya Labiata, now one of the cheapest and most celebrated of the family, was iu good flower. A great number of others iu variety were coming along. Nepenthes, too, anil quantities of Ferns, and the useful prostrate Asparagus were note! in two or three varieties. The stock of Eucharis grandiflora and Pancratiums is getting considerable, and the plants show vigour. There is a very large Winter Garden in course of construction on Glasgow Green, where the giants of vegetation wilt be easily accommodated. Altogether, public gardening in the " Second City " is broadening in its influeuce, and although the people's pencd are expends 1 a little more freely thau heretofore, it is not in my belief without suitable returns in the matter of healthful recreation aud enjoyment. /. A. Home Correspondence. PEARS OF GOOD AND BAD QUALITY. — In reply to Mr. J. Easter's inquiry of the variety Conseiller de la Cour in a recent issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle, 1 find that this variety does well with me as a pyramid, bearing fiuo meltiog fruit, but of a colour that is not very attractive, being of a greenish-yellow wheu ripe, which would doubtless go against it as a mirket fruit. The soil here is a sandy loam, with a mixture of clay, and being rather light, it suits Huyshe's Victoria Pear. G. T, West Park, Salisbury. As no one has replied to Mr. Easter's inquiry (Gaideners' Chronicle, p. 18) respecting the quality of Conseiller de la Cour Pear in the south, I would remark that with me it is one of the best October aud November Pears ; flavour good, sizj large, aud tho tree generally bearing good and regular crops ; it is also a very good grower. I have the variety as large pyramids on the Quince st>ck. If allowed to overcrop, of course the quality of the fruit would be impaired. It succeeds Louise Bonne of Jersey. Louise Bonne, Conseiller de la Cour, Doyenne du Cornice, Hacon's Incom- parable, and Jos jphiue de Malines on large pyramids are my most useful Pears. James John Foster^ Stan- morc. Middle-see. THE FUTURE OF THE CYCLAMEN.— A few years ago a Cyclamen was exhibited at oue of the meetings of the lloyal Horticultural Society, with an incon- spicuous white crest running up the centre of each petal. One of these blooms was illustrated in the Gardeners Chronicle at the time, and tho block was reproduced a few weeks ago in illustration of an exhibit by Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., at the December meeting held at the Drill Hall. The old block, how- ever, did no sort of justice to the advance made by Messrs. Low & Co., and at my request the firm kindly supplied mo with several typical blooms. One of the best of these is shown fig. 18a, where it will be seen that not only has the crest growth now b come in some blooms highly developed into a series of white crests oue above the other, but the petals fch.>w bold outgrowths towards the base of the flowers, and exhibit slight indications of notching or fringing. On a very careful examina- tion of the compound fringe, a slight twist can be detected in each outgrowth after tho manner of the petals. On looking to the calyx, b, faint indications of notchirg can be detected in some examples. Iu the Piiniulaceie the natural order to which the Cyclameu Jakoauy 30, 1S97.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. belongs, the stanieusare not alternate with the petals, as is usually the case iu other natural orders of plants, but opposite to the centres of the petals. The future of the florists' Cyclamen must be, therefore, as sketched at C, a large number of petal out-erowths lapping over each other and uot alternate. W. G. Smith. A HYBRID CINERARIA.— I cau fully bear out Mr. Harrow's statement respecting tho Cineraria men- tioned by him iu last week's Grardeners* Chronicle, p. 63. When on a visit to the Sheffield Botanical Gar- dens tho first week in November last I had tlie plea- sure of seeing the plaut referred to, which was then in full bloom, aud I was much struck with its beauty, and, what I may term, its utility, as it is of a more decorative value than the ordinary garden Cineraria. Tho habit of the plant is elegant, and more branched, the leaves uot so large, aud the peduncles longer, and the?e being rather wiry make the flowers very suit- able for cuttiDg. The flowers are self-coloured, bright, and pleasing. It U an unfortunate feature ramming a little. The potting is done with moderate firmness, the compost being neither too moist nor too dry. No water should be applied before the pots ring well when struck with the knuckles, but syringing them over-head as may seem necessary iu dry weather. Cyclamens grow freely during the summer in cool frames on a north aspect till Sep- tember, when thoy should be removed to a south aspect, where they cau remain until the middle or end of October by covering the plants at night to ward off frost. After this date they should be removed to a temperate-house, nnd placed close to the glass; aad if stood ou inverted pots over moist ashes, all the better. By October the pots will be filled with roots, and weak liquid-manure afforded twice a week will assist them very much. I have now in my charge over 150 Cyclamens which came from Sutton & Sons, aud which are opening plenty of fine flowers. Cyclamen roots are very strong, and I consider that pretty firm potting is desirable. If my nuthol of managing old coring is acceptable to your readers, \ new strain — one was for the petals to become decidedly short, broad, and rounded, rather than obloug-spatulate, as iu the case of the type ; and iu a few cases they were some way towards flatteniug- out, though remaining saucer-shaped. The strain was designated Papilio, which is scarcely a correct and appropriate one. The most attractive variety was one in which the petals were bright deep rose, with short, broad, roundel petals slightly fringed, opening out iu tho form of a single rose, and rcflexiug ; another was white, saucer - ehaped, and the large petals much fringed, but here the tendency was to incurve rather than reflex. Another white was of the game size and form, but the centre was bright crimson, as in the case of tho mouth of the corolla of the improved forms of C. persicum ; but this was not so much fringed on the petal edges us in the case of the pre- vious one. Another had pale rose blossoms, with a rosy-crimson centre, tho petals fringed and iucurving. Another blush-tinted variety had the fringed petals jgcgd , &m Br*"1. * fV ' V '^s^S^*1 ■§>^^jn m/W r^".W": V «, VJP *&?*' k- > * X U wSmm^^^mM Fig, 22.— luculia giutismma. (see y. So.) that this species fails to produce seed, it being such a valuable addition to winter - flowering plants. It appeared to be a very free and contiuuous flowercr. To work up a stock from cuttings sufficiently large to put on the market must take a long time, notwith- standing its free-rooting properties. J. U. W: CYCLAMENS NOT OPENING THEIR FLOWERS. — I read with attention the articles which have appeared on this subject, but without discovering anything novel in the method of cultivation pursued by the writers. Your correspondent, " C. B. W.,"did not state whether his Cyclamens were seedlings or old corms ; but with both, good drainage is an essential poiut. I have grown great numbers of Cyclamens, although 1 am but a working gardener, aud I never had plants which did not open their flowers properly. Tho kind of compost I generally made use of consisted of decayed fibry loam two parte, uo matter what colour, but preferably that from stitF laad, decayed leaf-mould one part, coarse silver-sand one part. I make the drainage perfect, at the same time letting it take up as little space as possible ; over the crocks a small quantity of moss is placed, and above this a few rough pieces of the loam, will write again when the flowering-tune has passed. J. L , The Woodlands, Staffs. THE WEATHER IN CUMBERLAND. —The weather in these parts has been very severe lately, aud bois- terous snow-storms have been experienced almost daily. The neighbouring hills are clad with snow, and wo havo a covering (J inches or more deep all round. Our thermometer on the night of the 17th registered 24° of frost, and nightly we have had 8°, 10°, and 12° ; registering on the 23rd, Saturday night, 29° of frost. Artlatr Smith, Eden flail, Longworthy. A NEW STRAIN OF CYCLAMEN PERSICUM. - That there will be differences of opinion as to the value of the strain of Cyclamen persieum Mr. do Langhe, Hue de Constantinople, Brussels, exhibited at the meeting of the Koyal Horticultural Society on 12th iust., there can be no doubt; but that they represent something quite distinct and out of the common (see fig. 19, p. 71). The possibilities of development in them should lead them to be regarded with favour rather than with disfavour. There could be observed two tendencies in the beaded with rose ; in this case the petals were reflcx- iug, aud appeared as if they would oventually asaumo the normal shape. Another, and one of the most promising, had but one flower expanded, the ground was blush, but tho central stain of bright crimson was much diffused; the much-fringed petals were blush-white on the edges. Some salmon-tinted varieties were diversely and irregularly shaped, but all more or less coloured about the mouth of the corolla. Tho Floral Committee did wisely in giving an Award of Merit to tho strain, becauso of its dis- tinctness. R. D. GRAPES AT EXHIBITIONS. In regard to this con- troversial matter, Mr. Kirk, I think, must bo aware of the fact that 1 acted as a censor at the exhibition ind eatod. and had three hours' work among hardy fruits. The committee of management knew well the sad circumstances which necessitated my hurried exit fnnn that fine show, and I should have been excused performing my duty had I desired it. I WU therefore prevented from making a careful inspection of the Grapes. As to criticising tho awards of the Royal Horticultural Society at the Crystal l'alace, this is a statement which is untenable, as neither in 82 THE GAB DE NEBS' CHBONICLE. [January 30, 1897. thought, word, or deed, have I disparaged the awards of the judges on this occasion. I, however, fear that we are not likely to get rid of the friction — so common afc exhibitions— if horticultural societies do not submit something definite for the guidance of judges and exhibitors alike. M. Temple, Carron, N. B. THE NEW "BLUE" PRIMROSES.— The variety G. F. Wilson is a beautiful hardy plant for the spriug garden, and I send a few flowers for your inspection of different shades of colour from seed- lings. I obtained a packet of seeds in February, 1896, and sowed the seed, as soon as received, in a , mixture of loam and leaf-mould and sand, in a pan which I placed in gentle heat. The plants (thirteen) came up, and in the month of May I potted them off into 60's, and placed them in a cold pit ; in July they were shifted iuto 32 -pots, and these plants are large iu size and in full bloom, all but one being of blue or purple shades of colour. They form a pretty addi- tion to early spring flowers, and as the plant is readily increased by division after flowering, it makes a useful plant for the spring garden. Seeds may be sown as soon as ripe. [Pretty shades of colour, but certainly purple— not blue ones. Ed.] Wm. Smythc, The Gardens, Basing Park, January 1 1. FORCING RHUBARB. —Mr. Wythes, in his note on thia subject, appears to forget that Rhubarb is, or rather should be, grown to eat. My own experience with forced market Rhubarb is that it is bitter and unpleasant. Varieties aro grown which are really unfit for table use, and in my own experience many fami- lies have discontinued its use owing to the uncer- tainty as to what they will get. For a first early the only variety we have fouud worth growing is LinnseuB, which Mr. Wythes does not even mention ; and after a long and mostly unpleasant experience, we now grow only Linnaeus and Victoria, but we do not grow for market, and therefore flavour and quality are of importance. Tftos. Fletcher, Grappcnhall, Cheshire. [Our own experience is, that the smaller the Rhubarb- stalks, and the poorer the land on which it is grown, the better is the flavour. Ed.] THE LATE MR. JAMES WEBBER.— Your corres- pondent, "A. D.," p. 49, wrote in graceful terms of the late Mr. J. Webber, every word of which I fully endorse, having as one of the rank and file of gar- deners known him otherwise than simply as a successful market salesman. Doubtless he did much good to the gardeners whom he came into contact with, both by his lessons on the packing of soft fruits, and by the offering of substantial prizes for the best methods of packing. He originated, and carried on single - handed for several years, those valuable object-lessons which greatly improved the methods of packing in general use, and which, had not troublesome times overtaken the Royal Horti- cultural Society, would, very probably, have been taken up by it. We hear still so much about the bad packiug aud grading, especially of Apples and hardy fruits, that it is quite safe to assume that from one-third to one-half of the profits are lost to the producer, as well as being a loss to the nation, hence the necessity for a now inauguration of competitions in fruit packing. The deceased salesman first offered prizes for fruit-packiug in 1880 : for the best three packed boxes or baskets, viz., not less than 14 lb. of Grapes. 2 dozen of Peaches, and not less than 2 lb. of Strawberries, delivered by a railway company in the ordinary manner, an official receipt to be produced by the exhibitor that they had been so delivered. Three judges were appointed — one a wholesale market man, a retailer, aud a gentleman's gardener, South Kensington being the point of rendezvous. Being then in charge of a ducal garden- ing establishment whence nearly all the produce was sold, I entered the competition, and was rewarded with the much-coveted honour, which everybody regarded as the blue ribbon of the season. The fruit afterwards was sent on to Mr. George Monro in the usual way, and realised a high price. Mr. Webber kindly criticised the weak points of the methods I pursued, and gave me some valuable hints, which I utilised, and won in the next year's contest. Circumstances afterwards prevented my competing again, aud Mr. Coleman aud others took up the running. After my first success, I offered to stand out, but Mr. Webber would not hear of it, and particularly wished my method to be shown as an example of good packing for market. Clean, sweet moss was the chief packing-material used ; and even now it is hard to beat it, for when well prepared its elasticity is perfect. Mr. Webber condemned cotton-wool, bran, &c, and always main- tained that the cost of the packing-material was of the greatest importance, it being seldom returned to the sender ; and there was no wood-wool in those days, and nowadays there does not seem to be time to prepare the moss. I have used mo?s for fruit- packiug for the past thirty years without having a complaint ; of course, it was well prepared, beateu and teased, and put away in bags when in a quite dry state, Mr. Webber's philanthropy in regard to the gardening charities, it is to be hoped, will be imitated by other Covent-Garden salesmen. W. Crump, Madresjield. WOOD-ASHES AS A MANURE.— Mr. T. H. Smith, in his letter on the above subject, overlooks the most . important point I raised, i.e., that the dust-ash of coal should be identical in composition and properties with the ash from wood ; and if this is the case, hundreds of thousands of tons of this, which could be collected at a very small expense, are annually thrown away. Since my first letter, I have obtained analyses of mauy samples of coal-ash, but they vary so enormously, that it appears to be difficult to get at an average value, some samples being almost worthless, whilst others are very valuable, judging by their chemical composition. There are many manu- factories in this country where from five to fifty tons of fine coal-ash are made every week ; aud this could be had for little more than the cost of screening, which would not exceed Is. or Is. Qd. per ton. The experiment should be worth trying on a fairly large scale. Thos. Fletcher, Grappenhall, Cheshire. FERDINAND VON MUELLER.— The news of the death of Sir Ferdinand Von Mueller came to me just as I was preparing to seud him freshly- ripened seed of Elymus arenarius, which, after reading his success with Ammophila, I was about to ask him to try ; haviog ascertained that the herbage of the Elymus is freely eaten, aud, to all appearance, liked by the horse, it would have mauy advantages over the Ammophila in the production of food, as well as in its binding roots, and although the appearance and harshness of the foliage may seem unlikely, yet it is noted by Parnell that the Elymus contains more sugar than any other British grass, which may be a reason for the horse looking for more when it is offered to him. The last letter 1 received from Sir F. Von Mueller contains a hint of the probable occur- rence on our coasts of an overlooked plant, and its entire contents are just in the style he usually employed : brimful of the enthusiasoa which carried him through the work he accomplished, aud built up his own monument. William Mitten. — " It was most kind of you, dear Mr. Mitten, to send me the large number of Mosses and their allies, by which the collection here in the two herbarium halls (containing nearly a million sheets) becomes so much enriched, and where, so far as human foresight goes, your authentic specimens will be utilised through centuries to come. The Rev. Mr. Powel's collection has a special interest ; he showed it me when he went to England very many years ago, the specimens then to be taken to you. As I have explored through the whole Austral Alps, I am much interested in what you say about your last alpine tour. As you doubtless are conversant also among British and other Phanerogams, may I direct your attention to the probability of Kochia hirsuta occurring also on British shores intermingled with Suaeda maritima. As the northern forms which I know from Schleswig, [they] are often almost glabrous, [and] are easily passed as S. maritima, but generally some hairlets [spots] can be observed in the axils of the leaves, and the upper part of the stem is not rarely turned spirally. Of course the embryo of the two plants is very dis- tinct. Are you sure, "that of the numerous mosses which you examined so kindly for us here, a suf- ficiency is left for your own herbarium ! 1 will keep this, sending for awhile together, so that any speci- mens particularly mentioned can still be shared by you. Have you kept a record of the localities ? If so, such would be well worth publishing in one of the home periodicals, as our knowledge of the geographic distribution of Australian Evasculares is still very imperfect. Let me hope you are happy and well, and will long yet enjoy the triumph of being identified with the moss-flora of the whole world. — Ever regardfnlly and gratefullyyours, Feud. vox Mdeller."' GRAPES AT PENRHYN CASTLE, BANGOR.- It seems to be the prevailing idea with gardeners that the best Grapes are to be found only at horticultural exhibitions. Fortunately, this is not entirely the case ; at all events, anyone calling, as I did recently at Penrhyn Castle, will find the reputation for good Grapes, for which Penrhyn gardens are famed, well sustained at this season. Here were to be observed bunches of Muscat of Alexandria weighing from 3 to 4 lb. each, with large bright amber-coloured berries, the bunches perfect iu symmetry and finish. Lady Downes' Seedling was equally good of its kind, berries enormous in size, showing the thinning had been properly performed. An agreeable surprise was to find the new Grape, Lady Hutt, in such fine condi- tion, the Vine carryiug fruit being inarched on to Lady Downes' Seedling. The bunches of this variety weighed from 2 to 3 lb. each, with large globular berries, whity - green in colour, perfect in finish, plump and fresh, and looking as if they would keep till March or April. This is undoubtedly the finest flavoured late-keeping white Grape in existence, and their condition was a proof that whatever Mr. Speed takes in hand is done well. The whole of the vine- ries at Penrhyn were planted thirty or more years ago, and it is a marvel that such high quality in the Grapes is so long maintained. The system followed is not half-hearted extension, followed by severe disbudding, nor is utility sacri- ficed to appearances. The crowding of the foliage as well as overcropping are most carefully avoided, aud the borders come in for a large share of atten- tion ; and in the work of renewing them more sharp grit is used thau was formerly the case, the better to promote the porosity of the soil when the fibre of the turfy soil used decays. Still, no loose, light, or spongy borders are tolerated. IV. Crump, Madresfield. CEDRUS DEODARA. — I have been much in- terested iu reading the notes ou the above variety of Cedar, but owing to rheumatism in my right arm, I have been unable to use my pen. Had I been able, I would have written ere this, as I consider far too little is written in the Gard. Chron. about fine varieties and species of trees. Iu regard to this Cedar, I must say that the variety as introduced in the year 1831, and grown and sold by the thousand, is, I consider, a very uncanny tree, particularly as a timber-tree. I have seen it growing nearly all over England, and in several parts of Scotland ; aud, as compared with the Cedar of Lebanon and mauy other fine Conifers, it is of very little use. The late Mr. Anthony Waterer, who was one of the best judges of a good tree, knowing that all Conifers grow at Albury "like weeds," once asked me what I thought of the Deodar '', My answer was, " No good ; " to which he responded, " You are quite right." But what I wish to say now is, that I believe the true Indian Cedar was introduced not in 1831, but two centuries earlier. This tree is quite distinct from the C. deodara of to-day. differing also from the Lebanon Cedar. Several Cedars are growing here, and they are all called Lebanon Cedars, although they are quite distinct from the ordinary Cedar of Lebanon, which canuot be mistaken, its distinct tabular form of branches making it conspicuously different from any other kind of Coniferous tree. The tree which I consider to be the true Indian Cedar has au upright habit of growth. Three examples here are more than 100 feet iu height, with trunks which have a circumference of 15 feet ; whereas the Lebanon Cedar runs 70 to 80 feet in height, and 11, 12, and 13 feet iu circumference. Some of the readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle will ask who introduced them to this country ? My answer is, who can name the introducer of the first Cedrus Libani to this country ' Certain it is, that long before the Royal Horticultural Society existed, or such men as Douglas, Lobb, and others, saw the light of day, many of our finest kinds of trees were intro- duced from abroad, although little is known of the actual iutroducers. Mr. Wiles, Unsted Park, Godalming, writing in the Gardeners' Chronicle of December 19, 1896, says, the Deodar can be seen at Peper Harrow Park " of great age and size." This will I think help to bear me out, that there are to be seen the true " Indian Deodar, a tree quite distinct from the one known aud grown in our nurseries during the last forty years. In conclusion, I beg to say that I have never seen the Cedars at Peper Harrow Park." W. C. Leach, Alhury Park Gardens. PARENTAGE OF SOME VARIETIES OF THE ROSE. — I read with great interest Dr. Williamson's notes on Roses, but in those upon the ''Parentage of Roses,1' appearing ou p. 56 of the present volume, there is au error which should not go uncorrected. He is evideutly confused with The*rese Levet aud Etieuue Levet. Therese Levet (H.P.) is syn. with Madame Louis Leveque (H.P.), a seedling from Jules Margottin iu 1874 ; but it was not the parent of Duke of Fife. Were it Dot that your corres- January 30, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 83 pondent writes that Duke of Fife was obtained from The*r^3e Levet, and the last-named, from Jules Margottin, I should have thought it a printer's error in substituting Thermae for Etienne ; Etienne Levet, a totally distinct Rose, beiug the parent of Messrs. Cockers' Duke of Fife. The growth, as well as the raiser's claim, confirms this in every way. There is a Tea Rose under the name of Souvenir de Therese Levet, introduced by Leveque in 1883, and also a Tea variety named Madame Louis Leveque, introduced by the same raiser ten years later. When naming those raised by the late Henry Bennett, Dr. Williamson says, * ( all of these have almost ideal characteristics ; they are vigorous (italics are mine), in habit, &c." If Cleopatra, Princess of Wales, and Princess Beatrice arevigorouswithhim,itisan exception to their general habit. I doubt if even the Rev. F. BurnBide, the grower of the beautiful Cleopatra exhibited at Windsor in the Queen's Cup claas some few years back., would venture to call it anything but a moderate grower Indeed, I understood him to say it was difficult to find the plant afterwaids. There was no doubt about the bloom, as all who saw it will confirm. Le Reine is an old favourite of mine ; it was sent out by Laffay in 1843-4, and under the name of Reine du Midi by Roland in 1879, and is also known as Reine des Francais. A. Piper. CUPRESSUS MACROCARPA. — In answer to the enquiry of " F. M." in last week's Gardeners' Chronicle about the Cupressus madrocarpa that were planted here forty years ago, he will be glad to know they are still to the fore, and are now about 40 feet high, but they have never recovered from the serious damage done to them by a continuation of cold, violent winds about three years ago. They were beautiful specimens twenty years ago. It is one of the most beautiful of ornamental evergreens, and of remarkably rapid growth. It is quite hardy here tso far as frost is concerned, but must not be exposed to 1 igh winds. I planted a quantity of them in the " Long Walk" here (which " F. M." knows well) some years ago, and they are now beautiful compact specimens, thickly clothed with foliage of a bright green colour. Perhaps " F. M." will remember another tree planted by Mr. Moore at or about the same time as the Cupressus, namely, the Chinese Juniper, which also stands on the lawn in front of the plant-houses ; it is now 20 feet high, closely branched from the ground to the top, and with its bright catkins in summer is an object of much beauty. I only mention this to show how well they do planted on the whin- stone rock, with only 6 inches to 18 inches of soil to grow in ; and in very dry summers the lawn is always burnt up, which at once shows that the Juniper will not stand any undue accumulation of water at the roots. David Inglis, Soudch Hall Gardens; Lesbury. LADY HUTT AND APPLEY TOWERS GRAPES.— In your issue of January 16, Mr. Lambert refers to these varieties as having seen them here in 1895. I am pleased to say they were better in 1896 than when he saw them. The best samples of Lady Hutt were grown on a rod grafted on a Vine of Golden Queen, and these Grapes were of a bright yellow colour, and of very good flavour. Grafted on White Tokay, they were not quite so good either in colour or flavour. On its own roots, and also grafted on th« Black Hamburgh in a later house, the fruit was ripe about October, and were of the usual greenish colour, of which complaint is so often made ; neithea were they so good in flavour, although, had they been earlier ripe, they might have been better in both respects. I am rather partial to this variety ; at the same time, I think that it is not so good in flavour here as Mrs. Pearson, and I question very much if it will keep much longer than that Grape. Appley Towers I like the better of the two. I have it on its own roots, grafted on Alicante, Gros Colman, and Lady Downes', and from the latter I have had the finest bunches. I like it better as a keeper than Alicante, but it requires severe and careful thinning, for if at all crowded in the bunch, it is very apt to damp in the centre of the bunches. In point of flavour it is here a little superior to Black Alicante. I bottled a few nice bunches of it last week that I think will keep well till the month of March is out. The foliage dies oil of a beautiful bright red colour. But for shakiug hands with the new Grapes coming in in the months of May and June, which wo have dono here for many years, we must still depend on Lady Downes' Seedling, an old and well-tried friend to many a gardener who has to keep up a supply all the year round ; for it is still the best keeping variety that we possess. J. Wallis, Kecle Hall Gardens. It is now some three years ago that I grafted a scion of Appley Towers on a Vine of Black Hamburgh, growing in our late vinery. I have gathered fruit from the graft for the past two seasons ; last year it carried six bunches, two of the largest weighing between 3 and 4 lb. each. Two smaller bunches I exhibited in the "Any Variety Class " at the Shrewsbury Show, taking 3rd prize, being beaten by fine examples of Madresfiold Court. Then again, the 3rd prize bunches beat fine bunches of Gros Maroc in the same class. I consider Appley Towers possesses many good qualities, and as it gets better known it will be more extensively culti- vated. It resembles Lady Downes' Seedling, forming one shoulder to the bunch, but is more massive, has larger berries, and the skin is not quite so tough. Tbe berries are of the same shape as Lady Downes, and their flavour is superior to the Black Alicante. It seems to be an excellent keeper, some of the bunches having hung on the Vines for more than three months without shrivelling or deteriorating in flavour ; moreover, the bunch does not Bcald as does Lady Downes. The variety Lady Hutt I have not grown, and cannot therefore speak of its qualities. Chas. Roberts, Halaton, Shropshire, QROS MAROC GRAPE, ETC.--I am, as a Scottish gardener, very much interested in the discussion going on in the columns of the Gardeners' Chronicle in regard to the merits or demerits of Gros Maroc Grape, and I am surprised that this discussion has been so long deferred, especially in face of the decision of the judges at the last September show held in Edinburgh, in placing Gros Maroc before Muscat Hamburgh and Madresfield Court in the class " for any other black Grape," more espe- cially as the latter varieties were shown in splendid condition. I remember distinctly remarking to my friend, Mr. Boyd, who exhibited Muscat Hamburgh how fine they were, and I thought the bunches of Madresfield Court in the same class were perhaps the best of their kind in the show. That was not the only surprise ; there were others in store — real "eye-openers," in the class for ''six bunches in at least three varieties," and in the class for '* four bunches, distinct." In the six-bunch class the judges awarded the 2nd prize to a stand contain- ing four bunches of Alnwick Seedling, one bunch B. Alicante, and one Gro3 Maroc, against other stands having Black Hamburgh, Madresfield Court, Muscat Hamburgh, and Muscat of Alexandria. The same thing occurred in the four-bunch class ; in fact, it would seem that quality was not recognised, as the coarsest and ugliest-shaped bunches of the coarsest varieties were those wbich had the preference. What do northern gardeners think of that ? I noticed at the same show that the judges preferred the flavour of Black Hamburgh Grapes to that of Muscat Hamburgh. Mr. Temple (p. 728 of the last volume) goes on to lament the absence of these fine Grapes, Black Hamburgh, &c, from our exhibition tables of fruit at northern shows, and to say what grand Grapes were exhibited twenty and thirty years ago by the late Mr. Johnston, Meredith, &c. We are all of us perfectly well aware that these men showed grand Grapes in their day, but that fnct is not disputed. Who is to blame for driving out the grand Grapes from our exhibitions if j udges persist in ignoring good Black Hamburgh and Muscats in preference to such uueatable stuff as Alnwick Seedling, Gros Maroc, and Gros Colman, varieties which have nothing to commend them but their appearance. So long as these varieties are preferred and publicly recognised as superior to Black Hamburgh and Muscats, I am afraid the latter will continue to be conspicuous by their absence. David Andn'c, The Gardens, Larbcrt House, Stirlingshire. some very fine varieties,' his motto being that a good plant required no more space and attention than an indifferent one. Cypripediums and Masdevallias were his next specialties, and of these he has left a very fine collection. He was successful in crossing M. macrura with M. tovarensis, which has produced a lovely hybrid, named in his honour Masdevallia Curlei. Unlike many specialists, he had a capital know- ledge of all classes of horticulture, and his whole garden and grounds were an interesting study. He also paid special attention to the culture of fruit-trees, and was well versed in their adaptability for various sorts of soil and temperatures. ©bttuarxn Alexander Curle. — It is with much regret we have to announce the death of Mr. Alexauder Curie, which took place very suddenly on January 5, at his residence at Priorwood, just overlooking the ruins of Melrose Abbey. Over 300 mourners formed the funeral procession. Mr. Curie took a keen interest in all matters pertaining to art, archaeology, agriculture and botany, and he had an observant eye for all things beautiful in Nature — -but it is more in our province to refer to him as a horticulturist. All his life long he loved his garden. About eighteen years ago ho commenced the culture of Orchids with a good general collection. Cattleyaa were his favourites, and he was fortunate in securing Trade Notice. We understand that Mr. W. Burton, well known in the gardening world, has re-entered the nursery busi- ness, and is now engaged with Mr. John Russell, of Hampstead, Brentwood, Richmond, &o. Markets. CO VENT GARDEN, JANUARY 28. Cut Flower. . — Average Wholesale Prices. >. d. i. d. i. d. s. d. Anemone, doz. bun. 3 0-60 Orchids : — Arums, p. 12blooms 3 0-60 Cattleya, 12blms. 6 0-12 0 Bouvardias, perbn. 0 6-09 Odontoglossum Carnations, pr. doz. crispum, 12 bm. 2 0-60 blooms 10-30 Pelargoniums, scar- Chrysanthemums, let, per 12 bun. 6 0-90 doz. bun. 2 0-60 — per 12 sprays... 0 6-09 — doz. blooms 10-30 Poinsettias, 12 bL 4 0-90 Eueharis, per dozen 3 0-60 Pyr -.thrums, 12 bu. 2 0-40 Ilyacinths(Ruman), Roses (French), per doz. sprays 0 6-10 doz. blooms ... 10-20 Lilac, wh. (French), — Tea, perdoz. ... 10-16 per bunoh 3 6-50 — yellow (Mare- Lilium Qarrisi, per ehal), per doz. 6 0-90 5 0-80 — red, per dozen 10-20 Lily of the Valloy, — pink, por doz. 3 0-40 dozen sprays 0 6-10 — Safrano, p. doz. 10-26 Maidenhair Fern, Snowdrops, doz. per 12 bunches ,.. 4 0-80 bunches 1 0--2 0 Marguerites, per 12 Tuberoses, 12 blms. 10-20 bunches 2 0-40 Tulips, per doz. ... 0 6-13 Mignonette, per Violets (Fr.)Parme, doz. bunches ... 4 0-60 per bunch 2 6-36 Mimosa (French), — — Czar.bun. 2 0-30 per bunch 10-10 — — doz. bun. 16-20 Narcissus, various, — (Eng.), per per doz. bunches 16-30 doz. bun. 16-26 Orchid-bloom in variety. Plants in Pots.— Aver. GE Wholesale Prices. .. d. s. d. i. d. f. d. Adiantum, per doz. 4 0-12 0 Ferns, small, doz. ... 10-20 Aspidistras , per doz. 12 0-30 0 — various, doz. 5 0-12 0 — specimen, each 5 0-15 0 Ficus elastics, each 10-76 Azaleas, per doz. ... 24 0-42 0 Foliage plants, per Chrysanthemums, 12 0-36 0 per doz. 6 0-12 0 Genistas, per doz... 9 0-15 0 Cinermas. per doz. 8 0-12 0 Hyacinths, per doz. 6 0-12 0 Cyclamens, perdoz. 12 C-1S 0 Marguerites, p. doz. 8 0-12 0 Dracaenas, each ... 10-76 Palms, various, ea. 2 0-10 0 — various, p. doz. 12 0-24 0 — specimens, ea. 10 6-84 0 -Evergreen Shrubs, Poinsettias, perdoz. 9 0-12 0 in variety, doz.... 6 0-24 0 Solanums, p. doz.... 9 0-12 0 Ericas, per doz. ... 10 0-12 0 Tulips, doz. pots ... 6 0-90 — hyemalis, doz. 10 0-15 0 Fruit.— Average 1 Vholesale Prioes. s. d. t. d. . d. j. d. Apples, Blenheims, Grapes, Gros Col- 6 0-70 mar, 2nd qual., — Wellingtons, per lb 13-16 per sieve ... 7 0-80 — Muscats, Eng- Grapes, Alicante, lish, 1st quality lBt quality, per lb 4 0-50 per lb. .* 1 ti- 2 0 — Muscats, 2nd — Alicante, 2nd qual., p. lb. ... 2 6-86 quality, per lb. 10-12 Nuts,Oob,p.I001b. 55 0-60 0 — Gros Colman, Pine-apples, St. Mi- selected, p. lb. 2 0-26 chael, oatih 3 0-50 Vkqetableb — AVERAfi e Wholesale Prices. j. d. i. d. J. d t. d. Artichokes, Globo, Cucumbers, home- per doz. 3 0-36 grown, soloct, — Chinoso (Sta- por doz. in 0-12 0 chys tuborifora) Mushrooms (Indoor) per lb 0 3 — por lb 0 6- 0 S Beans, French, Potatos, New Kul Channel 1h., noys, Channol 16-10 Islands, per Lb. 0 .5- 0 6 — Madeira Kid- Kiilucy Pottt nev. per bkt. fcos, French p.lb. 0 2-0 2J of 8 to 101b. ... .: i,- l .1 Immi.m1i (Forced), CauUlluwors, St. perdu/.. 13-16 Halo, por do*. I 0- 2 8 Sea Kile, per pun- Caul i now i Choi net, :*i to i lb. huurg, per _ weight 13-li 13-1 9 Tomacbs, Canary la Cauliflowers, Com- lands, pi i wall, pei crate U 0 about 12 lb. 4 0-58 r.. . | ,,.■.. , bBtb ' domand lit- prevailed Hi-' lost lew days. PiVes range quality, L&Tg« pfnekr. s i hand. 84 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 30, 1897. The Weather. [The term "accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre- gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of temperature above or below 42° Fahr. for the period named : and thiB combined result is expressed in Day- degrees — a "Day-degree" signifying 1° continued for twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for an inversely proportional number of hours.] Temperatdrs. Rainfall. Bright Bus. S 5? Si 1 a Accumulated. a Mm | S § IlL s o © r. I ■9" 1 S'J. i Si- jj £3 a ■££ 5tf a lis < ^3 = 3 ill 1 Total FaU since J Percentage of poe tion for tlie Percentage of poe tion Bince Jan Day. Day- Day- Day. lOths deg. deg. deg. deg. Inch. [na. 0 5 - 0 60 - 14 + 14 S - 13 1-0 16 15 1 5 - 0 72 - 20 + 24 2 - 11 10 18 11 2 i - 6 - 0 0 55 74 - 18 - 19 + 1 Oaver 1 - IS 16 1-7 1'8 23 11 12 3 + 1 8 4 6 - 0 76 - 24 + 19 4 - 13 1-6 22 10 5 8 - 0 74 - 22 - 15- 12 11 17 10 6 6 - 0 61 - 24 + 2912 - 1 1-2 36 24 7 6 - 0 57 - 21 + 14 6 - 10 0-7 26 14 8 8 - 0 68 - 23 + 13 8 - 10 1-6 31 19 » 6 - 0 57 - 28 + 37 7 - 10 0-9 30 25 10 7 - 0 50 - 81 + 25 8 - 10 1-9 41 30 * 6 - 0 29 - 20 - 4 5- 1 15 2-0 14 11 The districts indicated by number in the first column are the following : — 0, Scotland N. Principal Wheat- producing Districts — 1, Scotland, E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, E. ; 4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London, 8. Principal Grazing, &c, Districts — 6, Scotland, W. ; 7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, S.W. ; 9, Ireland, N. ; 10, Ireland, S. ; "Channel Islands. Enquiries. " He that questioneth much shall learn, much." — Bacon. Chrysanthemum Sports. — Mr. Henslow, Drayton House, Ealing, London, will be greatly obliged to cultivators of the Chrysanthemum if they will kindly inform him of any sports which they have had during the last two or three seasons, and to state the name of the parent plant as well as the colours of the flowers of both parent and sport ; also to describe any special treatment the parents may have had. If they can suggest any other cause of the sport, he will be glad to know of it. "B. D. R." asks: Is it usual for Magnolia grandiflora to set seeds in this climate out-of-doors ? I have, he says, a large tree against my house (south aspect) which has now a fine seed-pod the size of a pullet's egg, conical in form, and with reflex spines. There is only one such pod, and it is the first that has ap- peared, though the tree has been there for thirty-six years. Is the seed likely to germinate ? I have also had seed-pods of the com non white Jasmine last summer for the second time in thirty years, but on north aspect. For figure of this piant see Gai*dcners Chronicle, January 18, 1896, p. 80. A correspondent, " E. P.," would be greatly obliged if some of our correspondents would tell him whether Cineraria plants have leaves which curl up. He has them in a greenhouse with a night temperature of 45° to 50", and higher by day, with sun-heat and ventilation. Notices to Correspondents. Address ■ Will White Rose kindly furnish his full name and address, not necessarily for publication, bub as a guarantee of his good faith. A White-flowered Cliveia miniata : A. D. White- flowered forms of the species are not common. Beet: N. W. We should suppose that, in selling you Brazilian Beet for ordinary red Beet, a mis- take was made by the shopman, and that the firm of seed-dealers would make you some compen- sation. Of course, it would be necessary for you to prove that the produce was Brazilian. Beet. Books: F. B. 0. The Orchid Album, The Lindenia, Brussels; Cogniau.cs Dictionnairc, IconograpMque des Orchideis. For culture, Williams* Orchid Growers' Manual. — R. TV. H. Newton's Landscape Gardener was published by Hardwicke & Bogue, of Piccadilly. You might meet with this book and Kemp's How to Lay Out a Gardcm, at the second- hand book-shops, at very reasonable prices. Diagrams for Class-work : F. Regan. We think you would obtain these from or through Messrs. Williams & Norgate, booksellers, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Escarolle : J.\0'R. This is a mis-spelling of the Italian word Escariol, or Endivia Escariol, the Broad-leaved or Batavian Endive. Fungus-proof Seed Boxes : R. F. G. Of "soft'' woods the best would probably be Memel or red deal, and of hardwoods Oak, Eucalyptus, Teak. As an aid to preservation the wood might be primed with red-lead paint, and then receive two coats of paint of any desired colour. Galvanised Wires : H. H. R. What the kind of action is that galvanised iron wire exerts on vege- tation when in contact with it is not quite under- stood, but that it is injurious has been many times demonstrated. If the wire be coated with lead paint once or twice, all injury, except that which would be the result of severe pressure, is prevented. Plain iron wire, if coated with boiled liuseed-oil, preserves it from rust for a time. Jerusalem Cherry : O. X. We believe the name is sometimes applied to Solanum pseudocapsicum, but it is not very appropriate, seeing that the plant has nothing to do either with Cherries or with Jerusalem ! Names of Fruits: E. H. B. 1, Golden Pearmain ; 2, Mere de Menage. — C. Cundy. Mabbot's Pear- main. — J. Harris. Fruit much bruised — not recognised. — H. J. A., Fordham. Round Winter Nonsuch. Names of Plants : Correspondents not answered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number. — R. S. Bletia hyacinthina. — C. S. cb Co., Limited. Chick Pea, Cicer arietinum ; Casa blanca is probably not a Pea at all, but a bulblet of Ornithogalum. — Newchurch. Lselia anceps Sanderiana. — S. S. Lycaste macrobu'ibon, illustrated Bot. Mag., t. 4228, as Maxillaria macro- bulbon. — Novice. The spiny crest of your very handsome spotted Odontoglossum seems to indi- cate some traces of hybrid origin, but it approaches O. crispum much nearer than O. x Wilckeanum usually does. The white one is O. crispum, and the other O. luteo-purpureum, which two crossed would give O. x Wilckeanum. — IF. A'. The varie- ties of Cattleya Trianaji sent are very indifferent. They may be better another year, but never good. E. James. 1, Panax fructicosa ; 2, P. laciniata. — E. S , Jersey. Probably Anagallis tenella, but we cannot be sure without flowers. — R. C. W. It appears to be Lrelia anceps Williamsii. Orchard Land in Devon : Devonian. We should not advise you to plant Apple trees on the crab, or Pears on the wilding Pear on the shallow black loam overlying blue clay, as such trees would at the best be short lived, and the first-named would very probably get badly cankered when the roots reached the clay. It would answer for small fruits of all kinds, Plums as bushes or standards, and Pears and Apples on dwarfing stocks. Good drainage in any would be necessary over the whole area, including the land that was once an orchard, and was drained forty years ago. The drains should go below, or into the clay. The 3-acre field of red loam seems to be even less likely to carry fruit-trees for any great length of time. It would be well before deciding to rent this piece to inspect some orchards planted on a similar fonnation in the neighbourhood. In any case, it would grow bush-fruit, Strawberries, and Plums, and Apples, *and Pears, on dwarfing stocks, and no drainage would be necessary, the gravel being immediately under the surface-soil. The northern aspect of much of the land would be an advantage in delaying the opening of the flowers of the fruit-treeB. Pancratiums and Amaryllis : C. B. W. We can- not find space in this column for full instructions. You should consult back volumes of the Gardeners1 Chronicle, in which, within recent years, numerous articles on both subjects, especially the latter, have appeared. Poplars : N. C. In answer to your question, wo give you the very latest information, taken from Britton's and .Brown's Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States, &c, the first volume of which reached us on the same day as your ques- tion. The following table gives the American species. The Carolina Poplar is the last on the list, and is most generally known as P. monilifera, which name you will find it most convenient to retain, but deltoides is, it appears, an earlier name : — ' Petioles terete or channeled, scarcely or not at all flattened laterally. (Poplars.) Leaves persistently and densely white, tomentose be- neath i. P. alba. Leaves glabrous, or very nearly so when mature, crenulate. Foliage strictly glabrous (except ra P. balsamifera var. can- dicanst; capsule very short pedicelled. Leaves broadly ^ ovate, rounded or cordate at the base 2. P. balsamifera. Leaves lanceolate or ovate -lanceolate, mostly narrowed at the base. Leaves acute, short-petioled ... 3. P. angustifolia. Leaves acuminate, long-petioled ... 4. P. acuminata. Foliage densely tomentose when young; capsules slender- pedicellcd 5. P. heterophylla. ** Petioles strongly flattened laterally. (Aspens.) Leaves coarsely undulate-dentate ... 6. P. grandidentata. Leaves crenulate-denticulate. Leaves ovate or suborbicular, short-pointed. 7. P. tremuloides. Leaves broadly deltoid, abruptly acuminate. Leaves obtuse at the base ; capsules nearly sessile. S. P. nigra. Leaves truncate at the base ; capsules slender-pedi- celled 9. P. deltoides. Potato Disease : P. J. C. Many thanks for your reference. (Ve do not think it has been proved that the bacteria of the wet-rot have anything to do with the Phy tophthora. Assertion is not evidence. To Kill Hypoch^eris radicata : E. M. Use rich mineral manures, such as sulphate of ammonia, superphosphate of lime, and the like ; these, if applied for a few years, will cause the grasses to grow so densely as to smother out the weed. Vallota purpurea : R. F. G. Pot the bulbs singly in 48's, or five in a large 32. If the bulbs are received when resting, do not let them remain out of the soil longer than can be helped, but pot them firmly in a mixture of two-thirds fibrous- loam, one-third leaf-mould, and sand in sufficient quantity to ensure the passage of water. Let the "drainage be good, but do not let it occupy much space. As repotting should not be done frequently, it is advisable to mix charcoal in pieces of the size of a Hazel Nut in the soil, and put a layer of it over the crocks. Th« Vallota is a green- house bulb, whose leaves are evergreen, unless the bulbs are too severely dried off in tho renting period, i.e., the winter seaeon. In this respect it resembles the evergreen varieties of Hippeastrum, and like them it is well to rest it in a bed of spent tan, which prevents all overdrying-off. In the spring, when growth commences naturally, bulbs which have been less than three years in their pots should have their drainage examined, and put right if found to be defective ; have the soil knocked off the upper part of the balls, and be re- potted with some fresh soil on the top in the same sized pot— clean ones, not the pots out of which they came. After affording the plants water to moisten the ball throughout, stand them on a shelf in the warmer part of the greenhouse, or in a cold pit from which frost is excluded. Ordinary attention suffices in the summer, indeed, the plant does best — after the middle of June — in the open air. A very nice effect is produced by planting a dozen bulbs of flowering size in a deep pan, 12 to 14 inches in diameter. There are several varieties, all more or less pretty. Worms : L. Schmitt. You might apply clear lime water to the land, and afterwards gather up the many worms that this will drive to the surface. Encourage the birds, and keep ducks in the garden ; trench, leaving the ground in a rough state. Try liming, for it may be clogged with half- decayed vegetable matter, which favours the increase of i Communications Bkoeivbd.— A. W. Y.— II. C. P.— E. H. J. — H. H. R.— J. D.— H. M.— Cross & Cross.— R. D.— C. W. —A. P.— E. M.— J. II. W.— A. J. K.— A. J). W.-J. Ander- son.—J. H. C. S.— W. G. S.- Pomona.— Litu Member.— F.S. (next week).— N. E. B.-G. Hunter.— R. Sheffield.— E. C— E. We b&Sons —IX, Bois Saint Mande.— Attwood & Co.— A. E. G.— F. B. G.— L. V. de L.-T. A.— J. II - F. W. B.— J. B., Utrecht.— Street & Co.— E. S.— R. M, Boston, U.S.A. (We do not consider Americans as "foreigners.")— W. E. B, Grenada.— J.— D. T. F.— J. O'B. — C. R.— C. H.-W. H. W.-A. D— D. R W.— G. W.— M. T.— A. H.— W. H. White —J. J. W.— J. G. B.— E. W. G. —A. C. F.— T. C— H. H. D'OmbraiD. February 6, 1897.] THE GABDENEBS' CHRONICLE. 85 THE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1897. THE SUEVIVAL OF THE UNLIKE* {Concluded from p. 70 ) A PTER a consideration of Weismaim's -^*- theories, Professor Bailey discusses the causes of variation under cultivation. There is primarily an excess of food-supply. "In short, the whole philosophy of the ameliora- tion of plants rests upon excess of food-supply." "Secondly, it is a change of climate, and just as in nature special clirnatal conditions give rise to a peculiar facies to the plants within them, so " the same process of adaptation begins with domesticated plan Is the moment man takes them to climates of different kinds." These remarks lead the author to make some very pertinent observations upon testiug ; for if a plant be wanted in different districts with unlike soils and climates, the "best testod" may utterly fail in certain regions though it flourish well enough elsewhere — as Mr. Bailey found with Strawberries only 3 miles distant ! The fact is, that " each cultivator must test for himself, as he is the only person capable of knowing what varieties are best suited to the conditions of his land." Two essays are devoted to insects and fungi, and the author points out that the great increase of these among cultivated plants is duo to their finding such an abundance of host-material in cultivated areas compared to their restricted supply in nature, so that while man increases his crops, he unavoidably multiplies his enemies. With regard to weeds, he points out the great importance of a rotation of crops as the best antidote; that the great spread.of such a weed as Salsola Kali is due to a neglect of this funda- mental principle of agriculture. The areas infested with this noxious weed is subjected to a continual cropping of Wheat, which allows the Salsola to grow ; whereas it would be quite driven away by grasses. In an essay on receut progress in American horticulture, the author gives very interesting details and statistics on the cultivation of Apples and Plums. These bring out the result that since they were first introduced from Europe the percentage of American forms has steadily risen, while that of the foreigners has declined. This proves how new and improved races have arisen, better adapted to the American soils and climates, affording more valuable fruit, so that the originally imported kinds cease to be cul- tivated. Besidos this foreign source, large numbers of native wild plants are now culti- vated, e.g., there are 200 varieties of native Plums. New species of Grape are now coming into cultivation. "No less than 185 species of native plants for fruit or ornament wero intro- duced into commerce last year." The author begins the eleventh essay on the ByL. H. Bailey (New Yoik: lue MaciuiUunUo., 1 national history of synonyms with the questions, " Is it possible for the same variety to originate twice ? or is every new seedling a distinct variety ? . . . . Synonyms arise in three ways — by the bringing together of like plants of dis- tinct origin, by the divergence or modifications of plants of like origin, and by the simple prac- tice of re-naming The first two classes .... are not only unavoidable, but they may serve distinctly useful purposes. ... As a rule, the more synonyms a plant has, the greater are the assurances that it will thrive over a wide range of country, and in many diverse con- ditions ; and in like manner, varieties which belong to well-marked tribes or families usually have the strongest or most virile characters." Mr. Bailey gives an amusing result of his attempt to simplify the nomenclature of Tomatos by reducing (by 50 per cent.) the numerous vaiieties to a few well-marked types. ' ' But when I asked an experienced gardener for his opinion of the reduction, he remarked : ' Excellent ! you have put similar kinds together, and I have ordered all the kinds which you refer to the Paragon !'.... So my effort, instead of lessen- ing the number of varieties simply emphasized the value or characters of those which I had regarded as synonyms ! " Henoe issues a valuable result : that if a grower finds one of a type to succeed well with him, the probability is that other sub-varieties of the same type will also do so, as they will possess more or less the same constitution. Essay No. 14 is on " Variation after Birth." As this has already been treated of in the Gardeners' Chronicle,* it need only be observed, that while Darwin's theory supposes that indi- viduals are different when germinating, so that natural selection weeds out the unfit, "most plants start equal, but eventually come un- equal." Indeed, it is obvious that the characters by which species are known are often not deve- loped at all until the seedling has grown to maturity, as they may depend upon the flowers and fruits; i.e., long after the period when natural selection is supposed to act. Essay No. 15 is headed " A Poinological Alliause," and is " a sketch of the relationship between American and Eastern Asiatic fruits." The author discussos the well-known fact that the flora of the Eastern States of North America is more nearly akin to the Japanese than that of the Pacific side. This is seen in allied species of plants and trees growing naturally in the two countries. Horticulture corroborates this, in that the Japanese Plum does better than the European. He concludes with a list of twenty- two Europo-Asian fruits, and twenty-one of Eastern Asian origin now cultivated in the United States. In the sixteenth essay on horticultural geography, tho author returns to the important question of studying tho adaptability of varie- ties to geographical and local conditions. Of course, these are more pronouncedly different in a large country like North America than in England, yot we have quito sufficient variation of soil and climate iu the British Isles to mako this a moro important matter for the con- sideration of horticulturists here, than perhaps at tho presont time obtains. Much disappoint- ment may arise by tho "promiscuous distri- buting of varieties over great areas. ... I believe that the days of the nursery business, which aims to feed tho whole country, are numbered. Separate nurseries for widely dif- ferent localities will be nocessary, and climato and environment must force the nurseries into • flay 3, 1890', i' 678, nearly as narrow limits as the adaptability of the stock which they grow." This suggests the idea of testing plants at Chiswick in very different artificially-made borders, by mixing clay, lime and sand, in unequal proportions, each of the three ingredients largely prepon- derating over the other two in the three borders, respectively. Essay No. 20 discusses the old question — Do cultivated races die out ? , Prom a circular sent out on Apple-trees, the general reply was, that they are shorter-lived now than formerly ; but when ono investigates the supposed causes, they are reduced to eight, viz., a change of climate, a greater abundance of insects, also of fungi, high cultivation, a lack of adaptation, neglect, and bad methods of propagation and of pruning. Mr. Bailey refutes most of these, and concludes by saying; — "The chief par- ticular causes appear to be lack of adaptability of varieties to regions and conditions, climates unfitted to the best development of the species, and lack of fertility of soil." Part III. commences with the twenty-fifth essay, " Whence came the cultivated Straw- berry ? " The next two are called "The Battle of the Plums," and " The Evolution of American Grapes," and are of more interest to Americans than Europeans ; while the twenty- eighth is devoted to the Carnation, and the twenty-ninth to the Petunia. The hybrid origin of existing forms of this last is well known ; though he is not aware of a fact which was told the present writer by one of our most eminent florists, that the double form was unknown until it appeared suddenly both on the Continent and in England iu the same season. The last and thirtieth essay is devoted to the amelioration of the garden Tomato. This has proved to be a most variable plant. The study of all the forms of the larger sorts leads to the Cherry Tomato as the origin (Lycopersicum cerasiforme), and as five-sixths have red fruits, this was probably the original colour. Then follows an interesting history of the " Trophy," the result of twonty-four years crossing and careful selection. Tho Tomato, therefore, affords one of the best examples of wide differentiation into varioties from a single species ; as the other true species (L. pimpinelliforme), or Currant-Tomato, appears to have had nothing to do with it. Taking the book as a whole, it is a valuable contribution to tho literature of the evolution of plants, for it is by one trained, not only in practical horticulture, but to look at plant evolution under the hands of a gardener, from a philosophical point of view. Although the author still says he accepts natural selection, yet when ho describes all he sees going on around him, he (as it seems to us) practi- cally ignores it as a necessary means in tho origin of variotios, races, and species. George llenshw. Orchid Notes and Gleanings. BULBOPH YLLUM COMOStTM. Tuis curious species has beeu sent to vis for uleu- tificatiou by several of our correspondents. The specios is found in Eastern Burma, aud on the Shan Hills (alt., (3000 feet), and to the recent importations from these hills its more frequent appearance lately is duo. Tho stout ascending scapes are furnished at the top with drooping racemes of closely-set, small white flowers, each measuring about half all iueh in length, and covered with short hairliko processes, the whole head having resemblance to a bottlo- 86 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, [February 6, 1897. brush. It belongs to the deciduous section, the members of which require to be dried off for a time after the leaves fade, and which include B. hirtum and B, auricomum. A peculiarity of this section of Bulbophyllum is that the entire plant, leaves (especially when drying-offor dried) and flowers, have a delicate but strong odour of new-mown hay. Odontoglossum Halli leucoqlossum. Odontoglossum Halli, which is called by some persons the grandest of the Ecuadorean Odontoglos- sums, may primarily be divided into two distinct bectiona, viz., that with the ground colour of the labellum yellow, with brown blotches, and that with a white lip, more or less spotted with chestnut- brown, the latter being usually called 0. H. leuco- glossum. Both sections are liable to much variation, probably, to a great extent, in consequence of its rather wide range of distribution in the Andes of Ecuador, and hence what are known as good or bad varieties frequently appear in every importation of the plants. A fine example is at the present time flowering in the gardens of Joseph Broome, Esq., Sunny Hill, Llandudno, who has kindly sent a bloom of it. The sepals, which are more than 4 inches across, are of a bright yellow colour, covered with large, irre- gularly shaped, red-brown blotches ; the broader petals are likewise of a bright yellow colour, and furnished with numerous, small, oblong-shaped red- brown blotches ; and the recurved tips of each seg- ment are yellow. The white lip is more than 1 \ inch broad, fringed at the margin, and decorated with chestnut-coloured spots, and the middle area of the lip has several large blotches of the same colour. The conspicuous crest is of yellow and white, marked with red lines. It is a handsome variety, and resem- bles, in almost every respect, the flower of 0. Halli Lindeni, illustrated in Lindenia, voL iv., p. 83. Orohids at New Hall Hey. By the kindness of G. W. Law Schofield, Esq., New Hall Hey, I had recently the privilege of care- fully inspecting his fine collection of Orchids. The houses are full of healthy plants, including many rare and very fine species. The first range, in three divi- sions, is span-roofed, with ^sunken paths; and in the first two divisions are some finely-grown Ccelo- gynes, L?elia anceps, L. a. var. Hardyana, L. a. var. Schrodeno, L. a. alba, L. a. Dawsoni, L. a. Sander- iana, &c, in flower ; also, the beautiful and rare pure white Pleione maculata alba, and many other species. The third division is filled with Cypripediums, and amongst these are some choice crosses. In flower were Bueh plants as C. insigne Sandene, C. Charles Hickman >: , with three fine flower-spikes ; C. Ley- senianum x , C. Arthurianum x , C. vexillarium super- bum x , C.Ceres x ,C.Calypso x ,C.Lathamianumgigan- teum x , C. Leeanum in great variety, including the best forms of C. Leeanum superbum x , C. L. Masereel- ianum x , and C. L. giganteum x . In this division seedling Cypripediums are ger- minating, and growing luxuriantly. The second range of houses is also span-roofed, and in two divisions, one of which is devoted to the culture of Dendrobiums, but has become so over-orowded, that Mr. Schofield has had to devote an extra house to these plants. We noticed Dendrobium illuBtre x , D. Venus x , D. Schroderianum x , D. Aspasia x , D. Cybelex, D. melanodiscus x , D. Juno, D. Rain- bow, D. Luna, D. The Pearl, in dozens or half- dozens. There are also some fine specimens of D. nobile nobilius, D. nobile giganteum, D. nobile Ainesf , D. nobile Cooksoni, D. Wardianum album, &c. The other division is devoted to Cattleyas and LEelias, including many fine hybrids. The whole of this collection is well grown, and great credit is due to Mr. Schofield's head-gardener, Mr. E. Shill. A. J. K. which is a plant that should be grown in every stove. It would make an excellent plant for the dinner- table, or for exhibition. It is of slender growth, the Btem measuring in diameter from a quarter to half an inch ; the leaves are about 1 foot in length, and 6 inches in width at the widest portion, with their margins beautifully ciliated ; the petioles are about 2 inches long, bearing a few small hooked spines, and sheathing at their base. When about IS inches in height, it throws out from near the top of the sheath a very slender growth, as shown to the left of our illustration, which is covered with numerous squall hooked spines to aid the plant in climbing. The accompanying woodcut (fig. 23) illustrates these CALAMUS CILIAEIS. Therr are in cultivation species belonging to this genus which possess much beauty ; but perhaps the inost beautiful and useful of them all, from a deco- rative point of view, is the subject of this note, better be cut off, as they are liable to hang on to anything with which they come into contact. The plant is a native of India, and was introduced in 1869. W. Harrow, Sliefficld, American Notes. [From our Special Correspondent.] DEATH OF WILLIAM ELLIOTT. William Elliott of Dey Street, New York, U.S.A., senior member of the firm of Wm. Elliott & Sons, died at his home on January 16. To those cf the Fig. 23. — calamus ciliaris. climbers, also two flowering-spikes to the right upon the plant. The plant represented was from 5 to 6 feet ii height, and grows in one of the plant-stoves in these gardens. It is easily progagated from offsets which are pro- duced Bouiewhat freely from about the base of the plant. They should be detached when 4 or 5 inches in length, as when about that size they are almost certain to have a few roots upon them. These little onsets should be potted into small pots in a mixture of equal parts of loam, leaf soil, and sand, and be put into a close case in a warm-house ; no bottom-heat being necessary in the case where, if rationally treated, they soon push their roots into the soil. When used for dinner- table decoration, the climbing tails had English trade who had dealings with us, the name of William Elliott has been familar for years, and with him passes away the last of the old school of New York seedsmen ; as an auctioneer perhaps he will be best remembered by some, having been engaged in that line of business since 1858, when he entered into partnership with I. J. Young. William Elliott was born at Crailling, Jedburgh, Scotland, on October 10, 1824; his father aud grandfather having been gardeners, he was brought up to the same profession, being apprenticed at the Earl of Minto's gardens, near his birthplace. H6 was subsequently in the gar- dens of SirE. Trevelyan at Wallington Nail, and later at Ripley Castle, Yorkshire. Coming to Loudon he entered the well-known nurseries of -T. & C. Lee at February G, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 87 Hammersmith, and the writer has often anil again heard him repeat his experience there, and how he went to the Chiswiek Gardens for his firm. After an unsuccessful attempt as a wholesale fruit sales- man in Edinburgh, Elliott turned agaiu to garden- ing at Sawley Hall, Ripou, Yorkshire, and later went to Liverpool to the Skirvings' Nurseries. On the persuasion of his friend, Kerr, he sailed for the United States in 1851, and was variously gardener, florist, and market gardener near New York. In this last essay he lost what money ho had, and turned to A Scarcity of Orchids. In the very nature of things, when one considers the facts that Orchids are of such slow growth, aud that they have been gathered by the ship-load to satisfy the cravings of the orchidophiles of the tem- perate climes, I say, in the very nature of things, the end must come. The forests which contain the gems are not unlimited, aud unless new, untried districts be opened up, a halt must be called to this greed of collecting. A letter lately received from the collector, J. 10. Lager, who is at present in the U. S. FlO. 24. — MYMOCARrA LONGIPES : WITH rENDULOUS RACEMES OF SMALL GIJEENISU FLOWERS. a direct charge against the tactics of some European firms, whom lie charges with " over-zeal " in this wise : — "Men are sent out with instructions to remain in oue place three or four years, or even more, the con- sequence of which is that the owners of the forests simply, and very naturally, think there are millions to be made in the business, and prohibit the extrac- tion of the plants unless the collector is willing to pay tribute." All this in reference to Odontoglossum crispum. Cattleya chocoensis is still plentiful, but becomiug rare as the forests are cleared for pasture ; Cattleya Mendeli is fast disappearing. Cattleya Schrodenc is comparatively abundant, but its extraction is expen- sive. The letter which appears in full in American Gardening, for January 23, closes with the following pertinent remark : "The day is not far off when these beautiful plants will be extinct." I have quoted freely from the communication referred to, as it seems to contain matter worthy of serious attention by plant-lovers everywhere, aud it would be well that prominence be given to the caution. It is not often that we are able to place before the public the actual thoughts of these iutrepid men, who carry their lives in their hands the while they are huuting out treasures for our greenhouses and stoves. The Tariff Question. Politics canuot be kept out of horticulture in the United States of America, and on certain questions of '■ tariff" there are many disunited conditions. Presidentelect, Win. McKinley, is well known as a protectionist, so all the trades well loaded up with imported stock are seeking to be able to place goods on the market next sea on with the guarantee of protection from the foreigner. "Whether this be dealing in Palms, Azaleas, fruit-tree stocks, Roses, or what not, a high tariff is being agitated for by nearly all sections, and the prospects are that a high tariff will rule. Canada as a farmer, but quickly changed his mind ; and after being about New York for a time, entered the seed business in 1854. The firm of Young k Elliott, seedsmen and horticultural auctioneers, was well known in England till 188!), when, owing to the death of the senior partner, Elliott took into the concern his two sons, by whom the business will be carried on. The career of William Elliott has been full of incident, and nothing pleased the old gentle- man more than to recount to thoBe who were from " over the water " something of what he had seen in an eventful life. A Scot to the backbone, he was a trusty friend,ra severe and caustic critic, but withal ever ready with a kindly word. of Columbia, strikes the alarm-chord. "Five years ago," ho writes, " I myself thought that the regions where Cattleya Triamci occurs, and also that of C. gigas, wcro inexhaustible. . . . Now, in the very best districts, the plants are very much retired, causing heavy expenditure to extract, them. Freights have increased 1 00 per cent." This last item is accounted for by the scarcity of beastB, who do the hauliug, because they are used up in the largely-growing Coll'ee industry ; moreover, this Coffee industry is extending at the expense of the Orchid-forests, " for it happens that the Coll'ee regiou is exactly the I Irchid region." Mr. Lager, whose bona fides none will[doubt, makes M YIUOC ARPA LONGIPES. The accompanying illustration (fig. 24) a very remarkable and peculiar plaut which flowered in the Victoria regia-house of the Sheffield Botanical and Horticultural Society's garden during the summer of last year. The flowers are small, and are arranged upon the long racemes which extend to the bottom of the pot as seen in the illustration. These ribbon- like racemes were nearly fl feet in length : when young, they are of a whitish or cream colour, changing to a shade of green as they become old, hundreds of minute flowers being arranged on the racemes. The foliage is large aud orna- mental, the blade of the leaf measuring from 18 to 20 inches in length, and from U to 12 inches in width at the widest part ; and the margin of the leaf is serrated. Their colour is a light green, with parts of a dull, silvery hue. Tho petioles are about C inches long. Cuttings of the plant strike without much difficulty in a warm propagat in"-case, if a slight amount of bottom-beat be afforded ; aud plants cau be grown in one year to the size of that shown in the illustration fr.au cuttings. The plant belongs to the natural order Urticacre, and is a native of North and South Tropical America. William //arrow, Sheffield. CE \ T.EGUS. In common with most hardy trees and shrubs, the Thorns fruited last year with wonderful freedom. It is some years siuco their autumnal beauty has been so great. The respective merits of the different species have, in consequence, been clearly shown, and the present time seems suitable for discussing the genus ; more cfpecially as there appears to bo a good deal of confusion in gardens as to the identity of many of the species. Loudon, fifty to sixty years ago, reviewed the genus fully, and his work has retained much of its value, a large proportion of the species being then well known under names thej Btill retain. Lindley, too, paid special attentiou to tho THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 6, 1897. Thorns, and figured many of them in the Botanical Register— n work that is well worth consulting in con- nection with the genua. At quite a reccut date the American species have been described by Professor Sargent, and admirably figured in the Silva of North, America. But no easily-accessible descriptive account of the whole genus has been published in the English language for a long time. It seems, there- fore, worth while to bring together a few notes on all the species worth growing ; and there are very few of which so muoh cannot be said. The names here used are those adopted at Kew, the collection there being probably the most complete in species and varieties, as well as the most correctly named in existence. Crataegus is a genus confined to the northern half of the globe, and is in number of types most abun- dantly represented in North America. Another well- defined group (of which C. Azarolus may be taken as the type), comes from the Orient. The remainder are scattered over Europe and North Asia, and two or three species reach North Africa. The most widely-spread of all the Thorns is C. Oxyacantha the Common Hawthorn, which occurs wild in all the three continents of the Old World. In botanical rela- tionship they come nearest to the Medlars (Mespilus) — indeed, the tree known as Mespilus grandiflora or M. Smithi is surmised to be a natural hybrid between the two genera. They are all trees of bushy or rounded habit, varying from a few feet to 30 feet in height ; for the most part, however, ranging between 10 and 20 feet. The flowers are white, or nearly so, and are generally fragrant, although the fragrance is not invariably agreeable. It is not necessary to say much in regard to their cultivation. They all like a free open soil of good depth, which should be of at least moderate richness. All of them, no doubt, are more healthy and longer lived when raised from seeds ; but owing to the length of time seedlings require to reach the flowering age, they are very frequently budded standard high on the common Hawthorn. This method of propagation does not appear, in the case of the Thorns, to have the marked dis- advantages that can so frequently be noted in con- nectiou with hardy trees and shrubs that have been grafted or budded. The numerous varieties of C. Oxyacantha are almost necessarily increased in this way. The comparatively small size of the Thorns, as trees, renders them especially well adapted for gardens of limited extent ; and their two seasons of beauty — in flower and in fruit — give them a special claim to the notice of planters. The followiug is a list of the species here dealt with : — Old World. C. Azarolus (syn. C. Aronia). C. heterophylla. C. melanocarpa (syn. C. Oliveriaua). C. nigra (syn. C. Lambertiana). C. orientalis (syns. C. odoratissima, 0. sanguinea). C. Oxyacantha (combining C. inouogyua and C. oxyacanthoides. C. pionatifida. C. p. var. major {syus. C. califurnica, C. Layi, C. Korolkowi, C. chinensis, C. tartarica). C. Pyracantha. C. sauguinea. C. sinaica (syn. C. maroccaua). C. tanacetifolia. New World. C. Carrierei (syn. C. Lavallei), probably a hybrid. C. coccinea (syn. C. rotaudifolia). C. c. macracantha (syn. C. rnacraeantha). C- cordata. C. Cms galli. C. Douglasii. C. flava. C. mollis (syn. C. coccinei var. mollis). C. punctata (syn. C. tomeutosa var. punctata), C. spatulata (syn. C. rnicrocarpi). C. tomentosa. C. uniflora (syn. C. parrifolia). C. viridis (syn. C. arborescens). The Old Would Species. C. Azarolus. —A. species of great beauty, of much the same character as, and nearly allied to, C. tanace- tifolia and 0. orientalis, and like them, a native of the Orient. The leaves are very deeply cut into five or seven somewhat rectangular kibes, aud are of a greyish-green colour, the mature leaves being nearly or quite glabrous above, but pubescent beneath. The flowers are white and showy, appearing in May and June. The fruits are | to 1 inch across, globose, and vary iu colour from orange yellow to scarlet. This is a small tree 10 to 15 feet high, and is a most desirable species. The Crataegus figured by Liudley in the Botanical Register, t. 1897, as C. Aronia is now con- sidered to be a yellow-fruited form of C. Azarolus. The species is cultivated in southern Europe for its edible fruits, which show great variation iu size and colour. C. heterophylla. — An interesting Thorn, and dis- tinct, on account of its variously shaped loaves, some of which are narrow-oblong, rouuded or pointed at the apex, and almost or quite entire. Others are larger, rhomboid in general outline, but cut into deep, pointed teeth. The small, entire leaves are charac- teristic of the fruiting brauches ; the larger, deeply- toothed ones appear on strong sucker-shoots, and have at the base a pair of large, curving, tootlied stipules ; there are, however, plouty of leaves inter- mediate between these two kinds. The fruit is ripe towards the eud of September, and is of a bright rich red, ovoid, and about § inch long, the calyx-lobe* being triangular and pointed. The species is a native probably of south eastern Europe or the Orieut. It has been suggested that it is a hybrid between the oue- styled variety of the common Hawthorn (monogyua), aud one of the Azarolus group. It is a small tree of somewhat erect growth, aud produces its abuudant white flowers iu May. C. melanocarpa (C. Oliveriaua). — Both by Liudon and Lindley this Thoru was considered to be a variety of C. Oxyacantha ; the latter figured it iu the Botanical Register, t. 1933, as C. Oxyacantha var. Oliveriana. The leaf is of much the same shape as that of the common Hawthorn, but is downy on both sides, especially beneath, and of a greyish colour. The young wood also is downy. The fruits are very plentiful, and about the size of common haws, but are black, and covered with short hairs ; they are ripe in September. This is a distinct looking small tree, a native of the Caucasus. C. nigra. — A haudcome species, which is a native of Hungary. Its wood is covered with a dark grey tomentum ; and the spines, which aro not very abun- dant, are stout aud straight, and under half-an-inch in length. The leaves are very downy beneath, especially on the veins aud midrib, and have a well defined petiole ; the blade is 2 to \ inches long, broadly ovate, lobed, and coarsely toothed. At the base of the petiole there are two somewhat siokle- shaped, deeply-toothed stipules. The flowers appear at the begiuning of May, and are white, but turn a purplish shado with age. The fruit ripens early, and is black, and about the size and shape of a Black Curraut. C. nigra is a round-headed tree, 15 to 20 feet high, and was introduced in 1819. C orientalis. — A species having much the same appearance as C. tanacetifolia, but easily distinguished from it by the absence of mossy bracts at tho base of tho fruit. The leaves are U to 2 inches long, very downy (as is also the young wood), and lobed almost to the midrib, each lobe having several coarse teeth at the top. The stipules are large, curved, and deeply toothed. The white flowers are borne towards the end of May. The fruits, which become ripe in September, are slightly flattened like au orange, and measure about three-quarters of an inch in thickness ; they are covered with pubescence, and the colour is either bright yellowish-red or dark dull red, accord- ing to the variety. Liudley figured the dark red- fruited one as C. orientalis {Botanical Reg inter, t. 1S52), but it is better distinguished as var. san- guine;i. Subsequently, and in the same publication (t. 1885), he figured the yellower fruited variety as C. odoratissima, which may now stand as the varietal name. The branches sometimes terminate in a spine, otherwise they are nearly unarmed. The species was introduced from the Levant in 1810, and is a small spreading tree 15 to 20 feet high. W. J. Bean. (To be continued). PLANT PORTRAITS. Begonia Martiana, Garden, Dec. 12. Cattleva x Masbiliensis. A cross by At. Maron between Cattleya Trianan (probably) and U. Dowiana aurea. Seg- ments narrow, spreading; anterior lobe and lip undulate with a. criinsuii Mutch ; throat, yellow line J. Revue Uovticole, January 1. Colonial Notes. THE NEGLECT OF NATIVE PLANTS BY COLONISTS. Your editorial headed " Colonial Horticulture " in tin Gardeners' Chronicle of November 28, 1896, deserves the fullest sympathy from all of us who are connected with the horticulture and botany of the British West Indies. Our several botauioal gardens could do much in cultivating and furthering the improvement of our wild plants of horticultural merit ; and much creditable work in this direction is doubtless often done. It seem? the same with us in this part of the world as it is, or was, in Australia. Intense enthusiasm is shown by colonists, even by those who have never visited Europe or America, over Chrysauthemum-s and the like ; but little notice is taken of indigenous floral beauties growing at our very door. This retards in a great measure the culti- vation and improvement of the beautiful forma of vegetation. These remarks I make are founded on personal experience aud observation. Eui'ATOUIUM OHORATUM, L. At the present moment, the hedges aud open places round about Grenada are oue mass of flowers aud bursting buds of this plaut. Their Lilac-coloured flowers are the predominating feature among the flowering plants here at the time of writing, especially on the low levels near the sea. In shady positions the plants grow into a half-climber, climbing about among the nearest shrubs. It is, of course, au old favourite at home in hot-houses, for I saw it men- tioned quite recently in the Gardeners' Chronicle a.% being one among a selection of plants at an exhibi- tion ; aud 1 knew it well in tho Old Country many years before I saw the plaut growing iu its native wilds. It is locally called the "Christmas Bush.'1 W. E. Broadway, Grenada, B.W.I., January 7. Vegetables. BUNYARD'S EARLIEST DWARF PEA. This is a variety that I have grown for some years, aud so far il has always proved very hardy, producing heavy crops of good-flavoured Peas. Its height is about 2.\ feet, and the pods contain usually from eight to ten seeds. For the earliest crop, I sow the seed on trenched ground, making tho seed-drills firm at the bottom, believing that by so doing I get the plauts to grow more sturdily, and withstand frosts well. For several years I have been a great advocate for using trenches in Pea culture, especially for tin* mid-season sowings, and placing at the bottom a thick layer of manure. Usually with this kind of treatment the crops are good ; still, I have my doubts whether in a very dry season the crops are as good as would be the case if there were less manure used, and the soil made firmer. As a rule, I hud tho haulm is inclined to be too rank and tappy, with the result that the flowers do not set as well as when the stems are of moderate strength. Telephone makes a good secoud early, but I have not succeeded with it for later use, excepting for the vory latest supply— when I have had it, indeed, very good. La>t year, although a bad year for Peas, Goldliuder and Ne Plus Ultra did very well, but the best to withstand the drought were Champion of England and J. Maclean, both old, well- tried varieties. I intend to sob* Peas on a much firmer, deeply-worked, rich soil. H. Markham. February 6, 1S97 ] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 89 CiUMFLOWEK AND EARLY BROCCOLr. lb is not often lhat we are favoured with mild weather, aB was the case this year up till January 16, for up to that date there had scarcely been sufficient frost to check the growth of either lato Cauliflowers or early Broccolis, s> that we were enabled to keep up a continuous supply to the kitchen from the open ground till real winterly weather set in. Last Bummer, as most gardeners wi'l well remember, was not the most favourable for establishing young plants of these, especially the period between June and the end of August. May was a very dry month, and growth was consequently slow, and though June was showery, there was not sufficient raiu to thoroughly moisten the ground, particularly where it had been recently turned up and exposed to the weather. Thore is a vast difference in the working of soils, and gardeners have to mike themselves acquainted with this if they would work in a profitable manner ; and as the preparing of the ground for each crop adds much to the success or failure of the same, the plants should never be allowed to touch each other even in the seed bed. One great failing is, that seed for various reasons does not cover sufficient ground, sometimes on account of want of space, at others through carelessness in sowing. To keep up a continuous supply, it is not so much the quantity sown at one time as the using of the proper varieties to succeed tach other. There are now a number of varieties of autumn and winter Broccoli that will resist a certain degree of cold, on account of their close, compact hearts, aud the leaves folding over close together. Snow's was formerly considered to be one of the best for use in the early winter, and is so still where the true stock is kept. The time of sowing tho seed has also much to do with keeping up a succession, as it is almost useless to sow a late variety early with the hope of preventing a blank ; but early varieties sown late and kept on growing, will prolong their season. There are, howevor, exceptions in this case, for if the seed of late Cauli- flower be sown early, the plants will turn-in just at a -i'alLADLU'llUS Lh.MOIM^I VAll. '' A VALANCJ! I.. hold of the plauts seriously, much trouble is expe- rienced in keeping them through the winter. As a rule, however, if the early varieties are taken up in the autumn and put close together, so that they may bo covered with mats and litter, which afford occa- sional supplies even in hard weather ; and in mild weather they turn in much faster, so that if either cut and placed in a cellar, or pulled up and hung in a shed out of the way of frost, they are found to be good eating. //. C. Prinsep. this branch of gardening must not be neglected. To retain the moisture iu the ground, it should be worked iu the autumn or winter, so that it may become consolidated again before tho dry weather sots in ; but where so many crops have to be taken from the same plot, aud in close succession, it is very difficult to treat all of them as one would wish. Where there is not this necessity for such heavy cropping, there ought not to bo any trouble either in getting crops in at the proper time, or on suitable ground. Some gardeners plant Broccoli after early Peas or Potatos, and so on ; but it would well repay to reserve a plot for these that has not been previously cropped that year, if possible — or failing this, to plant them between the early Potatos as soon as they were earthed up, allowing a greater distance between the rows for that purpose. As late Broccolis occupy the ground for a long time, it is essential, if fine heads of close texture are to bo produced, that the ground be in good heart, and that sufficient space bo allowed between the plants for the foliage to develop to its full size. There iB much art, too, in keeping the plauts sturdy, for the closer che foliage is to the ground the stouter the stem. To attain this end, time when it is most difficult t<> produce fine heads from the other varieties. For example, in a dry season much better Cauliflowers are produced in August ami the early pait o' September, from late varieties sown on a warm border iu March, than from other varieties the seed of which is sown iu April or May, for tho simple reason that the plants have got established before the ground has become hot and dry. From August to tho middle of last month, there was no gap in the supply, which began with Autumn Giant, fallowed by Autumn Mammoth, Michaelmas White, Veitch's Self-protecting, Christmas White, Vanguard, aud Winter Mammoth. 1 he last four are Broccolis, tho seed of which was sown early iu the month of March, and iu April for succession. They were all lifted in the early part of November, and placed together with their heads to wards the north, so that protection might have been afforded them if severe weather had set in. Since January lb" very cold rough weather with wind from the north aud north- oast lias prevailed, putting a stnp to the growth of the plants for the present, ami obliging us to depend for supplies from protected plauts. Broccoli is such a precirious crop that iu places where the frost takes THILADELPHUS LEMOINEI Var. "AVALANCHE." This is a beautiful gain of M. Lemoine of Nancy. It is a hardy shrub, attaining a height of 5 to 0 feet, with decnrved branches, Bmall leaves, and fragrant white flowers. The illustration (fig. 25), taken from a photograph, shows w.ill tlie habit of the plant. THE PEACH OUT-OF-DOORS. Thk subject mentioned by your correspondent, Mr James Mayne, had my consideration some years ago, and caused me to adopt on a small scale invisible wire- netting of the widest mesh, and of fairly stout wire. Its advantages over the usual method of wiring are appreciable on reflection, that the Peach and Nectarine trees adapt themselves to this system, which allows all the fruiting-growths to be secured with precision as required, but to attain which, the usual style of wiring is less amenable. Morello Cherries would probably also answer , whereas for other wall-fruit, having only spurs to deal with, the separate wire- system has greater advantages. The desire to see the trees so close as to be almost or actually in contact with the wall, does not seem to me well justified, as I fancy sufficient, if not even greater, heat in summer is to be found at several inches from the wall by assistance of the natural radiation. My idea is, that having temporarily tied the treo back, strong and rather long, hook-shaped staples should be driven into the wall at the extreme top of the space to be covered by the tree, the wire- netting fixed, after which the stretching downwards, and securing by similar stapleB at the base and sides is very simple. If suitable piers are provided in the wall having 3 to 4 iuches extra thickness, they would lend themselves to fasten side? of netting to their face even yet more easily. The n umber and strength of the staples must, of course, be regulated by the height of the wall and the width of the space. After the insertion of a moderate number of these latter, their number should be added to after re - tying the treo wherever its trend and bend disturbs the surface-level of the netting, or wherever the force of the wind may indicate weakness. The location of the tree at several inches from the wall will also mitigate against depredations by insects, aud keep the whole generally cleaner than close wiring or nailing to a wall. For the purpose of strengthening the fabric in the case of walls beiug high, a pair of thin rods fixed crosswue would be a great improvement, if tied to the netting here and there ; or since of lato years thin Bamboo canes have become very cheap, these could take the pi ice of rods with even greater advantage. The number of staples would be much reduced thereby, oue of which iu the very centre holdin ,' the canes at their points of crossing would be very serviceable. I should be quite satisfied to adopt the plan on a larger scale, as it has several advantages, and hardly requires the entire loosening of the trees, except st long intervals, the operation of washing tho tree being done with relative facility on having the tree fixed at 3 to 4 iuches from the wall. Where piers exist, the monotony of a long Peaoh- wall would be greatly relieved by a. -erics of gridiron- trained Pear trees of the finest and latest varie tits, to be grown on the piers, and even the latter may be absent entirely, and tho sime effect be produce 1 by Pear and Peach trees alternating. //. 11. II. Forest Hill. 90 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 6, 1897. Cultural Memoranda. COLEUS FOR EXHIBITION. Coleus is one of our finest foliage plants, and for the ornamentation of conservatories it is very effective when mixed with Palms, Ferns, and other green- leaved species. Some of the recent varieties are shaded and blotched with exquisite colours on grounds of cream, green, purple, and reddish shades. It is well to strike the cutting in the mouth of March or April, according to the amount of convenience at command, in a temperature of about 70Q or higher, placing each cutting in a thumb-pot in soil consisting of one part loam, and one uf leaf-mould, one of coarse silver-sand. Till rooted the cuttings should be kept close, and potted -off as soon as rooted, and shifted on till the plants reach the required size, keeping them always close to the glass. A plant in a 3-inch pot is large enough for general use, but for exhibition they may reach 16's, making fine specimens if nicely staked out, and the tip pinched occasionally to produce laterals. When the pots get filled with roots, liquid manure-water should be afforded about twice a week, and there is no better than Clay's, in which a small quantity of soot is squeezed through a bag. Always use tepid-water to the plants. The secret of success is to get pot-bound plants, and then, by using plenty of manure-water, and heat and light, to keep them in good condition. The house should be shaded with light shading in the hot days of summer, as the suu is apt to scorch the foliage if this be omitted. A. W. Young, Stevenage. AMERICAN PALMS. The Palmetto. —It is remarkable that Sabal Palmetto, which might be expected to be the hardiest of all arborescent Palms, has remained so rare in gardens. A plant has long been cultivated in the Palm-house of the Royal Gardens at Kew, in England, and the species is said to be established in Ceylon. In California, where nearly all the Palms of teui- parate regions grow vigorously, it has not proved a success; and it appears to be uuknown in the gardens of Southern France and the Riviera, although it is said to flourish in those of Southern Italy. " On June 2S, 1776, a force of less than one hundred Carolinians, under command of Moultrie, protected by the rude fortification on Sullivan's Island in Charleston Harbour, made of the trunks of the Palmetto, repulsed the attack of a British fleet under command of Sir Peter Parker ; aud when the State of South Carolina was organised, the State-seal, which was first used iu May, 1777, was made to commemorate this victory. A Palm-tree growing erect on the sea-shore represents the strength of the fort, while at its base an Oak-tree torn from the ground and deprived of its branches recalls the British fleet built of Oak timber, overcome by the Palmetto." Washinfftonia. — First collected by Dr. Edward Palmer iu 1837 in secluded canons of the mountains about Guaymas, and subsequently at La Paz, Lower California. Waahingtonia Sonorse, which is still very imperfectly known, is described as a tree 25 feet in height, with a trunk a foot in diameter, and glaucous, filiferous leaves, 3 or 4 feet in diameter, borne on comparatively slender petioles, beset on the margins with variously curved spines, connected by a web of floccose hairs. The spadix is shorter, more slender, and more sparingly branched, and the perianth is thinner and more scarious than those of Washing- tonia filamentosa. The seeds, which are flattened- globose, and about an eighth of an inch long, are used by the Indians of Lower California as food. Another species, Washingtouia robusta, has been described (H. Wendland, Berlin Qartenzeit., ii., 108 (13S3) ; Andre", Rev. HorL, 1885, 401, f. 73; 1895, 155. Watson, Proc. Am. Acad., xxv., 136 ; S. B. Parish, Garden and Forest, iii., 5'2, 542 ; Zoc, iv., 350 ; Orcutt, W. Am. Scientist, l, 63, 76). Washingtouia robusta appeared about 1869, in Linden's nursery in Ghent, among a number of plants of Washingtouia filamentosa which were raised from seed believed to have been obtained from lower California, and may be a seminal form of this species, as is now usually believed, or more probably, a species from lower California, still unknown iu a wild state. In gardens, where it has not flowered, Wash- ingtonia robusta is a more vigorous, and more rapid growing plant than Washingtouia filamentosa, and its darker green aud more lustrous leaves on shorter petioles give it a more robust appearance. Sargent's Sylva of North America, vol. x., 1896, p. 42, &c. The Week's Work. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By G. H. Ma k, Gardener, Luton Hoo, Luton. Cyclamens. — The plants that were raised from seeds sown in September should be pricked-offiuto shallow pans, in a mixture of leaf-mould and saud in about equal parts, then afforded tepid water care- fully, and plunged to the rim of the pans in a bed having a heat of 65°. Once a day, if bright, the plants should be lightly syringed, and air afforded in small quantities. Cyclamen plants which arc in flower may be assisted with Clay's or some other ferti- liser, aud be kept in a light house, whoso temperature does not descend below 48° at night, nor rise higher than 60° by day. Freesias. — Those which have passed out of bloom may have a dressing of artificial-manure to assist the formation of the bulbs, if it is intended to flower them nest year. Stand this section on a shelf near the glass iu an intermediate-house. When the leaves indicate the cessation of growth, gradually with- hold water at the roots, afterwards turning the pots on their sides in the full sunshine. Gardenias. — Those plants with flower-buds set may be given a somewhat higher temperature, and careful watering, but no strong manures, or the flower-buds will be liable to drop off. Palms. — The amount of artificial heat used during frosty weather favours the increase of insects infest- ing these plants, and a careful examination of the leaves should be made at short intervals of time for Thrips aud red-spider, destroying the first-named by fumigation, and the latter by Gishurst's Compouud- soap at a temperature of 70°, applied with a sponge. Maintain the Palm-house at 55° by night, and 60" by day. Any plant requiring re-potting may soon be taken in hand, ovcr-potting being avoided. Plants which may have been undisturbed for some years are benefited by weak manure - water being sometimes applied, aud occasionally one of soot-water. Other conditions being favourable, this will be all that the Palms require at this Beason. Campanulas. — Avoid dampness and drip, or decay may set in among those that are being wintered in cold houses or frames. A few specimens of C. pyra- midalis and C. p. alba for early flowering may be placed in a cool-house, and brought on gradually, and after a time with a slight advance of heat. After the spikes are well advanced, the energies of the plants may be increased by the occasional use of manure- water ; and on no account must the plants become drawn, or the roots lack water. Campanula Medium (Canterbury Bells), treated in the same manner make useful subjects for brightening the conservatory, and well repay the labour spent on their cultivation. A few stock plauts of Isophylla alba, if broken up, the pieces placed in small pots in heat, will soon form graceful subjects for filling baskets, or trailing round the side stages of the conservatory, looking very nice when thus associated with Musk. The plant is of easy culture, and pretty withal. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By F. Harris, Gardener, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury. Figs in Pots. — Trees that were started iu Novem- ber will now be fast swelling their fruit, aud iu order to obtain large, hue Figs, these should be freely thinned. If fruits are plentiful all over the trees, not more than one, or at most two, need be left ou each shoot, which should be those nearest the base of the shoot, provided these are well developed. All trees so cropped should be given a liberal top- dressing of good loam, a few horse-droppings, and a few halt'-iuch bones, iuto which the young roots will quickly enter. Copious waterings of warm liquid manure may also be afforded. Use the syringe freely twice daily in sunny weather, and thoroughly damp the paths, walls, &c, when it is dull, the bottom- heat being kept up to 70° by the additions of fresh materials, and the night temperature should range about 60°, with a rise of 10° by day. Rub out all side-shoots as soon as visible, thereby con- centrating the energy of the plants iu the right channels. Succession-houses. — The second house should now be started with a temperature of 50° at night, affording the borders a good soaking of tepid-water, and syring- ing the trees twice daily. Figs in later houses should be cleaned, and the branches fastened to the wall, &c, and kept very cool ; but exclude frost from the house, and afford sufficient water to prevent the shrivelling of the shoots. Melons. — As sun-heat increases with the advance of the season, Melon plants will make rapid progress, and every facility to enable them to reap the benefit of these improved influences should be afforded by keeping the roof-glass very clean and bright, keep- ing the soil moderately moist, withiplenty of moisture in the air of the house, and gradually raising the temperature to 65° to 70° at night if mild weather prevails, but on frosty nights 5° lower than this will be preferable, too much heat loading to an attack of red-spider. Let the bottom-heat remain steady at 75° to 80*, by the addition of fermenting leaves and dung, taking care that the rankuess of the manure is exhausted, otherwise the young foliage may sutler. Seeds may now be sown according to instructions given in a previous Calendar. Cucumbers.— The present is a good time to raise plants to replace those which have borne fruit through the winter. Young plants make rapid progress after this date, soon coming into fruit-bearing, and it is better to plant young plants than to take the trouble to try and renovate old ones. The Cucumber-house that will be occupied by tho fresh plants must be well cleansed before these are put out. The following compost is a good one for Cucumbers: three parts good fibrous loam, one part of prepared horse-drop- pings, a little lime-rubble, and 4 -inch bones added. If the loam be close and heavy, a little leaf-mould or peat may be used with it. Remove the soil to the house some time before planting, that it may get warmed. Make the mounds about 4 feet apart, aud these should be rather small at first, to prevent any of the soil becoming sour before the roots have permeated it. Small top-dressings may be given at short intervals afterwards with a better result. For general require- ments aud continual bearing, tho varieties Lockie's Perfection and Telegraph are two of the best. Wheu the plants have commenced to grow freely, they will require abundance of water, aud by keeping a tem- perature of from 60° to 65° at night, and a bottom- heat of 70° to 75°, together with a moist-growing atmosphere, the plauts may be kept healthy and fruitful throughout the summer. THE KtTCHEN GARDEN. By W. POPS, Gardenor, Hiffholere Castle, Newbury. Early Peas. — The first opportunity should be taken when the soil Ls workable to sow early varieties ou a warm border, or failing that, in the most sheltered quarter of the garden ; this sowing will come into use after those sown in the autumn, or in the winter in pots. Some of the early varieties, as Chelsea Gem, Early Giant, or English Wonder should be chosen for the present sowing, for being dwarf in haulm the rows may run from 2.*,- to 3 feet apart, which admits of some catch crop coming between, as Lettuce and Radishes. If tall Peas are preferred, a space of from 5 to 6 feet is not too much from row to row, and Ringleader or William I. are the varieties to select. Peas sown in the autumn will probably have reached 1 or 2 inches in height, and should be earthed - up and staked, the shelter thus afforded being of great service. A dressing of fresh soot, or a slight sprinkling of artificial manure along the rows before earthingup, is also beneficial. Tho young tops beiug devoured by sparrows in many gardens, a few lines of black- cotton as a preventative should be stretched along the rows, just cleariug the tops of the Peas. Cabbage, Spinach, (fee, sotcn in Autumn. — Look over the Cabbages planted iu the autumn, oiling up vacancies from the seed-beds, and theu afford the Cabbage-quarter a dressing of guano, soot, or somo February 6, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 91 suitable artificial manure, and stir the land with a hoe or digging-foi k. Spinach which has afforded gatherings" will derive benefit from similar treat- ment, aud will then afford other pickings in the early spring months, when other green vegetables are usually less plentiful. Beds of Lettuce on warm borders should be cleared of the decayed leaves, the surface stirred with a hoe or hand-fork, and vacaucies made good from the reserve plants ; or, failing these, by taking up an outside row or two for the purpose, as besides the waste of room caused by patchy crops, tbey have a slovenly appearance. Root-stores, <0e. — The root-store should be examined, decaying roots removed, and fresh growths starting from the crowns of Beetroot, Carrots, &c, broken off. Parnips, Salsafy, &e. , left in the ground in the autumu should be lifted, and stored in sand in a cool shed, thus affording the opportunity to the gardener to dig ond manure the land. Onions in store should have tho decaying bulbs removed, and those starting into growth put aside for present use, otherwise planted thickly in rows 1 foot apart to afford tops for kitchen use in early spring. Carrots, Kidney Beans, the. — As soon as the earliest sown Carrots show through the soil, slight ventilation should be afforded in favourable weather, aud the soil sprinkled slightly with soot, to deter slugs molesting the plants. Thin the plants before drawing takes place, leaving them about 2 inches apart. Continue to make up hot-beds for early salads, vegetables, kc. A good sowing of Kidney Beans may now be made, as with the increasing suushine and length of the day, forcing is much easier. The Kidney, or French Bean, needs a bottom-heat of G5° to 70°, and top-heat a little in advance of these figures. When potting, let the soil be rich and nicely warmed, and the potting of the plants very firmly done. When the plants are making roots freely, afford them plenty water. THE ORCHID HOUSES. B W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Burford, Dorking. East Indian-house. — Plants of Oncidium amplia- tum and 0. a major are now showing their flower- spikes, and should be given a warm moist atmosphere. Cockroaches aud woodlice must be sought after and destroyed, or tho spikes may be devoured before the grower is aware that they are showing. To avoid this, tho plant may be suspended from the roof, and immediately the flower-spikes are seen, they should be protected by a ring of wadding. Place some pieces of Potato upon the compost, and examine them night and morning, for the woodlice; and the cock- roaches may be destroyed with beetle-poison. For some time past, this species of Oncidium has been given but little water, and it must now be afforded sufficient to keep the roots moist. 0. Lanceanum is a very hand- some species of difficult cultivation. We have been informed by various collectors that in its native habitat (Surinam) it is generally found growing on trees in shady places, and in hot, moist situations, in compauy with the rare O. hematochilum. Both species are now commencing to grow, and may be top-dressed or repotted. Watering must always be practised with great care, aud if possible, the water should be prevented from touching the rhizomes of the plant or the base of the leaves, which are liable to become spotted from this cause. In the early morn- ing, tho foliago may sometimes be seen covered with condensed moisture, which should be removed with a sponge. Stauropsis lissochiloides, better known as Vanda Batemani, is now producing strong flower- spikes, and should be afforded more water at the root, and exposed to all the light possible. The same remarks apply to the curious Aracnanthe (Vanda) Cathcarti, which Ins been showing its bloom-buds for several weeks past. Vanda C03rulescen3, which has frequently proved very difficult to grow satisfactorily, should be placod during its period of growth in the lightest position in the house, suspending it in a teak-basket near to the roof glass. The plant requires abundance of root-moisture during growth. The flower spikes will soon appear, and when the flowers are ready to expand, the plant may be removed to the drier atmosphere of the Mexican-house. Several varieties of Pnaius, as P. assamicus, P. grandifolius, P. Blumei, P. WalUchi, P. tricolor, P. Sanderiauus, aud tho beautiful hybrid P. Cooksoni are now making their flower-spikes, and require plenty of root-moisture, and an occasional doso of weak liquid cow-manure. In the Intermcdiate-howe, Ccelogyne cristata and its varieties should bo afforded the same kind of treatment as that recommended for Phaius until the flowors commence to open, Ccelia bella is a very pretty species, and its dwarf funnel-shaped flowers have a pleasing fragrance. This species and C. maerostachya may be repotted as they pass out of bloom. They should be grown in well-drained pots in a mixture of peat and sphagnum-moss, and placed in the coolest part of the house. They are plants requiring very careful watering at all times. The aweet-sceuted C. Baueriana requires a temperature equal to that of the East Indian-house ; otherwise, it should be given the same treatment as the other species. Brassias are butanically interesting, but are not so popular as species which possess showier flowers, though several of them are well worth growing, especially whore cut flowers of an enduring nature are required. Such varieties as B. verrucosa, B.Gireoudiaua, B. caudata, B. brachiata, B. Lawrenceana, and its major variety longissima, are now starting to grow, but they should not be repotted until new roots are seen to be pushing from the base of the young growths. They may be grown in pots filled to three-fourths of their depth with drainage. Fibrous peat and a little moss are good rooting materials for them. Keep the plants well elevated above the rim of the pots, as the bulbs are liable to become spotted through close contact with the compost. Place them in thedryest part of the intermediate-house, and water sparingly until tho flower spikes show. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. ByH. "W. Ward, Rayleigb, Essex. The Protection of Blossoms of Apricots and Peaches, — The time is at hand when Apricot aud Poach blossoms will require to be protected from frosts, and protective material should be provided ready for use a week or two hence. The best temporary protecting material that I am acquainted with is canvas, such as the XL All No. 5 Hexagon, two widths consisting of 54 inches each being joined 'together. This should be bound top and bottom with broad tape, stretching lengths of the same crosswise at intervals of about 10 feet the entire length of the cloths. On to these fasten about nine rings, through which and tho pulleys to pass the sash-lines for the purpose of raising aud lowering the cloths when necessary. I have used this kind of material for Apricots, Peaches, and Green Gage Plums for tiveuty-five years with satisfactory results, the fruit* having set so thickly on the trees as to render severe thinning necessary. Tho blinds, as already stated, are raised and lowered by means of sash lines and pulleys, fixed in the fol- lowing manner: — A series of light poles, varying from 3 to 4 inches in diameter at the bottom to 2 inches at the top, the latter having a slice 1 inch thick, aud 3 inches deep, cut off one side to screw strips of board of the same dimensions to. on which to secure the canvas and screw-pulleys and hooks for raising and looping up the blinds to by means of short lengths of stout striug provided for the purpose. These poles are let into the ground a few inches at about 0* feet apart, the tops (round side) being secured in suitable holdfasts (Y), driven into the wall immediately below the coping, aud against the face of which the several poles rest ; and screwed thereon are shouldored straps of iron 1 inch wide, and j of an inch thick, rounded on one side, with a bolt and nut on top, and on to these boards, about 14 inches wide, and provided with k inch circular holes, are fastened by means of oblong washers aud nuts, the former being placed between the latter aud the wood. Hooks are driven into each pole 9 feet down from the top, to secure the blinds to when let down. This is very necessary, as wind rising at night would otherwise do much damage to trees and blinds. The poles, boards, and cloths referred to above will last for several years if stored away in the dry when not in use. They are easily put up and easily taken down. Wide coping-boards, alone used in tho manner indicated, make a fairly good protection to extended fruit-blossoms, as it is the downward direc- tion of fro3t that does the mischief. Fish-nets, doubled or trebled in thickness, if hung up in front of the trees, maybe had recourse to where nothing better is available. Arrears of Work, in the way of planting and pruning of trees, Currant and Goosoberry-bushos and Raspberry-canes, should be finished, whore the frost haa relaxed its hold of the ground. Trees and bushes which were planted before the frost Bet in, should have the soil made firm about the stems where necessary, staking standard trees and others requiring support, to maintain them in an ereoG position. If not already done, paint the sterna up ~1 feet from tho ground with a mixture consisting of clay, soot, and cow-manure, mixed to the consistency of thick paint, as a means of preventing rabbits and hares gnawing the bark. The canes of autumn-bearing Raspberries should be cut down to within about 2 inches of the ground. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By Charles Hkrrin, Gardener, Dropntore, Maidenhead. To Cut Down Shrubs.— At the time of writing, snow and frost are cheeking much of the out-door work of the season ; still, advantage may be taken of days when neither snow nor rain fall to reduce the size of over-grown shrubs, cutting the branches hard back. Laurels are much benefited by this hard pruning, and may be cut down nearly to the ground. This has the effect of forcing into growth a mass of shoots at the bottom, as the stumps break freely. Equally so, Rhododendron ponticum, and others on their own roots, may be similarly treated, these also pushing out an abundance of shoots from the steals and branches. It frequently happens that the choice varieties which are grafted on R. ponticum get over- grown with shoots of the latter. It is usually an easy matter to distinguish the ponticum growths, and remove them entirely by a vigorous downward pull, which is preferable to sawing or cutting with a knife or billhook, although large branches must be removed with the saw. The Rhododendron, where it thrives, is not harmed by severe pruning, and the after- growth being quick, a specimen bush that has been severely cut, although not sightly-looking at first, soon becomes well furnished with shoots. Most kinds of shrubs may be thus cut back, including Hollies, both green and variegated -leaved, and in this respect they may be treated like the common Laurel. The Thuias aud Cupressus, Yew, green and golden ; Raphiolepis ovatus, Puillyreas, hardy Heaths, and Pyrus japonica, bear pruning with impunity. Tho first two make capital garden hedges, and may be clipped once a year, just like whitethorn. After and during heavy falls of snow, the Conifers and other trees and shrubs upon which it accumulates should be gently eased of their burden. The branches of ornamental Conifers, &c, which sweep the ground, and all newly-planted trees should bo sur- rounded with rabbit-proof wire during hard weather, or much harm may be done where hares and rabbits are found. This wire-netting ought to be at the least 2£ feet high, and made secure with neat stakes or iron-rods. If a fence of this kind is to remain round a tree for several years, it should have a strip 6 inches wide at the bottom bent at right augles, and buried 6 inches deep ; the reason for which is that the rabbit begins to burrow under a fence close to it, aud soon coming on the up-turned strip, through which it cannot make its way, it then desists from burrowing. When the fence is made in this wise, the wire must be wider than 2\ feet, or two strips used instead of one. Coleus and Iresines, <£•<.'. — These plants may now be placed in more heat, and the propagation by means of cuttings commenced as soon as the tops get of sufficient length. Heliotrope, Ageratums, and Tro- poeolum, may be similarly treated, with tho exception of a rather lower temperature sufficing for these ; moreover, they may be increased readily later on. Stock plants of Verbenas should be potted or boxed, and placed in a warm house, the tops being takeu for cuttings after growth has progressed a little. Physiological Diagrams.— Iu these days of horticultural schools, a good set of diagrams, illustra- tive of tho principal facts in vegetable physiology, as a desideratum. This has been supplied by Professor EiuiEUA aud Dr. E, Lad RE NT, of Brussels (WlLUAUS & Noroatk, London). The pictures appeal to students of all nations, but for the benefit of tho students using different languages, the explanations of the figures are given in German, French, and English. The plates are devoted to the physiology of nutrition only, as the phenomena of reproduction are already well represented in similar collections. The plates iu question are 70 x 80 centimetres -none too large for a class-room. Tho first plate is devoted to a graphic representation of the proportionate amounts of different kinds of food taken up by the roots. Then follow plates devoted to respiration, assimilation. transpiration, parasitism, fermental ion, cai oivorous plants, root-tubercles of Legumiaosoo, growth of roots, stems, influence of gravitation, light, climbing plants, movements of plants, and variation as represented in the forms of Cabba ;e The plates are well selected, and bell their story bo effectively, that we rei ommend them for all garden ichool and similar institutes, 92 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [FEBRUARY 6, 1897. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER. Illustrations.— TJie Editor will thankfully receive and select photographs or drawing*, suitable fur reproduction in these pages, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, £c. ; but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige, by sending to the Editor early inklligence of load events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists. Newspapers.— -Correspondents sending newspapers should be careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. TTTiran \v !?,.„ n ( Royal H .rtKultmal Society's Com- lUJiSDA*, *LB. a | mittees : Annual General Meet. WEDNESDAY, Feb. 10— Renfrewshire Gardeners' Meet. SATURDAY, Feb. 13-Royal Botanic Society Meet. . Anemones, iVe. , at Protheroe & t Morris' Rooms. Japanese Lilies, Azaleas, Standard and Dwarf Hoses, Megonias, Arc, . at Protheroe Ai Munis' Rooms. Roses, Fruit Trees, shrubs, Holder Plants, Bulbs, Roots, d'c., at WKIiN'K.stlAY, Fe Sic. THURSDAY, Feb. 11 ' Hardy Perennials, Lilies, S|.ii;ims &c., at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms. 200 cases of Lilium from Japan, 27 cises of Araucaria excetea, 300 lots of Border Plants, 4c., , at Stevens' Rooms. Lilies, IBegonias, Hardy Bulbs &c. ; Imported and Established Orchids from Messrs. F. Sander & Co , at Protheroe &. Morris' Rooms. Scientific, Photographic, and Mis- cellaneous Propei ty, at Stevens' Rooms. Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from Observations of Forty -three years, at Chiswiek. — 391°. Actual Temperatures : — London. — February 3: Max., 44° ; Min., 36°. Provinces. - February 3 (6 P.M.): Max., 50°, Scilly ; Mio., 21°., Aberdeen. Our neighbours on the other side Economic of the channel have now a fine Botany and its , ., - „ ., - Applications, opportunity before them of pro- moting the general welfare and civilisation of the peoples in their recentl}'- acquired protectorate over Tunis. Two cir- cumstances seem specially favourable to them — the experience gained in the neighbouring territory of Algeria, and the fact that French domination in Tunis has been secured peace- fully, and without the hatred and distrust of the victors felt by those who have been conquered. Otherwise tho conditions appear much the same. The physical geography and climate of Tunis very closely resemble, if they are not identical with, those of Algeria. Arab and Turkish rule have, as in other countries, blighted what was once one of the most productive districts in the old world ; and the task before the French is to fight against the inclemencies of the climate, and remedy the devastation caused by former and present possessors of the soil. The task is un- doubtedly a very onerous one ; but wo have no doubt that, given time and peace, a largo measure of success will await the well-planned efforts of the French. Tne first thing to do is obviously to obtain a complete survey of the country, so as to become familiar with it in all its details, not omitting the laws, manners, and customs of the natives. Iu this country, authentic information of this kind is too often locked up iu blue-books, or other official pub- licatio s, which do not roach the general public; but in the case of Tunis, the French have a comprehensive account of the natural features and products of the country in successive numbers of the Revue Generate des Sciences. We call attention to this publication, as some portions of this report are likely to be of interest to our readers, and those who are not immediately concerned will still find the reports interesting reading. The first article of special interest to cultivators is one by M. Gaston Loth on the forests of Tunis. These, for climatal and other reasons, were never very extensive, but there is clear evidence to show that they were greatly more so than at present. An immense tract of Olives and Almonds, extending from Algiers to Morocco, was destroyed for military reasons. The reck- lessness of the Arabs, forest fires, and espe- cially the goats, are responsible for much subsequent loss, and these evils the French, who are good foresters, are setting themselves to remedy. The Cork-Oak, the Aleppo Pine (P. halepensis), Evergreen Oaks, the "Thuya " — by which tho writer, no doubt, means the Tetra- clinis articulata (syn. Callitris quadrivalvis), which furnishes beautifully marked and durable timber — and Olives, are among the most useful trees, and their management has been under- taken by tho State, the first duty being the construction of roads, and the formation of trenches to check the progress of the forest fires. The preservation of existing forests is an easier matter than the formation of new ones. Seed has to be sown again and again to compensate for the destruction of the young seedlings by drought, tiro, goats, and moving sand, so that re-afforesting by means of seedlings has had to be abandoned. M. Loth concludes his report by saying that the northern forests already .supply an important source of revenue, the soil of the oases becomes less mobile, and a beginning has been made in the solution of the problems connected with re-afforesting. The same report contains a very interesting notice on acclimatisation in Tunis, by Mr. Max. Cornu, the Director of thegardenof theMuseuin iu Paris. We need not stop here to discuss the meaning properly belonging to the word accli- matisation, but take it in the senso in which it is generally used by practical men. M. Cornu has had a comparatively easy task. The oppo- site shores of the Riviera, the labours of Naudin and of the late Baron Von Mueller, afford both examples and precepts applicable to the present case. M. Cornu divides the country for his .purpuses into the mountain zone of the Apple and the Pear, with a climate like that of Central France, the zone of the < Hive recalling tho climate of Provence, the zone of the Orange, where the Eucalypti may be planted, as at Nice and Cannes ; the zone of the Date-Palm comprising the oases. These zones, of course, overlap, and are modified by local conditions — drought, heat, wind, and moving sand being the chief evils that have to be met. In order to develop and extend the resources of those regions, an experimental garden has been established in the vicinity of Tunis, to cultivate plants likely to be service- able, and to supply the natives and colonists with plants, cuttings, grafts, &o., of plants of economic importance. One grout difficulty iu the way of the garden arisos from the operation of tho Phylloxera laws, which here, as elsewhere, by their mis- placed rigour have caused an entirely un- necessary amount of loss. " Aueune plante ne doit ontrer en Tuuisie." The universal failure of such laws to prevent the introduction of the Vine-louse is surely sufficiently obvious to ensure the speedy modification of those restric- tions. Till this is done, seeds constitute the only means by which' useful plants can be introduced. Among the Oranges and other fruit-trees, may be mentioned, as thriving under proper care in Tunisia, Bananas, Custard- Apples (Cherimoya), Casimiroa, Avocado Pears, Litches, Tree Tomatos, and Persimmons. As shade-trees, Ficus macrophyl la is recommended, and Phytolacca dioica, which attains an enormous size, and which astonishes visitors to the Riviera who are accustomed to see it at home as an herbaceous perennial. Protection against wind is secured by plantations of Acacia cyclopis, eburnea, Farnesiana, &c, behind which Casuarinas may be utilised. Among iu dustrial products, the Sugar-cane is failing in the competition with Beetroot, and this in French territory furnishes a curious subject for reflexion ! The circumstances are not favourable for the cultivation of Cotton, but fibre- plants like Sisal-hemp and various Agaves would thrive in Tunisia; and in the oases, no doubt much might bo done in the cultivation of the better varieties of the Date- Palm. We need not make further comments upon this interesting report beyond saying, that it furnishes an excellent illustration of the important services that botany and horticulture, which the public are apt to look on as meie matters of recreation or amenity, can render in the development of the resources of a country. In our own country, colonial interests have been made the subject of special study at Kew, beginning with Sir AVilliam Hooker, growing vigorously with his successor Sir Joseph Hooker, and continually showing expansion under tho present directorate. In the future, as in the past, statesmen will need the co- operation of the men of knowledge, and the men of practice, in order to make the most of the territories over which they hold sway. "Some interesting particulars A Year's Work conceriiing the management of Epping Forest. Epping Forest appear in the an- nual report of the Epping Forest Committee of the Corporation. Tho moderate thinning of the over-crowded woodlands has been continued, the work consisting of the removal of inferior stems which injure those of more picturesque growth, or which interfere with the healthy development of the undergrowth and saplings. In future, the preservation of the natural beauties and features of the forest will be maintained by the non-removal of trees overthrown by the wind and those of a larger growth which die. The shooting of wild birds has been stopped, and the number of wild ducks breeding at Waustead has greatly increased. In the early part of last year it was resolved to take a census of tho deer, and tho operation proved one of considerable difficulty, but out of four censuses three were practically identical, aud these indicated that tho fallow deer number about 130, and tho roe deer about thirteen, a large increase." Westminster Gazette, February 1, 1897. The lines in italics are our own, and point to a mischievous practice not favoured by foresters who have charge of forests and plantations iu civilised countries. To poi mit dead and decay- ing timber to remain any longer in a forest than iu absolutely necessary is simply to afford breeding and hiding-places for insects injurious to trees, and centres from which many species of fungi inimical to the life February 6, 1S6?.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 93 FlQ. 2C— R03E-AP.OADE IS PLEASOHK-UROUNI) OP LUTON 1IOO. (sl'F P. 95.) 94 THE GABDENEBS' CHRONICLE. [February 6, 1897. and well-being of trees may spread to those which are sound. Of these injurious vegetable parasites we may merely mention Nectria cueurbitula, whose host-plant is usually the Spruce, and nioro rarely Scots Pine, Silver I''ir, &c. N. ditissima, the cause of canker in the Apple, attacks Hornbeam, Hazel, and Beech ; N. cinnabarina, whose mycelium penetrates into all the elements of the wood, decom- posing the starch, in consequence of which the wood turns black. The Oak is subject to many forms of canker, of which it will suffice to mention Ayluosjwra Taleola, which attacks the smooth cortex of Oaks under forty years of age, causing it to die in patches. " A year afterwards," remarks Har- tig, in his Diseases of Trees, " numerous round or oval cushion-like stromata appear in the dead cortex. Later on these break through the periderm in one, two, or three places, further developments follow, and trees so attacked succumb in large numbers, "ren- dering frequent felling and strong thin- ning necessary " as a means of preventing infection. We havo said enough to show that the authorities responsible for the preservation of lipping Forest, cannot avoid the work of telling and clearing out tho dead and dying trees, even if by so doing they offend the .■esthetic susceptibilities of some of those who all unconsciously would mako a wilderness and call it peace. LlNNEAN SOCIETY.— On the occasion of the meeting of the society, January 21, Mr. C. B. Clarke, Vice-President, in the Chair, the Secretary read a letter from Mr. J. Y. Johnson, of Funchal, Madeira, commenting upon Dr. D. Morris's exhibi- tion (November 5) of raphides composed of oxalate of lime in the bulbs of Hyacinths, the handling of which had produced a form of eczema. Mr. Johnson mentioned a parallel case in Richardia rethiopica, a beautiful Aroid known to gardeners as the Lily of the f1 ile. Tho lauudresses at Funchal had tried to utilize the starch obtainable from thecorms, but complained of the irritation in the hands produced by it, which, on examination, was found to result from the pre- sence of numerous needle-shaped raphides, as in the ease of the Hyacinth-bulbs referred to. Royal Horticultural Society- The next meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society will take place in the Drill Hall, James Street, Victoria Street, on Tuesday, Feb. 9. The various committees will assemble at noon as usual, and at three o'clock the annual general meeting of the society will he held at the Society's offices, 117, Victoria Street, West- minster, S.YV. " Kew BULLETIN."— The January number con- tains a list of the publications more or less directly emanatiug from Kew since its establishment on its present footing in 1841. The arrangement is chrono- logical, an inconvenience not compensated for by the presence of an index of names and subjects which we hope may be supplied on another occasion. The selection, if anything, errs on the side of over-elas- ticity ; at the same time we note a few omissions. In any case it is a wonderful record, of which the Kew stall may well be proud. The Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund.— At a meeting of the Executive Coujinittce, presided over by Mr. W. Marshall, the following special donations to the Fund were announced : Leeds Paxton Society, £3 5s. ; Toubridgo Gardeners' So- ciety, box £2 6s. ; Mr. G. Fry, Hither Qreeu, Lewisham, box £1 2s. Gd. ; A. Chancellor, Esq., Richmond, £1 ; Mr. Thos. Wilkins, Henstridge Gardens, Blandford, 10s. ; Mr. G. Smith, Kenley, 5s. ; Mr. C. Lawton, Brough, 5s. ; and " A Youth from Ayr," 2s. Gd. The draft report and financial statement wero considered and agreed to, and passed for presentation at tho Annual General Meeting at Anderton's Hotel, on the 19th inst. It was announced that Mr. Owen Thomas, Frogmore, would take the chair at the usual dinner on the evening of the annual meeting, at 6 p.m. The Retirement of Mr. David Thomson FROM DRUMLANRIG. — We understand that Mr. David Thomson will in May vacate the post of head gardener to His Grace the Duke of Buccleuch at Drumlanrig, a post which he has held with distinc- tion for twenty-nine years, and will in future reside in Edinburgh. Mr. Thomson's successful career as a horticulturist and a manager of these princely gardeus, also of those at Archerfield, and during his earlier years in England, is pretty widely known in the gardening world. He has accom- plished much in every branch of horticulture, and- in every detail of garden management. Mr. Thomson's urbanity, kindness, and high character, his helpful- ness to all who sought his aid and advice on matters ot importance as well as on gardening, were equally well known and appreciated. He has written much, ami with great lucidity, on most branches of horti- culture, and his gardening works are greatly valued by his numerous readers. The Duke of Buccleuch, who, together with the family, are loath to part with him, have made kindly overtures to him to remain at his post ; but though his bodily and mental activity are not impaired, his advancing years have to bo con- sidered. Mr. David Inglis, head gardener to Lord Grey, Howick Hall, Lesbury, Northumberland, has been selected to succeed Mr. Thomson. Mr. Inglis has been about 20 years at Howick, and was for some time previously at Powerscourt. He is u very able, all-round gardener (no w in the prime of life), aud well merits the choice which has boon made. The Surveyors' Institution. —The next ordinary general meeting will be hel 1 on Monday, February 8, when a paper will be read by Mr. .1. W. Willis Bund (Associate), entitled "Allotments and Small Holdings." The chair to be taken at 8 o'clock. Winchester Gardeners' Mutual Improve- ment ASSOCIATION.— On Tuesday, the 20th ult., Mr. P. H. Foulkes, B.Sc, M.R.A.S. (of tho University Extension College, Reading), gave a lecture on " Insects injurious to Plant Life, and how to Deal with them," the lecture being made unusually inter- esting by tho different subjects exhibited by means of lantern slides. The principal subjects were the winter-moth, eel worm?, aud weevils. ANNUAIRE GeneralE HORTICOLE.— The pub- lishers of the JtirJin, 167, Boulevard Saiut Germain, Paris, have issued a directory containing the list of members and the statutes of the Central Syndicate of Nurserymen of France. In additiou, there are lists of all the horticultural societies of the couutry, according to the departments in which they are situated, and of the nurserymen, seedsmen, aud other tradesmen connected with horticulture, arranged according to departments, and also alphabetically. A few English firms arc mentioned, but we think few would recognise the groat Grape cultivator nor his address under this entry, " Kay, Peter E. ," in which the first word is in the position allotted to the locality, and the second in that assigned to the name ! ROCK GARDENS. — Recent numbers of Moller's Deutsche Odrtner Ze.iXv.ng contain numerous illustra- tions showing the very effective manner iu which M. Correvon arranged his collections of alpiue plants at the recent Geneva exhibition. Rocks, waterfalls, picturesque chalets, lent vraisemblance to tho exhi- bition, whilst the collection of species was remarkable for its extent and condition. DUNES. — The American Holly, Ilex opaca, grows in the vicinity of the Dunes of New Jersey, and is recommended to be propagated by seed on these sands, when they havo become fixed. Tin Forester. "LA SEMAINE HORTICOLE."— It is our pleasing duty, metaphorically, to lift our hat, and extend our hand iu friendly salute to the new horticultural venture. M. Luoien Linden, whose energy seems inexhaustible, has now launched his weekly garden newspaper in the French language. It is founded on the plan of the English horticultural journals, and, like them, embraces all departments of horticulture, the contents of the first number, always the most difficult, being very varied. The Journal des Orchidccs, with all its smartness, and the Illustration Utirticoh', will be "euglobed" within the colnmus of the Semaine. We wish our colleague all the success the enterprise deserves. Botanic Garden, Trinity College, DUBLIN. — Among the interesting plants now in bloom are Trochetia Blackburniana. a Sterculiaceoua plant from Mauritius ; and tho pretty Composite, Barnadesia rosea, allied to the Mutisias. Horticultural Club —The twenty second anniversary dinner will be held at the Hotel Windsor on Tuesday, February 9, when the Chairman of the Club, Sir J. D. T. Llewelyn, Bart., MP. , will preside. The Wolverhampton Floral Fete.— From a general statement of accouuts just issued, we learn that the income for the year 18911 was £2302 5s. Id. Subscriptions realising, £200 8s. Gd. ; sale of tickets and admissions paid, £1057 1 Is. ; aud from other sources the sum of £373 3s. was received. The profit on the year is £433 5s. "J. Among the items of expenditure is bauds, £190 19s. ; and fireworks, £44S 13s. 8d. It is tho two latter items especially which entice the throngs to visit the show, though a very large and really magnificent exhibition is pro- vided. The committee have paid out of their profits, £632 3s. 9d. to the committee of tho Queen's Park and Baths, for shelters,grcenhousos, &c, from 18S9 to 1S94, aud they paid £1002 18s. for the erection of the fine conservatory in the West Park. They havo the sum of £181S 15s. 3d. invested, aud havo purchased at various times permanent plants to the valuo of £177 2s. The Ealing Horticultural Society.— The annual meeting of this Society was held on the 21st ult., and the report of the committee went to show that, despite the wet weather experienced on the day of the summer show, and the counter attractions on the day of the Chrysanthemum exhi- bition, yet a substantial balance, according to tho Treasurer's statement, is carried forward to the present year. It was resolved that the summer show should tike place on June 30, aud the Chrysanthe- mum exhibition on November 3. Messrs. A. G. Dixon and George Cannon were appointed joint Hon. Secretaries. "Popular Bulb Culture."— By W. D. Drury (L. UrcOTT Gill, 170,- Strand). At the low price of a shilling this " handy guide to tho successful culture of bulbous plants both in the open and under glass," will prove both attractive aud useful to overy one who loves his garden and greenhouse. It is, naturally, intended for the masses, rather than for specialists, who would prefer a more ambitious work. Popular Bulb Culture is arranged alphabetically, and its dis- tinguishing title is used in its widest senso. An index aids the reader in his work, which is rendered still more agreeable by the inclusion in tho book of many illustrations. Wolverhampton Horticultural Club.— A monthly meeting was held on February 2, at tho Midland Cafe, when Mr. G. Burrows, Berwick House Gardens. Shrewsbury, read a paper upon " Orchids." The essayist touched briefly upon tho structure and habitats of some of the genera, aud dwelt more fully upon details of culture. General Horticultural Exhibition at HAMBURGH. — Notwithstanding the delay in issuing the plan and programme of the scientific section of this exhibition, a considerable number of botanical and zoological objects havobteu received from Ger- many and foreign countries ; aud notices from intend- ing exhibitors have already reached a surprising number. Publications Received.— The following pub- lications have reached us from the United States Department of Agriculture, Division of Eutomology : February 6, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 95 Bulletin No. 6, Proceedings of the Eighth Annual Meeting of the Association of Economic Entomologists, containing papers among which are the following : — Tho Evolution of Economic Entomology, C. H. Fer- nald ; Some Temperature Effects on Household Insects, L. 0. Howard ; A New Insecticide (arsenate of barium), A. H. Kirkland ; Scale Insects and their Enemies iu California, J. B. Smith, &c. — Bibliography of the more Important Contributions to American Economic Entomology, prepared by Samuel Hen- shaw. Part V. L.-Z. The concluding and index volume of a useful publication. — A Bacterial Disease of the Tomato, Egg-plant, and Irish Potato, by Erwin F. Smith. This Bulletin deals with Bacillus solauacearum, n. sp., and of different con- ditions under which the pest is favoured or can be combated against. It is illustrated with coloured and other plates.— We have also before us Nos. 21 and 22 of Favourite Flowers of Garden and Green- house, by Edward Step, F. L.S. This work, previous numbers of which we have had occasion to notice, is progressing satisfactorily, the latest page of it dealing with Immortelles (Helichrysum). The accurate and attractive plates will commend the publication to the many who consider no book complete without such additions. LUTON H00 PARK. When recently visiting this grand old place, I was much struck with the groat improvements that have been carried out there during the last year or two. Madame de Falbe, the owner, has good reason to be proud of this estate. The present house was erected in 1843, the old mansion having been twice destroyed by lire, and risen, Phcanix-like, from its ashes. It formerly belonged to Lord Bute, and was, after changing hands once or twice, purchased by the lato John Shaw Leigh, Esq., who restored and decorated the building ; and after his death it passed into the hands of his son, Mr. Gerard Leigh, the first husband of tho present pro- prietress. The park contains about 1500 acres, and the river Lea, which runs through the lower portion of the estate, is widened out so as to form an exten- sive lake, which forms an attractive feature, especially when viewed from the house. The pleasure-grounds, which are about 100 acres in extent, are well laid-out, and contain some fine specimens of trees and shrubs. Portugal Laurels seem to revel here, some of the clumps being as much as 15 to 18 feet high. There are some very pretty little nooks, which have been turned into small gardens of the Italian style ; many fine and valuable statues have been introduced here, and great care has been exercised in the planting of Roses and climbing plants, which are skilfully trained to form bowers and various designs (eee fig. 26). The flower-garden contained last summer some extensive beds of fine-flowering tuberous Begonias, as well as other popular bedding plants. I was much pleased with a large bed of Crozy's dwarf Cannas, which were full of bloom. Mr. Maycock, the gar- dener, has evidently fouud out the way to treat these handsome plants, for a better lot I have never Been in the open. There are also hero grand borders of herbaceous plants, which have been well planted, great care having been bestowed on the selection of species and varieties. Leaving the flower garden, I was conducted to the kitchen -garden, which is fi acres in extent, and well walled in ; it contains a fine collection of fruit-trees, these both on the walls and in the quarters being in excellent condition. There was a capital crop of fruit last year, and many new and meritorious kinds have been recently planted. Strawberries are grown to a great extent, and 3000 potfuls aro forced yearly. Chrysanthemums are also extensively grown. Car- nations, too, are a great feature, 3000 plants being grown in pots, and a vory largo number planted out in the borders ; C. Souvenir do la Malmaison are well done, and the whole stock at tho time of my visit was free from disease. There is a spacious range of plant- houses, vineries, aud Peach-houses also ; in the stove some fine Crotons, Alocasias, Dracaenas, &c, were on view ; the collection of Palms is large, some fine specimens of Kentias being specially noticeable. Azaleas, too, are grown largely ; in fact, most of the things taken in hand by Mr. Maycock aro dono well, and it must bo very gratifying to him to receive the encouragement he does from his employer, through whose generosity he visited the Riviera in January, 1805, when he had an opportunity of comparing notes and of visiting the beautiful gardens in that favoured district. Madame de Falbe has a large villa at Cannes, and takes great interest in acclimatising many of her favourite plants in that climate. Henry Williams. MASDEVALLIA CORIACEA, Ldl. This is a very old Masdevallia, having been dis- covered by Theodor Hartweg, one of the Royal Horticultural Society's collectors in 1842, on the hills FlO. 27. — MASDEVALLIA CORIACEA. (Colouring of flowers white, creamy-yellow and purple.) of Montserrat, near Bogota. It was subsequently found by other collectors, including John Linden, Schlim, Karsten, and Weir, in the same neighbour- hood, at elevations varying from 7-000 to 9000 feet. It does not, however, appear to have been introduced to cultivation until 1871, when it was distributed by Messrs. H. Low & Co., of Clapton, as M. Bruch- mtilleri, in the belief that it was a new species dis- covered by their collector BrufihmuUer. In con- struction it approaches M. civilis, M. leonto- glossa, and M. velifera ; but it is nevertheless quite distinct from all of these in many respects. As will be seen from tho accompanying skotch, made from one of Messrs, Sander & Co. "s plants shown at the Drill Hall on ,1 uly 1 0, 1 S<><3, the flowers are byno means minute (fig. 27). The perianth (calyx) tube is very Hc3hy, aud of a creamy greeuiftli-yellow inside, tho outside being washed with purple-brown at the base, and decorated with a few rows of purple dots. The conspicuous white petals have a crimson line in the centre, almost from base to apex ; while the lip is palo green, minutely tubercled iu front, and has three brownish-green longitudinal stripes on the surface. The leaves are very leathery, 6 inches or more in length, with purplish speckled petioles, and the slender scapes are pale green, dotted with purple, as are also the rather large bracts. It may be interesting so quote tho following remarks by Consul Lehmann, from tho Marquess of Lotbian's important publication, the Genus Masdevallia, He says: — "M. coriacea grows on sandstone rocks, upon which thin layers of soil aud decayed leaves have accumulated, and is found along the western border of the Savana de Bogota, at an elevation of 2500 to 2650 metres (about 8125 to 8612 feet). It is plentiful in the vicinity of Bojacri, Facatativa, Tres Esquinas, and Subachoque, and in all these localitie, it is exposed to severe changes of climate— sun, rain, and strong winds. The annual average temperature of this region is between 13° and 15° Ceutigrade (about 55° to 50° Fahrenheit)." John Weathers, R.H.S., London. Notices of Books. Confidences of an Amateur Gardener. By A. M. Dewsmith. (London : Seeley & Co., Limited.) Tnis book is composed of a series of papers which have previously appeared in the Pall Mall Gazette under the heading, " Wares of Autolycus ; " in their present form they are supplemented with plates of a Japanese-like style. The matter of the letterpress may be guessed from the title of the volume. The author discourses pleasantly of her garden, her expe- riences, difficulties, and amusements therein. Those who like, as many persons do, a chatty rather than a learned book, and written by one who has committed to paper those little adventures, pleasant aud other- wise, which befall all amateur gardeners, will be pleased with these confidences. Fruit Culture for Amateurs* In writing this manual ou fruit culture for the use of amateurs, the author does not follow in the track of most other writers on tho subject of fruits and their cultivation for market purposes, whose treatises have issued from the press in some considerable numbers of recent years, and necessarily the space devoted to each kind is more limited. As is befitting so experi- enced a cultivator, his first chapter treats of the drainage of the land, affording the reader pretty full instructions with regard to the methods he should pursue in rendering the land fit to carry any kind of fruit-tree or bush. Then follows a chapter on planting, advocating, as he was bound to do, either surface or shallow planting ou very heavy soils. Then follows a series of brief chapters on each kind of fruit grown iu British gardens, not forgetting Nuts, Filberts, Strawberries, &c. We remark that his list of varie- ties under each heading is severely limited in number ; and, we think, that iu view of the fact that Bome varieties suffer from spring frosts more than others, the amateur will be well advised to be less nice in his choice of varieties, and to learn from his more experi- enced neighbours the names of the varieties which have been found to suit the locality, as well as to consult his own tastes and predilections, supposing hi- have any. Under Pears wo are pleased to find varieties named which, owing to their fine flowers or their obuodanoe, make admirable decorative trees in pleasure grounds and shrubberies; among these is that, seldom seen, but delicious small-fruit-'! I variety, Aston Tow". No mention is made of the stately, pyramidal, autumn Bergamot. Mention is made of such varieties as look well on the exhibition table. • ByS. T. Wright, Superintendent of the Royal Horticul- tural s.tci.'i v\ ii;ihlin, < 'inswi.-k , w iiii oi Appendix on in sal in I otl i P' i "" !" ■■■ i" Frail trei bj W h Dnirj (London i.. Dpootl GUI, LTO.Straud, W.C.) 9G THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 6, 1897. The Apple is made to furnish its quota of varie- ties ornamental when in bloom, among which we find Lord Grosvenor, Dumelow's Seedling, Duchess of Oldenburjh, Warner's King, King of the Pippius, &c. This knowledge of varieties of Pear3 and Apples which are useful in this way, is peculiar and uncom- mon. For quick returns, Mr. Wright recommends the bush form, and on heavy laud this form on the dwarfing stocks. In the chapter on Plums, justice is done to the cele- brated firm of Rivers & Sons, by including very early and very late varieties of this fruit, which havo lengthened our Plum season by a period little short of three mouths. Our author rightly insists on the continued cultiva- tion of the Peach and Nectarine in parts of the country south of the Humber, choosing south, west, and ea.-t walls for the trees. We think that he might go even further north, aud still fiud these suc- cessfully grown— at least, on warm soils and in valleys, and districts not much elevated above sea- level, lu this chapter Messrs. Rivers appear as bene- factors with their excellent, hardy, early, aud late varieties of Peaches and Nectarines. Crimson Galande is st ited to be the best all-round Peach known ; aud the woolly, fl ivourless, yellow-fleshed American varie- ties are very properly condemned. Aud so on seriatim through all of our fruits, Grape-vines, nuts, &c. The various diagrams of training with which the book if enriched will be found of u^e by ihose for whom it is written, and who cannot have had any experience in this matter. In the chapter on Diseases, we find that the cauktr in the Apple is said to bo primarily due to I wists and wounds, whereas these form only the points of n^r.ess to tl.e fungus. Nectriaditiesima is the rial caUi e if i ruker, which is extremoly infectious. The chap'er ou Insect Foes by Mr. Drury, contains much instructive matter, and the text is fur- nished liberally with woodcuts, showing the various injects in one or other stage of development. Thiro arc various small lapses that we noticed, but these are of no moment ; aud we can recom- mend the Manual to the notice of all amateurs con- templating the cultivation of fruits for home con- sumption. Home Correspondence. an ANNIVERSARY APPEAL. — When we are in distress how we cry for help, but when we are full with all manner of good things, how seldom do we think of the needy, the fatherless, and the widow ! Now in this year of our beloved Queen's reign, all of us seem desirous of having a joyful demonstration of thankfulness for a reign of peace and prosperity. This shows a wise aud true national spirit. How many thousands are there who have aa yet not begun to give a thought to their needy comrades and sisters, and who, whendistrcss ufsouie kindcomes,or the bread- winner is taken away, utters the cry, "I wish I had bien more frugal, and given my mite to help the poor widow and orphans of that good, struggling man who has been takeu, and who was not able to provide for the needs of those belonging to him." I have long thought, in fact, every Saturday morning I open the paper expecting to see some well-written article praying gardeners to lay this call to heart ;aud now in my humble way I have thought a more oppor- tune time could not possibly present itself for a little sacrifice to be made by all the gardeners of the country. And if I could but persuade tvery gardener in the United Kingdom and Ireland to make this one effort to contribute teven-and-sixpence each this year, what a grand total it would make for the Gardeners' Orphan Fund. I am afraid Mr. Woods' idea is too extravagant to succeed ; besides, one of the duties of our craft is charity towards our neighbour, and not thinking to much about our own comfort, but helping those who have no means of helpiDg themselves. Charles renhij. KETELEERIA FORTUNE!. — Your correspondent, "J. B," in Gardeners* Chronicle, Jan. 30, p. 71, men- tions two specimens of Keteleeria Fortunei growing in this country, one at Messrs. Veitcb/s nursery, and the other at Menabilly, Tar, Cornwall. Many of your readers would, no doubt, like to know if these are from Fortune's seeds, or young specimens from seed from Messrs. Hovelli's tree at Pallanza. In the report of the Conifer Conference, p. 454. the tree is stilted to be abundant on the mountains to the north of Foo- chow, but immediately afterwards the report states that Fortune's specimen is the only one of its kind known in its native country. What authority ia there for the former statement? Have cones, &c, from Fortune's treo been introduced since his time. His tree appears to be growing near the scene of the massacre of missionaries on Aug. 1, 1S95, supposing, of course, that Kooshan and Kucheug are only different ways of spelling the same place Probably many missionaries and others have visited the place of late years. Charles Palmer, 87, Burlington Street, Manchester. [Maries found the tree abundant in the mountains to the north of Foochow, see Masters in Journ. Linn. Soc, vol. xxii (1886), p. 197.— Ed.] CYPRIPEDIUM INSIGNE SANDERS. — In last week's issue of your paper, in an editorial note to a letter written by 01 S. S." on the subject of' Cypripe- dium insigne Sauderre," you mako the following statement : — "There are not two varieties of Cypri- pedium insigne Sanderaa, though possibly the allied but inferior Cypripedium insigne Sauderiauum aud other similar inferior varieties may have got con- founded with it." This is incorrect. I have a plant of C. insigne Sandene which I purchased from Messrs. F. Sander k Co. some four years ago, and which was imported by them later thau the original plant. There can be no doubt as to my plant being " Sandene," aud His equally certain that it is different iu several resp-cts from the origioal plant, or aa it is now commonly called " Baron Schroder's variety." I showed flowers from my plant before the Orchid Committee last year and the year before, and on neither oeeasioii did I h^ar of a doubt bein^ raired as to their beiog true to name. In the opinion ofseveral well-known Orchid experts the flower of my plant is ciiperiorto the"IIaron Schroder" var. In order that the merits of the two varieties may be fairly dis- cussed, I purchased list year, in flower, a plant of the Baron Schroder variety about the same size as my plant (some twelve growths). These plant* are growing side by side in my Cypripcdium-house, uuder exactly the same treatment, aud when they are next in flower, I purpose briugiug botli plants before the Orchid committee. I had the flower which I brought before the Orchid committee last year painted by Mr. Macfarlaue, and I have an exact copy of a painting by the same gentleman of a flower from Barou Schroder's plant. If you are sufficiently interes'eJ in the subject, I shall bs pleased to forward these for your inspection. I shall be obliged if you will insert this letter in your next issue. It may perhaps assist in clearing up what appears to be a somewhat vexed question. 67. Shorland Ball, Ashford, Wilmstow. Your correspondent, "S, S.," seems to know more about my plants than I know myself. I have never shown my C. Sandene I sold to Mr. Low a plaut in flower, and I believe Mr. Warburton has flowered a plant which I sold him. I have Bhown a form of C. Sanderianum. The plant of C. Sandene was sold by Messrs. Sander & Co., and bought at puMic auction by me at the Pickering Sale for £'27''S. I have compared the flower for two seasons with the flowers kindly sent me by Baron Schroder, and have found them alike, except that my flower was not quite so large. This will bo owing to the plaut having been broken up. Perhaps your correspondent is like a gentleman who saw one of the Baron's flowers in Manchester, and said it was a very poor form, and not at all like the Sandene he had fceen at The Dell. Perhaps yourcorre;pondenl's assertion might carry more weight (or less) if he gave his name. F. W. Hardy. GROS MAROC GRAPE. — My experience of this variety is that iu regard to flavour aud quality, it is very often scarcely fit to eat. At the same time it has an excellent appearance, and is easy of cultiva- tion. How a good judge of Grapes could place it before Muscat Hamburgh aud Madresfield Court, if these were properly finished, is beyond my compre- hension. I was not at Edinburgh show, neither do I kuuw any of the persons concerned, but Mr. Audrie, on p. 83, says Muscat Hamburgh and Madresfield Court were shown '■ iu splendid condition," and these being far more difficult to cultivate than is Qros Maroc, aud moreover always good in flavour if well coloured, they certainly should have been placed first. Gros Maroc, Gros Colman, and Alnwick Seed- ling are good maiket Grapes, I have no doubt, but unless specially stipulated in the schedule, Grapes possessing mere size of bunch or of berry, or a heavy bloom, ought not to win against others of better quality and flavour, provided they are well finished. Such Grapes as Mrs. Pince, Madrtsfield Couit, and Muscat Hamburgh are eometimes exhibited in very poor condition as regirds colour, aud I would not place any Giape first that is not properly coloured, for it would encourage faulty cultivation. W. H. Divers, Bel voir Castle Gardens, Grantham. THE PARNTAGE OF ROSES.— I am much obliged to your correspondent, Mr. A. Piper, for his appre- ciative and interesting observations on p. S3 of the Gardeners* Chronicle. Before perusing them, I had already noticed the incidental slip of the pen in sub- stituting ''Therese" for "Etienne" Levet, in connec- tion with the parentage of the Duke of Fife. That I was aware of its true parentage is evidenced by the fact that in previous articles contributed to other journals, I stated very clearly that Duke of Fife was a derivation from Etienne, not Therfese Levet, the latter of which I have never seen, though I believe it owed its origin to Jules Margottin. The great majority of Mr. Henry Bennet's Hoses are vigorous in my garden ; even Cleopatra and Princess of Wales have grown better than I anticipated. The Dean of Rochester writes to me as follows: — "Your song of praise iu the Gardeners' Chronicle in honour of those who have ' obtained ' new and beautiful Roses, will have a loud and unanimous chorus from all rosarians ; and will, I hope, encourage them to make experiments in hybridisation," David R. Wilkinson. OUT-OF-DOOR PEACHES. — My thanks are due to you and Messrs. Ward aud Wadds for replies auent the wiring versus nailing of reach-walls. I am glad that they both can write in praise of the former, and consider quite as good growth is made, ani as good crops of fruit are secured, as when nailing is practised. It was not the desire to know how to wire a wall that prompted me to write about the subject, but if possible to hear what other growers whose Peach- wall happened to be wired, had to say about the crops they obtained. I had wired my wall before the above well-known gardeners' remarks were iu print. It has an east aspect, and is 60 yards in length. J. Muyne, Bicton, Devon. UNFAIR TRADING.— In these days of keen com- petition, when so many in the horticultural trade have the hardest work to make both ends meet, anything like unfair dealing should be stamped out, if possible, and the vo:ce of the whole trade raised against a custom so largely prevailing by the sales- men of Covent Garden Market— a custom that is absolutely uufair, if not dishonest— I mean the custom of supplying gentlemen's gardeners with cut flowers at whole-ale prices t » be used in thciremployer's houses, with most likely a good round profit charged on them. It is just probable that thcsalesmeu may be mi-led in the matter, aud may be under the impression that they arc sending to some florist shopkeeper or local trades- man ; but surely they should do their best to asceitain the status of those they are supplying. Such a prac- tice I know ia largely carried ou, and is most uujust to local growers aud local shopkeepers, who when they buy iu the market have to pay exactly the same price as My Lady's gardener. I know salesmen iu Covent Garden market, who are iu the habit of sending their wholesale priced lists regularly to pri- vate gardeners, and I, as one of the trade, protest strongly against such unfairness, and I feel sure the respectable portion of the Covent Garden trade will set their faces dead against such a custom. How, I ask, are the growers and florist-shopkeepers to live, if private gardeners are supplied at wholesale prices I Surely, if private people are supplied through tho wholesale salesmen (as I do not think they should be) they ought, at least, to be charged the retail price, and the salesmen's published wholesale lists supplied to the trade only. Local Florist. RORIDULA GORGONIAS.— I have read tiie inte- resting note at p. 65 in the issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle for January 23, about the flowering of Roridula gorgonias at the Edinburgh Botanical Gar- dens". May I point out to Mr. Harrow that this is not the first instance of this plaut flowering under cultivation, as it flowered iu the Glasuevin gardens last December, aud a lantern-slide of the flowering specimen was exhibited by me on January 4. It is curious to note that in the Edinburgh plant the petals are stated to have been white, whereas in the Glasnevin plant they were pink. F. W. Moore. FliBItUAKY 6, 1S97.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 97 WOOD-ASHES AS MANURE.— Mr. T. Fletcher, in his note (p. 8*2) referring to Mr. T. H. Smith, says : " He overlooks the most important point, viz., that the dust-a^h of coal should be identical in composi- tion and properties with the ash from wood." This, however, is by no means the case, for the ashos of wood contain a large proportion of potash, whilo coal- ashes contain scarcely any. Again, coal-ashes contain a large proportion of sulphuric acid, while wood-ashos contain but little. There are also other differences in composition and in mechanical texture between wood-ashes and coal-ashes. With reference to this point; let us ask, Why are coal-ashes, which are derived from vegetable products, not identical with tho ashes from wood ? I have turned up much literature upon tho question, but caunot find an answer, so I give my opinion for what it is worth. During the decom- p tsition of wood, aud other vegetable products which went to make up the coal, which may have occupied many thousands of years, before they wore sub- merged, carbonized, and compressed, the rainfall and other atmospheric agencies separated the potash from the vegetable - matter, which would thus become distributed and absorbed by the soil, and so lost to the coal prolucts. Further, the nitrogen of vegetation is in the form of albuminoids ; that is, nitrogen in combination with sulphur. In the course of the same decom- position previously referred to, the nitrogen would be given off as ammonia, while the sulphur would remain ; this latter substance, combining with ihe oxygen of the air aud water, would produce tho sulphuric acid of the coal. The difference in com- position of the various samples of coal-dust referred to by Mr. Fletcher is doubtless due to the very different materials which made up the original coal-beds, and the degrees of oxidation to which they have been exposed. Thus we get soft, fluffy coal- ashes, and harsh cinder like ashes ; the latter are the residue of tho more gaseous kinds of coal. Coal- ashes are useful in altering the mechanical texture of clayey, tenacious soils, but they contaiu little plant- food. They are, however, good absorbents of liquid- manure, and when so treated they form valuablo fertilisers. /. J. Willis, Harpcnden. THE DEODAR.— I wrote about tho Deodar as commonly grown aud familiar to everybody. Dr. Schnappach, of German forestry reputation, writing in the Zcitschrift fur Forsttand und Jagdwesen for Decembei', on his inspection of Scotch forests eays: — "The Cedrus Deodara thrives in the open in East Scotlaud up to Aberdeen and Inverness, aud is only injured by uncommonly severe winters,1' that is, " in the open," but in a forest a tree is more sheltered. J. Sinyisori, Worthy. A PERFECT CLUSTER OF APPLES.— Permit me to thank you for giving the model cluster on p. 27. I have often wished — in making the most of, and secur- ing as much freshness aud originality as possible iu arranging desserts — we could have more perfect clusters or sprays of Apples, Pears, Cherries, Plums, or other fruits to deal with. Of coarse, they can only be secured by forethought in thinning, and the yaeritioe of a good many of the fruit buds for the succeeding years. But the few attempts made to make desserts more artistic through setting the fruit iu clusters or branches were thoroughly successful. The Fairy, and other small high-coloured Apples, Crabs, occasional branches of Louise Bonne of Jersey, Marie Louise, aud other Pears, branchlots of white and black Cherries, and the common Barberry, in fruit aud foliage, will indicate how the light hand of art may enhance the charms of the dessert, without lessening its solid merits in any way. D. T. F. SEED CATALOGUES. — An examination of the bulky catalogues issued by the leading seed-houses iu the present day, offers evidence of the rapid strides that have been made in the distribution of seeds as a businees compared with what it was fifty years ago. There were no illustrations given away in those days, and very seldom were prices attached to the articles named, and no doubt this sometime* euabled the tradesman to charge according to the means of his customer. How different are things in the present day, when every buyer, both huge and smaM, would hardly thiuk of purchasing seeds without getting some idea of their price. The originality aud enter- prise QOW displayed iu the "get-Up*' of aome of these annual publications is worthy of more than passing remark ; and an important change of recent date cannot fail to attract attention, namely, the extensive use of photography as a means of portraying vegetables, flowers, and fruits, thus enabling th© purchaser the better to make his choice. It is pleasing to observe that the heavy type and highly- coloured daubs, common a few years ago, are no longer so prominent, and the matter incorporated with the lists is more abundant aud useful. It seems remarkable that there should still bo a demand for many varieties of vegetables that were among the earliest to find their way into this country ; and I have selected a few which are given in the following lists :— Switzer, 1727; K. North, 1758; R. Clarke. 1793 ; J. Mason, 1S00 ; aud J. Carter, 1842— all seedsmen in London — whilst some of them are fouud in the older herbals. Broad Wiudsor Beans, Sugar- loaf aud Battersea Cabbage ; Brown Dutch aud Sileaian Lettuce ; white Spanish and Strasburg Onion ; Long Bed aud Round Radish. From Carter's list of sixty years since I find Grange's White, Hampton Court, and Knight's Protecting Broccoli ; Atkin's Matchless Nonpareil, Early York, Emperor Imperial, and Turnip-rooted Cabbage; Altriuchaui Carrot, Bath Cos, Paris Cos, Hammersmith, and Tennis-ball Lettuce; James Keeping, Deptford Onion ; Matchless Marrow, and Victoria Marrow Peas, Olive-shaped Radish ; White Dutch and Early Mousetail Turnip. Seedsman. Societies. NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM. THE NEWER INCURVED CHRYSANTHEMUMS. Some differences of opinion have arisen among culti vators of the Chrysanthemum in regard to the classifica- tion of some of the newer incurved varieties, and especially those which originated in America, as these, they allege, p irtake of the character of the Japauose varieties. That American raisers have crossed the old types of the incurved varieties with incurved Japanese there can be no doubt, and it would appear that cultivation in this country, for the lirst year or two at the least, brings out the marks of this sort of crossing, though it is found that when grown for a longer period, the true incurved form is, in not a few cases, moro fully displayed ; and tho decisions of tho Floral Committee of the National Chrysanthemum Society in respect of some of these varieties appeared to have run c mnter to that of the judges in a few instances at the recent Jubilee Exhibition. The Floral Committee of the Society made a recommendation to the General Committee that a Special Committee of Growers should be formed to take into con- sideration these doubtful varieties and classify them. A committee of fifteen persons was appointed, mainly con- sisting of trade growers and exhibitois, Mr. T. Bevan, tho Chairman of ihe Floral Committee, as President ; and tho report of this Committee was accepted by the General Committee of the N. C. S. on the 25th ult. There will now be two types- the Incurved and Japanese Incurve I; and all varieties which may be regarded as incurved, according to the standard of characteristics set forth in th-j Society's last catalogue, will be recognised as incurred, and admissible in the competitive classes of incurved blooms. The following virieties are included in this class : — Duchess of Fife, Golden Nugget, Ideality, King of Orange, L'Ametbyste, Leonard Payne, Ma Perfection, Miss Phyllis Fowler, Mrs. F. Hopper, Mr. J. Kcarn, Miss Louise D. Black, Mrs. James Eadie, Miss Dorothy Foster, Miss Violot Foster. Mrs. Airdrie, Mr. James Murray, Perle Dauphinoise, Percy Surman, Rena Dula, Roso Owen, Triomphe d'Eve, and Tho Egyptian. J. H. Runchman, Olivo Oclee, Lord Brooke, Robert Owen, and Sir Trevor Lawrence were classed as Incurved Japanese. In the caso of Harold Wells, which was regarded as more correctly an incurved variety than Sir Trevor Lawrence, from which it is .supposed to havo sported, tho votes were equal, so its class remains undefined. Austin Cannell, to be found in some catalogues as an incurved, and Mont St. Eynard (Calvaf, 1895), were deferrod ; these varieties being as yet too little known. It miy be added, thatfin every instance only those votol who had knowledge of the variety. The foregoing report, or as much of it as it may seoni desirable, will be published with the Annual Report, and be considered binding up >n competitors at the Society's shows, and upon affiliated societies. If it should it appear any of the varieties named in the foregoing report have been classed in the Society's Jubilee catalogue under different sections, this report shall be ta ken as determining the section of any vai iety named therein. THE ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICUL- TURAL SOCIETY. The aimual meeting of this Society was held in Edinburgh on the '>7th ult., when tho President, Mr. R. C. Munko Fbr- Oi . M.P., presided. PROPOSED EXCURSION TO IRELAND. Mi. Dunn reported that the Council proposed thai the excursion of 1897 should be to Ireland about the middled August. They expected to visit the estates of Lord Pita:- william and Lord Powerscourt in Wicklow, aud a run might be made to Killarney. Thoso provisional arrangements woro approved of, The Chairman next introduced Dr. William Schlirh. Dr. Schlich, he said, had been a practical forester in Germany ; ho had occupied a responsible position in connection with the forests of India ; he was at present head of the Cooper's Hill College ; he had t e management on his own account of a large area of woodland upon the Continent. He was not only a theoretical but a practical forester, and the Society was under exceptional obligation to him for having come to address them upon a subject which greatly interested this Society. Professor Schlich, who was cordUlly received, said his subject wan Forestry Education, which he knew had occupied their attention a good deal in recent years. The first point which demanded attention was whether a case for better forestry education than that which had hitherto been obtain- able iu this country had been made out. Forestry was an industry, and, like all other industries, it was subject to the law of supply and demand. Until a recent time the demand was for arboriculturists and not for sylviculturists. That dem md was met by the corps of gentlemen who attended to arboriculture on the various estates of this country. To expect that these gentlemen should suddenly turn into ex- perienced sylviculturists to suit a demand which only lately had sprung up was hardly fair. Until recent times tho economic question was, as far as the bulk of British wood- lands was concerned, of minor importance, since these wood- lauds were maintained chiefly for other objects. Of late, however, a change had come. Agriculture had f.tilen low, aud the rent-roll of many proprietors had been seriously affected. The economic or financial importance of wood- lands and the profitable utilisation of waste lands had come in ue into (he foreground. H ence the increased demand for skilled sylviculturists, or wood managers, who were fully acquainted with the economic aspect of the industry. This was all very well, but forests which had hitherto been managed for other objects could not suddenly be converted into what might hi called tc->nomie forests. The transi ion from one to the other took a considerable space of time, and it demanded the greatest skill of the sylviculturist to effect it without loss to the proprietor. The thing could he done, but it required tho training of wood managers on Hoes somewhat different from those hiiherto followed in this country. To let them understand the difference between the two things, Professor Schlich went on to discuss the question why tho timber now produced in Britain could not compete with that imported from abroad. They were awaro that the great drawback which forestry laboured under in this country was the absence of a regular demand for home-grown timber. Up to a comparatively recent date, at any rate, there was a clause in all Govern- ment contracts that home-grown timber would not be allowed to be used for constructive purposes. Why did such a condition of ihings exist ? It was due to two causes, tho inferiority of the quality of the homo timber as compared with that imported from abroad, and also because it eame into the market at irregular intervals and in fluctuating quantities. These drawbacks could only be remedied by a more .systematic management of the forests. Under proper conditions, a regular market for home tunber could be de- veloped ; and with better management be also showed that the effects of gales could also be, to a certain extent at least, neutralised. What enabled gales to do mischief was the fact that often an open face was left to tho wind. A great deal could be done to protect woods from the violence of gales by looking after the edge trees, aud by planting along with shallow- rooted troes others with deeper roots for their protection. What the skill of tho forester could do in that respect he instanced by a reference to the forests of Saxony, whero the common spruce was the best-paying treo. There it yielded heavy crops, of which 80 per cent, wore classed as timber, which was used for a variety of constructive purposes, and also for tho manufacture of papar pulp, and only 20 per cent, as firewood. The Spruce, as they knew, was very liable to be thrown by wind— in fact, no tree was more liable ; but iu Saxony the precautions wore such that the damage done by galas was wonderfully small. The next point discussed by Professor Schlich was natural versus artificial regeneration. Each method, ho showed, had its advantages under certain circumstances, but on the whole he throw his influence on the side of artificial regeneration ;is being the best under an economic system of management of woodlands. The next subject of inquiry was whother there w.is a suffi- ciently large field open to them for extended action. An examination of the tables of imports and exports which were issued annually showed that the net imports represented a sum of money by no means to be despised. Taking, for in- stance, the returns for the yoirs 1890-94, it appeared that tho annual average imports of timber, including wood pulp, were 7,600,000 bms representing a value of £19, « »f tli.it Bum t-4, , Of i0 went to the colonies and £1 1,000,1 to foreign countries. By going bach some years 11 would be seen that the average imporl i bad Em raased by £3,000,000 a year during tho last eight years Thej mighl well ask them- selves tho question whether, if not tho whole, at am i ■ T « ■ b considerable portion of that timber could not be produce d il paying rates in this country. A detail) d examination ol the return showed tl.d ;i- l.n as the .'Innate is ,-■ luonud about £17,000,000 worth of the timber imported couUbe grown tl 1 „-. leaving £3,000,000 for the timber of species— teak, mahogany, &0, which had no chance of thriving In th' lands. Of the £17,000,000, no loss than £14,600,000 ropro- 98 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 6, 1S97. edited coniferous trees, while the other 2$ millions were mado up by Oak and uther hardwoods. And what were the Conifers?— Baltic red Pine, which was their own Scots Fir? Baltic white Pine, which was tho common Spruce ; and American white pine, the bulk of which was Weymouth, a tree which, introduced into this country about 100 years ago, had been proved to be quite at home with them, yielding heavy crops of timber. But, then, had they land for the purpose? To produce all the timber just mentioned would require at least five millions of acres. Were they available ; A definite answer to this question could only be given after a detailed investigation of each county. But a general idea might bo got by looking at the official agricultural returns. From these they found that there- were in the three kingdoms waste land not used about l:'4 million acres, and mountains and heath lands used for rough grazing 12J mil- lions, giving a total of 26£ million acres. Of these about one- half were in Scotland. No doubt a fair proportion of the waste lauds could be used for afforesting, but the greater part of it was unfit for the purpose. Taking both kinds of land together, he did not hesitate to say that much more than five million acres were fit for afforestation. At the same time they must reme mbcr that, apart from rough grazing, by far the greater portion of the area was used for shootiog— at any rate, all that part that was fit for planting —and that shooting runts were high. Henee these lands could not be dealt with wholesale. In the north the income derived from .shooting, including doer forests, was so con- siderable that the proprietors were very tardy and suspicious in respect of anything that might affect this important source of income. Still he was satisfied that, under proper arrangements, a considerable portion of the lands in question could be planted without interfering to an appreciable degree with shooting rents. In the case of deer forests, especially, ho believed that afforestat'on of tho lower portions of the area would be likoly to increase their value in this respect, while gradually an increasing revenue from tho planted areas would be secured. Discussing the question, would it pay to plant? he said his personal experience as a practical wood manager led him to state that land which was capable of producing on an average lj tons of coniferous timber per acre a year could be profit- ably afforested if it did not yield an annual soil rental of more than lis. per acre, or in the north 7s. 6d. an acre. In consideration, therefore, of the area already under forest in this country, and the very considerable additions to it which were possible, whereby a large sum of money might be kept in this country instead of going beyond the sea, a strong case had been made out for improved forestry O'iucatmn. He might just mention that the forests of Schwar/.enberg. which were 4ij,000 acres in extent and from 1,000 to 2,f>ou feet above sea level, yielded a net revenue of 20s. id. per acre, while tho forest of Maricnberg gave a net revenue of 27s. per acre. If they worked out tho former sum they would find that it was not the big price that did it, for they only got -\^il. per cubic foot for the 2,410, 0(111 cubic feet, of timber these woods annu- ally yielded. Going onto consider the question who was to provide this improved forestry education, whereby a stalFof wood mana- gers would gradually be educated who were well versed in modem economic forest management, he said it had of late gone forth that the State ought to do it. In this connection Professor Sehlieh pointed out that the great bulk of the waste lands which might be planted belonged to private proprietors, and that the State bad no great tracts of forest either belonging to it or under its control, as in France and Germany aud India. These facts led him to think that they could expect only a limited assistance from tho State The State's action, however, might reasonably be expected in the following directions (I) Assistance in the equipment of forest schools and training grounds ; (2) management of, at any rate, a number of Crown forests on systematic econo- mic principles ; (::) advances at moderate interest to landed proprietors who were desirous of planting ; and (4) in some cases, for instance, where additional labour was wanted in congested districts, surplus areas might be acquired and put under forest. At the same timo they could not close their eyes to the fact that as the proprietors of forests were tho persons most interested in the systematic management of their woodlands, it rested in the first place with them to afford the means forthe proper education of their agents. At least that was the view ho took of it. Assuming that to be the case, why should they not be ablo to do as much as had been done, for instance in Bohemia and Moravia, where the proprietors supported three fores- try schools at Weisswasser, at Eulenburg, and at Lem- berg, only the last - mentioned of which received any annual grant from the State. It would not be too much to expect that the proprietors among them should find the means for the cost of forestry education in this country. Supposing, for the sake of argument, that they determined to take up tho matter in real earnest, and to contribute \d. per acre on their woodlands, say for ten year?, that would be £900 a year. That would give the scheme a -start, and during that period some other arrangements might bo made. Dis- cussing further how the course of forestry education should be arranged. Professor Sehlieh indie ited what was being done at Cooper's Hill, and showed bow that might be modi- fied to suit the particular requirements of the country. The principle on which that College was conducted was that the theoretical and practical teaching of forestry must go hand in hand. How that was to be applied to Scotland he had never seen clearly stated. He fancied that to some extent they had several schemes running on parallel lines. There were a large number of foresters in Scotland who looked after the woods on estates of varying extent. Some proprietors had only a few hundred acres, and others had thousands. The former employed a forester or a woodman, whom they paid hardly more than a skilled labourer; and even in the caso of tho larger properties the emoluments of the wood managers reached, as far as he was aware, a very moderate figure. Now, no young man in his senses would devote several years of his life, and a uot inconsider- able amount of cash, to prepare himself for a position with a salary of £70 a year. But the proprietor might very well say— How am I to give him more? I have only small woodlands. According to his (Professor Sehlich's) idea, they required two distract classes of foresters—the working forester ami the wool manager, or the forest expert. The former would do the ordinary current work, while the latter would lay down the! method of treatment and super- vise the execution of the work. Every proprietor would have one or a number of working foresters, according to the size of his woods, and a wood manager or a share of one. If his estate was of sufficient extent he would engage his own wood manager, and if he nwned only a small area he would secure the occasional services of one. There were many examples where a land agent managed many estates ; and there was no reason, as far as he could see, why the same should not be the case with wood managers. In that way they would secure an income commensurate with the sacrifices which they had made in educating themselves. Working foresters shotdd be practically trained men, but they need not neces- sarily have attended a forest school unless they desired to work up to the position of wood managers. Speaking of what was being done in Edinburgh, he said ho saw that there were here threo distinct means of acquiring theoretical knowledge in thij country— (I) the training of working foresters at the Royal Botanic .Gardens ; (?) the lectures given by Colonel Bailey in connection with the Department of Agriculture in the University ; and (3) the Kdini'urgh School ..(' Rural Economy. As an outsider, ho could uot help thinking that energy and money were likely to bo wasted by running on too many lines all at once. In his view, their chief energies should be directed to the education of the future wood manager, while working foresters would, for the present at any rate, do well to seek their training in well-managed forests. In his opinion, they would do better if at the start they were to concentrate operations so as to make one definite scheme a reality, and that scheme -hould be to perfect the education of their future wood managers. In other words, he should advocate (I) a centre of instruction, consisting of theoretical instruction in connection with a University or agiicultural college whoro instruction in the auxiliary sciences is already provided ; aud (2) woodlands where the practieat instruction could be imparted. As a basis for the former, lie referred to Colonel Bailey's class ■ and for the Utter, he hinted that he did not approve of the joint stock scheme which was propounded, but hoped that the application <-f the S-Weiy to the |}n ird of Agriculture for the purchase of a wooded estate lo lie uscil as a practical training ground would be successful. He considered, that in the question national interests of considerable magnitude were at stake, which he hoped would not lie put Ink for another generation \ . . Dins In the evening the annual dinner took place in (lie Royal British Hotol, Princes Street, and was attended by a com- pany of about fifty gontlcmen. Mr. Munro pEnonsoN, M.P., the President of tho Society, occupied tho chair; the croupier was 1 olonel Bailey; and Dr. Sehlieh gave the toast of tho evening— "The Royal Scottish Arborieul- tural Society." Ho drew special attention to tho capital work which the Society had done during the last few years, and said that he had been quite struck by the excellence of tho contributions to its Transactions. He was convinced that great good had come from the visit of the Society to Germany last year. In his opinion the gentlemen who had carried out that visit had doue a very patriotic service. In some way Scottish arboriculturists had found that the method of treating forests in Scotland, from an economic point of view, was capable of improvement, and they had also found that Continental foresters could learn a good deal from Scotland. That being so, they had now to do their level best in Scotland to make forestry in this country profit by tho experience gained on the Contincut. There were some people who would like to make forestry a science pure and simple. That would not do. Forestry was an in- dustry, and must remain so. It was an industry which dealt with a very bulky article, and that prevented it being ever classed as anything but an industry. But nowadays they could bring an industry to a very high degree of per- fection. But while they should never lose sight of the fact that forestry was an industry, they must recognise that a fully-equipped forester required to have a knowledge of various branches of science, for his was an industry based upon science. Again, they must never lose sight of the financial aspect of tho matter, for whatever object a pro- prietor might hive in keeping up his woodlands, he always looked to have a return from them commensurate with the capital expenditure. Abridged from (he Scotsman, READING & DISTRICT GARDENERS' MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT. The Annual Tea of this Association was held in the Abbey Hall, lent by Messrs. Sutton & Sons, on Monday evening the 25th ult., when the newly-elected President, Mr. C. B. Stevens, presided. Florists' Flowers. AURICULAS. Cultivators of this plaut always wait with impa- tience for the arrival of February, as early in this month the overhauling of all the different sections of Auriculas takes place. It is now well known that the best trusses are produced on plants kept in an Auricula-house, from which frost is excluded. At tho time of writing, I am placing the plants in a house, aud quite close to the lights. It is prudent to remove the surface-soil in order that the neck of the plauts may be examined, as it is at this part that the Auricula aphis is usually to be found. After cleansing the collar of the plant of these pests, re-surface with compost consisting of two parts loam, leaf-mould aud decayed manure, one part each. Strong offsets miy be removed at this time. I recommend a top-dressiu" being afforded because it pleases the fanciers, but is not essential to the production of good blooms. The foliage should also be examined, and dust, green fly or their excreta, should be removed with a soft brush. Qreeu-fly itself may be removed by fumigation after the plauts arc placed in the Auricula-house. I have just pricked out tho earliest lot of seedlings. Some amateurs fail to obtain plants from show Auricula seed, especially that of tho show varieties which may be owing to tho seed not being capable of retaining its vitality for many months aud it is advisable to sow the seed ns soon as it is gathered ; this is iu July and August, or soon after- wards. The seod-pots or pans should be placed in a frame on tho north side of a wall or hedge, and the position chosen should be a very moist one, causing a growth of green m-ii, through which the seedlings push freely. When po=scs-ed of two or three true leaves, prick them off a dozen or more together iu a small 60 flower-pot. For the present all young Auriculas are best in the house. Alpine Auricula varieties require tho samo kind of treatment as the show, if intended for cultivation ii> pots. J. Douglas, UlinYSANTIIKMUMS. One of the most important matters in growing these plants for producing bloom j lit lor exhibition, is that as soou as the cuttings have rooted, no check of any kind should be given to growth, or stuuting may occur. Some gardeners believe thit great vigour at this stago is hurtful, and they endeavour to check growth for a time, which in my opinion is injurious, anil it is not possible to cause the plants to grow too strongly at this stage, aud the fiilure of plants may often be traced to lack of vigour. When tho plants are well rooted, aud will bear exposure to tho air without flagging, place them upon a shelf close to the glass in the house in which tiny were rooted, exposure to light affording strength, anil more air is thus admitted to them thau when placed on the side stages of a greenhouse. The young plauts must be afforded water carefully, and never allowed to become dry. Before a plant becomes root-bound, it should be rc-potted, and this is the time to take into considera- tion the size of pot in which they are to bloom. For most of the stronger-growing Japanese varieties pots of 10 inches diameter are suitable, the weaker- growing varieties going into pots '2 inches less. Pots of 9 inches diameter are suitable for most of the incurved varieties ; a few of the weaker-growing ones, such as Lady Hardingo, do better in 8-inch pots. Those plants which are iutended to reach a 9-inch pot ultimately should be placed into 3&-inch pots, aud the next time into pots of 5.V inches. When tho last shift will lie a 10-inch pot, IViuch ones may now bo employed, ami the next shift will bo into a tU inch one. As the " cast " sizes vary, I prefer to give the sizes iu inches, measuring the inner diameter. Always use clean pots, the roots clinging to the sides of dirty ones, and they are not easily detached. The soil for the first potting should consist of fibry loam two parts, leaf-soil one part, and of spent Mushroom-bed materials oue part, with a free admixture of sharp silver-sand for ordinary loam, and adding charcoal if it be heavy, the whole being passed through a coarse February 6, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 99 sieve, rubbing the fibrous portions of the loam through it. To one bushel of this kind of compost add 1 lb. of Thomson's Vine-manure. Crook the pots carefully, placing some of the rougher parts of the soil over these, and pot the plants firmly. It is important that the growth made should be matured as it progresses, and firm potting helps this. If the soil is moist, as it should be when used, no water will be required for a day or two. After March the plants thould not be allowed to suffer lack of moisture at the roots, nor be kept constantly wet. Sometimes the leaves become pale in tint, showing that the amount of water in the soil is in excess of the needs of the plants, and less must be afforded, keeping the soil almost dry for a few days or a week. I have known cases of this kind of so stubborn a nature that recourse had to be taken to giving such plants weak doses of sulphate of iron, so as to restore the green colouring. After potting, place them again on the shelves, and keep them there till the roots reach the sides of the pots ; then place a ttick to each, and remove to a cold frame or pit, standing them upon coal-ashes not far from the glass, keeping the frame rather close for a day or two, and afterwards admitting air more or less according to the state of the weather. On very fine days in March the lights may be taken off for a few hours. If green or black-fly appears in the points of the stem, dust the tips with tobacco - powder without delay. E. Molyneux. ©bftuarn. THOMAS BEDDARD. — We regret to announce the deith of Mr. Beddard, head gardener at Stone- leigh Abbey, Kenilworth, which occurred at that place on Sunday, January 24, at the age of fifty-eight years. The deceased, who seemed to be in his usual health, died suddenly from some affection of the heart. He had held the post of head gardener to Lord Leigh for seventeen years, and was well known and respected throughout the county. The deceased gardener leaves a widow, but no children. Markets. COYENT GARDEN, FEBRUARY 4. [We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. Tbey aro furnished to us regularly every Thursday, by the kindness of several of the principal salesmen, who revise the list, and who are responsible for the quotations. It must bo remembered that these quotations do not represent tho prices on any particular day, but only the general averages for the week preceding the date of our report. The prices depend upon tho Suality of the samples, the supply in the market, and the emand ; and they may fluctuate, not only from day to day, but often several times in one day. Ed.1 Oct Flowers. — Average Wholesale Prices. . d. Anemone, doz. bun, Arums, p. 12 blooms 4 0-60 Bouvardias, pcrbn. 0 6- 0 'J Carnations, pr. doz. blooms 2 0-30 Chrysanthemums, doz. bun. 2 0- G 0 — doz. blooms 10-30 Eucharis, per dozen 4 0-50 Hyacinths( Roman), doz. sprays Lilac, wh. (French), per bunch Lilium Hariisi, per doz. biooms ... Lily of the Valley, dozen sprays Maidenhair Fern, per 12 bunches... Marguerites, per 12 bunches Migii'iiiette, per doz. bunches ... Mimosa (French), per bunch SJarcissin, various, per don. bunches 16-30 Orchid-bloo Plants in Pots. — Aver *. d. s. d. Adiantmn, perdoz. 4 0-12 0 Aspidistras, pordoz. 12 0-30 0 — specimen, each 5 0-15 0 Azalea*, perdoz. ... 24 0-42 0 Chrysanthemums, por doz. ... (1 0-12 0 CineririiS. perdoz 8 012 0 Cyclamens, perdoz. 12 r-13 0 Dracaenas, each ... 1 0- 7 G — various, p. doz. 12 0-24 0 Evergreen Shrubs, In variety, doz.... 6 0-24 0 Ericas, per doz. ... 10 0-12 0 — hyenudiB, doz. 10 0-15 0 0 6-10 3 6-50 0 6-10 4 0-80 2 0-40 4 0-60 1 0- 1 6 0-12 0 6 0-90 0 6-09 4 0-90 0-6 0 Orchids :— Oattleya, 12blmfl. Odontoglossum crispum,12bm. Pelargoniums, scar let, per 12 bun, — per 12 sprays . Poinsottias, 12 bl. Pyi jthrums, 12 bn. 2 0- Rosos (French), per doz. blooms ... 10-20 — Tea, perdoz. ... 10-16 — yellow (Mare- chal), per doz. 6 0-90 — red, per dozen 10-20 — pink, per doz. 3 0-40 — Safrano, p. doz. 10-26 Snowdrops, doz. bunches 10-20 Tuberoses, 12 blma, 10-20 Tulips, por doz. ... 0 6-13 Violets (Fr.)Parrae, per bunch 3 0-36 — — Czar,bun. 2 0-30 — — doz. bun. 16-20 — (Eng.), por doz. bun. 16-26 in ' I'iety. as Wholesale Prices. t. d. i. d. Ferus, small, doz. ... 10-20 — various, doz. 5 0-12 0 Ficus olastica, each 10-76 Foliage plants, per doz 12 0-36 0 Genistas, perdoz... 9 0-15 0 Ilyatinths, perdoz. G 0-12 0 Marguerite's, p. doz. 8 0-12 0 Palms, various, ea. 2 0-10 0 — specimens, ea. 10 6-84 o lV.hisotti:i.H, perdoz. 9 0-12 0 Holanums, p. doz.... 9 0-12 0 Tulips, doz. pots ... 6 0-90 PrOIT.— AVERAQE WHOLESALE PRICES. 6. d. 8. d. 1 S. d. 8. d. Apples, Wellingtons, I Grapes, Gros Col- per sieve ... 6 0-70 mar, 2nd qual., per lb 16-19 — Muscats, Eng- lish, 1st quality per lb 4 0-60 — Muscats, 2nd qual., p.lb. ... 2 6-36 Nuts, Cob, p.lOOlb. 55 0-60 0 Pine-apples, St. Mi- chael, each ... 3 0-50 the Grapes, Alicante, 1st quality, per lb. ... — Alicante, 2nd quality, por lb. — Gros Colman, selected, p. lb. Vegetables.— Average Wholesale Prices, 1 G- 2 0 10-12 ArU'-'lmkes, Globe, perdoz. — Chinese (Sta,- chystubcritcra), Beans, French, Channel s. d s. d. Cucumbers, home- grown, select., perdoz. ... 10 0-12 0 Mushrooms (Indoor) per lb. 0 3 — per lb. ... ... 0 6- 0 S Potatos, New Kid- neys, Channel per lb. . .' 16-19 Islands, per lb. 05-06 Madeira Kid- — Kidney Pota- per bkt. tos, French p. lb. 0 2-0 2$ of Vto 101b. ... 3 6-40 Rhubarb (Forced), Cauliflowers, St. perdoz. ... 10-13 Malo, per doz. 10-26 Sea Kale, per pun- Cauliflowers, Cher- | net, 3J to 4 lb. bourg, per ! weight 10-13 doz 13-19 Tomatos, Canaryls- Cauliflowers, Corn- lands, perc "The temperature continued ima-h below the : deficit ranging from 4° in the ' Chaunel Islands,' to 8° in most other districts, and to 7° in 'England, E. andN.E.' The highest of the maxima, which were recorded on rather irregular dates, ranged from 4S° in the 'Channel Islands,' to 41° in ' England, N.E.,' and 'o 40° in ' Er gland, E.' The lowest of the minima were rcg istercd either on the earlier or latter days of the week, and ranged from 14° in ' Scotland, E.,' 15° in ' Scotland, W.,' and 17° in ' S otland, N., England, S. W., and Ireland, N.,' to 22° in ' England, E.,' and to 31° in the ' Channel Islands.' "The rainfall just equalled the mean in ' England, N.W. and the Channel Islands,' and slightly exceeded it in 'Ire- land, N.' In all other districts, however, the fall was less than the mean. "The bright sunshine exceeded the mean in nearly all districts, but was rather deficient in ' Scotland, E. and tho Channel Islands.' The percentage of the possible duration ranged from 40 in ' Ireland, S.,' and 39 in ' England, 8.,' to 19 in 'England, N.W./ IS in 'Scotland, N.,' and 17 in Scotland, E.' " wall, per crate 11 0 about 12 lb. 4 0-56 Potatos. Demand has been rather more active the last day or so, without any improvement in prices, which rule as follows :— Dunbar Maincrops, S5s. to 90s. per ton ; Dunbar Saxons, 70*. to 75s. ; Lincoln Maincrops, 60s. to 75s. ; do. Saxons, 60*. to 75s. ; do. Giants, 50s. to GO*. ; Blacklands, 35s. to 45s. John Bath. [The term "accumulated (.cinp^rituro" indicates the aggre- gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of temperaturo above or below 42" Fahr. for tho period named : and this combined result is exprossed in Day- degrees — a "Day-degree" signifying 1" continued for twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for an inversely proportional number of hours.] Tkmperatuhi. Rainfall. Bright Sun. a a ACCUMULATED. 9 « <; i i ■ IS II u rt o 1 !«>,- go^. " III-- p pi < g a | I1" 9 -'*- S o ^ n ±1 £ a 3 &3 a ■ Day. Day- Day. 10ths deg. deg. deg. deg. Inoh. Ins. 0 G - 0 6s - 21 + 42 1 - IS 2-0 18 16 1 6 - 0 78 - 2S + 57 1 - 15 1-6 17 12 9 r - 0 73 - 21 -|- 33 2 - 22 2-0 25 16 3 v - 0 70 - 26 + 20 3 - 21 20 31 14 4 o - 0 71 _ :a 1- 42 3 - 17 1-0 :l 16 5 6 - 0 62 - 31 + 22 4 - 15 2-0 30 18 B 6 - 0 60 _ 34 + 58 6 - 12 l-o 28 25 V 6 - 0 56 - 20 + 36 0 avei 16 11 I'.i IS S 0 43 - 37 + 28 2 - 16 2-2 :i 23 f> 5 _ o 48 - 11 + 57 1 + 16 1-8 :t 2S 10 0 - 3 45 - 47 + 48 5 - 14 2 4 1" S3 * I - 8 26 - 32 + o 0 avci 22 2-S 26 1 The districts indicated by number in the first column are tho following : — 0, Scotland N. Principal Wheat- producing Districts — 1, Scotland, E. ; 2, England, N.E. : 3, England, E. ; 4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London, 8. Principal Grazina, wr, uviv mUTsp,rMjd with considerable intervals (f clear sky. Enquiry. " He that questioncth much shall learn much." — Bacon. Narcissus Van Lion, — Would some of your readers kindly inform ''Horti" if there are two varieties of the Double Van Lion Narcissus. There are, he says, Narcissus called Van Lion with shaded trumpet flowers, the trumpet filled with petals ; other times the flower is split up, and like a double N. incomparabihs. Are both of these Van Lions? if not, which is the true variety ? §Lorr(c)pondenw-0. Books : Constant Reader. Enquire of Mr. Upoott Gill, The Bazaar Office, 170, Strand, London, W.C. We know of noao in print. — O. N. T. In many, but not in all, caseB we have to buy tho book, and then give it a gratis advertisement if we think it desirable in the interest of our readers. We should not be asked to do more. Publishers should adver- tise their wares like other people ; the book you mention stands in a different position. It is issued in parts at 5s. or 6s. , and there are several of them. Chrysanthemums : /. O. Very useful blooms in February, but we are unable to decipher the name you give them. Cinerama : J. McD. The appearance is due to the fusion of two or more flower-stalks, probably resulting from over-rapid growth. Devoniensis Hose : U. M. To bring the Rose through the wall into an ordinary cool greenhouse would not result in your gettiug much, if any, bloom in the winter, the temperaturo being too low to induce vigorous growth. The variety would do well in an early Peach-house, and would flower abundantly, the pruning being done in early summer in time to get good long shoots on the plants well ripened the same year. The cultivation would have to be liberal. Fowls' Manure: W. G. They might analyse^this substance for you for a consideration at the Essex School of Agriculture, Chelmsford. Fringed Cyclamens : W. Klein. The address asked for is given in the note accompanying the illustra- tions, si e p. 70 of our issue for January 30, 1897. Piturr-aBOWiNG Centres in the South of Eng- land : O. M. A. Broxbourne, Sawbridgeworth, Swanlcy, Brighton, and Worthing, the last two being well adapted for this kind of gardening under glass, by reason of the mild climate, and greater amount of sunshine enjojed in the winter and spring mouths. Gardenia Leaves Spotted : U. M. W. The dark spots on the under-surface of leaves of Taborme- montana are superficial, and when removed the cuticle is intact. The material of which they are composed is amorphous, and resemblea the exuviic of insects. Beyond this we have no data to deter- mine, fif. ' '. c GaBDENS, id. : /'. '/. The Physic Garden of tho Society of Apotheoaries is in the. Queen's Road, Chelsea, uear liattersea Bridge. Inarching the Grape -vine : Novict. Having a planted-out Vine, and the Vine to be inarched growing in a pot or alongside in the border, nothing 100 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 6, 1897. is easier than to inarch or join the two. In any case, it will be advisable to wait till leaf-growth has begun in both, so that bleeding may not hinder the union. It may be done by simply taking off with a knife a slice of equal size from each, bringing the cut surfaces accurately together, and binding them firmly. Clay or grafting-wax may be placed round the junction to prevent the ingress of water. Vine-shoots in a green state readily unite in the same mauner, and this method affords a means of lvadily inarching Vine-spurs of one variety with other varieties by means of Vines growing in pots, which may be for convenience sake suspended from the trellis. Lobelia Propagation : T. F. Seed of Lobelia erinus speciosa iu variety is purchasable at the seed- dealers, and it comes fairly true to colour and habit ; but the propagation of the different varieties from true stocks for planting in beds is advisable from cuttings only. There are in all gardens positions where exactness of the shade of colour and uniformity of habit are of not much consequence, and in those seedlings would answer ; as also for culture in window-boxes, pots, as edgings to vases, &c. The pret'.y half trailing Lobelia gracilis is an admirable plant fur all of these purposes, and may be raised true from seed. Sow in gentle heat at the end of the present month, prick off early, the plant soon making a lot of roots ; establish in heat, but remove afterwards to cooler quarters, or at least where more air can be afforded the plants. There are various methods of raising seedling Lobelias. Where many thousands are required, the seed is sown broadcast and thinly on the surface of a finely-sifted 6-inch layer of leaf-mould and loam, with a good deal of sharp sand in it, resting on a mild hotbed of tree-leaves and stable-litter, well prepared, and which has a steady heat of 80° ; or seed may be sown iu pots, pans, or cutting-boxes in the same kind of soil, placing these in a hotbed-frame. Care should be taken to prevent the drawingup of the plants by affording air more or less to them from their first appearance above the soil, any neglect of this precaution, or letting the top-heat rise above 70°, will lead to wholesale damping off. This applies also to cuttings. The seed should not be covered, but pressed into the surface of the bed with a smooth piece of board, and a day or two after sowing watered with a very fine rose-can. Keep a sharp outlook for snails of all kinds, woodlice, &c. When a true leaf or two have been made, pricking- off into other frames or pans must begin, and be carried out as fast as the seedlings become fit, which may occupy a fortnight altogether. Less heat is required by the plants at the top and bottom after April sets in, and towards the end of the month or early iu May the plants should be sufficiently hardened to be safely placed in cold frames — at the least as regards the earliest- raised seedlings or cuttiugs. Some gardeners prick- off both into small pots, say one in a long Tom, two iu a large GO, or throe or four iu a small 48 ; others, again, scoop out small holes or narrow channels in fresh turves, placed on mild hot-beds, and filling these with fine mould, prick off the young plants at 2 to 3 inches apart. Manures: Suburbs. We should imagine that you err in the term phosphate of potash. What is probably intended is a manure consisting of mineral or other phosphate of lime, and sulphate of potash, which along with sulphate of ammonia, insoluble and semi-dissolved bones, guano, &c., form the basis of many of the artificials sold. Probable cost 8s. per cwt. Mealy Bug on Vines : £ if. As a further means of destroying and rooting out the pest, you should wheel away t e upper crust of the border if it is an inside one ; limewash the walls, and fill all crevices in the same and between the brickwork and the woodwork with hard mortar ; ami having washed the Vines in tho manner described iu your note, put on them some smothering mixture of softsoap, clay, cow-dung, aud soot. We are not acquainted with Mr. G. H. Richards' liquid in- secticide, but it may be worth a trial. Names of Plants : Correspondents not answered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number. — F. SoentJcin. 1, Asparagus plu- mosus ; 2, A. plumosus nanus ; 3, A. scandens defiexus. — R. M. 1, Cyathea dealbata; 2, Da- vallia (Microlepia) platyphylla ; 3, Cibotium Schiedci ; 1, Doodia caudata ; 5, Dracaena Frascri ; 6, Marauta Veitchii. — (lucid. Two varieties of Oncidiuni O'lirieniauum, Keieh. f., an illy of 0. pubes. — Daiotry. Your Cypripedium is a form of C. x Leeanum, a class already overcrowded with varietal names. — Gardener. Your specimen appears to be Biguouia venusta, but it usually carries more blooms iu a cluster. — O. Bartle. Chimonan- thus fragraus. — Southampton. One appears to be Philesia buxifolia, the other we do not recognise ; neither has any flower to it.— E. B. As far as we can judge from the rather poor specimens, they are Galanthus Elwesii. Notice to Quit : Southport. You are entitled to a month's notice or a month's payment, in the absence of any specific agreement. We have no record of special cases. Orange Trees to Flower in September : Gar- dener. If you cau retard the plants, by keeping them cool, and by affording just sufficient water as will keep them iu health ; then, under the excitement of warmth and sunlight, and more water at the root, they may be got in full flower at the desired time. The season of flowering is naturally a long one. The flowers must be "wired " if used in bouquets. Potato sets with only one Eye, &c. : U. M. The Bishop was right in recommending the removal of all the other "eyes," but few persons do it, they thinking the risk too great. As to staking and tying the Potato-stems, this is not likely to be adopted by many gardeners, although it, doubtless, has some advantages ; these, however, would scarcely counterbalance the cost of the stakes, labour, kc. Wide planting would influence the weight of crop quite as well. Renovating a Badly-sown Lawn: A. H. O'K. If it is very patchy, or has settled unevenly, it will be better to dig it over half a spit deep, when it is in a workablo condition, and leave it untouched till the end of March or beginning of April, when it should be trodden evenly all over, and made level, either a dead or " hanging " level, as the case may be; fiually raked over, taking off the rougher stones, &c, and sown on a dry, quiet day, taking care to sow the Lolium perenne tenue (Rye grass) first, and to hack it in with an iron rake. The following is a good mixture of grasses and Clovers for an acre of land : — Lolium perenne tenue, 20 lb. ; Cy- nosurus cristatus, 5 lb. ; Festuca duriuscula, 3 lb. ; F. ovina teuuifolia, 2 lb. ; Poa nemo- ralia, 2 lb. ; P. n. sempervirens, 2 lb. ; P. trivialis, 2 lb. ; Trifolium repons, 6 lb. ; T. minus, 2 lb. If the soil be rich and heavy, 1 lb. of Fes- tuca duriuscula and 2 lb. of Cynosurus additional may be used. The sower should fasteu a piece of board 2 feet by 1 foot to each foot. Rake iu the seed after sowing with a wooden wide-toothed rake, and cross-roll tho laud well as a finish to it. Selling two to three dozen Rose Blooms per day. F. T. The blooms being cut and brought to market in a half opened btate, should find ready purchasers among florists and marketsalesmen. You should come up to the market and make enquiries for yourself concerning those things of which you are ignorant : suoh as the number of blooms demanded in a box, the best days on which to send, &c. No publication on marketing exists. Articles on the subject have doubtless appeared in these pages, but to find them would involve much expenditure of time which we can ill afford to give ; and nothing but experience in the markets will supply the kuowledge of which you stand in need. Societies' Addresses : S. M. You may obtain the addresses of the societies named by applying to Mr. W. Chubb, 1, Gt. College Street, London, S.W. Sowing Seeds of Conifers : Conifer. The land should be open— not shaded by timber tree3, but it will be the better for the shelter of hedges, or of young plantations of evergreen trees. It should bo manured, if poor, with decayed stablo-manure or cowyard-manure (the first for stiff soils, the latter for porous, gravelly loama), and dug two spits and the shovellings in depth, if it will bear it, that is, if the infertile subsoil be not brought up ; as to do that would render the land unfitted for the purpose. The seed of Pinus, Abies, and Larch are usually sown thinly broadcast in the spring, in 4-feet wide beds, and slightly covered with fine Boil, eifted if possible from that in the alleys. The land should have been dug several months before, so as to let the soil settle, and should be levelled and trodden evenly all over, and then raked t,> a fine tilth, removing largo stones aud rubbish. The beds should be lined out, the outlines being cut with a spade. We are unable to answer you as to the price per 40 yards run of seedling Larch, Spruce, &c. ; but knowing the price per 100 of one-year-old stuff. We are sure that it would not be high. Sparrows : U. M. We can only advise you to shoot, trap, net, and take the nests, and not kill the different kinds of hawks. Do not, however, use poisoned grain. Strawberry. ; Thornton Heath. The plant is a genus belonging to the natural order Rosacie, distinguished by its ten-cleft calyx, five petals, and its carpels or pips embedded in a fleshy receptacle which we call its fruit. — - The Cost of Keeping Nursery-land Clean and Free- from Weeds : Conifer. Unless very much infeBted with weeds, one man ought to be able to keep 3 acres in a clean condition, except in wet summers ; the price per acre will, therefore, depeod on the average labourer's wages of the district in which the nursery lies. Tomato Soil: C. Bogle Woolley. There would be nothing to fear this year by usiug the soil as it is, only adding a rich mulch if the plants seemed to need such later on. Traps for Woodlice : B. B. The older commonly- employed contrivances for catching woodlice con- sist of pots, drain-pipes, &c, filled with soft hay, slates laid on the floor, but not quite touching it, uuder which they will hide in the presence of daylight or artifioial light, and are then readily destroyed. The hollowed-out half of a Potato you mention is a good one, but it is not sufficiently wholesale in its action. Twelve Azaleas : TV. While. Apollon, Bernhard Andreas, Borsig, Deutsche Perle, Etendard do Flandre, Iveryana, Le Flambeau, punctulata, Roi des Beiges, Roi Leopold, President Oswald de Kerchove, and Sigismund Rucker. The price for nice plants in 32's is about 24s. per dozen. Violets : U. M. Much will depend on the manage- ment of the plants previous to, and after putting them into the frames. The Neapolitan is the latest to flower of the three varieties you mention. Wiring a Peach Wall : Novict. You would be enabled, in spite of the buttresses occurring at 12 feet intervals, to wire the wall as closely as pos- sible, if you place the wires vertically, which is the better method, as the lengths being only as long as the wall is high, sagg but little, aud they can be fixed at the top and bottom with eyes or studs only slightly stronger than those usediuterinediately. Wire when run horizontally requires to be very stout to enable it to be strained by means of raidisseurs. The size of wire to be used for vertical work need not bo stronger than one-tenth of an inch diameter, if of plain iron. Communications Received. — Edw.u-d Webb & Sons. — J. D. S.— Dr. Fraucoschi, Santa Barbara.— E. Autrau, Geneva.— W. B. H— H. H. D'O.-W. G. S.— E. H. J.— W. E. G. -M. D.— J. A.-J. T. L.— R. B. Lurd & Sous.— E. M.-M. D.— J. F. S.— J. T. Bennett-Poe— J. O'B.— M. E. SI -J. T. Shaw Storey.— C. T. D.-J. D.-C. W.— H. J. C.— A. C. F.— T. C.— R. L. H.— J. F. McLeod.— J. Leslie.- W. E. B , Grenada.— R. M. Specimens, Photographs, &c. Re J. A.— J. P. S. —Dr. Franccschi. th Thanks.— CONTINUED LARGE INCREASE in the CIRCULATION OF THE "GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. Important to Advertisers. — The Publisher has the satis- faction oj announcing that (hi circulation of th»" Gardeners' Chronicle" has, since the reduction in the price oj the taper, Increased to the extent of more than 90 per cent., and that it continues to increase weekly. Advertisers are reminded that the " Chronicle" circulates among country gentlemen, and all classes of gardeners and oarden-lovers at home, that it has a specially large VOREIUN AND COLONIAL CIRCULATION, and that it U preserved 'or reference in affl the vrinc'V^ Libraries. February 13, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. iOI THE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1897. AMERICAN TREES.* THE issue of the tenth volume of this remarkable book reminds us that it is approaching completion— already the Conifers have been reached. Another volume will, we presume, include the remainder of the order, or nearly so, and then there will be indices and tablos to finish up with. We have nothing to add to the eulogium already passed on the general features of this superb book. It must, in the future, be the standard book of reference in all matters relating to the trees and shrubs of America. It seems to us, nevertheless, on this side of the Atlantic, unfortunate that the author should have adopted the Neo-American, or, perhaps, we mi°-ht call it the Kuntzean system of nomen- clature ; but if that is really to be the system of the future iu the States, we can hardly blame the author for wishing that his book should be iu harmony with the circumstances. Iu the present volume there is no change in nomenclature of any great importance, except that Torreya is made to give place to Tumion on the authority of Rafinosque. This name, Tumion, we may say, is of later date than Torreya, and is entirely passed over in the Index Kewensis, as also in Baillon's and in Eichler's recent mono- graphs of the Conifers. As the Index and the synonymy sufficiently enlighten the reader, this revival of Ratinesque's name is not, after all, a matter of serious consequence. The present volume is specially interesting to British horticulturists, as containing a full account, with beautiful illustrations, of the species of Yucca. Of these no fewer than eight are described in this volume. Whilst the technical descriptions are most important for the sake of the record, the notes and inci- dental information are of great interest to the general reader. In this way so vast an amount of miscellaneous information is got together that the book becomes a veritable encyclo- pedia. We extract, by way of illustration, a few miscellaneous paragraphs relating to these plants : — " Yucca filifera, the largest of the Yuceaa now known, is a tree often 50 feet in height, with a trunk frequently 20 feet tall, and 5 feet in diameter, and many wide-spreading branches, and is distinguishable from all other species by its pendulous panicles of fiowers and fruit, which are often ti feet in length. It forms open forests of great extent on the plains, which rise from the lower Rio Grande to the Sierra Madre, and ranges southward to San Luis Potosi. Introduced nearly forty years ago into the gardens of Europe, it is also occasionally cultivated in some of tbo Texan towns along the Rio Grande, and in Northern Mexico, where it is often used in the neighbourhood of Monterey and Saltillo to form stockades. Yiicea filamentosa. — This Btemlesa aud very variable species inhabits sandy barren soil aud abandoned fields in the neighbourhood of the coast, from southern Mary bind, southward to Florida, and westward along the southern borders of the Gulf States of Louisiana. It is the best known of all the Yuccas iu northern gardens, which it enlivens iu midsummer with its gceat panicles of large ivory-white flowers. The tough leaves of this species are twisted and used in the southern States for hanging hams aud for other domestic purposes. Attempts have been made to utilise their fibre commercially ; but, though it is exceedingly strong and cheaply produced, the short- ness of Yucca-fibre lessens its value, aud it has not yet been successfully introduced into commerce. Yucca arborescens. — About twenty-five years ago at Ravenua, iu the Solidad Pass, just south of the Mohave Desert in California, a company of English capitalists established a mill for the manufacture of the wood of Yucca arborescens into paper-pulp. A quantity of paper was made froin the pulp, and it is said that several editions of the London Tcleyraph were printed upon it ; but the high cost of manu- facture more than consumed the profits of the enter- prise, aud it was soon abandoned First noticed by Fremont in 1811 on the Mohave Dessert.* The Joshua-tree, as it was called by the Mormons of Southern Utah, was not described until many years later. Railroads now cross the Mohave Desert, aud from the window of his car the traveller can see the forests of Yucca arborescens stretching indefinitely into the hazy distance, unlike any other forest on the continent, and without a rival in singularity and weirdness." Following the Yuccas come the Palms, of which no fewer than seven or eight species are enumerated, five from Florida and other southern States, and three from California and Mexico. After the Palms come the Conifers, which are numerous on both sides of the conti- nent, some even extending into the sub-tropical regions. In the present instalment we have the Taxacere, the Junipers comprising nino species ; the Cypresses, of which there are seven; the Thuyas, of which two are mentioned ; Libocedrus being represented by one species. As to the Thuyas, there are some curious facts relating to their history which may be here alluded to. There is Thuya oecidentalis, a native of the Atlantic States, and which has afforded a large number of varieties. These are well known in our gardens as forms of the American Arbor-vitie. There is no doubt at all about this species. On the Pacific side, northwards, is another species which again is easily recognisable— it is the one called by Nuttall, in 1831, T. gigautea, but which has also been called in gardens T. Lobbi, T. Craigana, and T. Menziesii, three names that should be at once abandoned. This is a splendid fast- growing species, bearing clipping and pruning, and which bids fair to form a useful timber treo. So far, all is plain-sailing — the difficulty begins when T. plicata comes in. The first- published mention of the name plicata is in James Donn's Hortus Cantab., ed. i (1807). Incidentally, it may be mentioned that by almost all subsequent writers the name is written Don, and the sixth edition (1811) is quoted when the fourth is the one in which the plant is first mentioned. Successive botanists have not verified their references, but have quoted one from the other. But this, in this instance, is a matter of little moment. More important for us is it to note that plicata is a nomen malum, — a name with no description attached, and which therefore should have been passed over. It was not ignorod, probably. « The Sylva of North A rica by C. S. Sargent, "We continued iu a southerly direction ,i Director of Ihe Arnold Arboretum of Harvard tiovuMly to which', as well as to all the country, Vol. x.,Liliaccie— Conifeia>. (BoMon and Now York : the Yucca-trees gav Houghton, Mifflin Si Co.) (Frfmont, Rep. 257.) strange and singular eharnete because Donu adds the information that the species was discovered by Nee at Nootka Sound, and introduced in 1796. This information led to the inquiry who Nee was, and where his specimen of Thuia might be found. The following extract satisfies the first question : — " Luis Nde, a Frenchman, naturalised in Spain, aud one of the botanists who accompanied Malaspina on his voyage round the world. He was a most indefatigable collector, and was endowed with con- siderable scientific ability. On the authority of Colmeiro, Ne'e was the first to make the interesting discovery of the existence of Rhododendron ponticum in the Iberian peninsula. Malaspina's voyage was made during the years 1789 to 1794 ; and when Nee landed at Cadiz he had made a collection of dried plants estimated at 10,000 species, including 4000 new to science. Like many other fine collections made by Spanish naturalists, it has been permitted to be at Madrid unused. There were also upwards of 300 drawings by various artists." Hcmsley, " Biolo'j. Cenlr. Americana," iv. p. 119. (See Colmeiro, "-La Botanica y los Botdnicos ilc la Peninsula Hispano- Lusitana," p. 183.) The answer to the second question was sug- gested by a reference to Lambert's Finns, the 8vo edition, dated 1832. Lambert mentions (p. 127, n. lil) Thuia plicata, or Nee's Arbor- vitte, describes it, and quotes Donn's name. The localities given are New Spain (Mexico), where it is alleged to have been collected by Nee, and the north - western coast of America, at Nootka Sound, where it was found by Menzies. "The specimens of this species collected in the expedition under Malas- pina by Don Luis Nee, although marked from New Spain, are most likely from Nootka Sound, where the tree was observed by M. Menzies, to whom it was probable we are also indebted for its first introduction to our collec- tions, as there does not appear to be any marked difference between the wild and the cultivated samples, unless that the branches of the latter are broader aud more compressed." Lambert, I.e. Furnished with these clues, an examination of the herbarium at the British Museum was the next step, and there we found two speci- mens from Menzies, and called T. Menziesii, with a MS. note of Salisbury's, and an imperfect specimen labelled ''Thuya ex Nov. Hispan, Nee, iter T. plicata, nob.," Cavanilles' name being written on the back, as if Cavanilles was the " nobis." These specimens, we think, belong, without doubt, to what we now call T. gigantea. If this be so, T. plicata is the earlier name, and we suppose some of the nomenclature purists would forthwith adopt it. These circumstances induced us once more to investigate the T. plicata of gardens, and wo are indebted to the authorities at Kew, Cam- bridge, to Mr. A. D. Webster, and to other friends, for specimens of T. plicata as now cul- tivated, and which undoubtedly have nothing to do with the original plicata or modern gigantea, but which equally certainly aro varieties of T. oecidentalis. One more question arises, and that is, whether the "plicata" of British gardens at the beginning of the century was the same as that still in cultivation; but this point we cannot dotormino. Lastly, in order to bring our story down to the present timo, we append what Professor Sargent says of the garden-plant now known as T. plicata : — " A small compact Thuya, regular in outline, and said to have been discovered by Mouzies on Van- couver's Island iu 17!'". as well as .'MT.ll ionus raised iu gardens, has long been cultivated iu Europo 102 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 13, 1897. under the name of Thuya phcata. (D. Don, Cat. Hort. Cantab., ed. 6, 249 [1811]; Lambert, Pinus, ii., 19 ; Spach. Hist. Veg,y ix., 342 ; Endlicher, Syn. Conlf., 51 ; Carriere, TraiU Conif., 102 ; Henkel aud Hochstetter, Syn. Nadclh., 277 ; Gordon, Plnetum, ed. 2, 406 ; Parlatore, Dc Candollc Prw£>\, xvi., pt. ii., 457; Beissner, Handb. Nadclh., 44). There is great uncertainty in regard to the true character of the plant originally described by Don, but most of the individuals now cultivated under this name are forms of Thuya occidentalis, although Thuya gigantea is also occasionally cultivated as Thuya plicata. No tree resembling the Thuya plicati of garden? has been found iu North-western America, aud this plant, like most of its varieties, is best considered a garden form referable to Thuya occidentalis rather than to Thuya gigantea." Sequoia is represented by the two well-known species, the Wellingtonia and the Redwood ; the deciduous Cypress, Taxodium distichum , being the last in the volume. Of all these, in addition to the letter-press, there are excellent illustrations giving the details that are essential to botanists, but which the ordinary artist omits or slurs over. This enumeration, bare though it be, bears out our statement, that this volume is of special interest to horticulturists. We look forward eagerly to the remaining volumes, comprising the history of the Amerioau Pines, Firs, Spruces, and Hemlocks. INFLUENCE OF FRUIT-BEARING ON THE MECHANICAL, TISSUE IN FRUIT-TREES. The December number of the Annals of Botany contains a paper by Mr. Adrian J. Pieters on "The Influence of Fruit-bearing on the Development of Mechanical Tissue in some Fruit-trees." The author mentions, among other authorities on this subject, Sorauer, who published more than one paper relating to it. Mr. Pieters says that: — "The inference drawn from Sorauers work is that culti- vation, and more directly fruit-bearing, may become injurious to a tree by reason of the greater develop- ment of cortex, and the proportionally smaller amount of xylem produced in the fruit beating shoot, which renders it weaker mechanically, and more liable to injury by frost. I shall present here a study of the effect of fruit- bearing on the permanent mechanical * tissue of the tree, in order to show the influence upon any tissue- system of the .strain to which a tree is subjected in the production of fruit and seeds." Four species, uaniely, Apple, Pear, Peach, and Plum are reported upon by Mr. Pieters, whose obser- vations are concluded in the followiug summary: — "The study of these four species seems to warrant the following conclusions, in answer to the questions proposed at the beginning of this paper — 1. The one-year-old fruit-beariug shoots of the Apple and the Pear have less wood iu proportion to their diameter than does the vegetative shoot of the same age. This is due, iu the Apple, largely to an increase in the cortex, and iu the Pear solely to a great increase in the cortex and the pith of the fruit- bearing shoot. It does not, however, appear, from the structure of the shoot-, that the fruit-bearing shoot is weaker than the vegetative. The former is well supplied with supplementary mechanical tissue, which is distributed at those points where it is most needed, aud thus gives it an increase of strength for the fruit-bearing year, which fully makes up for the difference in xylem development. 2. In the Peach the fruit-bearing shoot ha.3 more wood thau the vegetative shoot, and the walls of the wood-cells are as thick in the former as in the latter. * By " mechanical tissue " is meant all those collections of cells having thick and lignified walls, and serving to give strength and firmness to the shoot. Since the wood- cyliaier is the principal collection of such cells, and is the only one capable of accurate measurement, most attention will bo given to it, with incidental reference tt supple- mentary mechanical cells, when these are of importance. 3. In general it may be said that the effect of fruit- beariug upon the tissues is local. In the Apple and Pear it is perceptible throughout the one-year-old shoot ; in the Plum and Peach it is confined to a small area in the immediate neighbourhood of the fruit- stalk. 4. The local effect of fruit-beariug tends to an increase of cells, with a decrease in the thickness aud lignification of the walls of the wood cells. The cortex is especially enlarged, giving rise in the Apple aud Pear to the swollen condition of the fruit-bearing shoot. 5. In all cases the iucrease in growth U greatest on the side near to the fruit-stalk, Although tlie wood in the Apple and Pear ia best developed on the side of the lateral vegetative bud. 6. The local effect of fruit-bearing on the wood- cylinder disappears with time. The study of Apple- shoots that had borne fruit during their first year showed that in the two or four years following there had been a rapid increase of wood, especially on the side of the fruit-scar. This side was weakest at the end of the first year. These shoots at the end of three and five years had a better xylem-development than shoots of the same age that had uever borne fruit. 7. Fruit-beariug has a temporary local effect upon the lignification of the walls of wood-cells. It prevents their lignification wholly or iu part, accord- ing to their distance from the fruit-stalk. The ligni- fication of otlier cell-walls is promoted by fruit- beariag. In the fruit-stalk the greatest part of the tissue has become lignified, and in the upper part of the Apple — and Pear — shoot there is an abundance of well-Kguified sclerenchyma and hard bast, which is either not found in the vegetative shoot or only sparingly so." as a species it is acceptable. A specimen is sent by Mr. W. Bolton, florist, Wilderspool, Warrington, who also sends a strong twin-flowered Sophrouitis graudiflora. Orchid Notes and Gleanings. A GROUP OF CUT BLOOMS. Mr. J. P. Shaw Storey of Burlesdon obliges us with a photograph, showing, as arrauged in a group of specimen-glasses, Lycaste Skinneri alba (4), Lselia anceps alba, L. a. Sanderiana, &c. The photograph is effective, but the arrangement would have been better had some sprays of Asparagus becu intermixed. Cypripedium insigne, Spotted Variety. Flowers of a tvmarkably pretty aud distinct variety of Cypripedium insigne is sent by Mr. W. Bolton, a cultivator of Orchids, and a florist at Wilderspool, Warrington. We may assume that when the plant becomes older and more vigorous, the flowers will doubtless improve, as those sent indicate a plant which is as yet not thoroughly established, the lower sepals, and tip of the upper sepals being imperfect. The flower lacks the usual brown tinting visible above the yellow colour of the petals, and except in a very slight degree, that also over the face of the lip ; aud the colouring consists iu well- defined purplish-brown spottiug on a yellow ground- colour, the distinct spotting extending to the iuside of the pouch. The petals are broader thau usual, and consequently display the peculiar spotting promi- nently ; and the tip of the upper sepal is white. Dendrobioai Johannis. Originally discovered on York Peninsula, North East Australia, by the late Johu Gould Veitch, after whom it was named by Professor lleiehenbach, and described in the Gardeners Chronicle in 1865. This singular species has occasionally appeared in gardens, but it has uever been plentiful. The plant resembles iu habit, a stout, dwarf D. bigibbum, but it is readily distinguished by the fleshy, ligulate leaves from other species, although occasionally iu a dry state its in- florescence baB been taken for that of D. undulatum, a species to which the fresh flowers bear but a slight resemblance. The ascending flower-spib.es bear numerous flowers, having narrow twUted sepals and petals ; iu colour, greenish tinged with brown, and a yellow Up, the side-lobes of which are purple-shaded. It is not a plant for anyone to grow in quantity, but RUDBECKIA NEUMANNI OR NEWMANNI. Last autumn there was au inquiry about this plant in your columns, by the Rev C. Wolley Dod, which I intended to have answered before now, but I was from home at the time the inquiry appeared, and forgot the matter on returning to work. To-day the subject was revived iu my mind by finding a specimen so named in the herbarium of the late Mr. W. H. Gower. These two variants are garden names for R. speciosa of Wenderoth, which Dr. Asi Gray keeps up as a species, and fully describes, with synonyms in his latest monograph of the North American Compositas. Whether R. speciosa is dis- tinct in any broad sense from R. fulgida of Linnrcus, may be doubted, but, at any rate, for garden pur- poses it is the finest of the group to which it belongs, which includes R. hirta, L., with its many varieties. We have at Kew a specimen labelled Newmani from Cobham Lodge, dried by the late Dr. Forbes Young in 18.32, so that the uanio must have been floating about for more thau sixty years. Another specimen, labelled R. aspera, from the same collection, is identical, so thatit is probable the R. aspera of Desfon- taine's tableau of the plants of the Paris garden, published in 1804 ; but as no description is giveD, there are no means of verifyiug this supposition. The name speciosa was published in an Index Seminiun of the Marburg Garden, and dates back to 1828. J. G. Baker. CRAT.EGUS. [Continutd from p. S8.) C. Oxyacantha (The common Hawthorn, Quick, May, &c).-— This species is made up of two tub- species or varieties, viz., monogyua and oxyacan- tboides ; these, although connected by intermediate forms, are distinct enough to be treated separately. Both have their attendaut group of varieties. Mtmo'jyn't, — This comprises the greater bulk of the named varieties, and is to be distinguished by the flowers having only one style, and the fruits one seed. The leaves are larger thau iu the other group, somewhat wedge-shaped, and more or less deeply cut. Among the numerous forms, the following are the most noteworthy : Aurea, a very desirable plant, whose fruits are roundish and of a clear golden- yellow ; tbis year they have beeu particularly abundant, giving the tree a most bright as well as distinct appearance, for there is no other Thorn with fruits of just the same colour. Eriocarpa has small woolly fruits. Flexuosa {or tortuosa) is a curiosity, its brauches beiug twisted aud contorted. Horrida is a form of dwarf habit with frequoutly stuuted branches which are very formidably aimed with cushions of spines. Priecox is the Glastonbury Thorn, famous for the legend connected with its early flowering ; unless hard weather sets in pre- maturely, it is generally to be seen with ;l few flowers open about Christinas or New Year's Day. Stricta is in habit almost as erect and fastigiate as the Lombardy Poplar. Besides these there are many more whose names sufficiently denote their distinc- tive character, such as pendula, laciniata, foliis argenteis, salisburifoha, raniulis aureis, &c, &c. Oxyacatlihoides. — This, the type of the second aud smaller group, differs from monogyna by its flowers haviug usually more than one btvle, and by the fruits beiug one or two seeded. Iu foliage, too, it differs iu its Binaller leaves, which are frequently almoat undivided, or with three shallow lobe& towards the apex. This group comprises the valuable double flowering Thorns of which Paul's Double Scarlet is one of the best known. The botanical names are merely descriptive of the different colours and double ness of the flowers (flore pleno, albo, &c.) ; it is nob necessary to transcribe them. February 13, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 103 C. pinnatijida. — A Chinese species, with long- stalked, piunatifid or deeply-lobed leaves, the lobing being deepest at the base of the leaf ; the blade is about 3 inches long, and as much in width, of a bright k hilling green, and glabrous on both fcurfaces, with the margins toothed. The flowers are white, aud about three quarters of an inch across ; the dark, shining red fruits about the same in diameter. Var. major.- -This is a fine plaut, and one of the most distinct and striking of the Old World Thorns. The foliage is more abundant thau that of the ordi- nary C. pinnatifida, also of a deeper green, aud much larger size. I have seen leaves during the past C. Pymcantha.— This well-known evergreen shrub is a native of South Europe, and has been in cultiva- tion in Britain since 1629. Although perfectly hardy in the open, its full beauty as a fruiting shrub is seen only when it is grown against a wall, or in some sheltered sunny corner where the wood can be well ripened. There is now in the Terrace Gardens at Richmond a smdl specimen, planted among dwarf evergreens on a sloping bank near a wall, which is a most beautiful object. The horizontal branches are loaded with pendent clusters of brilliant scarlet fruits. The leaves are \ to 1£ inch long, ovate- lanceolate, crenate and glabrous. Each axillary branch ends in a " f<-S£#9jV '^^-^i Fig. 28.— mis bakeriana. (See Report of Royal Horticultural Society; p 114, summer G incLes long. The iobing is not so deep, and the Itaf is thicker in substance ; the midrib and veins, as well as the joung wood, are of a darker, tedder colour. The fruit is rounded, oblong, and resembles that of the North American C. punctata, being frequently an inch across, of a dark lustrous red, and marked with scattered dots ; the calyx lobes are short and cuspidate. It has been known as C. tar- tarica, Messrs. Veitch having introduced it from Tartary. They obtained a First-class Certificate for it at one of the Royal Horticultural Society's meet- ings in October, 1836 ; it had, however, been in cul- tivation long previously. There are old tree?, 1 5 feet high, in the Kew Arboretum. Several other names under which this tree has been distributed are given above. stiff, sharp spine. When grown in the open it makes a handsome bush of close vet graceful habit. It will grow 8 feet high there, but much higher on a wall. Var. Lalaadci is now much grown. It is of stronger and more open habit, und the fruits are orange- coloured. C\ sanguined. — A Siberian species, figured as C. sninosissinia in Loddigeo' Botanical Cabinet, t. 1100. It bus sharp, moderately stout spines, 1^ inch long, and dark-coloured winter-buds. The leaf is broadly ovate in the main, but deeply lobed and serrated, and from 2 to 3 inches long. The flowers, nearly 1 inch across, are white, with a faint flush of pink. The fruit is about the size and shape of the common haw, but ripens late. 0, sinaiea (syn. C. maroccana). — A handsome species from the Orient, allied to C. Azarolus, orientalis, &c. It has deeply three or five-lobed leave?, which are *2 inches long, and glabrous on both surfaces ; the lobes are cut almost longitudinally, and are entire, or ouly faintly toothed. The wood is dark-coloured, and armed with a few short, st^ut spines, not often more than halfau inch long. The fragrant, pure white flowers appear in May and June. The fruits aro ripe in September, globular, yellowish- red, aud three-quarters of an inch in thickuesi ; they are glabrous, and the calyx-lobes at the top are short aud triangular. The species is wild on Mount Sinai, hence Boissier's name. Lindley figured it as C. maroccana in the Botanical Register, t. 1855, W. J. Bean. (To be continued.) Variorum. THE OLDEST PEAR-TREtf. We read in the lllnstrirte Qarten Zeitung for January that King John's Pear-tree at Toulon was overturned by a hurricane in the last week in November, 1896. The tree was supposed to be 600 years old, and the bole had a circumference of 10 feet. M. Chabaud, upon whose ground the tree had stood, has enquired of all the bjtanical garden authorities in Europe if trees of similar age and dimensions are known to exist elsewhere. IMPORTANCE OF PHOSPHORIC ACID IN SOILS. The elemeut phosphoric acid is universally ack- nowledged to be one of the most important ingredients in manures ; and after nitrogen, and in some instances potash, is the one substance of which ordinary soils stand in greatest need, and become the soonest exhausted. Professor M. Risler, President of the National Agricultural Society of France, recently called attention to this subject, aud stated that an average harvest of Wheat required for its development from 20 to 25 lb. of phosphoric acid per acre ; while an average crop of Potatos required from 25 to 30 lb. of phosphoric acid per acre. A forest of Pine-trees requires 4 '75 lb. of phosphoric acid per acre per annum, and yet the greatest part of this phosphorio acid, namely, 3 68 lb., is assimilated by the Pine- needles aud twigs that fall to the ground, and there decay, restoring to the soil by their decomposition those elemeuts which they had originally taken from it. The hard-wood of the Pine tree absorbs scarcely more than 1 lb. of phosphoric acid per acre per annum. It has been found, however, that the quantity of phosphoric acid present in the soil has a considerable influence upon the vigour aud healthy growth of Piue-trees. In some investigations by Prof. Schultz at Bavaria, the results showed that the best class of soils for the growth of Piue-trees contained 0'569 per thousand of phosphoric acid. Iu the second class of soils adapted for the culture of Pines, 0 501 per thousand of this element was found. la the third class, 0 38S ; in the fourth class, 0*299 ; and in the fifth class, or most inferior description of soil adapted to the growth of Pines, only 0'236 per thousand of phosphoric acid was found in the mould. Spruce Pines and Oak* abstract from the soil by their growth more phosphoric acid than do Pine- trees, in fact, almost twice as much ; but even this is infinitely leas than most cultivated plauts of tho garden require for their perfect development. This is explained by the fact, that forest-trees possess exceedingly long roots, which descend deeply into the earth, and thus are enabled to bring up phos- phoric acid and other mineral matters according to their requirements. This sub-soil source of plant- food is not got-at-ablo by most plants, aud helps to explain tbe enrichment of surface soils under forest- trees. The falling leaves and vegetable dibris go to mako up the humus of forest-moulda. 104 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 13, 1897. It may be said that phosphoric acid is one of the fertilising elements in manures that tend most strongly to accumulate in the seeds of plants. It passe3 rapidly from the leaves and stems into or towards the fruit, through all the stages of growth, from first to last. J. J, Willis, Harpcndcn. EDINBURGH BOTANIC GARDEN NOTES. 1iML\a superbiens. — This strong-growing Guate- malan species is at the present time flowering in the Orchid-house. It has a great resemblance to Schomburgkias in habit, and in the production of the long scape with the flowers arranged at the apex. The spindle-shaped pseudo-bulbs are about 18 inches in length, and the plant in these gardens has only eleven flowers, but from ten to twenty are said to be borne by the plant in a state of Nature. The flowers are coloured rosy-mauve, with a lip of purple and gold. It is said to have been collected where hoar- frosts prevail. A good heat is required to properly cultivate this plant during its period of growth. The Royal Horticultural Society are credited with having first introduced this species in 1842. Pleurotualus scapha. Although ranking among Orchid curiosities, yet this plant is well worthy of a place in our collections, by reason of its free-flowering. The stems are erect, and bear a single leaf, from the base of which arises a raceme of eix to ten flowers. The dorsal sepal is 2 inches or more in length, and narrowed to a poiuted tail, and the sepals and petals possess this spidery appearance. They are greeuish-yellow in colour. The figure in the Botanical, Magazine, t. 7431, was drawn from a specimen received from Mr. Moore, of Glasnevin, who grows the plant in a cool-house. The Edinburgh plant succeeds in the Cattleya-house, and flowers from every growth ; one growth, indeed, throwing up a second spike. Mack ata bella. This lovely Cape shrub is always admired when well flowered, but unfortunately it is not often met with in fine condition, which is probably the reason that gardeners consider it to be a shy bloomer. A plant has been in flower in the succulent-house for the past month, where it occupies a position in the central bed among Agaves and other similar plants. Planted in the early part of 1896 from a 6-iuch pot, the stems grew rapidly until they reached the height of about 7 feet. Several of these were cut out owing to lack of space, three being left. The side branches from these stems form a diameter of 4 feet. The foliage produced is large, and of a dark green colour, and from every small branch a pendulous raceme springs, terminating its growth, and some of the strongest of these inflorescences carry from eighteen to twenty large pale lilac -coloured campanulate flowers. Upon one of these side branches about fifty racemes were counted, and the show made by such profuse fluwering may be well imagined. Although of easy cultivation in a warm greenhouse, the follow- ing points must be attended to flower it well, viz., to promote a vigorous well-ripened growth during summer (here it enjoys all the sun possible to give it), whilst growing a fair amount of water is afforded, the quantity being reduced towards the autumn, aud during winter almost entirely withheld. No water was afforded the plant growing here, for about six weeks, and still the foliage remains fresh. The plant is rather variable in the colour of its flowers. R. L. H. METHODS OF PROPAGATION. (Continued from p. 36.) Bt Means of Roots. — I have already given some methods of plant propagation by means of the stems and leaves. I will now descend into the soil, and afford my readers the chief points of propagation by the roots, specifying some of the subjects increased in this manner in nurseries. It may be taken as a general aphorism that all trees and shrubs that throw up suckers or shoots from the roots freely can be in- creased by moans of cuttings of the roots ; and in some nurseries the Paradise Apple, Quiuce, and other fruit-stocks are so propagated, though the methods already given are, in my estimation, preferable, if not better. The theory of root- propagation is that when the root-cuttings of certain plants are bedded iu soil, the wound-part soon begius to callus or form granular cells, from which adventitious roots at the base are developed, while those at the upper part form adventitious buds, which eventually lengthen into It remains only for the propagator to furnish the root-fragments with a suitable location, and to see that the conditions of moisture and temperature are constant aud suitable, to assure success. As a typical subject for this sort of treatment, I will first take the Dwarf Almond — Amygdalus nana ■ — the pretty pink flowers of which are welcomed as one of the harbingers of spring. On lifting a strong clump of this, it will be found to consist of a mass of inter- lacing roots. Now, if in the early autumn, the stoutest of these are selected, divided iuto pieces about 6 inches long, and bedded in some generous soil, with which some sharp sand has been incorporated, the cuttings will grow the following summer, and next season they will have become strong enough to flower. Quite opposite to this is Desmodium penduli- florurn, the roots of which descend straight into the soil to a considerable depth, which being got up, and cut into lengths, will make plants in time. Another member of the same natural order — Hedy- sarum multijugum — is a line novelty, and is increased by the same method. Among plants recently introduced, none excels some of the Japanese Fatsias (Aralias) in haudsomo foliage. Of these, the well-known A. Sieboldi, though noble in appearance when it attains a fair size, is by no means the most handsome, though its being an evergreen is an advantage. The varieties I have in my mind are deciduous in character, with similar 5-lobed leaves, but too tender I fear for our some- times severe winters. I allude to A. Maximowiczii, aud papyrifera, aud others introduced much earlier, and of a totally different character of foliage. A. japonica aud A. spinosa [This is hardy. Ed.], the exceedingly handsome bipinnate foliage of which, gives them a distinct and very attractive character, when planted singly or in small clumps on the lawn or in the shrubberies. Another plant put upon the market in recent years by a French firm, and named Dimorphauthus mandschurieus, may also be increased by root-cuttings. I confess I am not^botanist enough to distinguish between this and the Aralia japonica, introduced late in the eighteenth century, but I have not seen the inflorescence of Dimorphauthus. I can say this in its favour, however, that treated as a sub- tropical plant and associated with Musa Ensete and Yuccas, or Cannas, it has an unique effect in the ornamental garden. The Ailanthus (Tree of Heaven), and the noble Paulownia, can also be propagated by cuttings of their roots. Experience. (To be continued). THE CHRYSANTHEMUM TRADE. In the Chrysanthemum nurseries cutting-striking is in full swing ; and the extent to which cuttings are seut by post is something extraordinary. Cut- tings are offered at a cheaper rate than cutting plants, and many growers, preferring to have the newer varieties early, order them as cuttings, taking the chance of striking them. In order to supply cut- tings, plants are grown in the open air all the summer and autumn, and then, as the Christmas season is approached, these are lifted, taken into a warm house, aud planted in beds on the centre and sides, and covered with soil to the extent they wero when grow- ing in the open. Cuttings from such plants are short, stocky, and hard, and are preferred before those taken from plants which have bloomed iu pots, and been grown strongly by the application of fertilisers. The postal facilities granted in late years have given a great impetus to the cutting trade ; the cuttings, wheu taken off, are tied up with some moist moss about their base, placed iu small, though light aud strong wooden boxes, and forwarded long dis- tances in perfect safety. Mr. H. J. Jones, of Lewis- ham, who has largely developed the cutting trade, states that it is the newer varieties in particular which are in brisk demand, and but comparatively few of the older favourites. So many new varieties are now sent out, that it is necessary, on the part of any grower for sale, to order the whole of them, and take his chance of having 10 per cent, or less of really good varieties. Then, as some of the newer varieties require three and four years1 culture before they are developed sufficiently to be seen at their best, a number of inferior sorts, some of which are to be found in most new sets, have to be grown during the time, and be thrown away at last. The striking of cuttings have been going on for some time ; but is now iu the full flow of activity. Already nicely-rooted plants are in small 60-pots for early orders. To succeed these can be seen hundreds of little shallow wooden boxes, which contain three dozen or so of cuttings, some well-rooted ; others beginning to put forth root-fibres — many only just inserted. In a temperature of 50° or so, such cut- tings soon make root, and then comes the process of potting off ready for the spring trade. As the demand for new varieties indicates the continued popularity of the flower, then it can be safely asserted that it is as widely grown as ever. Chrysanthemum societies are constantly being started iu suitable localities, aud it is found that exhibitions of Chrysan- themums are among the most successful financially. Autumn flowers, and especially the Chrysanthemum, appear to hit the popular taste much more than those which appear in spring, perhaps it is because huinau nature holds most closely to what is passing away, as autumn changes to winter, rather than to what heralds the approach of spring. H. D. The Rosary. THIS VAGARIES OF THE ROSE. Is not this a very uugallant term to apply to our beautiful queen ? I thiuk not, for beauty is always allowed to be capricious and accountable to no one for her caprices, which are oftentimes quite inexplic- able, aud for which people never think of calling her to accouut. And has not au old Latin poet said that she was " semper mutabi/e f " aud one of our English poets has imitated him by calling her " uncertain, coy, aud hard to please," so that I think we are not to be surprised if we find even the queen of flowers departing from the normal rules that govern her doings and for which we can find no adequate reason. These are especially of two kinds, variations in habit of growth and variations in the colour of the flowers. The former are generally called climbing varieties, and the Roses which have made this change, although strictly speaking they are not climbing, for they are not like those plants which iu one way or another laid hold of support, but are simply rampant growths which have originated we kuow not how ; the latter are changes iu colour which take place perhaps oftonor than we imagine, although they may pass unnoticed. Some examples of this climbing habit are very remarkalilo : take, for instance, Dovoniensis, a small and moderate grower, which was raised by Mr. Foster in 183S, and was in many places, on account of its constitution, difficult to keep. But twenty years afterwards, in 1858, a plant in the garden of Mr. Pavit of Bath, sent up a strong and vigorous shoot, and so attracted his attention, that he deter- mined to bud from it ; he found it to be fixed — that is, that the plants budded from this shoot partook of its character, and it is uo unusual thing to find shoots now from 15 to 20 feet, while at the same time flowers are produced in greater abundance [?], and maintain the character of those on the parent plant. It was distributed by Pavit, aud I have never found any plants going back to their original form ; the same variety has sported in like manner in two or three other places, but none of these have been February 13, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 105 equal to the original one. People are sometimes complaining of their not being as vigorous as represented, while others deny its floriferous character, but I have never known these complaints to be made in the case of Mr. Pavit's strain. Other Roses, both amongst the Tea3 and hybrid perpetuals, have started oft" on the same track. Some years ago Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co. brought out a climbing Niphetos, also in its normal condition not a vigorous grower, and described in the National Rose Society's Catalogue as tender, which many cul- tivators have found it ; but I have seen shoots of the climbing variety 20 feet long, and stout and hardy, nor does the type seem in any other place to have made a departure from its normal coudition. There are other Roses of which we have climbing varieties. There is, for instance, a charming Charles Lefebvre, a climbing Capt. Christy, a climbing Jules Margotfcin ; but it is or, as we used to call it, H.P. La France, has sported off into the uearly white Augustine Quinoisseau and the deeper-coloured Duchess of Albany; that old and favourite Tea, Souvenir d'un Ami, has in the same manner sported off to Souvenir de S. A. Prince. Thus Comtesse d'Oxford has given us a curiously striped Pride of Reigate ; while Messrs. Harkness & Son obtained from Heiurich Schultheiss, a very beau- tiful striped Rose, which they have called Merrie England. Then Baroness Rothschild has also been sported, and has given us Mabel Morrison, nearly white. Merveille de Lyon, pure white : but some doubt has existed with regard to this flower, some contending that it is not a sport, but a seedling, and in proof of this they point to the very different shape and form of the flower ; it may, perhaps, be the one exception which is said to prove a rule, for if it he a sport it is the only instance of which I am aware in which the Flu. 29.— IRIS HISTIUO. ) Report of the Royal Horticultural Society, p. 114, col. 3.) a somewhat curious thing that there are no climbing varieties of such strong and sturdy growers as Paul Neyrou and Etieune Levet. In all the cases that I have noticed there is no change in the character of the blooms, and the whole proceeding seems to me very inexplicable ; it cannot be the stock on which these climbing specimens have been budded, for myriads of the same Rose have been budded ou all kinds of stocks — Manetti, seedliug Briar, Briarcutting, Polyatitha, &c, without in the least causing thorn to start otf on their own account. The subject of sports, so far ass colour is concerned, is also a difficult one to explain. Some kinds, both of Teas aud hybrids, apparently have been more inclined to do this than others ; Catherine Mormet, for example, amongst the Teas. This has sported off to the beautiful white Bride, and the pink-flowered Waban, both of American origin ; while the latest sport obtained by Mr. Brown, of Reigate, Muriel Grahamo, shows the possibility of still further de- partures in this direction. So, again, the hybrid Tea, shape aud build of the flower havo been altered — when caught at its best it is a most beautiful Rose, but the centre is somewhat faulty, and it is very apt to show the- eye. These sports in colour are not always permanent, and are a great disappointment to the Rose growers. A very notable example of this i* Sir Rowlaud Hill, a very beautiful maroon or deep claret sport from Charles Lefebvre : this, when exhibited by Messrs. Mack & Son at the exhibition of the National Rose Society at E liuburgh, so.ne years ago, obtained the Society's Cold Medal, though I believe it was exhibited as a seedling, which cer- tainly it is not. It is a flower of most attractive colour, but unfortunately has a great propensity to "hark back;" it is seldom seen in the exhibition stands, and I have been told by those who grow it in quantity that perhaps in sixty or seventy plants you do not get more than one or two whicli aro truo to character— it therefore becomes valueless as a sport. It is the same sometimes with the sports from La Prance : those who grow it in quantity have told me they will go occasionally back to the original, and also that from La France itself sports may often be cut ; therefore great care ought to be taken before putting any of them into commerce. I do not pre- tend to know what is the cause of this sporting, but it has giveu us many beautiful varieties of Roses. Recently a very curious vagary has been noticed in the Rose-grounds of Messrs. Frank Cant & Co. of Col- chester : all Rose-growers know and admire the beau- tiful yellow Harrisoni, and have lamented it is only what is called a summer-flowering kind ; but in a large batch of them Mr. Cant found three or four plants that bloomed very freely in the autumn — he budded from these and found that the plants retained the same character, so that we shall have, it is to be hoped, an autumn flower sport of this beautiful Rose. Beside being careful about not distributing any of the sports until they are permanently fixed, growers ought to avoid the error of sending out as seedlings what are only sports ; this has been done, and I cannot think that there is the same credit to be attached to the fixing of a sport as there is to that of raising a seedling — one is merely a freak of nature [a more or less complete reversion to some earlier form. Ed.], the other may be the result of careful and scientific manipulations. Anything that adds to the beautiful varieties of Roses which we i may be hailed with pleasure. Wild Rose. THE CULTIVATION OF DAFFODILS IN POTS. Perhaps the most valuable genus of flowering-bulbB for cultivation in pots for winter and spring-flowering is the Narcissus. Despite the ease with which they can be grown, the beauty of the blooms, and in some cases their agreeable odour, little has been done with them in gardens beyond planting them iu borders or beds. However, the tide is turniug in their favour, aud Daffodils are now being forced into bloom for market purposes in almost as great number as Tulips and Hyacinths. A peculiar fact in con- nection with the Narcissus family is, that while the so-called Polyanthus Narcissus (N. Tazetta varieties) were for years strongly recommended for forcing, the Trumpet and other sections remained unnoticed ; and for actual forcing there is little doubt that the " bunch- flowered " section of Narcissus is one of the least suited for this kind of work. Still, giant bulbs were produced year by year, and it was considered the right thing to do a dozen years ago to order a supply of these with the other bulbs. Suddenly, however, it became known that other species would force much better, and afford generally better results. Ten years ago it was considered early in the season to get flowers of forced Daffodils in February, whilst at the present time the last week of the year sees plenty of flowers of Narcissus. The points to be noted in securing early flowers is that the right species or varieties be chosen, as early as they come over from Holland, and that they be potted forthwith. These points observed, the chance of failure is small. With plenty of roots made while the bulbs are in the open air in a bed of coal -ashes or tan, the flower-scape is more likely to prove early than is the case with late-potted bulbs. Thero is too little attention given by gardeners to this important feature of early flowering, and bulbs are not planted nearly so soon as they should be, but instead they are rushed into heat in part unfurnished with roots, with results that are never very satisfactory. The soil for Narcissus is not of much consequence, so long as it is of a fairly sandy nature and not wet when used ; and old potting-shed materials, if duly sifted, and mixed with a small quantity of fresh loam, fulfil all the re- quirements of the plants. For some years 1 have employed the mould takeu from disused Cucumber beds, with fairly good results. One of tliu most for- tunate things in connection with the forcing of the Narcissus, is that the commoner aud cheaper varieties are tho best for the purpose. Take for example the double yellow-flowered pseudo-Narcissus, which is to be found in so many of tho cottago-gardons in England and Wales, and which as a double- flowered variety is still the best in colour and shape. Thon thore is the now well-known Tenby Daffodil, a bright yellow, with a sturdy trumpet, which Eorow readily ; while closely following it comes the more expensive though larger variety known as Art) Righ (Irish King), the large flowers of which are very hand- some. Among the paler forms, N. p. u. Prince pie oa 106 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [FEfeRUABY 13, 1897. charming flower, easily grown, and almost indis- pensable in early work. The single Van Lion is likewise a good yellow ; while Golden Spur, a huge golden flower, is finer still. Some of these single forms have delicate perianth segmeuH requiring care in forcing them not to place the bulbs in a tempera- ture that is too high, as thi?, with much overhead moisture, quickly Spoils the blooms. Countess of Annesley is a faulty one in this respect, because the seg- ments frequently lie upon the trumpet, and prevent the escape of moisture. Moisture at the root is desirable, but as soon as the scape bursts, overhead syringing ought to be discontinued, and the plants removed to a house with a temperature of about 50°. The same remark applies to many of the N. incomparabilis group, and, indeed, is generally applicable to those with rather tbin perianth segments. Among the white forms, N. poeticus, and N. p. ornatus require to be brought along steadily — indeed, a temperature of 45° is the best to start with ; and in the same degree of heat quite a host of other species and varieties may be grown to perfection. J. The Week's Work. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By Ch.\R[.E9 Herrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead. Planting and Pruning Climbers.— The following plants may atill be planted : - Chimonanthus fragrans, a desirable subject for a sunny wall, whose period of flowering will soon be past for the season, when the necessary pruning should be performed. As it flowers on the young growths of the preceding year, the shoots which have flowered should be pruned to within two buds of (he shoots from which they arise. If the allotted space be not filled, the leading growths should be tipped only, aud then secured to the wall. Free growth should be encouraged, which is best done by affording the roots a top-dressing of new soil and manure. Jasminum nudiflorum, a plant that is now in flower, should have weak shoots thinned out, and others cut back as soon as it has passed out of bloom. The following subjects are adapted for planting against walls with a southern aspect :— Choisya ternata, an evergreen Bhrub with flagrant white flowers ; it is a suitable shrub for planting throughout the south of England and similar districts. In some parts of Devon and Cornwall it flourishes as a bush without the protection of a wall. Magnolia grandiflora, evergreen ; M.conspicua, and its varieties, Soulangcana and S. nigra, are excellent for planting against high walls, being plants of vigorous growth. M. Campbelli should only be planted in gardens in the south and south-western maritime counties. It has flowers of pale rose inside, and outside crimson. M. glauca is hardy any- where—the flowers are white and fragrant. Stauntonia hexaphylla, a small flowered, very sweetly-Bcented climber with dark green foliage ; Pittosporum Tobira, a plant of shrubby growth, with fragant white flowers; Ceanothus azureus, Passiflora ccerulea, aud P. Constance Elliot may all be planted in sheltered situations against a south or west wall. Among hardy climbers, the Clematis ranks deservedly high, and may be planted in great variety. One of the most useful is the old C. Jackmani, a very effective purple -flowered variety, bloom- ing from mid-summer to late autumn. Where established plants of this variety are desired to cover a large space, the strongest growths of last year should only be shortened slightly, and the weaker ones cut back to one or two buds, but others should be cut hard back when a low flowering growth for cover- ing arches or beds is required. Varieties of the C. montana type, which flower from ripened shoots of the previous year's growth, require but little pruning at this season, the removal of dead wood being all that is necessary, the required pruning being carried out when flowering is over. When planting climbers, the Sweet Jasmins— Jasminum totficiuale and J. o. grandiflorum— should not be forgotten, the latter with larger flowers and stronger growth. In pruning Jasmins, the youog shoots of the preceding season require to be cut back almost to the base, the leader being allowed to extend if desired. Jasminum revo- lutum, a yellow-flowering species of strong growth, should be planted in a sunny and sheltered situation, where there is space for free development, and not pruned so closely as J. officinale, but some of the Btrong young growths tied or nailed in at nearly their full length. For covering a north wall, Cratogus pyracantha is an excellent subject, flowering aud setting its berries in profusion, which remain throughout the winter. Where a climber with large and important-looking foliage is desired, and there is ample space, Aristolochia sipho may be planted in a good wide border. The well-known Wistaria siueusis, flowering in early spring, requires a considerable amount of wall or roof space for extension so as to show off the beauty of its flower- ing racemes. Ampelopsis Yeitchi aud the common Virginian creeper should be planted for the rich colour of the autumn leaves. Honeysuckles, Bignonia radicans, Escallonia macrantha, Forsythia suspensa, and F. viridissima, and Kerria japonic* are other subjects well fitted for covering walls or fences. The planting of Ho3es, both as climbers and in the open, should now be completed as soon as possible, unless they are growing in pots, when planting may be carried out later. Fortune's Yellow is an old variety adapted for planting against east or north walls. Climbing Roses trained to walls, fences, &c. should be pruned forthwith. Tie or nail in strong young growths at nearly their full length, cutting back all weak growths to one or two eyes. Djddias may now be put in n heat of 55° to 60°, for the production of shoots fit for making cuttings. If the ro"ts are stood on the floor of a vinery, and moistened wir.h the syringe, no soil covering is necessary. Slip off the shoots with a heel when 2 inches long, and insert singly in small pots filled with light sandy soil, and place in propagating-pit or frame in warmth of 65° to 70°, guarding against excessive miisture. Old stools of varieties of which no cuttings are wanted should be kept cool. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. ByH. W. Ward, Rayleigta, Esse*. Pruning and Training of Wall Trees one year Planted. — Upon the manner in which this is per- formed depends almost entirely the building no of proluctive and symmetrical trees. In fact, these remarks applv to fruit trees and bushes generally, but more particularly to wall trees. Up to within the last quarter of a century it was the custom to cut back the shoots of young trees to within two or three buds of their b ises at. pruning-time, with the object of laying the foundation for a well-furnished tree, with the natural result that twelve months after planting the trees were little, if anything, larger or better than they were when received from the nursery. But this rather fautty practice has dropped into disuse, and ''extension" taken its place, i.e., the formation of large fruit-bearing trees in as short a space of time as possible. To Mr. J. Simpson, of Wortley, is due the credit of having initiated the "extension" system, as well indoors as in the open air ; and during the interval which has elapsed since the evrly seventies this method has been ventilated in the pages of this and other journals. As the old methods atill maintain their hold on the craft, I will briefly describe the new. The first spring after planting young trees on walls or in forcing-houses, and as soon as the sap begins to rise, the unpruned shoots are bent towards the ground, and secured in that position to the wall or trellis in the ordinary way, the bend starting from the point whence the first of the young growths should pro- ceed— Bay, 3 or 4 inches from the base. The check that this bending of the shoots gives to the flow of the pap, causes a number of wood-buds to push from each shoot, which serve to form a good-sized fan-shaped tree the first year. As a matter of course, as soon as the buds nearest the base of each shoot so treated have pushed into growth, the nails should be drawn, or the ties cut. as the case may be, and the shoots (main-shoots) spread out on the wall or trellis fan-wise, and loosely secured thereto, the young shoots being trained at proper distances apart over the intervening spaces, a judicious course of disbud- ding and pinching of the aftergrowths being followed out during the summer and early autumn months, with the object of developing the wood and fruit- buds, and inducing a balanced growth. Peach and Nectarine Trees should be pruned forth- with. They only require the shoots made last year to be thiuued out a little, retaining, of course, only those which are well furnished with fruit-buds, cutting back old ones, i.e., shoots made in 1895, to theirbases, and shortening back weak shoots to a wood- bud situated just beyond the uppermost fruit-bud, or to three buds located together, the middle one of which is [a wood-bud. Any unduly strong young shoots Bhould be removed entirely where they can be dispensed with The Bhoots which should radiate from the upper part of the stem should be trained at an equal angle ; and at a not smaller distance than from 3 to 4 inches apart, which will allow of the shoots of the current year being laid in between them by means of short lengths of the shoots of Privet, Hazel, kc. Where very strong young shoots cannot well be dispensed with, they should be bent towards the ground, and treated on the exten- sion system. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Burford, Dorkinta. In putting the plants, the pots should be clean, and well drained. A suitable jotting sod is one that consists of one half fibry loam, and the other half peat, with a liberal quantity of sharps and and leaf-soil. Ferns from spores sown last year, which are now in 3-inch pots, may be repotted into 5-inch ones, and so on in proportion, a few of the oldest plants being discarded, so as to make space for the young generations. Ferns, young and old, require firm potting, but the soil must not be made hard with a rammer. Davallias in variety may be increased by cutting the rhizomes into good long pieces, and pegging these down firmly on the soil, or on the dead stems of Tree-Ferns. These plants may be placed at the cooler end of the fernery. Epiphytal species, namely, Platycerinm, do well if tied or nailed on to blocks of half-charred wood, Mich as that of the Apple, Crab, or Teak, previously well covered with peat and bpbagnum-moss. I do not recomiueud the u.e of cork, it being, in my opinion, t-.o dry for Ferns during the summer. Gl< iehenias may bo increased in the same manner, or by dividing old plants into two or three piects. Gleicheuias thrive better in pans than pots ; and in the potting soil, only one part lo im and more leaf - mould and sand should be made use of. When the potting is finished, the tem- perature of the house should be raised to 55° by night, 60° by day, and the air kept rather moister. Caladiwms. — A part of the stock of these tubers may now be potted in pots just large enough to hold them, shifting them afterwards according to the size required. Place them in the stove, or pit having a similar degree of warmth, and when the roots have penetrated the new soil, syringe them daily. Sjme gardeners shade the plants during the hottest part of the day. others do not. Gloxinias. — Tubers for flowering early should be potted up forthwith, in a mixture of one-half leaf- mould and ono-balf peat, and plenty of sharp sand. Apply water sparingly at the first, and keep them in a moist atmosphere, not syringing them overhead, but well damping the walls and staging frequently. Gloxinias take abundance of water during the gruwing season, aud great care should always be taken in checking thrips. If they are wanted in flower for a long season, successive batches should be potted up at intervals of a fortnight or thereabouts, relying on seedlings raised from seed sown in January. The fruits should be supported in an erect position by wooden stakes aud broad bast ties. Successions. — Plants that were started to grow about the New Year, and now exhibiting the embryo fruit, should be kept fairly moist, but not allowing the soil to become vei-y wet. or the flowers may not all set, the result of which is misshapen fruit. Should any of this b.itch not yet have thrown up a flower-spike, the soil must be kept dryer until they do so. To keep it moist is to promote leaf-growth only. Keep the temperature at the above figures, and as the days lengthen and the sun gains power, increase the amount of ventilation, carefully avoiding sudden changes, as a check now will influence the proper development of the fruits later on. Potting Successions. — If the soil was prepared as re commended in an earlier Calendar, potting may pro- ceed forthwith, choosing the best and strongest plants, and those which have filled their pots with roots. Such plants tniy go iuto fruiting-pots of 10 or 12-inch diameter, according to the size of the plants. Before potting a plant, sprinkle a handful of crushed bones and a small quantity of soot over the crocks, and having soaked the balls, if dry, in warm water, allow tueui to drain, then gently dis- engage the points of the roots, strip off a few of the lower leaves, and place the top of the ball a little lower than before, and ram the soil firmly all round it. After the plants are potted, they should be plunged in a bottom-heat kept steadily at 85°, the top-heat beiug b'0J to 65°. Withhold water from them for a few days, but keep a growing atmosphere by frequent damping of the bed, walls, floors, &c , and ventilate sparingly till growth begins, then give air more freely, or the plants will get weak and spindly. A very light shading may be used iu the middle of the day when the weather is bright. A slight sprinkling overhead at closing time will be of great assistance at this stage ; any available suckers may be potted up, and as a means of obtaining suckers of varieties that do not produce them freely, some of the stools may be trimmed up and plunged in a brisk bottom-heat. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By P. Harris, Gardener, Eistnur Castle, Lodbury. Pines. — Fruiting plants should now be afforded rather higher temperatures, viz , 70° at night to SO" to 85° by day with sunheat, and a bottom-heat of 85" to 90°. To encourage the plants to develop fruit, maintain a moist air about the plants by damping be- tween the pots, walls, &c, twice daily, and keeping the evaporating-pans filled with mild liquid-manure ; a sprinkling of some pafoand suitable artificial manure should be occasion illy « Horded, which should lie washed in with clear water at a temperature of P,rj0. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By W. Pope, Gardener, Highclere Castle, Newbury. Liming the Soil i)i old Kitchen Gardens. — Usually the soil of a garden which has existed for a great number of years contains a great deal of undeciyed vegetable matter supplied by repeated dressing* of mmure, the roots of props left in the soil, &c. , wnich in it^ inert s'ate is produc ive of many evils, and no better corrective exists than quick-lime. Tue present season, and other times when the land is being digged or has been dug, is a good time to apply it with the manure, or as a top-dressing. Its action is to render the vegetable matter more suitable to ser^e as the food of plants, to aerate the soil, and destroy, by its caustic action, insects, their eggs aud pupa?. The rate at which lime fresh from the kiln may be applied is from 30 cwt. on light gravelly soils to 2 ions for clay laud per acre. It should be spread evenly, and used whilst fresh. Lime from the purifying chests of the gas house is often recom- mended aB a dressing for foul land, but it should be afforded in the autumn, and left on the surface for a few weeks before being dug-in ; the same rule apply- ing to dressings of chalk, which should be put on in time to be well pulverised by the elements before seed sowing or plautiug. Renovating the Paths and Edgings.— Where Box is used as an edging plant, the present is the proper time to carry out any mending or relaying that appears to be required. When relaying, the old edgings should be entirely taken up in the part to be operated upon, and the ground in the line of the edging deeply dug and freshened up by some soil being added from the adjacent quarters or borders ; and when dry it should be well trodden, levolled, and beaten to the proper level, i.e., a point level with the lower part of the walk, supposing that to bo of its proper level. Then pull the old Box plants into pieces, 3 to 4 inches long, trim the tops and roots, and reliy it rather thinly, and very evenly, making it very firm about the roots, against tho vertical side of a trench cut with a spade, taking care iu making tho latter to preserve the true width of the path. As the relaying obliges the gardener to shovel up the gravel into heaps and ridges on tho walks operated upon, and there is obviously much soil brought on to them, re-gravelling is always necessary more or les*, and it is as well to get this sort of work done before the more bu«y season conios on. A walk may have the entire coat of old gravel wheeled away, and this is always advisable if it be old, and consequently much mixed with mould ; or a layer of the old mate- rials, I inch thick, may be removed ; or where the gravel is in fairly good condition, it may be turned with digging- forks, and made fresh-looking with a sprinkling of new gravel. This holds good for pit- gravel, sea-gravel, and shingle-made walks. If a walk does not dry quickly after raiu, it is badly drained, or not at all ; but as the re-making of such walks is a long job, it should be deferred to October, November, or December. The best kind of edging is made of stone, or cemont, or similar hard materials, and then with " Weed Killer " a walk can be kept in good order for little expense. Parsnips. — When the soil gets sufficiently dry to bear being trodden upon, a few rows of Parsnips may be got in, in drills less than 2 inches deep, drawn at IV foot apart, the seeds being dropped in pinches of three to four 1 J- foot apart for large, and 1 foot for medium varieties. By sowing in this manner thin- ning is more expeditiously performed. If very fine roots are required for any purpose, holes should be made 20 inches deep, aud 18 inches apart, with a cross-bar or iron-shod two-handled dibber, tilling these with finely-sifted, rather light soil, such as old potting-soil, made firm, and a few seeds pressed on to the top of each, taking care to thiu to a single plant. Do not sow seeds if the ground is sticky, but wait till it is sufficiently dry. For roots of medium Bize and of fine quality, nothing surpasses The Stu- dent, and for extra large roots Maltese, or Dobbie's Parsley. — Some Parsley seed may be now sown, sowing it near a path, where it may be gathered with- out daily treading on the soil. A light dressing of salt and soot should be sown over the land before drawing the drills, 1 inch deep. Sow thinly, cover with fine soil, and thin as soon as the plants are large enough to handle. THE APIARY. By Expert. The Coming Season and Early Sections. — It is well known that bee keepers thruughout the country are considering what can be done with reference to the con- test for the County Trophy at the Royal Show to be held at Manchester. That there will be a splendid exhibit is beyond doubt, and proud will be that county which secures it. At the same time no better method could be adopted for showing to the public the great importance of the bee-keeping industry throughout the country ; and it should have the effect of pushing on the local people, and extending the work in the proper direct ion. As the show is held in June, aud majority of the bee-keepera have disposed of their best stocks; and even if so.ne have not done so, unless the stocks have been kept in a fairly even temperature, they will have become more or less candied, which will render them totally unfit for an exhibit of this kind. With this object in view, we should prepare our plans so that as soon as the honey-How commences, we may have our best bees working away in the sections, and so be in the position of getting the largest quantity in the shortest time. Sectional honey, of course, must be the first consideration, and to enable this to be done by the first week in June the brood chamber must be contracted, five or six frames only being left, so that the bees will commence in the sections above, instead of looking after the brood chambers below, Very early swarms may be depended upon to secure a crop off first-class sections. Leaving out the ques- tion of the show, we should by this time have made up our minds what it is we intend to do this year — whether we will compete with honey in sections, or extracted. Of course, it is no use for me to advise one or the other, as that which finds the readiest market decides the choice. The Ificc-entranrr. — All dead bees should be cleared away when observed, but when none is seen the stocks are best left untouched. The weathei we have had lately will have caused the bee-keeper a g 1 deal of anxiety, but as long as the bees are seen fly- ing from their hives we may assume that all is well ; but where a quantity of dead bees are seen, and apparently there is no life about the hive, an immediate examination should bo made, and the necessary steps taken to keep the stock of bees alivo. Quilting. — Place more quilts over tho hives so as to keep the brood-nest warm, as in warm places breeding will have commencod ; also remove all wet quilts, and repair roof if leaky. Cakes of warm candy may also bo given, a peep will tell you if bees aro about and require it ; but do not interfere with them yet. Nothing is more searching than snow- water, and a serious amount of harm may be done if a leak happens to convey the water to tho warm brood uest of a closely-packed cluster of bees. 108 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 13, 1897. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER. Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. "WEDNESDAY Feb. V, THURSDAY, Fe Feb. IS— Lirmean Society meet, / Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund : I Annual General Meeting at I Anderton's Hotel, Fleet Street. Fee. 19-' Performance of " Dorothy " at St. I George's Hall, in aid of the I Gardeners' Royal Benevolent \. Institute. SALES. 1 Greenhouse Plants, Spirreas, Peonies, &c, at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms. Unreserved Sale of Border Plants, at Stevens' Rooms. ( Roses, Montbrietias, Iris, Ane- Feb. IGJ mones,&c.,atFrotkeroe&Morris' / Rooms. Lilitim auratum, Burmese Lilies, Begonias, Aspidistras, &c, at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms. Roses, Fruit Trees, Shrubs, and Border Plants. Also Palms, I Azaleas, Stove and Greenhouse Plants, from Ghent, at Stevens' I Rooms. /"Hardy Perennials, Gloxinias, Cle- I matis, &c, at Protheroe i: Morris 8-: Rooms. Trade Sale of Liliums, Bulbs, V Plants, &c, at Stevens' Rooms. ( Established and Imported Orchids, qj at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms. ' j Scientific and Photographic Appa- ratus, at Stevens' Rooms, Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from Observations of Forty-three years, at Chiswiclc. — 391°. Actual Temperatures : — London. — February 10 : Max., 51° ; Min., 45°. Provinces.- February 10(0 p.m.): Max., 50°, Scilly; Min., 30°., Aberdeen. Ten years have elapsed, as the The Royal President reminded his hearers Horticultural „ Society. a' the annual meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, since the Society quitted South Kensington under circumstances of great irritation and some humiliation. A strong and active body of the Council fought vigorously for the rescue of the Society, which then seemed on the verge of destruction ; and their labours, added to subsequent good management, have succeeded in placing the Society in a position more favourable than could have been expected by the most sanguine. Among the most efficient causes for this have been the lowering of the subscrip- tion fee, and strict adherence to horticul- ture pure and simple. The Drill Hall in which the committees meet, and the room in which the annual meeting was held, were secured by a small sub-committee consisting of the late Mr. George Deal, Mr. George Paul, and Dr. Masters, and nothing more suitable has yet been found. Till that time the valuable collection of books was huddled away in an inaccessible corner at South Kensington. Now it is conveniently housod, though it experiences the usual fate of growing libraries in the form of inadequate space. Still, as our illustration (fig. 31) shows, it is a vast improvement upon the state of matters ten years ago ; and the room, about half of which is shown in the photograph, is in these placid times large enough to hold the annual meeting of the Fellows. The great majority of the boobs, and most of the por- traits, are held in trust for the benefit of horti- culturists in general, and of Fellows of the Koyal Horticultural Society in particular, by the Lindley Trustees. The Trust Fund is very small, so that donations whether of funds or of books are very welcome. The catalogue is now going through the press, but it can hardly be issued till there is a larger balance at the bankers, and we earnestly hope that further help will be forthcoming, and that those of our readers who have no further need for their horticultural or botanical books or pictures will remember that they will be wel- comed by the Trustees, and that to be inserted in the Catalogue they must be sent in at once to the Librarian, Lindley Library, Royal Hor- ticultural Society, 117, Victoria Street. The Drill Hall, which is hired for the fort- nightly meetings, and the Lindley Library, with one small office annexed, constitute all that the Royal Horticultural Society can pro- duce in the shape of a Horticultural HaU or Institute. It is very lamentable, but recent experience has shown that the time has not yet come when we can realise anything better. We have already published the Report of the society and commented upon it (see p. 114), so that very little needs to be said now. The Pre- sident, in moving its adoption, followed the lines of the report very closely, and was naturally and justifiably jubilant and grateful to the secretary, officers, and committees, all of whom came in for a well-earned tribute of thanksgiving. Chis- wick has been put into thorough order ; old, useless sorts of fruit trees have been elimi- nated, and plants of interest instead of rub- bish are circulated among the Fellows. All this is very satisfactory, so far as it goes, but now we want an opportunity to get the Fellows to Cbiswick. The Socioty spends about ;£2000 a year on that garden, in- cluding the large sums required to repair the wear and tear of time, and the enforced neglect of former days. A garden costing so much ought to be worth seeing, but only a very few are likely to visit it, unless some special inducement to do so is offered. The Congresses and Conferences that were hold in recent years, are among the most honourable records of the Society, and their results are still most valu- able to the horticultural world. Last year not a single meeting of this kind was held, except the fruit show at the Crystal Palace. We lately threw out a suggestion that a joint meeting of all the committees might be held at Chiswick during the course of the summer to discuss matters of common interest, such as the work done at Chiswick, the number of awards_to be given, the principles to be fol- lowed in their allotment, questions of nomen- clature, questionsaffecting the relations of the committees one to another and to the Council. Some such subjects as these would serve as a basis for useful discussion, and the remainder of the time might be taken up in an inspection of the establishment. To deprive the Fellows of the Conferences, and practically debar them from taking part in any way in the work at Chis- wick, is to stifle rather than stimulate interest. Reverting to the topics that were mentioned at the annual meeting, we note that the President announced the intention of the Council to confer a Victoria Medal, or some- thing of the kind, on meritorious horticulturists, but nothing was said as to the number of the recipients, nor as to the principle to be followed in their selection, and no Fellow present had any remark to make upon so novel a proposal. This obviously will have to be most carefully considered, and when determined, rigidly ad- hered to. The bestowal of these medals might well take place at Chiswick in accordance with our suggestion above stated. There was very little discussion upon this or any other subject, the Fellows feeling perhaps the force of the adage — -happy is the nation that has no history ; at any rate, they seeme 1 to -rest contented with the Report and statement of the President. Professor Foster gave formal voice to the satisfaction that was felt, but stated, truly, that the Society has by no means reached the limits of its usefulness. Votes of thanks were duly passed, and all seemed over, when a gentleman rose to advo- cate the culture of Apples in Kent, and the manufacture of cider therefrom. In connection with this, he advocated the establishment of an " Arbor Day," when the local children should be instructed each to plant an Apple-tree. The speaker was anxious that the Royal Horticul- tural Society should lend their influence in encouraging the scheme ; but the President, whilst announcing that the Council would be willing to consider any definite proposal laid before them, evidently thought that the cider- makers needed no instruction from the Society. LlNNEAN SOCIETY.— An evening meeting will be held on 'ihursday, February 18, at S p.m., when the following papers will be read : — I. " On Certain Points in the Anatomy and Morphology of the Ny mphseacese, " by Mr. D. T. Gwvnne Vauqhan ; II. " The Adhesive Discs of Ercilla spicata, Moq.," by Mr. T. H. Borrage. Farmers and Assessments to Local RATES. — "We have been furnished by the Board of Agriculture with a leaflet containing information regarding the basis upon which the assessments of the poor-rate — and practically of every local rate levied under the general law, where the Onion Assessment Acts are in force. The proper steps to be taken by persona objecting to the assessment to the poor-rate are briefly set forth, as also with regard to other rates other than the poor-rate. There are other matters which frequently are of great import- ance to market gardeners, nurserymen, allotment- holders, and cultivators of hardy fruits, namely, the assessment ot* such land to a general district rate in urban districts, and of a separate rate for special sani- tary purposes in rural districts. Copies of this leaflet are to be obtained free of chai'go and post-free on application to the Secretary, Board of Agriculture, 4, Whitehall Place, London, S.W. Letters of appli- cation so addressed need not be stamped. Botanical MAGAZINE.— The February number contains coloured illustrations of — Afyrmccodia Antoiiiei, Beccari, t. 7517. — I those very singular tropical Rubiaceous shrubs form- ing globose tuberous expansions at the base of the stems, inhabited by ants, which repay the hospi- tality they enjoy by the protection thoy allbrd against marauders. The plant is a native of Thursday Island, Torres Straits. Maxillaria Sandcrlana, Rchb. f., t. 7518.— A native of the Andes of Ecuador, the finest of its genus, having flowers 4 inches across, with broad white segments, richly spotted with purple at the base. Ittgttstnim coriacuam, Carriere, t. 7519.— A species presumably of Japanese origin. It is of very slow growth, and has densely crowded, thick, evergreen, ovate leaves. We have always found it hardy near London, but have never seen it in flower. HcmipUia amethyslimt, Rolfe, t. 7521.— A glabrous terrestrial Orchid, native of the Shan States. The single leaf is sessile cordate, ovate acute, green, spottod with purple. The erect scape bears a many- flowored raceme of small flowers, insignificant but for the prominent white lip, which bears a magenta blotch. Flowered at Kew. Paracaryum Iteliocarpum, Korner, t. 7520. — A West Himalayan hardy Boragineous perennial, with long-stalked, hoary, lanceolate leaves, and loose, many-flowered cymes ; the individual flowers about half an inch long, drooping, bell-shaped, with a pink tube and blue limb. Kew. Supplement to the "Garoeners' Chronicle," February 13, 1897. FlO. 30.— FERNEKY IN TUE PLEASURE - URGCl-D. AT LUTO.f HOO. (SEE P. 95 OF PREVIOUS ISSUE.) February 13, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 109 Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institu- tion.— We have the pleasure to annouuce that a per- foruiauce of the comedy-opera, " Dorothy,'* has been arranged to take place in St. George's Hall, Langham Place, VV., on Thursday next, February 18. The performance is in aid of the special fund being raised by the above Institution to commemorate the sixtieth year of Her Majesty's reign, and will be given by the members of the AVestminster Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, with full orchestra. The Vic- toria Era Fund is intended for the temporary assistance of candidates awaiting election, and is deserving of all help possible. Particulars and tickets for the performance may be had from the Hon. Secretary, H. Morgan Veitou, Esq., 16, Clifford's Inn, E.G. Ulster Horticultural Society.— At the last committee meeting of the above, it was decided to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of the Quken this year by offering £100 and three medals for competi- tion in forty-eight cut blooms of Japanese varieties of Chrysanthemums at the next show to be held at Belfast on November 16" and following day. The money is to be divided into seven prizes as follows : — 1st, £40 and gold medal ; 2nd, £25 and silver medal ; 3rd, £15 and bronze medal ; 4th, £10 ; 5tli, £5 ; 0th, £3 ; and 7th, £2. The committee decided to make this class, and a few others, open ones to the gardeners of the United Kingdom. The prize is to be called the Victoria Jubilee Championship, and is presented by the Lady Mayoress of Belfast, and the ladies of Ulster. Cardiff Horticultural Society. —This Society held its annual general meeting on the 4th inst., when a large number of gentlemen inte- rested in horticultiv. e attended. The report and balance-sheet were adopted, indicating a balance in hand of about £80. It was decided to bold the next show on August 11 and 12, in the Sophia Gardens. His Worship the Mayor is President of the Society ; and Mr. W. C. Peace, who has long been con- nected with the Society, becomes Chairman of the Committee for the second time. Mr. A. E. Dixon, of Penarth, was elected Vice-Chairman ; and the Secretary, Mr. H. Gillett, was re-elected. It was decided to add the word " County " to the Society's title. Shropshire Horticultural Society.— The result of the last Floral Fete was announced at the annual meetiDg on Monday, Feb. 8, at Shirley ; the Mayor in the chair. It appears the total receipts of the summer show were £4,300, and the expenses £3,100. Cash prizes to the amount of nearly £850 have been awarded during the year. After paying the expense of the spring show and sundry sums voted to special objects, a balance of £1,015 remains as the year's net profits, which in accordance with a decision announced in our columns will be expended in the erection of a statue of Charles Darwin, the contract for which is £1,000 complete. The Royal Horticultural Society have joined this society in hold- ing a great Commemorative Show in August next, when the prizes offered by the Shropshire Society will be greatly increased. Under the presidency of Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., for the Royal Horticul- tural Society, aud the Right Hon. Lord Kenyon for the Shropshire Society, an exhibition of plants, flowers, fruit, and vegetables will be held on a scale perhaps not before exceeded in Eogland. HOWICK HALL GARDENS. — Wo understand that the vacancy which has arisen in the charge of these gardens, through tho succession of K r. D. iNnusto the management of the Duke of Bdcolboch's gardens at Drumlanrig Castle, will be filled by a member of tho staff at Drumlanrig. Stock-taking i January. — The Board of Trade Returns for the first month of tho year show an increase in the imports to the value of £1,501,312 or a total of £39,975,668. As will bo seen by the accompanying excerpt from the summary table, the food supplies have fallen off in value — as, by-the- way, have various other subjects ; whilst the quantity of textile materials have gone up to a very consider- able extent, cotton aud wool figuring largely — wool to the extent of 25,000,000 lb. weight. Our usual extract is as follows : — Imports. 1S90. 1897. Difference. Total value ... ?.S,473,S56 £ 39,975,608 £ + 1,501,812 (A.) Articles of food and drink, duty free 12,512, SOS 11,805,107 —707,701 (B.) Articles of food and drink, dutiable 1,892,900 1,816,827 —76,073 Raw materials for textile manufac- 9,001,186 11,766,396 +2,765,210 Raw materials for sundry industries and manufactures 3,189,712 3,239,S51 + 50,139 (A.J Miscellaneous 1,2.08,115 1,221,582 —36,533 (B.) Parcel Post .. 122,600 120,275 —2,391 Respecting fruit figures : — imports, the following are useful Imports. 1S90. 1897. Difference. ruits, raw :— Apples ... bushel. 293,168 280,991 —12,177 Cherries Plums „ 210 —210 Pears 834 2.45S + 1,624 Grapes 1,589 1,381 —208 Unenumerated ... 47,318 36,630 —10,686 Onions 607,936 491,264 -110,072 Potatos wt. 41,672 23,465 —13,207 Vegetables, raw, unenu- merated value C:.s,::47 £61,017 + 65,670 This table shows more of the ininus sign than it has for years past, which the " working day" less iu the past month, as compared with the same period last year, does not quite account for. The Exports for the month show a falling oft' amounting to the sum of £1,384,113 on a total of £19,762,378. Of course the five Sundays in the month have affected this great section of our commerce ; perhaps the settlement of the new American Cabinet may lead to encourage speculation in textiles, and so do something towards balancing items in the next monthly returns. WASTED ORCHARDS. — Our energetic contem- porary, the Gardeners' Magazine, has done good ser- vice by drawing attention to the miserable state into which the majority of our orchards have been allowed to fall. A short run out of London by any of the main lines of route will furnish plenty of illustra- tions of neglect and apathy. On, the other hand, there is happily evidence that fruit culture is being taken up in earnest and in a business-like way, and hence we may look for tho speedy abolition of the " wasted orchards," and their replacement by more practical plantations. This will have to be effected rather by the gardeuor ( market-gardener, to be pre- cise), than^by tho ordinary farmer, aud the railway companies must do their share ; some of them have indeed seen that it is their interest to aid in the development of the resources of the land, fruit included. "GLASSY" APPLES. — Occasionally, and at rare intervals, correspondent* send us Apples, a portion of which has a glazed, semi-translucent appearance. Hitherto no adequate explanation has been given of this singular change. Hut recently M. Prillieux {Bull. But. Soo., France, November 27, ISi'o) has shown that it is due to a Bacterium which he has been able to isolate. Cultivation of Cannas in Water.— Our roaders will be interested to learn that astonishing results have been obtained by M. Molin, nurseryman at Lyons, by planting in spring the rhizomes of Cannas in baskets filled with soil, aud sinking these to the rims in a vessel holding water, where upon the roots sown pass through the sides of the basket, aud originate an extraordinary luxuriant growth of leaves aud flowers ; especially fine, it is said, being the varieties Kouigiu Charlotte and Madame Crozy. Apples from the Antipodes. — Arrange- ments, we believe, are now completed for the trans- port of the Tasmmian Apple crop to the home markets. Both the P. & O. and the Orient lines will, as usual, do tho work, and it is expected there will be nine cargoa in all. The first ship is the Afarsilia, due April 20 ; followed by the Oraba, Qrmvz, Arcadia (May 2); Austral, Paramatta (May 18); Orotava, Ballarat (June 1). About a week will intervene between each arrival, and these steamers are to carry about 100,000 cases in all. There will be some minor consignments from Australian ports ; but, of course, Tasmania will send the bulk. The Putney and District Chrysanthemum SOCIETY. — By way of marking the sixtieth year of Her Majesty's reign, the tradesmen of Putney and Wandsworth are this year, we understand, to offer a Silver Cup, value 25 guineas, to be called the Putney and Wandsworth Tradesmen's Commemoration Chal- lenge Cup, also handsome money prizes, in an open class for cut blooms. FRUIT FROM THE CAPE.— The first instalment of the season's fruit crop has arrived from the Cape in the steamship Scot, aud has been sold. The con- signment consisted of more than -400 boxes of Peaches, fine in quality, if not always large in size. Prices ranged from 6s. to 10s. per box of twenty. The lower price was for a consignment, part of which had got slightly bruised — possibly the perfection of packing has not yet been attained. The retail prices were from 9d. to Is. each. BERNARD Verlot.— The death of this gentle- man is announced in a recent number of the Rente Horticole (Feb. 1). Our first acquaintance with him was when he was connected with the Jardin des Plantes ; subsequently he was a Professor in the National School of Horticulture at Versailles, whilst recently he superintended the trials made by Messrs. Vilmorin, Anbriedx et Cie., at Verrieres, where we had the pleasure of seeing him last year. Verlot was an excellent botanist, and his Guide da Botaniste Ihrborisant is quoted in most of the text-books. "EVERYBODY'S GUIDE TO PHOTOGRAPHY." — This is one of the well-known " Everybody's" series, published by Saxon & Co. (Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.C.), and is truly described as being "a practical handbook, containing full instructions for amateur photographers, simply written, easily under- stood." It has the merit that it appeals to real beginners, and does not leave out even those first few easy steps which other authorities too often imagine are known to all men. This volume is small enough to be carried in the pocket, and as the information contained in it is not meant only for novices, may be recommended as a constant companion even for experienced photographers, who may ever aud auou be glad to refer to it. Household Insects of the United STATES.— The fourth Bulletin from the United States Department of Agriculture, Division of Entomology, is contributed by Messrs. L. 0. Howard aud C. L. Marlatt. and deals with the principal household insects of tho United States. There is also a chapter by Mr. F. H. Chittenden on " Insects Affecting dry Vegetable Foods." It should prove a great convenience to liousckeepeis to be able to obtain such a reference-book as is this, wherein is brought together much information such as is usually ouly to be fouud scattered here aud therein various publica- tions. Not merely are the more common intruders mentioned, but they are carefully described and illustrated on an onlarged scale, that tho iden- tiGcation of the species may be made easy. Various ways of eradicating insect-pests are mentioned. and being based upon observation and .scientific prin- ciples rather than upon theory merely, are as reliable as is the other information contained in this book. Some of the remedies prescribed against large incur- sions of insects read somewhat whimsically, though 110 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 13, 1897. the matter, to those immediately concerned, is cer- tainly serious enough. Thus, as a palliative measure against inroads of flea^ in the Mc3raw Building of the Cornell University, we are gravely told how " Professor Gage tied sheets of sticky fly-paper, with the sticky side out, around the legs of the janitor of the building, who then for several hours walked up and down the floor of the infested room, witli the result that all, or nearly all, of the fleas jumped on his ankles, as they will always do, and were caught by the fly-papers." To some housekeepers, to whom the presence of any insect is more or less objection- able, the following remedy will seem almost worse than the complaint. Certain premises "proved to be swarming with bed-bngs ; but very shortly after- wards the little red house-ant discovered the presence of the bed-bugs, and came in enormous numbers, and Mr. Pekgande witnessed the very interesting and pleasing sight (!) of the bed-bugs being dismembered or carried away bodily by these very minute ants, many times smaller than the bugs which they were hand- ling so successfully ... A correspondent goes so far as to heartily recommend the artificial introduc- tion of the ants to abate this bug nuisance." A plan of thinning the too-abundant ranks of mosquitos is described as being "particularly ingenious and pleasant." It is certainly rather elaborate— as first fly-traps are to be set, the victims falling to which are to be used for feeding small fish which are them- selves held captive that (presumably when the supply of flies is short), they may make inroads on the mosquito larpse with which the water they dwell in is infested. A " quart of flies a day " and larva* ad lib. is certainly liberal diet, and says something for the quantity of insects to be coped with. The paper on insects affecting dry vegetable foods, and describing flour-beetles, meil-worins and moths, and grain- beetles, is rather calculated to spoil the appetite of a fastidious and hungry reader. No doubt a "wormy ham need only be returned to the dealer from whom it was bought;" but vivid descriptions and illustrations of " horrors" enlarged to an almost alarming size may well make the too inquisitive reader regard even the ingredients of his favourite Christmas pudding with disfavour. We can only hope that he will be large-minded enough to overcome this prejudice ; to learn first to wonder at, and in the end to admire his household insects, and to appeal to this really useful treatise when he wishes for fuller information about their nature and structure. The handbook also tells us, as has been said, how our little peats may be kept down when their excessive numbers renders such a course advisable. Isle of Wight Horticultural Improve- ment ASSOCIATION.— The monthly meeting of this body was held at the Guildhall, Newport, on Satur- day, February (3, Dr. Groves, B.A., J.P., presiding. A paper was read by Mr. H. J. Jones, Hyecroft Nurseries, Lewisham, on Chrysanthemums, wlrch dealt with the entire course of cultivation of the queen of autumn plants from the cutting to the blooming stage. Many questions were asked, and answered by the lecturer. At the close of the lecture a collec- tion in aid of the Gardeners' Benevolent and Orphan Funds was made. The next lecture will be given by Mr. W. Tribbick, F.R.H.S., on "Winter Vegetables." Several new members joined the Association. The Royal Institute of British Archi- tects.—At the eighth general ordinary meeting of the Session 1896-97, to be held at 8 p.m. on Monday next, the 15th inst., at the Institute, 9, Conduit Street, W.s Mr. H. E. Milner will read a paper upon " The Garden in Relation to the House." The paper dis- cusses the style to be adopted, formal and natural, and deals in detail with the Bite, the approach, entrance and forecourt, shelter, soil, the terrace, and garden formation and planting. The author main- tains that in the parts surrounding the house the architectural feeling of its design should be carried out, and that beyond these a broader treatment should prevail, and draw into the scheme the greater landscape. Considerable discussion is expected. Vineyards in France : Produce for 1896. — Only twice in the last twenty years (1878 and 1893) has last year's wine-crop in France been exceeded ; and this yield is placed at one thousand millions of gallons, or 230 gallons per acre. The produce of French vineyards iu 1895 was but half that of its successor. But even vast as is this yield of wine, it is far from being sufficient for the requirements of the French people, for the imports have gone up from six million gallons in 1875 to something like 244 million gallons in 1890 ; and the officials estimate that 200 million gallons will be required, notwith- standing the last great crop. Imports come from Algiers and Tunis in some profusion, but France is much indebted to the foreigner for its ordinary supply — Spain alone sending over the Pyrenees more thau 100 million gallons a year. The export of wine from France — about 100 million gallons twenty years since — has kept falling off, until now they are represented by less than forty millions. FRIEDRICH LESEMANN.— A well-known German gardener, formerly in the service of the Duke of Brunswick, died on December 16, 1S96, at the age of seventy-one years. The deceased was a Fellow of the Horticultural Society of Vienna, and belonged for a great number of years to the managing com- mittee. Bunyard-s Centenary Show. — We are informed that from the proceeds of the show of fruits held by Messrs. Geo. Bunyard & Co., Maid- stone, in the autumn of last year to celebrate the centeuary of the firm, cheques for five guineas have been sent to the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Fund, the Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund, and to the Church Institute at Maidstone respectively. THE CRYSTAL PALACE. — Our readers are aware of the regretable illness that has overtaken Mr. Head, who ha* been Superintendent of the Garden Department at the Crystal Palace for many years. This has compelled Mr. Head to resign the position, and we understand that Mr. George Caselton has been appointed to succeed him in t\\u responsible position. Nev Varieties of Violets. — We have received from Mr. Geeon, of Covvdray Park Gar- dens, two bunches of beautiful Violets, under the names Victoria and California. The first- named, Mr. Geeson thinks, is the finer flower, and perhaps the finest Violet existing. Both have large flowers, and long, stout footstalks, which render them well suited for arranging iu vases, or for use as coat and spray flowers, without the trouble of wiring them. The flowers were produced on plauts growing in the open border, and protected at the sides by means of boards set on edge, and carrying frame-lights, no heat being employed. At night mats are usually thrown over the lights, supplemented with litter during severe frost. Publications Received.— Supplement to the Seed List of H. Klatt, 69, 70, Graefe Str., Berlin, concerning the pronunciation and spelling of the i of plants. PLANT PORTRAITS. Azalea indica Madame Fr. Vervaene, Revue de VHorti- culture Bulge, February 1. BlLBBROTA Canter.*:, sp. nov., Ed. Andre, Drasil roerid., Revue Horticole, February 1. Calceolaria alba, Garden, January 23. Ohironia flouibttnda, Revue de V Horticulture Beige, January. amondioipes, Garden, Jan. '2, 18*7. Wardianum, Revue de V Horticulture Eetge, Fein- ay 1. Book Notice. DlCTIONNAIRE ICONOGRAPHIQUE DES ORCHIDEES. Rapidly do Messrs. A. Cogniaux and A. Goossens push on their work of depicting and describing Orchids, as another batch of illustrations reaches us, and quite up to the standard of excellence dis- played in former issues. The genus Oucidium is commenced with 0. Forbesii, O. Lanceanum, and its white-lipped variety Louvrexianum, and the favourite " Butterfly Orchid," Oncidium Papilio. Odonto- glossums are continued with O. crispum virginale and O. Pescatorei ; Cattleya with C. maxima, C. Dowiana, and C. D. var. aureo-marmorata. Of Cypri- pedtums, C. Curtisii and C. Leyseuiauum are given, the latter remarkably like the C. x Lilian Green- wood exhibited at a recent meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society. Of the genus Lailia, as well as of some of the others not already published in this work, the customary description and essential charac- ters are given, the plates being Ltelia prsestans, which authorities in this couutry at least consider only a form of Lselia pumila, and Lrelia longipes, Rchb. f., which, if the identification be correct, seems to be the plant known as L. Lucasiana, Rolfe, and in some gardens as L. Crawshayana. The only differ- ence appears to be that in the plant figured as L. longipes the sepals and petals are nearly white, and not pale lilac, as usually seen in L. Lucasiana. Possibly in the plant illustrated the surface colour had not developed, or had faded. The plant, the form of the flower, and the peculiar crimped yellow lip seems to be identical. Herein is seen the useful- ness of these plates, as in this instance a species may find its way back to its prior name, or a very rare one be made known. THE CANNA. The recent introductions of this genus are becoming very popular, on account of their brilliant-coloured flowers, and the ease with which they are grown and stored when at rest. I employ many of the fine varieties for massing iu the gardens and for sub- tropical beds, they are now almost indispensable. When the more recent varieties recover from the weak- ness caused by mutilation for propagating purposes, I am of the opinion that we shall see such elegant types as C. Austria and 0. Italia, freely used in out- of-doors gardening, The present is a suitable time to prepare the plants which are intended lo be planted out. as while the potting for general purposes takes place, the varieties fur massing may also be dealt with. The roots m.iy be divided, and the shifting-on principle may here be advautageonsly set aside by affording them sufficiently large pots at the first, so that the entire seasuu may be gone tlirougu without re-potting, farm-yard liquid-manure doing the rest. The bulk of the potting compost may consist of sound fibrous loam, decayed horse-droppings, sand, and wood-ashes, with a dusting of Thomson's Vine and Plant Manure. Do not afford any water for some time after re-potting the rhizomes, and afford a mild bottom- heat if possible, for although this is not essential, it is a ready means of getting small pieces established rapidly. Beside those already named, there are C. L. E. Bally, C. Konigin Charlotte, C. Kaiser Wilhelm II., C. Autoine Barton, C. Charles Hen- derson, C. Florence Vaughan, C. Star of '91, C. The Garden, and C. Sophie Buchner. I grow a great many more varieties than the foregoing, but these comprise tho best of them. J. F. McLcod. BARON SIR FERDINAND VON MUELLER. Tbe following extract will be read with interest, as supplementing what has already been published concerning this indefatigable naturalist : — Ho was a man below the middle height, not robust, but evidently possessed of a good constitution, other- wise he could never have set the laws of health at defiance as he did, 'and have lived to be threescore and ten years. Everything in the way of personal comfort had to give way to the cause of science. He seemed to be always ready for a chat, a good long chat, in fact a conference, and tho wonder to me always was when he found time for his work. I have been closeted with him for two or three hours at a stretch, and repeated apologies on my part for taking up so much of his time were unheeded. All that one had to do was to listen. His power to sp»ak for such I February 13, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. Ill a loDg stretch surely indicated sound lungs, but both of his parents died of consumption before he was twenty-one, and he believed he inherited weakness of this kind. In consequence, be the weather warm or cold, he used to wear an Angora comforter round his neck, and on chilly or foggy days to make one end of the comforter a respirator. He used to dress in biack, and usually his feet were enveloped in wooden shoes (sabots). He was far too much devoted to his life- work to spend more time or money than was un- avoidable over his dress, and, as he never had a wife to take him in hand, he did not dres^ fashionably. The only finery he allowed himself to wear were his orders and some of his medals, which he donned ou special occasions. He could make a display of these that no governor, politician, or scientific man in Australia could rival, and they seemed to give him should die in harness. . . . His illness lasted only a fortnight, and for the first week he would insist on getting up and going into his office, though only for a short time. His death was, no doubt, due to an affection of the brain, brought on by constant study, worry, aud insomnia, to which might be added, almost a total want of bodily exercise. He passed away (October 10) quite peacefully, without any apparent pain." Bailey of Brisbane, Guilfoyle of Melbourne, and the writer, took steps (which we were able to carry out through Mr. Guilfoyle's kindness), to place on his mortal remains wreathscomposed of flowers indigenous to our respective colonies, and bo, embowered amongst the Australian spriog-time flowers he loved so well we let him res'. Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales. must be warmed to 80°; and it should consist of rich turfy loam, leaf-mould, and a email quantity of decayed horse-dropping3, with a considerable quantity of silver-sand. Grow them in a very warm, moist house, affording water in abundance, and syringing tliem twice or thrice a day. No trouble should be spared to keep the plants free from red-spider and Thrips, which, if allowed to infest the foliage, soon render them unsightly objects. Nothing is so inimical to these pests as abundant syringing, and dipping the plants overhead in a mixture of black- soap with a teaspoonful of petroleum to every 4 gallons of water. This is a capital in^ecticidd fur Thrips, killing the insects and their eggs. If a plant becomes badly infested with red-spider, sponge the leaves with soap-suds. As these plants are very easdy injured even in summer by being taken from the -COUNCIL-ROOM OP THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, AND HOME OF THE LINDLEV LIBRARY, 117, VICTORIA STREET, WESTMINSTER, S.W. (SEE LEADING ARTICLE, P. 108.) pi- asure. This was a little vanity (I certainly do not use the word in an unkind sense) that .sometimes amused onlookers, and no one would begrudge him the pleasure they gave him. The Baron always ^poke with a strong German accent, and he had a kindly, conciliatory way of sucakiug. His literary style was quaint aud peculiar ; he loved long, often involved sentences, and long words, often of bis own coining. His Knglish often lacked the structure of that language, but his sentences were usually well worth paraphrasing. One little peculiarity was his epistolary style. The "Dear Mr. So-and-So " would never begin the letter as is customary, but it would be found later on, after an introductory paragraph or two. One of his charac- teristics certainly was quaintness, of which one could readily give a number of additional instances. I cannot do better than quote from a letter from Mr, J. G. Luehmann, for many years tho Baron's right hand in his botanical work. " Tho Baron had, at least, his one great wish fulfilled, numbly, that he Cultural Memoranda. CODTjEUMS (CROTONS). ThkiE exceedingly beautiful ami useful plants, if wauteil when small for decorative purposes, should be struck from cuttings put in at intervals of two or three months, the cuttings beiDg placed singly in small pots arranged in groups, and covered with large bell-glasses. If the bottom-heat is kept steady at 85°, and the air moist, roots soon form, and the lower leaves are retained ou the cuttings. When it is ascertained that tho cuttings havo roots, air should bo admitted to them by tilting the boll-glasses, gradually affording more air till tho plants can bear full exposure without (lagging. As the uses to which Codiasuma are put in the dwelling ciuse them to lose the leaves at the bottom of tho stem, those plants which have grown higher than 1 h foot may be topped, and tho tops made uso of for cuttings. When potting Codiffiume at the present seaaon, tho compost Btove, any which are to go to the conservatory greenhouse at that season should be gradually iuun to a lower degree of heat. This also holds good plants going to exhibition or into the dwellin ISeyond pinching the tips of the shoota to gi bushiness, tho plants require but little help, as the growth is naturally bushy and regular. In order bring out the rich markings of the leaves, the plan must be afforded sunlight in abundance at all time Our Codioeum house is kept in the winter at tin0 70°, according to the state of the weather. J. II. ('. i Cheshire. Trees and Shrubs. THUYA ORIENTALIS PALCATA. Some of the many forms of the Chinese arbor vita1 are by no means readily identified, but Buch will not apply to the subject of this note, for the curiously- shaped cones render recognition both speedy aud 112 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 13, 1897. certain. The parti ally -upright habit, too. might go far in determining the variety, but without fruit such means of identification would be hazardous, bo many partaking of the dense, conical habit of the shrub iu question. The large deep-green cones, of very irre- gular shape, and with the scales terminating in long- hooked points, resembling the fangs of a tooth, are different to those of any other member of the species. Each cone is fully three-quarters of an inch long, and composed of six scales and six seeds, two to each of the lower scales being the usual arrangement. The seeds are wingless, and weightier than those of any other of the Thuyas— 31,500 going to make up a pound weight; while in T. occidentalis and T. gigantea the figures are 1S6,666 and 94,000. These figures are the average of four trials of each, with freshly- collected cones. T. orieutalis falcata is an excellent churchyard shrub, but for garden purposes it is too harsh, formal and stift ; and when old, it falls apart, being then top-heavy. A. D. Webster. QUERCUS COCCTNEA. This splendid species of scarlet Oak, a native of the Eastern United States from Pennsylvania to Georgia, is at the present "time being much planted there as a street and road tree. The tree grows to a height of 70 to 80 feet, has dark-coloured (not yellow) bark ; leaves egg-shaped in general outline, but divided feather wise, with three deeply cleft divisions on each side —shining, smooth, dark green above, and beneath of a paler hue. The foliage changes iu the autumn to scarlet, or to a more or less orange -scarlet. This species would make a superb street-tree for our less smoky towns, aud for country roads near towns anywhere. We are surprised that it has not been, as yet. taken up by the trade, and recommended fortius kind of planting. Seed should not be difficult to obtain. Home Correspondence. REMOVAL OF LARGE TREES. — I enclose a pho- tograph of a fine Purple Beech, which we moved last November for Mr. Wilson, The Hermitage, Holmes Chapel, near Crewe. The tree was on a terrace close to the angle of an additional wing, which has been added to .the house, and unfortunately both roots aud branches had been cut to a considerable extent to make room for the foundations and in the erection of the building. The tree was moved some 50 yards, aud partially turned round in the operation. The dimensions of the tree are as follows: — Girth at ground, 9 feet 2 inches ; girth at 4 feet from ground, G feet 3 inches ; height, 40 feet ; diameter of branches, 02 feet. I estimate the total weight moved at 30 tons. We moved two very large trees, a Lime and a Horse- Chestnut, in May, 1895, at Worsley Tark, for the Bridgewater Trustees. The Chestnut, which was the heavier tree of the two, was taken up an incline of at loast oue in six. Both trees were in growth, and I hear they have done well. At the time the Buckland Yew was moved by my late father in February, 1880, various opinions were expressed as to the ultimate: result of the removal. Such of your readers as remember the correspondence will be interested to read a letter we have received from Rev. Tuberville Evans, vicar of Buckland, Dover, in December last : "Buckland Vicarage, Dover, Dec. 10, 1890. " Dear Sirs, — My conscience smites me. I believe you were good enough to ask after the Yew a year ago, and I then promised to take a photograph of it in the spring, and scud you a copy, and I now know I have not done so. I will try and remember to do so when the tree is in blossom, and meanwhile I will send a photograph I took of a portion of it in May or June last. I am happy to tell you that it is in splendid condition, and improving every year. There is no doubt your good father's skill, and the intense interest he took in the work, have added many years, perhaps centuries, to its life. — Yours faithfully, "Tuberville Evans." At the present time we are preparing to move an Oak of considerable eize at Copped Hall, Epping, the dimensions of which are as follows : — Girth at ground, 10 feet 2 inches; girth 4 feet from ground, 6 feet 6 inches; height, 46 feet; diameter of branches, 45 fee1". If any of your readers would like to wit- ness the operation, 1 shall be pleased to inform them privately mi which day the tree will be moved. John Barron, Elvaston Nurseries, Borroieash, Derby. BULBS FROM CHITRAL. — Mr. Duthie very kindly sent me last summer a supply of conns labelled " White Crocus, Chitral." Several of these have now flowered, some in the open ; but the flowers are yellow, not white, and have been diagnosed at Kew as C. Korolkowii. It is, of course, possible that some of the corms which have not flowered this year may throw up white flowers next ; but this seems unlikely, since the foliage of all is alike. My hopes of a new species are therefore dashed ; still, it is interesting to learn a new habitat for this most eastern Crocus. A few corms had been sent me in 1S95, but none of these really flourished. With them were a few Tulip bulbs, which did flower last summer. These, however, could not have been of the same kind as those mentioned in the Gardeners Chronicle a few weeks back, for they were simply T. Clusiana, though varying a little from the type in the depth and sharpness in outline of the purple blotch. M. Foster. THE DAWN OF REASON IN A FUNGUS.— One of the subjects in which I am interested is the Dawn of Reason in animals. Seeing an essay advertised under the name of " The Dawn of Reason," by James Weir, Jun., M.D., in Medical Rcju'lnts for December 15, 1896, I purchased the number. To my surprise, I found that Dr. Weir had detected in the yellow- slime fungus, well known to gardeners as the " flowers-of-tan," and to botanists as iEthalium sep- ticum, not only vision, necessitating an eye and a brain, but " memory and conscious determination." I have read wonderful things at different times about the Mycetozoa, to which this organism belongs ; but nothing so startling as this from the pen of a profes- sional man. Before quoting from Dr. Weir, it should be said that some students of biology claim the ^Ethalium for the animal kingdom, whilst others make an equally strong claim for the vegetable. It does not matter a straw how the difficulty is settled ; but jEthalium and like organisms are preserved in the Department of Botany at the British Museum, and in the Herbarium at Kew. They do not keep them at the Zoological Gardens. Dr. Weir says — " The natural habitat or dwelling-place of ^Etha- lium, a minute, microscopic animalcule of very low organisation, is sawdust." "Minute micro- scopic animalcule" is good — the fact is, this fungus is sometimes 1 foot across, and 1 inch or more thick. It certainly sometimes grows on sawdust, but it is very common ou tan, on rotten wood, on tree stumps, and various other tilings. " If these creatures," says the Doctor, " be taken from the sawdust and placed in a watch-glass in which there is water, they will confine themselves to it ; but if the glass be placed on saw dust they will leave it, crawling over its aides iu order to get into more c:ngonial surroundings— the sawdust. This shows conclusively," continues Dr. Weir, " that they recognise the dust through the transparent glass, and that they also remember and regard it as a more desirable home." Evolutionists would do well to dis- card Amphioxus at once, and see if they can trace the origin of man to ^thaliurn. Unfortunately, Dr. Weir has not told us whether he was able to detect a rudimentary back-bone in this t( creature" whilst it was looking through a watch-glass. In conclusion the doctor says, " Memory, conscious determination, and the fundamental principles of reason are, in thiB instance, clearly demonstrated." It is hardly neces- sary to comment on 'this ; and there is a great deal more of the panic stamp in the article referred to. It is to be hoped that the daily press will not get hold of it, or something even more startling may see the light in " leaders " and columns of " scientific news." 17. G. S. " UNFAIR TRADING."— The best thauks of the trao'e are due to you for publishing, and to " Local Florist " for writing, his able article in last week's Gardeners' Chronicle, on this important subject, which I trust will be the means of exposing, if not eradi- cating, this unfair system of trading. Another class of unfair trading is that practised by many noblemen and gentlemen throughout the country of sending to market choice fruits, Tomatos, Cucumbers, flowers, &c, which in many instances have been expressly grown for that purpose, to be sold wholesale in com- petition with those who earn their living solely by marketing these goods, but who cannot possibly compete with their richer rivals, inasmuch as the lat- ter are contented if their sales assist in reducing the wages' account of the garden ; whereas the other has no other moans of support for his family and himself, and is too often at his wits* end to know how to make ends meet — and sometimes this unfair trading spells to them ruin. Surely these gentlemen market-gardeners cannot have thought of the unfair way they are competing with the working-man market-gardener, or I feel sure some of them at least would discontinue this unfair practice. Justice. PENRHYN CASTLE GARDENS 40 YEARS AGO. — As an old Penrhyn man I was glad to observe its reputation for good gardening supported by the testimony of Mr. Crump in a recent issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle. Forty years have sped since I worked in these gardens, and in those days I have heard competent judges say that the keeping of the gardens at Penrhyn was equal to anything in Great Britain, praise which is well merited at the present time. It was during my stay that the Queen and Prince Albert were entertained at Penrhyn Castle for nearly a week, together with a number of Ministers of State. On this occasion the sides of the carriage drives were lined with thousands of villagers and quarry-men to greet Her Majesty on her arrival, and choirs of Welsh singers from Bethesda, who at- tended the Castle Chapel and sang to her Majesty's delight ; memorial trees were planted, the oldest men employed in the gardens assisting. In those day3 the Grapes that were grown at Penrhyn were fair, but they would not quite reach Mr. Crump's high standard of excellence. Pine-apples were well done, and Mr. Burns was much pleased with a gold medal awarded him by one of the London societie3 for a number of the Queen Pines weighing over 5 lb. each, which he sent to an exhibition. The espalier Pear- trees at that time were some of the best in the king- dom, and I recollect on one occasion we exhibited at Bangor show a dish of White Brunswick Figs from a south wall, and every fruit weighed fully 8 oz. R. M., Newbury. BEURRE DIEL PEAR.— This variety is usually classed as being in season in November and Decem- ber ; with me, however, it has kept this year till February 8, and I was enabled to seud in a dish for dessert on that day. I may say that the fruits were gathered early iu October, from some aged trees grow- ing on a wall, aud no particular pains were taken to ensure good keeping, the fruits being kept in a cool, unheated room. /. Voss, Kcd lesion. II all 'Gardens, Derby. PARENTAGE OF ROSES. — I find that in an article entitled "A Manse Garden," contributed to vol. ix. of Amateur Gardening (p. 354), which appeared many years ago, I have spoken incidentally of Etieune Levet as being the parent of Duke of Fife. So far as I am concerned, the derivation of tho Scottish Duke is a matter of small importance, as this Rose has never been successful in my garden. I am much more enamoured of Duchess of York and Duchess of Fife. David R. Williamson. ROR1DULA GORGONIAS.— Mr. Moore states in his note in your last issue, p. 96, that this plant flowered at Edinburgh and Dublin in December of last year. Our plants showed for flower in November, and if the plants in Dublin have behaved like those at Edin- burgh, your correspondent will bear me out, when I say that the buds are very slow in expanding, and when they do open, only one, or perhaps two, expand together. The first flowers on our plant opened early in December. My note of the flowering of this species in the Gardeners' Chronicle— sent really on January 11 — was kept b;ick in order that a photograph, showing the inflorescence fairly developed, might accompany it. The plants that first flowered here had all white flowers. Some that are now coming into flower show a pink colour, and we have also some plants with partly pink and partly white blooms. Whether this variation is due to the different con- ditions under which the individual plants have been grown here, is a point about which I may be able to say something at a later period. R. h. Harrow. ADIANTUM CAPILLUS VENERIS, VAR. SEMILUNA- TUM. — Some years ago, when staying in the west of co. Clare at the village of Lisdoonvarna, noted for its sulphur and iron spas, I collected plants of an Adiautum growi ig in the deep and narrow clefts of a large plateau of waterworu limestone-rocks within view of thft Atlantic Ocean. So deep were these clefts in the rock, that when lying on my side with downstretched arm I could ouly here and thore reach to a plant. 1 have kept and grown it ever since, and recently specimens submitted to Mr. Baker at the Herbarium, Kew, have been determined by him to be the variety known a? semiluuatum (Lowe), and he suggests that the fact should bo put on record. The fronds were remarkably long, and bearing distinct and large bold pinnules. It may be of intei-est to Fern-growers to learn that this Fern has been collected in Ireland. J. T. Bcnnett-Poi\ Cheshunt, February 13, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 113 CEDRUS DEODARA AND C. LIBANI.— There having been various articles upon this subject in your pages, I venture to send you a few measurements which I made of three of the healthiest speciineus of Cedar of Lebanon growing in this country. They are three entirely dis- tinct varieties, and the measurements were taken ou June 4, 1895. The first specimen has a height of 100 feet, girth of stem 2 feet from the ground of 17 feet, circumference of branches 2*25 feet. This specimen has foliage of a dull green colour, and branches that stretch out horizontally ; the cones are a little more conical than specimen No. 2, and a trifle larger. Specimen No. 2 has a height of 110 feet, girth of stem 2 feet from the ground of 21 feet, circumference of branches 285 feet. This tree has foliago of a very velvety-green colour, and very short thick needles, and bears cones in great profusion, which are shorter and rounder than the preceding variety. The third specimen has a height of 100 feet, a girth of stem 2 feet from the ground of 17 feet, circumference of branches 285 feet. This tree is the most graceful and elegant of the three. The foliage is of a very light grey colour, and forms a fine contrast to the others. It does not yield cones nearly so freely, and these are of a light greenish colour, and much more conical than either of the others. All three yield a great profusion of male catkins. I may mention that the three specimens are in a row, the largest specimen in the middle, in front of the residence on a sloping lawn, and they have ample space around them. In the winter of 1896 I felled a very good specimen of Cupressus macro- carpa, which had been partially killed by the sharp weather of 1890 ; it was 69 feet high. The wood of this species is not of the slightest use, being very soft. M. E. Mills. Coombc House Gardens, Croydon. GRAPES GROS MAROC AND OTHERS.— In regard to varieties of Grapes shown at Kdinburgh last Sep- tember, I am glad to notice that the subject has been brought to the notice of gardeners iu general. It is a notorious fact that Gros Maroc, Alnwick Seedling, and Black Alicante Grapes had preference on this occasion to such fine varieties as Muscat Hamburgh, Madreafield Court, and Muscat of Alexandria, and I am able to endorse everything Mr. Ardrie wrote on p. 83 of the Gardeners1 Chronicle for Jan. 30. I have exhibited Grapes at the Edinburgh shows for many years with more or less success, and at the last Sep- tember show I had no reason to be dissatisfied with the judges' flat, but I am bound to say that I never attended any show where more adverse criticism on the decisions of the judges was to be heard, especially in the larger classes ; and everybody seemed asto- nished when the awards were made known. I agree with Mr. Divers (see Gardeners Chronicle, p. 96), that Mrs. Pince, Madresfield Court, Muscat and Muscat Hamburgh are sometimes shown in poor condition, and had this been the case at Edinburgh, there would have been little or no comment, but the reverse was the case ; and it was in face of the fine quality of these varieties, in size of bunch, berry, and finish that the awards caused wide-spread dissatisfaction, amongst exhibitors and non-exhibitors alike. It is, I think, high time that something Bhould be done in the way of classification of Grapes at the Edin- burgh shows, and others at important centres north of the Tweed. Hugh Thomas. I Bee Mr. Divers classes this Grape as one that is very easy to grow ; with me, however, it is very difficult, in fact I can do no good with it. I have tried various ways, such as syringing when iu bloom, fertilising with Black Hamburgh pollen, &c, but still the bunches, which are large for this variety, consist of mostly stoneless berries. The Vine is in a late house containing several varieties, an inside border, and growth is very strong. The flavour of the berries which coino to perfection is very good. I am constrained to ask if there are two varieties of this Grape, as those I often see exhibited have rounder berries, and denser bloom than those I have here, which have oval berries of a deep plum colour, when the bloom is removed. My late employer pronounced the flavour first-rate, but did not like Gros Colman, Alnwick Seedling, or Alicante. Iu my opinion, the former Grape always has an earthy flavour till it has been cut from the Vine for upwards of a mouth. In regard to the question of the relative value of Grapes on the exhibition table, now being discussed in these pages, I have been an exhibitor for many years, and think judges, as a rule, lean too much towards size and appearance. If they would just ask themselves this question, " Would my employer eat these Grapes at this time of the year/" their award would often be different. It is monstrous to observe at shows held iu July and August, Gros Maroc, Gros Colman, or Alicante, &c, while there are plenty of Black Hamburghs, Madres- field Court, and other fine-flavoured Grapes to com- pete with. After the middle of September wo expect to see late Grapes on the exhibition table, and then size and appearance should have due weight, when accompanying quality. Personally I would place the Black Hamburgh as far in front of other black Grapes as the Muscat of Alexandria is placed in advance of the white varieties, but we often see it placed second to other kinds, of finer appearance in mixed classes. John, Wilkes, The Gardens, Creswell Hall, Stafford. ■ After many years experience in cultiva- ting tho Grape-vine, I come to the conclusion that outside borders soou become inert masses of soil, with a temperature that is too low to stimulate early and quick root action, hence shanking; and I believe that most of the fine Grapes wc see at exhibitions are grown on borders made inside tho vineries. T he Gros Colmar Vines at The Hayes are planted in ins ide borders, and being started early in January, they are afforded a long season in which to mature the fruit, little air at the top and bottom being afforded all through the forcing season. When the fruit commences to colour, more air is given than heretofore, and water is freely applied at the root with plenty of artificial and suu heat. In reference to the size of the borders here, I may inform " Cicestrian " we have a vinery planted with Vines of Muscat of Alex- andria at 5 feet apart in au inside border that is 4! feet wide by 2 feet 4 inches deep, with two rows of 4 inch hot- water pipes underneath. These Vines are pruned on tho spur system, as are all our Vines, and they have carried good crops of fruit for the last 18 years. I attribute my success to a warm border and au abuudanee of water. For many years they have been started early in the month of February, watered at intervals of three weeks to the beginning of May, weekly to tho end of September, the quantities being gradually reduced as winter approaches. The top soil is removed annually, and a layer of freshly-cut turf laid on the roots, together with a good dressing of cow-dung, a finish being put to the whole with some fine soil. The variety Lady Downes' in a border of the same size, eight years planted, and started six weeks later, is doing equally well. Should ( ' Cicestrian " contemplate planting, I would advise him to try inside borders for Grapes ripening at all seasons. I well know that the orthodox size of a Vine border is about treble the measurements of those we have here, yet *' Cicestrian " may with proper attention to details produce good Grapes in borders of such dimensions as above stated. JohnBates, Stone. m Would Mr. Ardrie kindly tell us why he did not write sooner about the judging of Grapes at Edinburgh in September, 1896 ? I must say that I am surprised at his boldness in endeavouring at this date to challenge the decision of the judges at that Show, and still more at his audacity in stating that "The same thing occurred in the four bunch class ; in fact, it would seem that quality was not re- cognised, as the coarsest and must ugly shaped bunches of the coarsest varieties were those which had the preference." And then adds, "What do northern gardeners think of that \ " Being a northern gar- dener, I think that statements such as the above are, to put it mildly, very misleading, and have very little, if anything, to do with the "merits and demerits of Gros Maroc Grapes." In my opinion such statements are more like the pent-up growl of a disappointed exhibitor than of a Scottish gardener who is anxious to find the position Gros Maroc should take in a competition with other Grapes. I have to ask Mr. Ardrie to prove wherein his statements of coarse- ness and ugliness apply to any of the bunches staged, either in the lot for " Six not less than three varieties," that gained 1st prize, or the "Four not less than four varieties" which gained 1st prize? Mr. Andrie says that he "noticed at the (=ame show that the judges preferred the flavour of Black Hamburgh to that of Muscat Hamburgh." Perhaps the judges took notice of a foot-note in the schedule referring to that class, which says, "These bunches must weigh not less than 1 lb. each." Mr. Ardrie asks who is to blame for driving out the grand Grapes from our exhibitions, and straightway blames the judges ; making out himself that tho " grand Grapes " were there, but that the judges ignored them. 1 feel sure that the judges selected by the Koyal Caledonian Society are gentlemen who will not pass over «>i ignore "gruud Grapes ' in favour of the so-called "coarser varieties," all cultural points being equal A Northern Gardener. GARDENERS' ORPHAN FUND.— Would not the celebration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee be a most fitting opportunity to bring before Her Gracious Majesty the splendid work of tho Fund instituted as a commemoration of her Jubilee in 18S7 ? The loyal, but still very responsible, step taken in placing thirteen candidates on the Fund this year without election, to commemorate the sixty years' reign, would, I feel confident, practically appeal to the proverbial womanly and tender heart of the Queen, on behalf of a class of her subjects who, by their very helplessness and straightened circumstances, bring out all that is noblest and best in the characters of those in high places, tending, in the recent language of the Prince of Wales, to brighten the lives and ameliorate the condition of Her Majesty's poorer subjects. I observe in the same notice which gives the gratifying intelli- gence as to the free election of the thirteen candi- dates, that tho annual dinner will take place at the Hotel Cecil on April 14, under the presidency of Sir John Whittaker Ellis, Bart.— a good step in its way, and one, no doubt, that will be a financial success. The very cost, however, of attendance at such a function must of necessity absolutely shut out what may be called the purely gardening element from participating in this " feast of reason and flow of soul " m connection with their own Fund ; and a grand opportunity is thus lost of the Fund keeping in touch with all classes of the gardening community. Why not have a reasonably priced supper on tho day of the forthcoming annual meeting of the Fund in February, and cordially invite subscribers to the business of the day, which would give those able to attend an increased interest in its working and sup- port, and if the supper idea be carried out, a very enjoyable opportunity of exchanging mutual congra- tulations ? [A dinner, costing fjs. per head, is arranged to take place on Friday, Feb. 1 9, at Anderton's Hotel, Fleet Street, at 6 p.m. Ed.] Complaints are heard that the Fund is not supported as it should be by the craft. Can such a state of affairs be wondered at ? If one may so express it, the Fund wants democratising. Look through the subscribers' list, and see how very small a proportion of journeymen gardeners are repre- sented in it, just the very class that should support it, in view of future eventualities. The growth of gardeners' mutual improvement as sociatious and similar institutions is a very healthy sign of the horti- cultural times. Could not tho aims and objects of the Fund be brought before tho numbers of young men attending such, that they may be induced to become subscribers ? It may be said that to many of these the Fund would not specially appeal. True, but the object is such a good one, and the subscrip- tion is so small (only about ono penny per week ! ) that the cry of tho orphaned ones would uot. I am sure, pass unheeded by those who are to represent the gardeners of the future, if the claims of the Fund upon all connected with the art of gardening were properly placed before them. Life Member. HORTICULTURE: PAST AND FUTURE. — How much we all know respecting the condition of horti- culture to-day ! What it has been in the past those who are old, or have access to early gardening publi- cations, can tell fairly well ; as to what horticulture is to be in the future, we have no knowledge beyond what is furnished through the capacity of comparing what it was fifty years ago with what it is now, and reasoning by analogy accordingly. I have been led into this train of thought through having been per- mitted a hurried glance through some gardening pub- lications of diverse kinds, some half a century old, and having a lively recollection of what gardening was in those far-off days, also cannot now help won- dering what it will be half a century hence. Undoubtedly we have advanced marvellously, and gardeners to-day have at their disposal a wealth of material, of which their fathers did not dream ; with that material have come also much heavier responsibilities and duties. We have but to turn to the Chrysanthemum, for iustauce, for an example, whilst in other directions Orchitis, Rose.*, hardy plants, florists' flowers, and domestic floral decora- tion, show how the gardener's duties and labours have developed. We must not forget, howevir, that for all this wonderful expansion, whil&t we are greatly indebted to trade enterprise, to native energy, in great wealth, and to the agency of the press, jet to nothing do we owe moro than to the removal "I the heavy duty thai ODCS existed on glass, thus enabling vast numbers of gluts houses to be u: cheaply, and to the introduction "I" the system ol heating them by hot-water, a method that holds its own against all other methods. Still, the next great operating agent may be found in electricity. That is, no doubt, a marvellous force, and may yet work wonders for horticulture, A. D. 114 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 13, 1897. AN OLD ALBUM OF FLORAL DRAWINGS. In the department of prints and drawings in the British Museum, there is preserved an album of Horal drawings up>n vellum, made by au artist named Holtzbecker in 1660. The drawings represent almost exclusively florists' flowers of about 240 years ago ; and as every illustration is most minutely and elaborately finished in colour in the style of a miniature, the pictures give a very good idea indeed of what our fore- fathers' garden flowers were between two and three hundred years ago. The drawings are a little prim and formal, and often a trifle out of perspective, and sometimes bracts and other little details are left out. There is also the too frequent tendency to make all the blooms and leaves faco the spectator with nothing behind, but notwithstanding these slight defects, the examples have obviously been taken direct from Nature with painful care. The drawiugs resemble in stylo and minute finish those of tho brothers Bauer in the British Museum of Natural History, Cromwell Road ; they, how- ever, do not quito come up to the standard of the Bauers' work. The pictures are in body- cnlour, so that they somewhat resemble minutely- finished work in oil. No sections, or floral enlarged de'.ails are given, the object of the drawings clearly being to give striking and highly finished representations of popular garden flowers. None of the drawings have names attached, but they are numbered, and the numbers are referred to in a full index. The latter has, in some instances, curious spelling, as Soapiosa, Bokabunda, Blatturia, &o. lu turning tho drawings over, one is at once struck with tho extraordinary advaucos made by florists upon the flowers to which they have specially turned their attention ; whilst certain other plauts, as Jasmiuum, the Orange, and such-like, remain now precisely where they were in 1660. Amongst the first illustrations aro Aconites, Anemones, double Scillas, Hyacinths, Fritil- larias, and Crown-Imperials ; one of the latter is a very curious i'asciated example. There are many Tulips ; all these are small, and very interesting — the largest, only 2g inches in extreme length of petal, is named " Goliat." Under Ranunculus mauy double forms are given, and one red Banunculus is proliferous. One variety has roso-coloured petals, which form tho disc, with blue guard- petals. Pioomes aro well represented, but the blooms aro all very small, the largest only 2| inches in diameter. The Gladiolus is well represented, but the spikes only carry from four to six flowers, and the largest bloom is only lj inch across when expanded. The difference between garden Gladioli of then and now is astouishing. A double Solomon's Seal is illustrated, and the common Suowflake with blooms very small. The Bee and Fly Orchises are given ; these were j ust the same in 1660 as now. Next come Lilies, all very small, a typical bloom is If iuch in diameter. A proliferous and very double Col- chicuni is given. Of Cyclamens, the largest blooms are only § iuch across; but Violets were then as now, it" we except the few forms to which florists have given attention. The Poly- anthus has improved but little ; they are now a little larger, certainly. No gold-edged form is given. Primroses are illustrated in consider- able variety of colour, with the Hose-in-Hose and other forms. Ophrys and Cypripedium calceolus are the same as now, tho latter is named in the index Cypripedium calceola-maria, the last word being only understood in modern nomenclature. Sweet Peas are exceedingly small; tho Columbine much as now, but a little less in size. The drawings of Convolvuli are failures. Poppies are well illustrated, and the fringed forms given, but the largest bloom is under 2£ inches in diameter. The Scabious is much as now. One remark- able proliferous example is illustrated with five flower stems and foliage starting from the centre of the disc. Lupins are very small, the longest spikes of bloom being under 3 inches. The drawiugs of Centaureas are failures. Passion- flowers are poorly done, with the bracts, &e., omitted. Drawings of Canna are given, but the spikes aro only 3 and '3k inches high. The common garden Antirrhinum is represented with small blooms, and with only from four to five flowers on a stem. A very double yellow Crocus is given, with eighteen petals visible on the side view. Strange to say, the Carnations are almost as large as now ; whilst the heads of blooms in the Sweet William only measure 2j inches across in the largest examples. Larkspurs aro very small, blooms only 1 iuch in diameter ; and Hollyhocks only carry from six to nine small bloom *. A great number of Roses are illustrated, single and double, but the largest blooms aro only a little over 2 inches in diameter. The drawings vary great'y in quality ; a deep purplo Allium is a singular and hope- less failure. The drawings appear to repre- sent all examples as life-size ; this seems proved by tho foliage, and by many plants being shown as exactly the same in size as they are now. It will bo seen from the remarks here printod that this album is well worthy of close stud}-, not as an artistic production for imitation, but as a record of what gardeners havo done for certaiu garden flowers iu about 210 years. Every illustration of some sections, as in the Boses, is highly instructive ; and it is not im- probable that some varieties of garden flowers, as illustrated in this album, no longer exist in our gardens, whilst it is clear that some florist's " novelties" of recent years were well known to the continental florists of 1660 — but to Dame some of these forms with certainty would take time, and involve a comparison of modern forms with the ancient. These remarks refer to Boses, and bulbous and herbaooous plauts alike. W. G. S. Societies. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. February 9. —The Committees of this Society me at the Drill Hall, James Street, Westminster, on Tuesday last, being tlic second occasion since tho beginning of the new year. In anticipation, perhaps, of the Annual General Meeting (see p. 10.x), which took place in the afternoon, there was a large attendance of the members of committees and of fellows generally. The display was again a most successful one, and there was no lack of interesting exhibits. Apart from the Orchids, of which there was a good show, the most extensive exhibit w.is one of various strains of Chinese Prim- roses from Messrs. Cannell of Swanley. It almost covered the whole of oue of the long centre tables. Cyclamens were again exhibited, one of the collections being from the nurseries of Messrs. H. Low & Co., and another from the establishment of Mr. Cuas. Turner.. Collections of miscel- laneous plants and of forced flowers were shown in several instances, and a few of the earliest hardy bulbous plants were exhibited in pots by several nurserymen, and a collec- tion of Daffodils by an amateur. First-class Certificates were awarded to Iris Bakeriana and Lapageria rosea, Warnham Court variety;; and a Violet named Amiral Avellan was recommended an Award of Merit. Floral Committee. Present: W. Marshall, Ksq. (Chairman), H. B. May, Chas. T. Druery, R. Dean, J. H. Fitt, Robt. Owen, George Stevens, J. F. McLeod, R. B. Lowe, C. J. Salter, J. Jennings, H. J. Jones, II. J. Cutbush, Thos. Peed, Chas. Jeffries, R. M. Hogg, W. Bain, J. D. Pawlo, Chas. B. Pearson, Chas. E. Shea, Chas. Blick, H. Turner. Geo. Paul, J. W. Barr, J. Fraser, E. Beckett, and Jno. Laing. Messrs. Jno. Laino & Sons. Forest Hill. London, S.W., exhibited a group of miscellaneous plants, most of them valuable foliage species, and including a nice specimen of the Begonia Arthur Malet, and a few Bertolonias (Silver Banksian Medal). A group of plauts staged by Messrs. Jno. Peeo ill Sons, Roupoll Park Nurseries. Norwood Road, contained some capitally flowered double Deutzias, Roman Hyacinths, Cyclamens, Lily of the Valley, small winter flowering Bego- nias. &c, which considerably brightened the Dracaenas and other fine foliage species of which the group was conipo ed (Silver Flora Medal). Mr. Thos. S. Wars, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, made an exhibit of species of Snowdrops (Galanthus), and Snowflakes (Leucojum). Various Irises also, including Iris bistrioides, 1. reticulata purpurea, I. Bakeriana, the Cat'leya. and in the richness of colouring to the Lrelia. The sepals and petals are light rose-pink ; the showy lip yellow at the base, marked with red-brown ; the front lobe purple, shaded with violet and margined with lavender colour (Award of Merit). Another pretty hybrid, which also secured an Award of Merit, was Phalamopsis Hebe (rosea x Sanderiana), which somewhat resembled a large P. X intermedia Brymeriana, the bright purplish rose of the flowers being very attractive. Other good novelties and showy thing* in Messrs. Veitch's group were Cypripedium Leonidas i villosum x Leeauum £}, in which the petals and lip resembled a large yellow C. villosuTi, and the white dorsal sepal that of C. Spicorianum ; Dendrobium Cybele elegans (white elegans X Findlaya- num, Selenipcdiuru Schn.idene candidulum, a noble white and pink form obtained between S. Sedeni candidulum and S. caudatum Wallisi ; Dendrobium x euosmum roseum and D. x euosmum leucopterum ; D. x Cordelia, of a delicate blush-white colour; and D. x Cordelii flavescens, of the yellow tint of D. aureum ; the singular orange-scarlet D. Bubclausum ; D. x Edithse, D. atro-violaeeum, Platyclinis glumacea valida, Epidendrurn x elegantulum ; a large and varied collection of hybrid Cypripediums ; some good Phake- nopsds, &c. Messrs. F. Sander & Co., St. Albans, were awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a good group, in which were Odonto- glossum hystrix nobilius, a magnificent variety, superior in siao to one recently named " Pittiauum," and belonging to the same class ; a very fine form of Cypripedium insigno montanum, with large and welt-formed flowers coloured like C. X niteus ; some very fine (orms ot Cattlcya Trianad, one with heavily blotched petals in the wayof C. T. Backhousiana being specially good ; a number of plants of the pretty Phaius X Martha;, Cypripedium x nitens-Leeanum, a distinct hybrid ; C. X Henri Van den Straeten, a very handsome and large flower of the colouring of C. Boxilli atiatum ; a number of forms of C. X Calypso; Oncidium splendidum, Lycaste Skinneri; a grand specimen of Pleurothallis Roezli, with many racemes of its singular purple flowers ; Phaio-Calanthe Brandtiie (P. assamicus X C. X Veitchi), a pretty pink variety ; Dendrobium (nubile x Wardianuru), with attrac- tive white flowers tinged with rose, and with purple and yellow base to the lip; and the now blue Utricularia Forge ti ana. Messrs. Linden, l'Hortieulture Internationale, Pare Leo- pold, Brussels, received a Silver Banksian Medtl for a group of grand varieties of Cattli lyaTriana i, to two of which Awards of Merit were given, viz. , C. T. impcrator, in which the colouring of the large labellum w^h almost entirely of a dark ■\\ ii. hi purple ; and C. T. exitnia, a noble flnwor with extra- ordinary I readth of petal and very finely developed lip, yellow in the tube, the front lobe crimson-purplL-, with a light margin ; both petals an 1 lip being crimped. Other fine varieties were C. T. LindenijL-, a large white with lavender colour on the Up; C. T. illustris a splendii dark variety ; C T. dilecta and C. T. prince; s both good ; and C. T. Miss Linden, with white sepds and petuls and curiously tinted lip, all the tcgnientsbting rather narrow. Messrs. Hugh Low At Co., Clapton, staged a good group, in which were good examples of Dendrobium Ilildebrandi, and other Deudri.biums of the presont *e;ison ; the very sin- gular Odontoglossum Valontinoi, a supposed natural hybrid with yellow flowers, blotched with brown and of very dis- tinct character ; Dendrobium nobile Ballia-ium, Lielia anceps varieties; Miltoaia Ruu/Ji, Augnecum sesquipedale, &C. (Silver Banksian Medal). Messrs. B. S. Williams & Son-, Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, Upper Ilolloway, N\, • taged a group in which were Cypripedium x Harrisianum supcrbum, C. X Fitchianum, C. x Mcirax, C. x nitons and C. x N. superbum, C. x poli- tum, C. X WiUianisianuni, 0. X Sallieri aureum, C. X vex- illarum superbum, C. Boxalli, C. villosum ; some good varieties of Cattleya Trian;ui, Cudogyne cristata, C sparsa, Lycaste fulveseens, L. Skinneri, Platyclinis glumacea, Ladia glauca, Odontoglossum Rossi albens, and the clear yellow Oncidium bifions. The Honble. Walter Rothschild, Tri g Park(gr., Mr. E. Hill), showed Cypripedium Luid (bcllatulum ? , Spiccr- anumo"). a singular cross made at Tring Park. Inform it much resembles C. X Marshal lianuin. The upper sepal is white closely dotted with dark purple; the deflexed petals yellowish with numerous small purple spots almost covering their surface ; the lip greeuish tinged and spotted with purple. Norman C. Cookson, Esq.. Wylam, Northumberland (gr , Mr. Wm. Murray), again showed Dendrobium Kenneth (MeCarthia; 9, Bensonia: which had previously received an Award of Merit. The sepals and petals were simdar in form, about 2 inches in length, and cream-white; the lip exhibited traces of the shovel-shaped Up of D. McCarthi;o, and, like it, approached in length the other segments; its colour cream-white, with a pubescent, purple veining on the disc— a very singular and striking hybrid. Taos. Statter, Esq., Stand Hall, Whitefield, Manchester (gr.,Mr. R. Johnson), showed Cypripedium Rolf ei (reputed parentage bcllatulum x Bothschildianum), which the Com- mittee considered more probably C. bellatulum x insigne var., or Leeanum, or some other insigne. At aU events it is a very fine, striking, and distinct hybrid, the reddish downy labellum bearing some little resemblance to C. Rothsehildianum. The upper sepal was white, with many X>urple blotches ; the petals curved downwards, yellow, with juiplish tinge aud stripes. Mr. Statter also showed C. Rubens (bellatulum x callusum), a very richly-coloured purplish flower; the tinn C. triumphana (Sallieri Hye- anum X eenanthum superbum); and C. villosum gigan- El jah Ashworth. Esq , Harefield Hall, Wilmslow, Cheshire (gr., Mr. H. Holorook), showed Cattleya Trianau, "Miss Beatrice Ashworth," a charming flower of the C. T. Uaekhoiihiana class, and with a glowing Tyrian purple front to the lip, and feather on the petals. Welbore S.Ellis, Esq., Hazclbuume, Dorking, sent t e pretty pale purple Epidendrurn Ellisii, Lycaste gigantca. the very fine Odontoglossum Harryanum Ellis's variety ; aud Lclia glauca. Frau Ida Brandt, Bruuncnhof, Riesbach, Zurich (gr., Mr. Schlccht), sent Lselia anceps Kienastiana, a very ha"d- some variety, in which the front lobe of the lip and the edges ol the side lobes are of a bright dark rose colour (Award of Merit), the singular Oncidium chrysodipterum, Odonto- glossum cirrosum variety ; Lycaste plana, Measuresiana, Chondroihyncha Chesterton!, and some species of Phaho- W. M. Appleton, Esq., Tyn-y-Coed, Weston-super-mare, showed Cypripedium Quies (Curtisii x Hookeri), C. tesse- latura Appletons var. (concolor barbatum Warneri). Reginald Younu, Esq., Liverpool (gr.,Mr. Poyntz), sent Cypripedium insigne Youngia?, a very pretty, singularly- spotted variety, C. X Lachesis and other Cypripediums. Mr. Jas. Cypher, Cheltenham, showed a grand specimen of Dendrobium x Ainsworthi Cypher's var., and a fine D. spleudidissiiuuin grandiiloruni with growths about 4ft. high, and for each of which plants Cultural Commendations were awarded. Messrs. Heath & Son, Cheltenham, sent Dendrobium nobile Heathi, fine in form and bright in colour. G. W- Law-Sohoeield, Esq., Rawtenatall, Manchester (gr., Mr. Shill), sent flower of a flue D. x Sehneiderianum. T. W. Swinburne, Esq , Corndean Hall, Winchcombe (gr., Mr. Rendal), sent Cypripedium x M. de Curte, Comdean var., very fine and richly-coloured ; OdontoglosBUm Halli Swin- burne's var., a very handsome flower of the leucoglo&sum class; C. villosum giganteum and C. ■ Kwinburnei magnificum. The Right Honble. Joseph Chamberlain, Highbury, Moor Green, Birmingham (gr. Mr. Burberry), aent Dendrobium Burberryanum (x Dominianum x Findlayanum), a very showy hybrid with the flowers tinted carmine-crimson ; and D. (aureum £ , splendidis^imum grandiflorum V), and which still retained much of the character of the female parcn . Fruit Committee. Present: Philip Crowley. Esq., in the Chair, and Messrs. G. W. Cummins, T. J. Saltmarsh, A. II. Poarson, Jas. II Veitch, J. Cheal, J. Wright, A. Dean, W. Pope, C. Herrin, W. Farr, .1. W. Bates, G. Roynolds, f. II. Sage. Cc. Wythcs, II. Bddcson, .1. Willard. F. Q. Lane, Jas. Smith, G. Nor- man, Robt. Fife, Geo Bunyard, and T. Francis Rivers. The competition for prizes in the classes for flavour in Apples and I ears still maiutuius its interest. On this occa- sion the Apple adjudged best was Blenheim Pippin, shown by Mr. W. H. Divers, gr. to the Duke of Hi PLAND, Bel- voir, Grantham. The fruits were from a stuudurd tree on free stock, grown upon strong clay in Lincolnshire Scarlet Nonpareil, shown by Mr. J. Hudson, Hunnersbury House Gardens, Acton, were 2nd, the fruits were from an on \i.uA standard, upon the crab stock, in light loamy sot) in Middlesex. The best Pear was Passe Crassane shown by Roger Leigh, Esq.,Barham Court, Maidstone (gr., Mr. Geo. Woodward). The fruits were gathered from a west wall, from a tree on the Quince stock gruwing in rich light loam. The specimens were capital for the month of February, and it is a very juicy, agreeable fruit. Fourteen excellent fruits of the Lemon were shown by Major Thobniiill, Stanton Hall, Bakewell(gr., Mr. Harvey), and represented most successful cultivation (Cultural Com- mendation \ Messrs. T. F. Rivers & Son, Sawbridgeworth Nurseries, Herts, exhibited fruits of an Apple named Prince Edward, a medium-sized fruit, yellow striped with red, apparently a very agreeable fruit (Award of Merit). Also fruits of a conical - shaped red - coloured Apple named St. Martins, certificated last autumn. Messrs. Rivers also exhibited a collection of dishes of Apples, representing some valuable older varieties in capital condition. Orange fruits of the following varieties were also shown: St. Michaels, Egg Orange, Bittercourt, Tangier, Maltese, Blood, Dulcis, Dom Louise, and Bijou Lemon (Silver Kni^htian Medal). A collection of sixty dishes of Apples and a few Pears waB shown by Messrs. Cheal & Sons, Lowfield Nursery, Crawley. Sussex. Some excellent specimens were noticed of King of the Pippins, Newton Wonder, Jubilee, Bess Pool, Beauty of Kent, Warner's King, Prince Albert, Cox's Orange Pippin, and others (Silver gilt Knightian Medal). A collection of some varieties of Potato tubers was shown by Messrs. Young & Dobinson, Stevenage, Herts. DEVON AND EXETER GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION. February 3.— The fortnightly meeting of this Association was held on Wednesdty evening, in the Guildhall, when there was a very good attendance. Mr. J. Abrams, gardener to Mr. T. Kekewich, Peamore, occupied the chair. The essayist for the evening was Mr. J. Mayne, gardener to he Hon. Mark Rolle, Bicton. The paper was of considerable merit, and dealt with the m.tter under consideration in a very practical manner. The paper dealt with the forcing of Seakale, Asparagus, and other vegetables. The subject-mat»er of the various essays on the kinds of vegetables commonly forced in Eng- lish gardens was excellent of its kind, and was conveyed in terms well understood by the audience. Of varieties of Potatos recommended by Mr. Mayne, were Old Ashleaf, Veitehs', Myatt's, and Rivers' ; Sharpe's Victor and Early Puritan. Ne Plus Ultra and Canadian Wonder French Beans were advised for forcing, the first for early, and the latter for late supplies. Parisian Forcing and Sutton's Eirly Gem were spoken of as being capital forcing varieties of Carrot. The discussion which followed the reading of the paper was of much interest, several mombers giving interesting experiences as to methods of culture in forcing vegetables Baron Constantin Ettingshausen.— The death is announced from Graz of Baron Constautin Ettingshausen, the paleontologist and botanist, at the age of seventy-one. Deceased was originally a doctor of medicine, but devoted all his time and energies to botany and paleontology. In 1876 he was summoned to Loudon to prepare a paleoutological collection at South Kensington Museum. Subse- quently he was repeatedly here re-arranging collec- tions in the British Museum. He was the author of several works on botanical subjects, and wrote a large number of papers, which were published iu the Pro- cecduigs of the Royal Society, and of other learned bodies. HENRY BOSvVELL. — The death occurred on Thursday, February 4, at Headington, near Oxford, of Mr. Henry Boswell, the eminent bryologist. The deceased gentleman had not only studied the mosses of Britain, but had au intimate acquaintance with foreign species, and his knowledge was utilised by many correspondents in different parts of the world. Iu his early days his attention was diiected to the study of flowering plants, but subsequently ho deve- loped a greater fondness for the htudy of bryolofty. He possessed a large collection of djobbob, which it is hoped will be secured by the University. In recog- nition of his services to bryologieal science, Oxford University in 1SS7 conferred upon him the houorory degree of Master of Arts. Foster-MelliaR.— On February 8, at Sprough- tou Rectory, near Ipswich, Catherine Lucretia, the wife of the Rev. A. Foster-MeUiar, Rector of bpioughton. 116 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 13, 1897. Trade Notice. We are informed by Mr. Albert F. Upatoue that he has taken over the business of garden and agricul- tural seedsmen, carried on formerly by Messrs. Cobbau & Son, Market Place, Rotlierham. Mr. UpBtone was formerly in the services of Messrs. Daniels Brothers, of Norwich, aud Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Limited, of Chelsea. Plants in Pots. — Average Wholesale Prices. Enquiry. "He that quest ioneth mutch shall learn much." — Bacon. Cattlicya- Fly. — Would some of your Orehidisfc correspondents kindly inform " W. McH." what time elapses from the laying of the egg to the appearance of the grub ? The Weather. [The term "accumulated tomporaturo" indicates the aggre- gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of temperature above or below 42° Pahr. for the period named : and this combined rosult is expressed in Day- degrees — a "Day-degree" signifying 1° continued for twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for an inversely proportional number of hours.] Temperature. Rainfall. Bright Sun. Is lOCLiM 1- • fe § % ■ Is .2 . -: a™ s !».- !•,• ~s . 11 I 1 111 ||| n 3.4 ±1 1 3 — d - i <2 Day. Day- Day- Day- lOths deg. deg. deg. deg. Inch. Ins. 0 s - 0 82 - 28 + 83 8 - 20 2-2 24 18 1 7 - 0 S5 - 36 + !>7i 5 - 18 1-8 15 14 2 4 - 0 52 - 31 + 45| r, + 28 31 I 13 3 3 - 0 47 - 34 + 3012 + 28 37 1 12 4 3 - 0 4S - 43 + 44 14 + 23 3-8 2 12 5 Oaver 4 20 - 37 + 5 16 4- 22 4 '2 1 14 6 5 - 0 4!) - 44 + 73 7 - 15 21 5 21 7 4 - 0 40 _ 37 + 42 5 + 22 2-6 1 14 8 1 + Hi S - 36 + 9,16 + 23 4-7 14 22 0 2 - 0 25 - 54 + 55 1 - 22 2-5 2 22 10 1 - 22 13 - 45 + 40| 4 + 20 3 7 13 29 * 3 + 38 0 - 14 — 4 14 + 29 5-0 15 14 Hie .lir tricts 111]'. It 3d by r umbor in th imn are the following : — 0, Scotland N. Principal Wheat- producina Districts — 1, Scotland, E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, E. ■ 4, Midland Counties ; 5, Eiitfl;md, im'huling London, 8, Principal Grazing, «fcc, Districts — 6, Scotland, W 7, England, N. W. ; 8, England, S.W. ; 9, Ireland, N 10, Ireland, S. ; *Channel Islands. Markets. COYENT GARDEN, FEBRUARY 11. Out Flowers.— Average Wholesale Prices. *. d. s. d. I Anemone, doz. bun. 3 0-60 Orchids:— Arums,p.l2blooms 3 0-60 Cattleya, 12blms, Bouvardias,perbn. 0 6-09 Carnations, pr. doz. blooms 2 0-30 Chrysanthemums, doz. bun. 2 0- 6 0 — doz. blooms 10-30 Eucharis, per dozen 4 0-50 Hy:u'inths(Ro doz. sprays Lilac, wh. (French), per bunch Lilium H.irrisi, por Lily of the Valley, dozen sprays ... Maidenhair Fern, per 12 bunches ... Marguerites, per 12 bunches Mignonette, per doz. buncheB ... Mimosa (French), per bunch NarcieBuu, various, per doz. bunches 0 6-1' Odontoglo crispum, 12 bm. Pelargoniums, scar- let, per 12 bun. — per 12 sprays... Puinsuttias, 12 bl. Pyrjthrums, 12 bu. Roses (French), per doz, blooms ... — Tea, per doz. ... — yellow (Mare- chal), per doz. — red, per dozen — pink, per doz. — Safrano, p. doz. Snowdrops, doz. bunches Tuberoses, 12 buns. Tulips, per doz. ... Violets (Fr.)Parme, per bunch — — Czar, bun. — (Eng.), per doz. bun. i 0-12 0 10-60 16-09 0-9 0 10-40 \ 0- fl 0 .0-20 10-40 t. d. s. d. Adiantum, per doz. 4 0-12 0 Aspidistras, pordoz. 12 0-30 0 — specimen, each 5 0-16 0 Azaleas, per doz. ... 24 0-42 0 Chrysanthemums, per doz. ... 6 0-12 0 Cinerarias, per doz. 10 0-12 0 Cyclamens, per doz. 12 0-18 0 Daffodils, per doz. 6 0-90 Dracaenas, each ... 10-76 — various, p. doz. 12 0-24 0 Evergreen Shrubs, In variety, doz.... 6 0-24 0 Ericas, por doz. ... 10 0-12 0 s. d. i. d. Ericas, hyemalis, doz 10 0-15 0 Ferns, small, doz.... 10-20 — various, doz. 5 0-12 0 Ficus elastica, each 10-76 Foliage plants, per doz 12 0-3G 0 Genistas, per doz... S 0-12 0 Hyacinths, per doz. 6 0-12 0 Marguerites, p. doz. S 0-12 0 Palms, various, ea. 2 0-10 0 — specimens, ea. 10 6-84 0 IVinsrUias.perdoz. 9 0-12 0 Tulips, doz. pots ... 6 0-90 Fruit.— Average Wholesale Prices. b. d. s. d. Apples, French Crab, per bush.,.. — Wellingtons, p. Grapes, Alicante, lBt quality, per lb. ... — Alicante, 2nd quality, per lb. — Gros Colman, selected, p. lb. Grapes, Gros Col- mar, 2nd qual., per lb 2 0 — Nuts, Cob, p.100 lb. 55 0-60 0 Peaches, Cape, per box containing 20 S 0-12 0 Pine-apples, St. Mi- chael, each ... 3 0-50 Strawberries, per doz. 16-19 Vegetables.— A veraoe Wholesale Prices. t. d. s. d. Artichokes, Globe, per doz. ... 3 0 — — Chinese (Sta- chys tuberifera), perlb 0 3 — Asparagus, Paris Giant, p. bun. 10 0-15 0 — English, p. bun. 6 0-70 Beans, French, Channel Is., per lb. — Madeira Kid nev, per bkt. of 8 to 101b. .. Cauliflowers, St. Malo. per doz. Cauliflowers, Cher- bourg, pei Horseradish, For- eign, p. bundle 1 ■ Mint, per bunch ... 0 : Mushrooms (Indoor) perlb 0 ' Onions, English, p. cwt. 5 6-60 16-19 Foreign, p.cwt. Potatos, New Kid- neys, Channel Islands, per lb. 0 5-06 — Kidney Pota- tos.Frenchp.lb. 0 2-0 2J doz. Caulifli wall, per crate 11 0 Cucumbers, home- grown, select., per doz. ... 8 0- 9 i — 2nds, per dozen 4 0- 6 i Horseradish, Eng- lish, pr. bundle- 2 6 — 3 6-40 Radishes, Channel Is., per dozen 10-26 bunches Rhubarb (Forced), 13-19 Salad, small, per doz. punnets... Sea Kale, per pun- net, 3i to 4 lb. weight Tomatos, Canary Is- lands, per Por During the p:i.st week the about 12 lb. 4 0- 5 i ; been larger arrivals, and with milder weather prevailing, prices for all but fin quality have a downward tendency. Dunbar Maimrops, B5s. to 90s. ; Dunbar Saxons, 70s. to 75*. ; Lincoln Maincrops, 55*, to 75s. ; do. Saxons, 50*. to 70*. ; do. Giants, 50*. to 60s. ; Blaeklands, 35.-;. to 40*. John Bath, Orchid-bloom in variety. Notices to Correspondents. Assessment of Nurseries, Orchards, Market Gardens, &c. : G. B., E. and F. P. Only England and Wales are named as tbe countries to which the Act of 1896 applies. See p. 108 of present issue. Carnations for Certificate : E. M. There are two generally recognised authorities whose Certifi- cates carry more weight than any others, viz., that of the National Carnation and Picotee Society and the Royal Horticultural Society. The Secretary of the first is Mr. J. Douglas, Barking Side, Ilford ; and of the latter, Rev. W. Wilks, 117, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W. It is always regarded as an advantage if plants iu bloom be shown, not merely cut blooms. Correction : Parentage of Roses, p. 96, Gar- deners* Chronicle, February 6. Through inadvert- ence, the signature was printed David R. Wilkin- son ; it should have been David R. Williamson. Gardeners' Relief Socjhtiks : P. F. L. There are no societies established with the sole or secondary object of assisting gardeners when out of work. The United Horticultural Benefit aud Provident Society, Secretary Mr. W. Collins, 9, Martindale Road, Balham, S.W., affords relief to members during illness, and may occasionally assist gardeners at other times. There are, we imagine, too many projects iu the field this year already for a new one to stand any chance of finding supporters ; but iu any case there would be no harm done by pointing out the need for some such society. Mildew on Vines : Fruit-grower. Maintain the Vine-border in an equably moist condition till the autumn, never letting it get dry. Remove all plants from the vicinity of the vinery that usually harbour mildew ; let the air be warm and buoyant, as opposed to close, humid, and cool, which may easily be done if the vinery is heated, and the mildow may give no trouble this year. Keep a lot of shallow saucers in the house constantly, filling them from time to time with a mixture of sulphur- and-water ; also, smear the heating apparatus with a wash of quicklime and sulphur. Be careful in affording front ventilation. Name of Fruit: T. II. Probably, Annie Elizabeth. Names of Plants : Correspondents not answered in this issue are requested to be so (food as to consult the following number. — J. W. McH. Gladiolus gra- cilis, Jaeg. — J. T. L., Belfast. 1, Dendrobium chrysanthum ; 2, D. primulinum (with Primrose- coloured lip) ; 3, D. crassinode Barberianum ; 4, send when iu flower. Norsert Clerkships : A. C. Wo know of no book that indicates the precise duties of a nurseryman's clerk. In a nursery, as in other businesses, there are ledger, invoice, and correspondence clerks, cashiers, and ordinary book-keepers. In fact, the only difference between such clerks and those engaged in other trades, is, that where possible, the former have some knowledge of the nursery or seed trade before engagement in the office. Propagation of Tree Peonies: A mateurm The method you name, that of grafting upon the fleshy roots of herbaceous species {P. albiflora and P. officinalis preferably), is a good one, and is fre- quently practised. This operation should be done about August. The scion should be made from a strong, moderately short shoot, which has no flower-buds, and be sot upon a piece of root. Some operators choose one style of grafting, others another ; but either of the veneer, cleft, or saddle methods will answer. The rootstock should then be potted and plunged in a frame, where they will not become frozen. Cover the ecion up a little way. Keep the frames closed, and apply a slight shading. Union will soon take place, but the plants may remain uudisturbed till spring. Tree Pieonies may also be propagated by layers, eyes with growing leaf, and occasionally by division. Rafflesia Sobadenbergi, weight of : P. F. L. We have no record of the weight of a flower of Rafflesia Schadenbergi, but it is stated that Dr. Arnold, iu company with Sir Stamford and Lady Raffles, lighted upon a flower of the species, named in their honour, Rafflesia Arnoldi, which weighed IS lb. The genus, with one or two allies, is now comprised iu the family Rafflesiacaa. Red Currant Struck from Eyes : A*. .1. Ifc could doubtless bo readily done iu early spring by the aid of a little warmth, say, 55" to 60°. Sandy loam would be a good kind of soil to use, as it does not favour decay. The Lowest Temperature in the British Isles in the Last Twenty Years : D. S. On January 17, 1881, the temperature fell to — lb"1 Fahr. at Kelso, at Stobo to — 15°, and Melrose to — 10°. On January 26 same year the cold registered at Haydon Bridge was — 6J, at Sorrel Sykes — 9°. The winter of 1894-95 affordod instances of very low temperatures, but in no instance, that we know of, were they as low as these. Ulster Show : Group of Plants, Gardeners' Chronicle for January 23, p. 63, for Mr. McKinnon, read Mr. McKimm. Vine Beetles : W. McH. We know of no better method than to catch them on white cloths sproad underneath the plants, after scaring them with a sudden burst of light from a dark lantern. Communications Bkcbived. — D. J. H. — J. H. V. — Canon E. — W. W.— Hurst k Son.— M. Naudin, Antibes.— A. J. L.— W. W.— D. G.— M. T.— W. R.— D. T. F.— J. Mayne.— A. O.— Mid-Kent.— A. P.- A. Pairall.— P. K., Berlin.— W. A. C— W. R.— L. G.-.I. D.-W. K.— T. C— C— T. & S. — H. T. M.--C. R.— Dr. Mottereale.— B. C— E. C, BrixtOD. — R. N. Hoopor. Specimens, Photographs, &i\, Received with Thanks. — It. J. L— R. N. H. CONTINUED LARiii- INCREASE in the CIRCULATION OF THE "GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. Important to Advertisers. — The Publisher lias the satis- faction oj announcing that the circulation of the "Gardeners' Chronicle" has, since tlie reduction in the price oj the paper. Increased to the extent of more than 90 per cent., and that it continues to increase weekly. Advertisers are reminded that the " Chronicle" circulates among i at home, tliat it lias < circulation, and that it preserved tor reference in all the principal Libraries. February 20, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 117 €mknmf ^Ixrmklt SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1897. GARDENING and ARCHITECTURE. TV/TE. H. E. MILNER, E.L.S.,Assoc.M.Inst., -^ -*- C.E., read a paper on Monday evening last before the Royal Institute of British Archi- tects, on the subject of " The Garden in Eelation to the House." Professor Aitcheson presided, and there was a good attendance, including the Hon. Alicia Amherst (the author of A History of Gardening), Mr. Aston Webb, Mr. H. H. Statbam, Col. Prendergast, &c. Mi'. Milner in his paper said that he proposed to speak of the treatment to be adopted in laying out grounds, particularly in their more immediate relation to the house, and to indicate generally a practical application of the theories advanced. The formal treatment of gardens reached a high state of perfection under Elizabeth, when the architect who designed the house also laid out the garden, with its forecourt and broad terrace, its straight walks leading from it encompassing the flower-beds, and all harmo- nizing with the building. Little thought, however, was devoted to the treatment of the country outside beyond the planting of avenues. Towards the end of the eighteenth century, fashion ruled the destruction of most of the old formal gardens, to be replaced in very many instances by a no less artificial and formal imitation of nature. The designers were not content with amalgamating with whatever was good of the old work a natural treatment of the outlying ground, or of giving greater breadth to the existing formal work, but swept away all this and replaced it by meaningless walks, by clumps of trees and shrubs dotted irregu- larly on the lawn and park, by a boundary of planting, by imitation of bits of natural scenery, by the introduction of artificial ruins and such- like objects, with the desire of making a picturesque landscape. The author then went on to speak of the happy mean between the formal and the picturesque treatment. He differentiated greatly between the treat- ment of terraces, walls, steps, balustrades, &c, in stone and verdure. Architects should extend their work in the garden in connection with the building ; but this work should go hand in hand with the composition of the greater picture, which the art of landscape gardening should produce. The increased resources of modern horticul- ture should be taken into account ; not merely the eye but the mind should be appealed to by the beauty of composition of line, colour, per- spective, and grandeur ; a liberal art should not dogenorato into a mechanical one. Places dif- fered in the conformation of the ground, in climate, in soil, in the requirements of the owner, in the amount to be expended, and in the possibility of an extension beyond the immediate precincts." It was, therefore, futile to lay down any hard-and-fast rules for design. The author then proceeded to treat in detail of the site, the approach, the terrace, and the garden formation and planting. The approach to a house should always appear to be direct, and any deviation from such directness should not only arise from, but should also be made to arise from, some decided obstacle. By direct was not meant straight. A straight approach required careful treatment. It was artificial in character, it could appro- priately be used when an imposing or somewhat pretentious building was at the end of it, or when the distance was short, and when the country was flat. In sloping ground it should, if possible, be made against the slope of a hill. The gradient should be even and flat, or very slightly and continuously curved, otherwise it would appear not straight. If the ground be very undulating, a straight road is out of character with its surroundings. A curved line of road was generally to be preferred, as being more easy of construction, more varied views could be obtained, its gradient could be varied, following within limitations the natural undulation of the ground ; and the side slopes could be more easily and freely dealt with than the sides of a straight drive. Gradients, width of walks and drives, entrances, were here discussed in con- siderable detail by the author. The lodge and entrance-gates belong to the drive, and should be parallel with, and at right angles to it, as distinguished from the highway. The face-line of lodge should be at least 10 feet from the edge of the drive, and its windows should be able to command the entrance and a certain length of drive. On entering by the drive it was advisable to create a good impres- sion, and therefore to mark distinctly the difference between the dusty highway and the shaded, well-trimmed drive within the gates. Plantingmight be introduced on eitherside of the entrance, but once well inside, a view should be given of the outlying grounds, or stretch of park, or distant wood. A curved drive should not be planted continuously, but broad masses of planting introduced, at first to shut off the highway, at turns in the drive, and on the top or slopes of knolls round which the drive may wind. The direction and level of the approach, and the character of the architectural features, ruled greatly the plan to be adopted for the treatment next the house. The treatment of the terrace also depended very much on the architectural character of the building. By " terrace " was meant not only the narrow strip of level ground placed parallel with the house, or the more stately portion — often with architectural adornments — laid out along the face of the structure, but the whole of the ground that formed the base or setting of the building. Having next discussed the various forms of terraces, the author passed on to the treatment of the garden proper, quoting partly from his book on the subject, which defined the system he advocated. So many considerations press in to vary design in the generalplan of a garden, that arbitrary dealing by imposition of what may be termed paper designs, howeveringenious, was ill-advised. The detailed plan should spring from the site as an adaptation of its natural, or created natural, features, and should not bo forced upon the position, crushing it to an arti- ficial scheme. To copy simply the design of another place is inadmissible. Considerations that rule in this connection were almost infinito — extent, geological formation, soil, existing natural formation or features, climate and aspect, the display of distant beauty, conformity to outside influences, particularly to the require- ments of the possessor, and the expenditure of money that may be made. There were points of similitude between the painter's art and landscape-gardening ; but the landscape-gar- dener must consider that his colours change and grow — he must realise as he creates his picture that in a few years what now seems like a light green stroke of pigment to the painter may have become a tall tree, beautiful in itself, but of altered beauty, either helping or marring the landscape. He must follow Nature by adapting or garnering her beauties, and tutoring her, so to speak, to a display of them. But by following Nature was not meant a slavish imitation or reproduction of any of her par- ticular scenes. Some were unattractive, some very inappropriate — all were subject to dis- similar conditions ; and imitation in Nature as well as in art produced pettiness. But the spirit of the beauty of Nature, embodied, as it were, in those of her works or features that express her majesty, simplicity, peacefulness, sweetness, repose, refinement, strength, and variety in form, colour, abundance, or any of her modifications as parts of loveliness, should be included and brought into juxtaposition in an ideal scene so far as it was possible to pro- mote its natural development. The terrace, the region immediately next the house, and the general arrangement of the walks and gardens, having been discussed, the author next dealt with the most suitable positions for planting trees and shrubs, principles of grouping, the effect of colour on distance, character of foliage, &c. He maintained that they should carry out in the parts surrounding the house the architectural feeling of the design in terraces, walls, steps, basins, beds, and so form a base ; that they could still have the dignified and quiet delight of formal work — not a narrow curtailment of the whole design. But there was in addition a broader treatment beyond — a work difficult to proportion in relation to fore- ground, to broad lawn-spaces, to grouping, and choosing trees and shrubs for effect in size and colour, to directing the eye to desired points, to taking advantage of climate and character of the place either natural or acquired, to pro- vision of light and shade in the undulation of the ground, and to a knowledge of horti- culture. This art-gardening was far beyond the limitations of formal work only, for it could apply the balance and proportion of the latter, and, in addition, present a noble con- ception of art- work, in its execution of outline, surface-formation, and grouping, and draw into the picture the greater, broader, varied landscape. In the discussion which followed, The Hon. Alicia Amherst said she had listened with the greatest interest to the reading of the paper, and that she entirely agreed with all the writer had said. She thought with Mr. Milner that the garden should be laid out as much as possible to coincide with the architecture of the house, a rule which was being recognised by designer more and moro every day. This fact ought certainly to bo taken into consideration when now gardens were being made. Mr. Aston Wedh proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Milner for his paper, which he said was full of the most useful and valuable information, combined witli practical details, and which, when printed, would make a most interesting chapter among tin- many interesting papers they had already heard. At their last meeting they listened to an lion, associate who was a sculptor, and that uigb.1 they had experienced the pleasure of listening to an hon. associate who had dealt 118 THE QAEDENEES' CHRONICLE. [February 20, 1897. with an equally interesting subject. It would be impossible to choose a more delightful subjeot than that of gardening. The first paradise on this earth waa in a garden, and although that garden wa3 not altogether a success, partly owing to what waa planted in it, and partly to the people who resided there ; still, at the present time no place was more charmiDg than a beautiful garden on a summer's day. But the most delightful garden was incomplete without the house, j uat the same as a beautiful country house was incomplete without a beautiful garden surrounding it. Therefore it seemed to him that the two should go hand in hand from the very commencement. If he might Bay so, speaking to brother architects, it seemed to him most desirable that when they were building a house they should call in the gardener and discuss matters with him — the way he proposed to enter the house, and how he proposed to lay out the various buildings — before they put a stick on the ground, or even before they put a line on paper. That he considered was a most desirable, and, indeed, essential thing to do. The question whether the garden should be formal or otherwise, of course, interested architects, not only at the present day, as some people thought, but, as Mr. Milner had said, in the days of Elizabeth. He could not help thinking that the word " formal " in reBpect to gardening had been rather overdone, and very much misunderstood, not so much amongst archi- tects but amongst their clients, the public. The formal garden, he took it, that they were striving for, and hoping to see more generally adopted, was the formal garden of England, and not that of Holland — although he had not seen many gardens there — or of Italy. They wished for the formal garden of Hampton Court Palace, on the one hand, or the garden at Hatfield House. Of course, the ground area at their disposal must naturally affect all they did. Mr. Milner had mentioned court-yards, and had said that the surrounding walls should be only 3 feet high. Surely he must have meant 10 feet. [Mr. Milner: No.] It seemed to him that in planning a garden there should be a certain sense of " mys- tery " sought for. The garden should be on the sunny side of the house, and the present Poet Laureate had exactly described what such a garden Bhould be. Mr. Austen had written as delightfully on gardens as anyone in the world, and he hoped they should have more such works from his pen. The Poet Laureate had written — ■ " Alleys green should lead where none can guess." That was the mystery to which he referred — paths should lead to some place which was not visible at the outset. A garden should have a good design. "Man was designed to design," A garden which was man's work should bear evidence of that fact, and any attempt at naturalism in the garden itself only led to dissatisfaction. Mr. Statham seconded the vote of thanks. He said we were at present in a sort of reaction in regard to the question of what was a formal and an informal garden. For a long time — per- haps for twenty years past — we had discarded the formal garden as an old-fashioned thing. Now the matter had been revived, and people seemed dis- posed to go to the other extreme. Mr. Milner had no sympathy with them. He (Mr. Statham) did not think that hedges and trees cut into artificial Bhapes belonged to the formal garden. Hampton Court garden, as it existed at present, was an ideal specimen of a garden. But Hampton Court garden as it was laid out was a totally different thing. The formal hedges of elaborate designs had been done away with, and any advocate of the extreme formal garden could not but admit that it was far superior, and far more pleasant in its present form. Some people wished to imitate Nature so closely, that, like the poet Shenston (who made an artificial perspective to his garden), they forget that their handiwork cau be looked at from the other end. Colonel Prendergast said he would like to asso- ciate himself with others in saying how greatly he had been interested in Mr. Milner's paper. It was a subject that touched their Institute more than many people were inclined to admit. Each generation had to meet the great difficulty of making the English home more charming than it was before. Fifty years ago it was the fashion to have a great field right up to the door of the house, and very beautiful that waa to a certain extent. At that time a certain great lady, the Duchess of Sutherland, mother of the late Duke, a woman of taste, created an Italian garden at Trentham. She had at her disposal and cloBe at hand the splendours of Minton to draw upon, but that was done away with ! The result of all these things W8B that we had two parties in England. We had the formalist and the free gardener, and the only thing he wished to say about Mr. Milner's paper was that he had fallen into the old-English failing of getting a little between the two. He (the speaker) honestly He had learnt differently from Mr. Milner's paper, which would prove extremely useful to everyone whose business it was to build houses. Mr. Milner, in reply, said what they had to do, was to find the happy mean in this question. Colonel Prendergast added that the subject of that evening had been greatly neglected, and he agreed that the arohitect and the landscape-gardener should work in harmony. New or Noteworthy Plants. POLYSTACHYA PLEISTANTHA, Krzl* I received a spike and a photograph from Mr. Lauche, Director of the Gardens of Prince Liechten- stein, Eisgrub, Moravia. It is a very strange-looking Fig, 32.— Crataegus oarrierei ; garden hybrid, (see r. 119.) thought that the garden business could only be treated, in our days, by some such process. Of course, his remarks applied to new buildings. The modern method of placing houses on tho highest ground, instead of in the valley, had completely changed their notions ; and he agreed that the landscape gar- dener should be called in, in the first instance. In these days of bay-windows the gardener and the architect had an enormous advantage over those of olden times. Instead of keeping to a cut-and-dried plan, what they really wanted to discover was, how the place would look best to those who were to live there. The Chairman, in closing the discussion, said they were extremely obliged to Mr. Milner for his admi- rable paper. He alwayB understood that the land- scape gardener looked upon himself as master of the situation, who, if he could really manage it, would leave a small corner of the ground for the house ! plant, the stem is short, and as far as I can judge from the photo, has no tendency to thicken into a pseudo-bulb ; the leaves, about seven or eight, * Poly&tachjja pleistantha, Krzl.— Caule ad 10 era. alto folioso ; foliis distichis? late linearibus acutis ad 40 cm. longis racemos sab anthesi subujquantibua ; racemis in spocimine cujus iconcm photographicam accopi, ad 25, siraplicibus multifioria (SO— 100) bracteia parvia triangulis, rachi, bracteiSj ovariis que scabris ; sepalo dorsal! oblongo ob- tuso.lateralibus triangulia apice obtusis omnibus extua pubes- centibus apicibus incrassatis ; petalis lineari-obloDgis obtusis, labelli lobis latevalibus maxirais oblongis subtrapezoideis obtusis, intcrmodio minute triangulo reflexo ; eallo iticmssato inbasi, linea lata clevata per dlsoumapicem usque ntrinque in liiuellam margins liberam dilatata, toto disco dense pul- vereo ; gynostemii parte libera brevi latissima, cetcrum generis.— Flo res extus pubetuli lutei purpiueo-suffusi et maculftti ; sepala apice incrassata atro-purpurea, labellura pallide luteum transverse purpureo-striatum ; fios expanaus ab apice sopali dorsalia labelli usque, 1—2 cm., inter sopalo- rum apices 1 cm. F. Kriimlin, February 20, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 119 rise from the very base of it, they are broadly linear, about 30 to 40 cm. long, a length quite unusual in Polystachya. The two spikes arise from the axils of two of the upper leaves ; they are perfectly simple, many-flowered (from 80 to 100), and somewhat nodding at the apex. Bracts short, triangular. The flowers have all the peculiarities of true FolyBtaehyas, the large side sepals, the small dorsal sepal, and rather narrower petals ; the lip also agrees very well with the usual form. The middle lobe is very small, and nearly disappears between the large side-lobes ; — even from P. purpurea, Wight. If the ttatemont about the native country be a correct one, P. pleis- tantha is the most eastern species of this widely- distributed genus. F. KrdnzUn. CRATAEGUS. (Continued from p. S8.) C. tanacetifolia (Tansy-leaved Thorn). — A dis- tinct and very beautiful Thorn, with leaves 1 to 1 \ inch long, that are cuneate in general outline, but Fig. 33. — flowering spray of oratmus oarrierei^. the disc is covered with mealy substance, aud in front of the middle lobe is a little plate or lamella, a character which dues not occur very often in Poly- stachya. The flowers are purplish-brown, hairy outside, eJaU-ous inside. The points of the sepalsore thickened and blackish-purple. It is vi i y difficult to point out the closer affinities of the plant, although by its comparatively thin and excessively rich-flowered spikes of dull-brown flowers, it differs from all Tolystachyas known to us. It is said to have been introduced from Borneo, but it is widely different from any of the three Indian species deeply-cut into rectangular lobes, usually numbering five or seven, and irregularly toothed. Both surfaces of the leaf, as well as the youug wood, are pubescent. The pure white flowers are amongst the largest in the Thorns, giving tho tree a beautiful appearance towards the end of May. Tho fruit, which is ripe in Sep- tember, is downy, \ to 1 iuch in diameter, yellow, and with a pleasant, rather Apple-like flavour ; it can always be distinguished from tho fruit of other Cra- trcgus by having ono or more deeply herniated bracts adhering to tho base. This is a small tree, aud ono of the most desirable of Thorns. It is a uative of the Levant, and was introduced in 1789. Some of the branches end in a hard sharp point, but these are the only spines on our plants. Var. glabra. — According to Loudon this is a hybrid between C. tanacetifolia and the common Hawthorn, and has shining leaves, and reddish -yellow fruit, only half as large as that of C. tanacetifolia. The New World Species. C. Carritrei x . — The precise origin of this Thorn is uncertain, but it has, no doubt, been derived from one or more American species — either as a variation or a hybrid (see figs. 2,33). \lons. Carriere says >e raised it from seed of C. mexicaua, but Sargent placns it direct under 0. Crus-Galli. Itis probablx a hybrid iu whose parentage that species shares ; the other parent, I should judge to be C. tomentosa. C. Lavallei, a plant originating in the Segrez Arboretum, is now generally admitted to be the same thing, although the matter was some years ago the source of much controversy. In any case, it is one of the most hand- some Thorns, and either for its foliage, flowers, or fruits is worth growing. It has ovate leaves of a dark lustrous green, toothed except at the base, from 2i to 4 inches long, glabrous above, aud pubescent below. It produces its flowers in May, and they are nearly 1 inch across, white, lightly tinged with rose. The fruits (which ripen late, and are then orange- red) are oval, and from £ to ^ inch long, with the serrated calyx-lobes at the top, and have a very pleasant flavour. C. coccinea. — This is a most variable species, aud one with which others, particularly C. mollis and C. tomentosa, have beeu confouuded. It is handsome when in flower, although not so striking at that time as is C. mollis. The typical form has leaves that are nearly or quiteglabrous, sharply and coarsely toothed, and smaller than those of C. mollis. The flowers are half to three-quarters of an inch across, whito, with a greenish-yellow ring round the stamens. The fruit iu all the forms is bright scarlet, and hangs downwards when ripe, iu this respect differing from C. tomentosa. Var. macrantha. — Of the varieties of C. coccinea in cultivation in Britain this is the most distinct ; it has, indeed, until lately been commonly regarded as a species. It is chiefly remarkable for its numerous sharp spines, which are longer than those of any other Cratcegus, beiug usually over 3 inches, and sometimes 4 to 5 inches in length. The leaves have a thicker texture than those of C. coccinea, and the bright red fruits are more numerous, if smaller and less fleshy, than in the type. It was exceedingly beautiful during the past autumn. It is a smaller tree, and has a more western distribution in the United States than the typical C. coccinea. There are other named varieties in gardens, such as den- tata aud maxima, but they do not differ from the type any more than many uuuamed forms do. C. conlala (the Washington Thorn). — This species is distinguished from all the rest in the fact that it flowers later than any, but it is in other respects a distinct species. It is a small tree, said to be nowhere common in a wild state, and reaching in this country a height of 15 to 20 feet. The dark wood is armed with slender straight spines l.V to 3 inches long. The leaves are of a dark glossy-green above, paler beneath, and glabrous on both surfaces ; their out- line is somewhat triangular, but they are deeply three to seven-lobed, tho lobes coarsely toothed ; tho blade is 2 to 3 inches long, the petiole about one- third as much. Tho flowers are small and white, and produced towards the end of June. The fruits are ripe in October, but reniaiu on the tree for several weeks longer ; they are of a bright rod colour, about one-third of an inch iu diametor, aud oraugc-shaped. This is ono of fhe neatest nnd most pleasing of the American Thorns, and ought to be oil, mer planted than it is. It was introduced in 1738. 0. i 'riu-Qalli (Cockepur Thorn).— Of all the Worth American Thorns this is the most variable e pei ally in form of leaf and in habit. It is a particularly handsome tree, flowering nnd fruiting with great freedom. The 1- ,,v,'s are, perhapB, the fiimcst and 120 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Fediu-auy 20, 1S97. most coriaceous in the genus, being of a deep lustrous greeD, obovate in the typical form and toothed, except at the base, where the blade tapers to two narrow wings running almost to the bottom of the petiole. The flowers appear iu June after many of the Cra- tregus are past. The fruits are of large size and of a bright red, ripening late and remaining on the treo far into the whiter. The leaves also remain on the tree for a long time, the species being almost ever- green in mild winters and in warm southern localities. Of the named varieties iu cultivation, the following differ chiefly in the shape of the leaf: arbutifolia, ovalifolia, and prunifolia. Vara, linearis aud pyra- canthifolia have narrower, smaller leaves, aud the habit of both is peculiar, the branches growing out from the main stem in horizontal directions, and thus forming small, flat-topped trees. Other forms of C. CrusGalli frequently show the same pecu- liarity, although not perhaps in so marked a way as these two ; most of them are of more or less pen- dulous habit. Var. berberifolia (Crataegus berberi- folia of Torrey and Gray) is the most distinct of the many forms of the Cockspur Thorn. As represented at Kew, it is a small, spreading, fat-topped tree, about 4 feet high. W. J. Bean. [(To be continued.) Plant Notes. GENTIANA STYLOPHORA. It is probable that this year some seed of this remarkable Himalayan alpine plant will again reach England, and it may therefore be interesting to some of your readers to have my experience about it, par- ticularly as hitherto the idea has prevailed that the seeds lose their germinative power during transit. It is best to prepare a bed in the open, and to sow 1hi seeds as soon as possible. The place should be sheltered, partly shady, and not dry ; here they should remain exposed to all weathers, in summer occasionally watered, and kept clean of weeds. After 12 to 15 months they make their appearanco in the shape of two cotyledons not much larger than one-eighth of an inch. Great care must now be taken to keep off worms and slugs, which latter are very fond of such precious food ; the plants do not grow, but the root only increases. In October or November, when they die down, some slight covering of light soil should be given, and the plants left alone till spring, when the cotyledons will again appear, and be much larger, the little root increasing again. Thus far my experience. I do not know what they may do this year, but I hope they may produce a regular stem. A somewhat peaty soil is preferred. As a rule, Gentians germi- nate very readily, but this one seems to be an excep- tion, and my statement is only intended as a warning not to be too hasty iu throwing the seeds away ; they may be sown in pans,' and kept for a summer, but in autumn the layer of soil in which the seeds are contained should be put outside and left alone. It seems necessary that the seeds should be exposed to cold and frost. My friend, Mr. Elwes, praises the beauty of this flue plant, he having seen it in its native haunts. The flowers are very large, and yellow in colour. Max Leicktlin, Baden-Baden. [The re-appearance of the cotyledons is a very remarkable circumstance, and should be attentively watched. Ed.] ODONTOGLOSSUM CEISPUM. This is, in all probability, the most popular of all Orchids in cultivation. During the past twenty years, the number of plants exported to Europe has averaged not fewer than 100,000 a year, thus 2,000,000. Of course, many thousands perish under cultivation in Europe, and some 25 per cent, are lost in transit. The demand for these plants in Europe is increasing. This year, several great Orchid growers have requisitioned 250,000 plants. Hitherto, this Orchid supply has been obtained from the Pacho district, that is, from an area com- prising some 300 square miles of forest, occupying numerous spurs aud ramified ridges of the Eastern Cordillera. Some fifteen years ago, this Orchid was obtainable in the Pacho district for a couple of dollars per 100. Then a peon collector collected as many as 200 a day. Now a peon collects about ton a day ; and the price of collection has increased tenfold. Of the 250,000 desired for Europe this year, it is hardly possible to supply more than a third, aud this with strenuous efforts — efforts stimulated by the payment of exorbitant prices. Moreover, the result of these efforts will most seriously exhaust the avail- able supply after the spring ot next year. The vast majority of these Orchids grow on tree3, and large numbers of trees are cut down anuually iu order to secure the plants. But many plants are also found growing on the ground —on banks of moss, aud on rocks ; in general, but not always, under the shade of the forest— that is to say. they are fre- quently found iu places more or less exposed to the sun. Frequently, too, when a clearing is made in the forest by fire, in rocky places, many thousauds of plants spring up on these spots on which self-sown seeds require some eight years to become strong plants. Another circumstance which has materially dimin- ished the resources of the Pacho district, a circum- stance that threatens in the near future to exter- minate the plant — at any rate, for commercial purposes — is, thousands of acres of forest iu which this Orchid has beeu dispersed are yearly cut down for the establishment of pastoral farms — a great industry on these elevated lands. Also, some eight years ago, during an exceptionally prolonged drought, many thousands of acres of forest, on which those plants abounded, were destroyed by fire. In a state of nature seeds of this Orchid are pro- duced in vast abundance. Theseeds being extremely minute aud light, float in the air. Millions are thus disseminated yearly. The price of the newly-imported plants in the sale-room in London, according to tho size of the plant, averages from half-a-crown to half-a-guinea each. It may be anticipated that the price will bo augmeuted owing to the collapse in tho supply. It may also bo mentioned that special or rare forms of established plants in flower, fetch from two to five, aud even ten guineas each. Furthermore, about three per cent, of the plants obtained in the Pacho region consist of peculiar or unique varietal forms. The anticipation of such forthcoming novelties enhance the enthusiasm with which Orchid cultivators are inspired. A few weeks ago I had the pleasure to foward forty plants of this Orchid to the Jamaica Botanic Garden for cultivation at the Cinchona plantation. Having resided ten years at that plantation, which was established under my supervision, I am well acquainted with the climatic conditions of the Blue Mouutaius of Jamaica. The temperature at the Cinchona plantation between 4,000 and 6,000 feet exactly coincides with the temperature at from 8,000 feet to 8,000 feet where O. crispum grows (latitude accounts for the difference of temperature equivalent to 2,000 feet). The wet seasons and the dry seasons are exactly similar on the Blue Mountains and on these Cordilleras. From the upper limit of Coffee cultivation in Jamaica, about 4,500 feet, up to 7,000 feet, there is a very considerable extent of land under forest — a region comparable in extent with the Pacho region. It is impossible to conceive a more eligible tract for the naturalisation of this Orchid than is afforded between 4,500 and 7,000 feet in Jamaica. The way in which this enterprise — the naturalisation of this Orchid on the Blue Mountains — could be best accomplished would be to establish groups of the Orchid at intervals of probably a mile 'iu the forest. Healthy plants tied to the trunks and branches of trees would require no further care. The majority of tho plants would flower in about a year. After flowering, seeds mature in a few months. Thus within a couple of years myriads of seeds, by reason of their buoyancy, would be dispersed over the forest. And it may be confidently predicted that in the course of ten years scores of thousauds of plants would bo naturalised aud fit for export anuually. This Orchid thrives on the Cinchona trees, hence some hundreds of it might be established at the Cinchona plantation. Wider scope is afforded for cross fertilisation when a considerable number of plants arc under treatment, i.e., large groups embrac- ing varied forms. It would also prove advantageous to grow a small percentage of a few closely- allied spoeies of Odontoglossum in order to induce hybridi- sation. Thus the Cinchona plantation alone, on the trees aud on the rocks, would become a nucleus of production. It has been mentioned that some 25 per cent. (sometimes far more) of this Orchid exported from Colombia perish iu transit t> Europe. The plauts are received from the peon collectors at a height of 7,000 feet above the sea-level. The plants are then packed in case3, carried on mules' or bullocks' backs two days over a lofty, bleak, and dreary ridge of the Andes, 11,500 feet in height, then fifty miles partly in carts and partly in short railways over the great savanna of Bogota, then four days on mules to the river Magdalena, then about a week down that river to Savanilla. Thus a severe ordeal by reason of the violent changes of temperature and the time occupied. There could be practically no loss by exporting from Jamaica, aud the expense attendant upon transit from Jamaica would be comparatively light. It m;iy not be amiss to refer to a notable example of naturalisation furnished by Jamaica,* by which that island has been enriched to the extent of millions of money, and this by spontaneous produc- tion, i.e., Logwood. Jamaica Bulletin. L.ELIO - CATTLE YA x DECIA ALBA (LiELIA PERRINI ? , CATTLE YA DOWIANA AUREA^). Among tho most beautiful and useful of the autumn and winter-flowering hybrid Orchids raised by Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery, King's Road, Chelsea, are the various crosses made between species of Cattleyas aud La3lia Perrini, and one of the brightest and richest in colour was Lselio- Cattleya x Decia, which was shown on several occa- sions at the Royal Horticultural Society in 1895. But in 1805 out of the same batch Messrs. Veitch & Sons flowered a single plant bearing clear white sepals and petals, and a most delicitely-tinted soft rose-pink label luui beautifully veined with silvery-white, and which was adjudged to be the best new hybrid Orchid of tho year, upon its being exhibited at the Royal Hor- ticultural Society as Lselio -Cattleya X Decia alba, Nov. 24, 1896, when it received a First-class Certifi- cate. We have much pleasure iu giving an illustra- tion (fig. 34) of this unique variety, which being home-raised is doubly interestiug as pointing to the mauner iu which albinos are produced from seeds in a wild state. THE PRUNING OF FOREST TREES.f Few things enrich tho general appearance of a country, or increase the value of property, more than hedge-row trees, provided they are properly managed ; but the training of trees planted in such open situations is seldom or never thought of. To manage this in a proper mauner, young trees should be examined from the third year after they are planted, and if any more leading shoots than one are found to exist, the beat one should be selected, and the others shortened to one-half the length of the selected shoot. This practice of examining the trees should be continued every year till they are about » Tho nun Orchid (Phaius grandifolius) is said to have been introduced by Mr. Wiles, whilst in charge of tho Botanic Garden at Gordon Town, ami it is now very abundant on the bighoi lands of the interior.— [Ed. Jamaica Bulletin.] t A paper road before the Islo of Wight Horticultural Improvement Association, on Saturday, January 9, 1S97, by William Camming. February 20, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 1-21 15 feet ia height. These shortenings, however (which should not be confined to superfluous leading shoots, but should include any branch which ia gaining a disproportionate ascendancy over other branches of the same year's growth), should at first, and eveu for some time previous to this stage of the growth of the plant, be more cautiously done than is necessary to be observed afterwards, and should increase in severity as the tree approaches to, and after it i3 15 feet in height. The process of examining is of a greater length than the majority of the branches of tho same tier, or if the whole are too long, they must be shortened in the case of trees intended for timber, after they are at aud above 15 feet in height. This rule of shortening the branches of the new tier must also be applied to the undermost tiers of branches. In this manner all the under branches of any importance will have been shortened, which prepares them for the next operation. After tho trees are about 15 feet in height, the spreading nature, such as the Oak, Beech, and others ; but no branch, wherever it is situated, is to be cut off close to the stem, until such branch has become one of the lowermost tier. In this mode of shortening the branches, it will be sceu that the tree will at all times present a head of nearly a conical form, and advantage should also be taken when shortening to reduce such branches, the pruuiug of which will balance the tree be3t, and produce the proper shape of the top ; but in shortening the branches, too much should Fig. 34.— l^elio-cattleya x decia alua : segments, white; up, (.03e-f.uk, veined with silver, (SEE P. 120.) a tree is a simple one ; it is done in a moment by the pruner casting his eye over the whole tree, and detecting the branches which require to be shortened, and, as a general rule, when it is found that any branch has a greater growth upon it than tho leading shoot, it should bu shortened by cutting off as much us will reduce it to half tho length uf the leading ► hoot, or even less. By this I mean any branch which is neither of greater thickness generally, nor near its junction with the main stem of the tree than the leading Bhoot is at the same distance from its top And as trees produce only one regular tier of branches in each year, any branch should be shortened which undermost tier of branches only should all be cut off close to the stem in one year. lu the subsequent year another tier of branches should, in the same manner, be cut oil", aud so on every year afterwards, always cutting off only a single tier in one year. The same process of shortening the branches is mean- while to be continued as before directed, but must be discontinued some years before the cutting of the tiers of branches is discontinued, so as to give a more extended top to the tree. All trees that have naturally conical heads, such as the Willow, Poplar, Larch, Silver and Spruce Fir, require longer heads than those trees that are of a never be done in one year, nor will it be necessary to do so, provided the trees are attended to in the regular manner I have described. There may be said to ba various sorts or methods of pruning now in practice: eg, first, close prun- ing ; second, suag pruning ; third, fore-shortening ; fourth, lapping or boughing. Cl OSE PfiUNrKO. This answers to a certain extent. The operation is performed by cutting the side branches off close to the bole of the tree, ind jou may expect that the bark and the timber will heal over, aud che edges of 122 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 20, 1897. the wound become united if this operation is com- pleted when the branches are young, or mere saplings, if the tree is in a vigorous growing state, and a few only of the branches cut off in one season. The object will be obtained without injuring the growth of the tree ; but the system, from having been misunderstood, has been misapplied and carried to an alarming extent, doing incalculable injury, not only to indi- vidual owners, but to tbe country at large. Immense numbers of large boughs have been amputated from the trunks of trees, in the vain hope of the timber growing over the wound, and uniting with the stumps of the boughs left in the body of the tree. The bark and sap-wood do indeed some- times grow over such wounds, but the stumps of the branches enclosed go to decay, become a canker in the bole of the tree, and the result is calamitous. It is the ready extension of the bark over the wounds in trees which has been the means of misleading so many people, because as they see that the bark unites, they take it for granted that the woody fibre does so also, and so, in fact, the growing part of the tree will do ; but the stump of the amputated arm becomes a dead substance, and cannot unite with a living one. On the whole it is a dangerous practice to cut large boughs close to the stems of trees, par- ticularly old aud unthrifty trees. Young, thriving trees will succeed, if close pruned to a certain extent, but old, stunted, or full grown trees, never. The experienced timber merchant has a quick perception of the marks of this kind of pruning, which often reduces the value of timber one-half, and renders its sale to carpenters for purposes of fine work im- possible. Snag-pruning is a very pernicious practice. It is performed by cutting the boughs off several inches from the bole or stem of the tree. In old trees those stumps act as conductors for wet into the body of the tree. In young trees, the bark of the stubs throw out young shoots, which flourish for a time, but the heart-wood of those stumps decays, and has a similar effect to the stumps of boughs in old trees, which do not throw out young shoots. This system of pruning is very common to most parts of England : one can see little short dead stumps on almost every tree, par- ticularly on trees growing on roadsides. It is muti- lation of this sort that has created a prejudice against any description of pruning whatever, particularly with timber merchants and artisans. Fore-shortening, or cutting-in, is au approved method of pruning, and is admirably adapted to training hedge-row trees, to benefit the laudlord, without doing much injury to the public. This operation is performed by shorten- ing the over-luxuriant side branches, but not to cut them to a stump, as in snag-pruning. On the con- trary, the top only of the branch should be cut off, and the amputation effected immediately above where a bide shoot springs from the branch on which the operation is to be performed. This may be at the distance of 2, 4, or any number of feet from the stem of the tree ; aud suppose the side branch which is left (when the top of the branch is cut off) is also over-luxuriant, or looks unsightly, it should also be shortened. The branches of trees pruned in this manner are always kept within due bounds ; they do not extend over the adjoining laud to the id jury of the occupier or public. By adopting this system of pruning, the bad effects of close and snag pruning will be avoided, the country will be ornamented, and the community at large, as well as individuals, benefited. BOUGHING AND LOPPING is a system of pruning trees of a considerable size and age previously neglected, and where it is found neces- sary to remove large branches, leaving a stump in the form of a telegraph-pole. Of the pruning of trees for picturesque effect on lawns and pleasure-grounds being a matter of taste, where we have not the standard of use to guide ua, very little need be said. The Week's Work. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Burford, Dorking. Temperatures. — The prolonged absence of sunshine is very prejudicial to the health of Orchids, but during the past fortnight the weather has been comparatively mild, and there has been no difficulty in maintaining the necessary temperatures, and at the same time opportunity lias been afforded us to increase the ventilation in every department, but particularly in the cool house. When the outside temperature_is about 40°, the bottom veutilators of the cool house may be left open by day and by night, and with a rise to 45°, fresh air should be admitted through the top ventilators. In the intermediate and warm divisions much caution must be exercised in the regulation of the temperatures should the mild damp weather coutinue, as with little fire-heat used, a surplus of moisture is likely to occur in the atmosphere. To prevent this, increase the fire-heat a trifle, and give as much fresh air as can be safely afforded, com- mencing each morning by opening the ventilators a little way, and then gradually increasing the amount as the inside temperature advances, and partially closing them towards evening, so that the fires need not be hard driven. In the Cattle ya-house plants of 'Chysis aurea, C. bracteseeus, C. lsevis, C. Limmiughi, and the hand- some hybrids C. Chelsoni and C. Sedeni are now making their new growth. If the plants are strong enough to flower, they should be only sparingly sup* plied with water, until the spikes are seen to be getting ahead of the growths. The best time to afford more root-space is immediately after the flowers fade. As a small yellow Thrip is apt to get low down in the growths, the plants should bo closely examined daily. Chysis may be induced to send out back- breaks by making an incision half-way through the rhizome between the old pseudo-bulbs, aud the opera- tion may best be done at the present time. In this way specimen plants may be obtained ; but if it is desirable to increase the stock, the rhizome may bo completely severed when the back growth is suffi- ciently strong, and the divided piece potted-off singly after flowering. Odontoylossum-house. — At the coolest end of this house a place should be found for the following Oncidiums, all of which deserve exteuded cultiva- tion :— -0. macranthum, 0. undulatum, 0. Leopoldi, 0. serratum, O. Loxense, 0. monachicum, 0. super- bieus, 0. lamelligerum, 0. Kienastiauum, and 0. zebrinum. These plants luxuriate in a cool moist atmosphere, and it is good practice to syringe well between the pots two or three times a day, or more frequently if there be exceptional aridity in the external air. The aerial roots from the long creeping rhizome of 0. zebrinum should be well moistened at least once each day. Plants of the above species requiring to be repotted should now be attended to, as nearly all of them are showing new roots. Pots of moderate size should be employed, which should be thoroughly well drained. These Oncidiums cannot retain their roots for any length of time in com- pressed material ; and the compost should consist of lumpy fibrous peat and sphagnum-moss, with a good number of thick pieces of crock or charcoal. It is not prudent to disturb the roots of auy plants that have made much growth, or are producing flower- spikes. If the compost be in a poor state, however, it may be carefully picked out and the roots re- surfaced with new material. Examine these Orchids every night, or slugs will cause irreparable damage to the tender roots and flower-spikes. Odoutoglos- sum Edwardi, 0. Lindeni, and 0. ramosissimum are very similar in habit and mauner of growth to the above-mentioned Oncidiums, and require the same kind of treatment. The rare Odontoglossum retusum and O.aspidorhinum are now starting to grow, and may be repotted if necessai'y, and placed at the warmest end of this house. The same remark applies to such pretty Orchids as Sarcochilus Fitzgeraldi, and S. Hartmanui. These small-growing species may be suspended from the roof-glass in teakwood baskets or shallow paus ; and sphaguum-moss is sufficient as a rooting material. Ornithidium Sophronites, a very pretty little plant with scarlet flowers, may be grown freely in small pans suspended well up to the light. Like all other Ornithidiums, it requires but little compost to root in ; only a very thin layer of peat with a little moss beius* ikc -.-..u y. 0. Lawrenceanum succeeds best it trained upon teak- rafts, with the rods at least 1 iuch apart, to allow a free circulation of air amongst the roots. The lower part of the raft should be inserted into a pot, and firmly fixed with crocks, over which a layer of sphagnum-moss may be placed for the retention of moisture. Ornithidiums require an abundance of water during growth. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By F. Harris, Gardener, Bastnor Castle, Ledbury. The Pinery (continued from last issue). — Should white or brown scale or mealy-bug be observed on any plant, it should be thoroughly freed from these very troublesome aud injurious insects before the plant is potted. Tiie following is a good formula to use against either : put £- lb. of soft-soap and one wine-glassful of paraffin in 3 gallons of water at a temperature of 110°, thoroughly mix both before and during use, aud with this mixture syringe the plants all over, but be careful that the mixture does not remain in the axils of the leaves, and as a means of preventing which the plants should be syringed fifteen minutes afterwards with soft warm water, and left on their sides to allow of the water draining away entirely. Ripe Fruits. — Any ripe fruits not required for immediate consumption may be lifted out of the hot- bed and placed in a dry cool-house, and they will keep in good condition for a longer time than would be possible iu the fruitiug-house. If this cannot be done, let them be cut with a long stalk and hung crown downwards in the Grape-room. Strawberries. — Those plants whose forcing began in the month of November will now have rapidly deve- loping fruit, requiring constant attention in the matter of affording water and mauurial aids. In very dry positions the plants may be syringed twice a day in sunny weather ; but discontinuing the syringing and the manure as soon as the fruit begins to colour, aud supplying fresh air in increased volume, even leaving p,mall openings on day and night when the weather is mild, otherwise tho fruit will be delicicut in flavour. In whatever structure Strawberries are placed, they should not be far distant from the roof-glass, and ventilation should be abundant in mild or sunny weather. The late-fruiting varieties are best out in the open as long as possible, so as to avoid all incite- ment to grow for tb.9 present. If any sort of pro- tection be afforded these, the ordinary cold frame, with the lights put on during drenching rains or severe frosts, will suffice. Successions. — -The next batch to these should now b« in full flower, requiring to be kept rather dryer at the roots and top, but avoiding extreme dryness. When in flower the syringe may not be used on them till a sufficient number of fruits are set and a few over, to allow of some amount of thinning being done. Fruiting plants should have a few birch twigs or neat deal sticks and matting to support the fruit- stalks. No plant should be forced that has not been top-dressed with rich loamy soil made firm around the crown. Later batches may be brought on in cool-houses and pits, not so much heat being now required in getting them to start. Clean each plant from dead leaves, ascertain that worms are not harbouring in thy soil, and afford the plants one fumigation with tobacco iu some form before the flowers appear. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By W. Pope, Gardener, Highclere Castle, Newbury. Onions for Exhibition, &e. — From sowings made in boxes in January the seedlings will now be ready for pricking out thinly into other boxes of prepared soil. A compost of three parts rich turfy loam and one part leaf-soil will suit them well. Press the soil firmly into the boxes, and allow it to become warm before the Onions arc removed to it. Give each plant about 'J square iuchos of space, and keep the atmosphere rather close for a few days, after which ventilate carefully, and increase the quantity as the weather may permit so as to induce dwarf, sturdy growth. Autumn-sown Onions may now be planted out, and as they come into use at a time when the bulbs of the previous season are over, they repay any extra care bestowed upon them. Select a somewhat exposed, rich piece of ground, and plant them 9 inches apart in rows 6 inches asunder. When the plants are established, an occasional dusting of fresh soot will be of great benefit ; or if extra large bulbs are desired, a little guano may be sown over them in showery weather. The best varieties are good strains of White Lisbon aud Giant Rocca. February 20, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 123 Shalots, dsc. — If these were not planted in the autumn, the work should be done at once. Let the rows be 1 foot apart, and the sets 0 inches distant from each other. A moderately light rich soil is one that is most suitable for these, and for Garlic, which may also be planted at once. Chives require to be taken up, the clumps to be divided and replanted on fresh ground. Cauliflowers, tt-c— Cabbages or Cauliflowers that are being raised in heat must not be allowed to remain thickly crowded together in the seed-boxes, nor should they be in too great degree of heat, or they quickly become weak and spindly. Thin the plauts early and severely, and keep them well up to the light. When the first true leaf has developed, prick them off into boxes of rich soil, or on beds near to the glass in. frames. Keep a close atmosphere for a day or two until fresh growth is made, then venti- late more and more freely until hardened off for planting outside. Plants wintered in frames may be put out if the land be sufficiently dry. Lift them with a good ball of earth, and plant with a trowel, thus they will experience but little check. In the event of severe frosts they may be covered with flower-pots. Varieties that make medium growth may be plauted 2 feet apart by 18 inches, whilst those of stronger growth, as Veitch's Autumn Giant, will require at least 6 inches more space each way. A little fresh soot dusted along the rows will tend to ward off the attacks of slugs, and prove otherwise beneficial to the plauts. Carrots. — Some early Horn Carrots should now be sown on a south border or other warm situation. These are by no means tender, and they will provide succession to those forwarded under glass. Sow in drills 1 foot apart, and about 1 inch in depth, covering the seed with a little fine sandy loam, and thin out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle. PLANTS UNDER GLASS By G H. Maycock, Gardener, Luton Hoo, Luton. Stove-plants. — The season having arrived when, plants begin to exhibit activity iu root and shoot, repotting and surfacing have become necessary items of the work. A beginning may bs made with the climbers, such as Stephanotis, Allamanda, Cleroden- dron Balfouriana, Dipladeoias, Passiflora, &c. As- suming the necessary pruning was carried out in December and early in last month, and the plants have been resting in the interval, they should now be making an effort to grow. The beds or borders in which Stephanotis grandiflora may be planted should have some of the inert exhausted soil removed, replacing it with new, which may consist of loam one-half, peat one-fourth, rotten, manure one-fourth, and a good proportion of sand and charcoal. This should be worked in among the upper roots and made firni. Specimen plants standing iu pots which were not potted last year, should be shaken out and repotted in a mixture consisting of three parts half-decayed turfy loam, one of leaf-mould, with charcoal and sand added. After repotting, &c, let the plants be well cleansed, and the shoots trained thinly over the trellis; this done, the shoots, when they grow may be allowed to ramble freely till signs of flowering are noticed, when a plant may be tied into proper shape if it be in a pot, or have its growths suitably disposed on the roof-wires. Allamandas, of various species, and Clerodendron Balfouriana, may be similarly dealt with. Dipladenias require very careful management, besides being kept as free as possible from insects, and afforded ample drainage. At the present time Dipladenias may safely, and with benefit to their well-being during the coming season, have the stems and every other part cleansed with an insecticide, using a sponge in the operation. These plants require a good amount of soil in which to root, tho size of the pot being determined by the amount of space to be covered. Usually, pots measuring 10 to 12 inches in diameter are sufficiently large. On proceeding to work, shake out much of the soil from tho roots, thus reducing the old ball in size, but not cutting off any of tho healthy roots. Haviug placed a good lot of clean crocks iu the pot, with rough fibry peat aud loam over these, proceed to fill up round tho ball with a mixture consisting of peat three- quarters, leaf-mould one-fourth, and plenty of sharp sand, and charcoal not broken too finely. When on examination new roots are seen to be freely per- meating the soil, plenty of water should be afforded, and the tops syringed with warm water on fiuo days. Dipladenias should be examined once a week for insect onemios, as if these gain a foothold much mis- chief occurs. Bougaiuvilleas, which may be plauted out in the stove or warm greenhouse, should now be attended to in the matter of surfacing, and started to grow. If the soil is in good condition it will suffice to top-dress only, nutriment when it is required beiug afforded in the form of liquid-manure. If, however, the shoots, when they break appear in the least degree weakly, a light sprinkling of Clay's fertiliser may be applied at intervals. The temperature of the stove may now be raised to 65° by night, 75° by day, and the water used for all purposes sh mid not be at a lower temperature than 7^. CHvcias. — A number of these plants about this date should be placed in more warmth ; and those that were repotted last year should have the leaves cleansed with a wet sponge, afforded some kind of artificial manure, and be placed in an inter- mediate-house, and in such a part of it that they can be readily syringed. Established plants which may not have been disturbed at the root for several years, will probably benefit from a repotting into clean, well-crocked pots, using sound, turfy loam, without much of the fine particles retained, and potting pi*etty firmly. Cliveiaa are not particular as to soil, or difficult to manage, aud should be found in every collection of plauts. Some of our stock of these plants which have wintered in an uuheated structure, and not been repotted for seven or eight years, were placed iu heat a fortnight ago, aud to- day I notice that they have in some cases upwards of twelve to fifteen spikes ou plants growing in 12-inch pots ; and this too without much attention being paid to their needs during the summer months. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By Charles Herrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead. Annuals and Biennials. — Seeds of these plants, if not already iu stock, should be obtained at once, as several species will need to be sown shortly, as well as a few perennial species. Easily raised from seeds, many of these plants are excellent for summer bedding ; and should the stock of Pelargoniums be deficient, an adequate stock of annuals aud biennials may be raised during the spring. Apart from the furnishing of flower-beds, there are corners and spaces in the herbaceous borders that require a few plants in the summer, especially after the foliage of bulbous plauts has ripened and died off, and for this purpose annuals are extremely valuable. Verbenas from seed, plauted in mixed colours in beds, have a very good effect ; and from a good strain the flower-trusses are larger and the growth more fre^ than upon plants obtained from cuttings. Sow the seeds during the next two or three weeks iu shallow boxes or pans filled with light sandy soil ; cover them lightly, aud place in a temperature of 60°. The seedlings will appear in about a fortnight, and as soon as they are large enough to handle, they may ba pricked off into other boxes. Antirrhinums may be obtained iu both tall and dwarf strains from seed, and the distinct colours of white, crimson, and yellow come fairly true. These should be raised similarly to the Verbenas. Zinnias, double and single-flowered, come true from seed when obtained from a good source. The pompon Zinnias are useful as cut flowers, and beiug of dwarf growth, may be used in small bed-1. Sow the seeds in frames on a mild hot-bed about the middle of April. Single seedling Petuuias may bo used for bedding, or for trailing over the sides of window-boxes and large vases. The useful Gaillardia of the grandiflora type is well known, and although a perennial, may be flowered the first year after sowing. G. Lorenziana is a free-flowering annual, producing double flowers of various colours. For sowiug in the open borders or in frames for transplanting, many of the follow* iug are adapted for embellishing the borders, and for furnishing flowers for indoor decorations : — Bartonia aurea, Coreopsis coronata, C. atro-sau- guinea, C. tiuctoria, C. Drummondi. and C. grandi- flora—all annuals, excepting the latter, which flowers abundantly the second year after sowing ; Campanula calycanthema iu variety, Cent;iurea Margarita, and Cyauus raiuor ; annual Chrysanthemums, double aud single ; Clarkia elegans, C. rosea fl.-plM C. integri- pctalaand C. pulchella, ColUnsia bicolor, Convolvulus minor, Eschscholt/.ia crocea, <_Euotheras (Qodetias) iu variety, Linum flavuin, and L. grandiflorum L. coccineum, the Amaranthus caudatus (Love - lies - Bleeding), the Malopcs rose, white and crimson ; Nasturtium*, Phacelia Campunularia, a beautiful blue ; Poppies, and Sweot Sultan. Other important annuals are Salpiglossis aud Sweet Scabious, Sun- flowers, Marigold*, Phlox Drumuiondi, and Stocks and Asters. Of the latter, the Comet, in several colours, is a useful kind for cutting proposes. Mignonette. — To obtain early spikes of flowers from the open, a number of 00-sized pots should be filled with light soil, and about eight seeds sown in each. Wheu the seedlings appear, they should be gradually prepared by a decreased temperature for planting in the open, when this is safe. Qijpsophihi pan'icidata, an extremely elegant, hardy perennial, may be raised easily from seed. If sown now in heat, and the seedlings potted off as soon as large enough into small pots, grown on for a short time iu a warm house or pit, and eventually hardeued-off before plauting out, this will give a little flower the first year, and a great abundance the next one. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. ByH. W. Ward, Rayleigh, Essex. Planting Strawberries. — If the ground has been manured and trenched as advised iu the calendar for January 23, the plants may uow be put out in rows 20 inches asunder, and the same distance allowed between the plants iu the rows. Keep the centre of each plant well above the soil, aud make the latter firm about the roots in planting. Equally satisfac- tory results may be obtained from plauts set out triangularly in clumps consisting of three plants in rows 2 feet apart, and at the same distance in the rows, allowing a space of -4 or 5 inches between the plants in each clump. After planting, lay on a surface dressing of short manure between the plants, but do not dig it into the ground, RaspherrUs, Gooseberries, Currants, &c— In cases where the planting of these fruits has been delayed from some cause, the work should be completed forth- with. Plant iu well-prepared ground, and afford a space of from 4 to 5 feet (according to depth and fertility of soil) between the rows of Raspberry-canes, and from i to 6* inches between the canes in the rows. Tread the soil pretty firmly about the roots in plant- ing, and afterwards apply a surface-dressing of short manure 2 inches thick. For directions in re- gard to planting Gooseberry and Currant bushes, I would refer the reader to p. 58, Gardeners' Chronicle, January 23. Peaches, Apricots, and Greengage Plums. — If the means recommended at p. 91 for protecting the blossoms of these fruits have been adopted, tho blinds should be let down over the trees every evening when frost is expected, securing them iu position, and raising them the following morning as soon as the sun shines on the wall ; or earlier, ■should there not be any frost. Vines on Walls. — Vines growing upon open walls require the shoots of last year's growth to be cut back to withiu one bud of the main shoots. Rub any loose bark off, and should the leaves have been infested by red-spider or mildew last year, paint the wood with a paint-like mixture of clay and a little soot, sulphur, and soft-soap. Apply this to every part of the branches, dabbing the mixture well into and around the old spurs, as being the most likely place for insect pests secreting themselves ; and if necessary lime-wash the walls, if this can be done without disadvautageously altering their appearance. In the case of good brick walla having permanent nails driven therein for tying the Vines to, these being washed with a solution of soft-soapy water and petroleum will destroy any iusects or larva: that may be adhering thereto. Figs. — The pruuiug of Fig-trees should be deferred till the end of the mouth of April or the first week in May, but the matter will be referred to again in this column in due time. Mr. John Lambert, gardener to the Ear] ol Powis, and well-known as a successful horticultural exhibitor, was the recipient recently of a presentation gold watch, subscribed for by members of the Welsh- pool Horticultural Society, in recognition of the ser vices ho has rendered to the society ;u assistant secretary and in other ways since its resuscitation five years ago. The society has reason to congratulate itself that in so short a time it U&S achieved a position that enables the committee to spend a sum of £600 upon a one-day exhibition. \Vo join iu the good wishos expressed on behalf of Mr. Lambert at tho presentation meeting. 124 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 20, 1897. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants for ■naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Welling- ton Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications 3h0Uld be WRITTEN ON ONE 3IDE ONLY OF THE PAPER, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly signed by the writer. I/desired, the signature will not be printed, but kept as a gua ran tee of good fa ith. The Editor does not under- take to pay for any contributions, or to return unused com- munications or illustrations, «?tJess by special arrangement. Local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. WEDNESDAY Feb. 21— Renfrewshire Ga 1 General SATURDAY, Feu. 27— Royal Botanic Society meet. /Japano: P;i1tii WEDNESDAY, Feb. 24 ( SALES. I Herbaceous Plants, Roses, Carna- tions, begonias, &c. , at Protheroe ,, J & Morris" Rooms. I Nearly 1000 lots of Border Plants, Bulbs, Roots, Roses, &c., at [ Stevens' Rooms. .-,., i Imported and Established Orchitis, "7 at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms. Lilies, Azaleas, Roses, Palm Seeds, Geraniums. Hcrba- ce us Plants, &c., at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms. Sale of the Leasehold Property, "Winona." Ramsrhn Heath, near Billedcay ; also the Goot- will and Lease of the Rose Nur- sery, Swain's Lane, Higbgate, at The Mart, Tokenhouse Yard, E.C., by Protheroe ,V Morris. Stove and Greenhouse Plants from Ghent, Roses, Fruit Trees, Shrubs, Border Plants, Bulbs, i &c., at Stevens' Rooms. /Importation of Burmese Orchids, by order of Messrs. H. Low & 25 J Co.; 300 Cases of Japanese Liliums, as received, for the \ Trade, at Stevens' Rooms. Established ( i : & Morris' Roon Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced froi Observations of Forty-three years, at Chiswick.— 10°. Actual Temp London.— February 17: Max., 51° ; Miu., 38°. Provinces. — Fdrruary 17 (6 p.m.): Max., It', Stilly Min., 37°., The Scaw. Mr. Milneii did good service on The Garden Monday evening last when ho * the House faced the architects in their own domain. Perhaps he found them less aggressive than he expected. From the report given in another column it is evident that he, at least, took a middle course, avoiding the extremes in which some folks seem to delight, and recognising that good sense and good taste may be found even in the architectural body, in spite of some appa- rent exceptions to the contrary, manifested in certain books noticed by us at the time of pub- lication. Mr. Milner's task was not a difficult one — at least, it was not difficult for him. His subject chiefly was the relation of the garden to the house, and especially of that portion of the garden in immediate proximity to the mansion. There are some, on tho one hand, so enamoured of their garden- geometry and their carpet-beds, that they would introduce them into the pleasure-grounds and into the flower-garden ; even the Rose-garden may not entirely be exempt from their intrusion. On the other hand, there are some to whom tho delicious picturesqueness of the typical cottage garden and its inmates appeals so strongly that they would introduce them bodily on to the terrace walks, where the flowers and growths, so beautiful in their proper place, would be as incongruous as fish out of water. The beauty of appropriateness is apt to be ignored by both parties ; they forget that what is beautiful and appropriate in one situation is not so in another, and similarly that the plant-; adapted by their contour, their "habit," or their colour, for one spot are terribly out of place in another situation. If these generalities be admitted, then it seems obvious that the landscape gar- dener and the architect, instead of being antago- nistic, should take sweet counsel together, so that the garden in the immediate vicinity of the house shall be in harrnonj' with the architectural lines and masses of the building, whilst the windows shall be so many frames encompassing the pictures made by the skilful landscape gardener, and permitting them, together with the distant prospect, to be seen to most advantage. The architect has, of course, no more to do with the garden proper, away from the house, than the gardener has with the planning of the house itself. Each should have a free hand in his own domain, whilst conjoint action may most beneficially be exeited at the points of contact. Nay, more, we think the landscape gardener should always have a voice in tlio selection of the site when a new building is contemplated. It is not uncommon to find houses placed whero no landscape artist would have placed them. Again, it has happened in our experience to see a garden planned and carried out, with the site for the mansion duly arranged for, but changed subsequently by the architect, to the stultifi- cation of the ideas of the gardener. Fortunately there is one featuro in almost all gardens which, in a. sense, acts as a peace- maker, harmonising incongruities, aud link- ing opposites together, and that is, of course— tho lawn. The crudities of colour, tho bar- barities of form are softened by this delightful adjunct ; and what setting is there more beau- tiful for tho fine lines and noble proportions of the architect's work than well-kept turf? — as witness many of our cathedral closes, such as Salisbury, Canterbury, or even, of late years, Westminster. Nothing but good can come from the con- ference and interchange of opinions between landscape-gardener and architect. Wo con- gratulate Mr. Milner on the success of his effort, and wo are grateful for the hospitality extended to the representative of the gardeners by the architects. Euphorbia pulcherrima at Santa Bar- bara, California. — Few plants are more popular for winter decoration than Euphorbia (or Poiusettia) pulcherrima, from Mexico ami Central America, where it _is called "Pastora'1 and ' ' Flor de Pascua," in allusion to tho fact that it is at its best for Christmas. The accompanying illustration (fig. 35) was taken just a fow days before Christmas at the residence of Mr. C. A. EnwAiw, in Santa Barbara. California. To persons familiar only with Poiusettias well bloomed in 5 or 6-inch pots, this will make a good show of what we can accomplish in gardening od this coa&t, where " heads" of Poinsettias 2 feet across have been actually measured by myself. This one plant is about eight years old, and is strongly cut back every year in spring. The tropical appearance of the scene was enhanced by hundreds of large showy butterflies, Dauae archippus, I believe, hovering all day long over the dazzling bracts. Or. F. Franceschi. KEW GUILD. — The annual general meeting of the Kew Guild will be held in tho lecture-room of the Royal Gardens, Kew (entrance by Melon-yard gate), on Thursday evening, Feb. 25, at half-past 7. The Surveyors' Institution. —The next ordinary general meeting will be held on Monday, February 22, 1897, when the adjourned discussion on the paper read by Mr. J. Willis Bund (Associate), at the last meeting, entitled " Allotments and Small Holdings," will be resumed ; and (should time per- mit) a paper will be read by Mr. C. H. Hoofer (Fellow), entitled " Fruit Growing as an Auxiliary to Agriculture." Tbe annual dinner will take place on Wednesday, February 24, in tbe Victoria Hall, Hotel Cecil, Strand Entrance, East Block. Newcastle and District Horticultural Mutual Improvement Society.— The monthly meeting of this Society was held on Tuesday, Jan. 9, at 25, Westgate Road, when Mr. John Bollock presided. A lecture, illustrated by lime-light views, was given by Mr. H. Innes on the " Cryptogams and lower forms of Plant Life." Commencing with the Alg», the lect urer described in a very interesting manner the various forms of reproduction up to the Ferns. The lecture, which was highly instructive, was listened to with marked attention. The Leicester Chrysanthemum Society, it was stated at the Annual Meeting held recently, had last year an income of £117 12s. Id., includiug a balance from the previous year of £28 19s. Id. The expenditure amounted to £81 10s. Id., leaving a balance of £35 lCs., and showing a profit on the year's working of £6 lGs. \ld. Societe Nation ale dHorticulture de FRANCE. — At the recent and very interesting meet- ing of the Orchid Committee of the National Horti- cultural Society of France, we noticed, amongst many fine specimens, a splendid Cattleya Triamei alba, with a fine yellow-coloured throat ; Miltonia Warsce- wiczii, with four flower-spikes ; Odontoglossum YVilckeanuui palleus, aud several other plants from M. Hagot. A cross between Cypripedium Harris- ianuuiandC. Haynaldyanuiu is particularly successful ; the dorsal sepal is pure deep purple, with a white margin. M. Page staged C. villosum x C. insigne Cbautini, with very spreading flower, and a very fine variety ; C. Lathamianum x C. villosum, the flower of which is the largest we have hitherto seen in this genus. M. Oroix, of the Luxembourg Gardeus, showed a now hybrid — C. villosum x C. Spicer- ianum— quite distinct from C. Lathamianum, the flower being all of a pale greyish-yellow colour ; C. Zampa (C. Leeanuin superbum x C. hirsutissimum) is worthy of special attention, and gained a Certificate of Merit. M. Truffaut staged splendid varieties of Cliveias aud Hippeastrums ; and Messrs. Low of Clapton their interesting crested Cyclamen, " Bush Hill Pioneer." M. 0. Doin, the well-known amateur grower, has been appointed President of the Committee. 0. Truffaut. Newsvendors' Benevolent and Provident INSTITUTION.- We are glad to see that the News- vendors' Benevolent Institution intends to commemo- rate tho present jubilee of the Queen's reign by placi-ig the entire donations received during the year to the Royal Victoria Pension Fund, inaugurated by the QUF.EN in 1887, for the benefit of the widows of newsvendors. Tho festival will be held on Wednes- day, April 28, at the Holborn Restaurant, and Lord Crewe has kiudly consented to preside. Oncidium papilio Eckhardti. — The fine old Butterfly Orchid, Oncidium papilio, although introduced from Trinidad more than seventy years ago, is never plentiful, and a really good- flowered O. p. majus always commands attention. The finest form of the plant is O. p. Eckhardti, figured in L'lll. IJurL in 1883, t. 500; and a similar variety was offered for sale by Messrs. Protheroe & Morris, at their Rooms, on Friday, February 12, the plant realising 7J guineas. The upper segments of the flowers of this plant measured 44 inches in leugth, aud in colour they were bright orange-rod, with a few yellow patches ; the broad, declined lateral sepals were also of bright orange-red, barred with yellow ; aud tho labellum was of a clear yellow hue, with a broad, dark orange-red band running round the edge, the margin being yellow. February 20, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 125 National Chrysanthemum Society.— The annual general meetiug of the members of the above Society will take place at Auderton's Hotel, Fleet Street, E.G., on Monday evening, February 22 next, at 7 o'clock. The National Viola Society,— The first annual geueral meeting of the members was held on the 10th iust. at Winchester House, Old Broad Street, E.C., when there was a large attendance, Mr. W. Robinson, the president of the society, occupying the chair. A favourable report of the work carried summer, a sub-committee having been re-appointed to undertake the work in connection with tho latter. It was also decided to publish a report of the pro- ceedings of the conference, together with particulars of the result of the trial of Violas made last year in the Botanic Gardens, and copies, price 6d. each, may shortly be obtained from Mr. A. J. Rowberry, of the Crescent, South Woodford. EllONYMUS JAPONICUS.— Mr. Odtram obligingly Bends us, from the Isle of Wight, fruiting specimens of this shrub. The capsule is dull red, and the seod established 30,000 plants in various places, and anti- cipates that, after two years, their produce will attain important dimensions. The plant requires very little care or irrigation, and can be grown in places unsuited for other crops. The fibre exhibited was decorticated in a hand-machine invented by M. Faube. Messrs. J. Planta & Co., Swiss merchants, of Alexandria, who have established a scientific experimental cotton plantation near Zigazig, on which sixty different cul- tivations are being made, exhibited some of ihe re- sults of their enterprise in an artistic kiosque, where every detail connected with the plant could be studied. f^/%p<.^,.,..:A/%/- FjQ. 35. — EUPHORBIA (POINSETTIA) PUXCJHERRTMA, AS GROWS AT SANTA B 1RBARA, CALIFORNIA. (SEE P. 124.) out by the society during its first year, together with a balance-sheet, showing that the society had been able to meet all expenses and carry forward a small balnnco, was adopted. The following officers were re-elected for the ensuing year, Mr. W. Robinson, president ; Dr. Sbackxkton, chairman of committee ; Mr. II. A. Needs, hon. treasurer ; Mr. A. J. Rvw- bebrv, hon. secretary ; while Messrs. C. Jordan, of Regent's Park, and J. Mojrman, of Victoria Park, Were elected to fill two vacancies on the committee. It was decided, subject to arrangement with tho council of the Royal Botanic Society, to hold a show and conference in the society's gardens, and also carry out anothor trial of Violas during tho coming is covered by a brilliant scarlet aril, as in the common Spindle-tree. It is only very rarely that wo have observed this shrub to produce its seed-vCBsels even by the sea-side. Horticultural Exhibition at Cairo.— The Second Annual Horticultural Exhibition was opened on the 22nd ult. by tho Khedive. This year an agricultural department has been added, com- prising exhibits 0{ food, forage, textile and dyeing products from all parts of Egypt. A novelty was specimens of bugging and fine canvas made from tho fibre of the Sisal Agavo, the cultivation of which has lately been introduced by Mr. E. A. Floyer, who has Their first annual report, just published in English and French, is extremely interesting and instructive to cotton growers. The prisons department showed a large collection otornameataXjaniitiiim and window- boxes made by the convicts. For the»r rait of hollowed material, to be filled with water, or Bphagnui tturated with water. When this is done, i! is assumed that tho moisture will at once begin to permeate the porous clay, and thus secure con and an equable temperature to the roots. How fir this will prove an advantage over tho " usual process of saturation fol- lowed by gradual evaporation " remains to bo seen. Tho [M.is, rafts, &c, are made in various ibapes, lome ol which are ehov B ■ 16 Mr. A. G. Stollery, of Bushej . is the patentee. 128 THE GABDENEBS' CHEONICLE. [Fjsbrcary 20, 1897. Home Correspondence. THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY AND APPLE CLASSIFICATION.— On reading the annual report of the Royal Horticultural Society as pub- lished recently in your columns, I was somewhat disappointed not to see mentioned therein the above- named subject. Judging by a letter from Mr. Wilks, the secretary, published in one of your contem- poraries a short time since, I felt sure the Council intended to give us their decision ou the matter. Surely it it not too late for this to be doue before another hardy fruit exhibition comes Jon. To my mind, the best way to do this would be to appoint a small representative eub-conimittee. consisting of some of the members of the Fruit Committee. Doubtless their decisions would be acceptable to the main por- tiou of cultivators and exhibitors of hardy fruits, and to those persouswho have to arrange prizo schedules bear- ing upou the subject. Without wishing to prejudge the matter in any way, I am of opinion that, for exhibition purposes, two lists (and two only) should be allowed, viz , one for kitchen Apples, and one dessert ditto. For private use, the matter must remain as before, viz , each choosing for himself, whether eating or cooking, or what are now called kitchen or dessert varieties. If. J. 0. LECTURES AT THE DRILL HALL.— I hope that a special effort will be made by the lecturers to read their own papers, and not leave it to the Assistant-Secretary of the Society to read them. I certainly think they are not so interesting when they are read second - hand ; and I should like to see some members of the Council, or some of the different committeemen there, to support the chairman, instead of having empty chairs to do duty for them. Some of the lectures during the past year were very tame affairs, and there appeared to be very little interest taken in them by the Council or members of the different committees, which is not very creditable to the leading horticultural society in the country. John Carvile, F.R.H.S. AT CHISWICK.— Most heartily do I endorse the suggestion that there should be a Follows' meeting at Chiswick during the ensuing summer. At some period when the gardens look their best would be the fittest for such a gathering. If the visit included an inspection of the various trial-? being carried on, it would suffice if the meeting began at 2 p.m., and continued well into the evening; so many Fellows could then get through their business, and have a very enjoyable finish to the day. Why should not the council, in commemoration of the great event of the year, hold an "at home " to the Fellows, and to the committees especially ? What a delightful func- tion might it prove to be, if carried out with liberality and discretion ! Very probably some Saturday would bo of all days the best for the purpose. If, as yon suggest, the proposed Victorian Medal be then dis- tributed, all very well, provided the ceremony cf distribution were short and devoid of formality. Of course, even the desirability of that ceremony would depend on the general acceptance or otherwise of the basis on which the Medals were awarded. I trust they may not bo converted into apples of dis- cord. Better a hundred times the proposal be dropped than that their distribution should create jealousies and heart-burnings. The proposed Chis- wick gathering could not do that if all Fellows be invited. It would be a pleasant garden - party, affording ample time to see the gardens, to hear the music, to join in free social intercourse, and send all home in the happy assurance that it was good to have been there. Correspondent. CYPRIPEDIUM INSIGNE SANDER/E.— In your issue of February 6, I am sorry to see that Mr. Ball, commenting on his Cypripedium insigue Sanderce, seems to have got rather "mixed." I have also au impression that his reference to a later importation of this plant is equally unfortunate. I may here remark that I think it would be wrung to name this Cypripedium the "Baron Schroder" var., inasmuch as it is clearly shown that Mr. Measures had part of the same plant ; it therefore simply remains C. i. Sandenc. My knowledge of Mr. Hardy's plants extends but very little beyond what he shows pub- licly. I should not hive taken »ny notice of hia remarks had he not said that lie never showed his C. i. Sanderte. Allow me to refresh hid memory, and ask if the plant with three flowers shown in Messrs. Heath's Orchid group at the Manchester Chrysanthe- mum show. November, 1895, was not his plant ? and if it was not labelled C. i. Sanderje, and the name given as such in the Gardeners' Chronicle of Novem- ber 30, p. 657 ? also if this was not the same plant ho gave £2/3 for at the Pickering Lodge sale ? It was at this show I had the opportunity of comparing very carefully the yellow form shown by Mr. Ball with the one shown by Mr. Hardy— hence my comments. S. S., February 15. RIBSTON HA L, NE 4R WETHERBY, YORKSHIRE. — As will be known to many of the readers of the Gardeners' Cfaroniclet it was ou this estate that the famous Ribston Pippin Apple originated. It is the property and residence of Major Dent ; and Mr. Thomas Jones ha* been the head gardener there for forty years, he having been recommended to the post by Sir Joseph Paxton in 1857, under whom he had served at Chats worth. During the time he has been at Ribston he has served under three generations of the "Dent " family, and retained their confidence all along. Mr. Jones is retiring fr->m h's post, and he has purchased a neat cottage in that small but pretty inland watering-place, Boston Spa, situated a few miles distant from Ribston ou the southern side of the river Wharfe. Mr. Jones will carry into his well-earned retirement the good wishes of all who have known him. While his name has not been very prominent in the gardening world, he has not the less done good work, been a sound practical gardener, and in all the varied relation-* of life a good man. He is succeeded by a Mr. McClelland, lat> gardener to Colonel Sylvester, near Wi^'an in Lancashire. //. /. C. VAGARIES OF THE ROSE.—" Wild Rose," whose commuuioation I real in the last issue of tie Gar- deners' Chronicle, will be interested to learn that a bush of Niphetos in a private gird'm in this neigh- bourhood has recently departed from its normal condition, and assumed the climbing character in a very decided manner. Last season the shoots were thick, numerous, and long, although the plant was originally very weak. The bmh has now become one of extraordinary vigour, sj that the greeuhouse is unequal to contain it, and the shoots have had to be cut back. In my opinion, this fresh instance of variation from the type is more conspicuous than that displayed by the specimen exhibited by Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co., at a meeting of the Koyal Horticultural Society some years since. I shall be curious to note how the bush behaves this season. There is nothing in its surroundings to account for the sudden chauge of character in this Rose. \V. Soupell, Streatham Hill, S. W. [A reversion to the savage habits of its ancestors. Ed.] THE QRAPES AT EDINBURGH.— I have been a competitor for thirty years at Edinburgh, and I never heard so much dissatisfaction expressed as at the show last autumn ; neither do I wonder at it, when judges gave the best prizes to Grapes neither finished nor yet fit to eat — which is an uudeniable fact. In the Black flavour class, Gros Maroc was placed 1st, and Black Hamburgh 2nd, before several bunches of Muscat Hamburgh, &c. A northern gardener seems to think that these bunches were not 1 lb. weight. The smallest I noticed wa^ the Black Hamburgh, which was placed 2nd. Be that as it may, there were plenty over 2 lb., an 1 Borne over 3 lb., so far as I can remember. Tno schedule says distinctly, all fruit must be ripe and sound, and fit for the table. Why do judges judge fruit without tasting it ? Mr. Divers' letter is to the point, and had he been judge at Edinburgh, the prize tickets would, I have no doubt, been differently placed in a good many classes. It seems to me the time has arrived for rules in judging to be applied, also in specifying the varieties wanted. ' The proof o' the pudding is the preeing o't." .4 Falkirk Gardener. LIGUSTRUM CORIACEUM.— With reference to a note inserted in your issue for February 13, on Ligustrum coriaceum, which is of Japanese origin, I would remark that many years ago I visited the Metropolitan Convalescent Hospital at Walton-on- Thames, and there for the first time in my life saw this beautiful Privet in full bloom. I was so much struck with its bloom that I requested some cuttings might be sent to the Atkinson Morley Convalescent Hospital at Wimbledon, which was done. These cuttings in a year or two grew very well ; they were subsequently transplanted and removed to a long row at the back uf the hospital, where every year, in June or July, they have large quantities of white blossoms of some size, utterly unlike our ordinary Privet. They are always the admiration of beholders. I sent other cuttings to a friend of mine, the Vicar of Silsby, in Leicestershire, but the results there I believe are less satisfactory than at the two former places, which may, perhaps, arise from the soil not suiting them. They are quite hardy when the roots are established, aud I think might be tried in London. This Privet does not seem to me to be a plant of a particularly slow growth. John Colebrooh. [Is our correspondent sure that the plant he men- tions is correctly nameJ ? Ed.] PEAS IN TRENCHES. -This is a question which requires discussion by gardeners. In a communi- cation from Mr. Markham to the Gardeners' Ckroniclet found on p. S3, there are the following statements:— " For several years I have been a great advocate of trenches in Pea-culture, especially mid-season sow- ings ;" and further on— " Still I have my doubts whether, in a very dry season the crops are as good as would bo the case if less manure was used, and the soil made firmer.'' I would ask, is this generally the case ? With me it is quite the reverse ; and I maintain that sowing in trenches is a greater gain in a dry season than in a wet one, and more especially if the soil be light and porous. I would not advocate sowing Peas in trenches in heavy retentive soils. /. Mayne, February 8. THE SPICE APPLE.— Having made the acquaint- ance of the true Spice Apple some years since through the veteran Rose-grower, Mr. Benjamin Cant, of Col- chester, it has been a great favourite of mine ever since Now, I specially noticed Mr. Finch's note on flavour in Apples, in Gardeners Chronicle for January 0, p. 27, and have no doubt, from read- ing Mr. Birron's and his note, that they are writing of the D'Arcy Spice, so-called from the hall of that name, near Colchester. In fact, the D'Arcy Spice is one of the most popular and useful of all our late dessert Apples. Being such a good and almost indispensable dessert Apple for April aud May, and the fact, too, that several other Apples have a good dash of spiciness in their flavour, it followed almost as a matter of course that several Spice Apples got into commerce, which has caused no little confusion. Yet I would hesitate to call thorn imposters ; on the contrary, the some half-dozen I have met with have all had more or less of ipiciness in their flavour, with a dash of Russet, Nonpareil, and Ribston. Tho Spice of old Chiswick seems different from the Spice of Dr. Hogg's Manual ; while both these and the D'Arcy Spice differ from the Spice or Sack of the same authority. The Aromatic Russet is also often con- founded with the Spice Apple, and is a dessert Apple of superb quality from December to February. The Hereford Spice, on the contrary, is much higher coloured, aud earlier, being in season from October and through January. But as the district round Colchester is undoubtedly the home of the D'Arcy Spice, it is no doubt this very valuable aud useful dessert Apple that your correspondent wrote about. As to the hardness and dryness of the flesh that Mr. Barron notes, this depends a good deal on soils and seasons, aud when these qualities are not in excess, they are merits rather than defects. We have plent/ of soft, juicy Apples for eating, but assuredly u it one too many firm fleshed ones, as perfect Ribstonsor Russets, that will keep sweet aud sound until Miy aud June. The D'Arcy Spice is also in commerce as the Essex Spice, the Badeuo[.'| Pippin, and the Spring Ribston, having been sent out by the late Thomas Rivers of Sawbridgeworth under that Lame about 1853, so far as I can remember, though the resemblance is not striking— unless in flavour. But the name of Spring Ribston from such a source, was a very high testi- monial as to sterling quality. D. T. F. PRIMUL* OBCONICA. — Your correspondent, "R. D.," on p. 65, recommends P. obconica to be crossed with P. Sieboldi. In 1893, I crossed P. Sieboldi cortusoides with P. obconica, in the hope of raising a variety that would not cause such irritation to the skin of human beings after handling as P. obconica doe.*. I selected a well-coloured P. S. cortusoides for the seed-pare it, nnd isolated the plant, also carefully removing the anthers from several of the blooms before the pollen formed. At the proper time I applied pollen from P. obconica to the ttigma of each of these blooms. Seed-pods were duly formed, aud they produced good seed, which was sown the following spring. It germinate! freely, and I anticipated their fluwering with much interest ; but to my great disappointment they proved to be nothing more nor le3s than P. S. cortusoides. Possibly '■ It. D." and others may think the anthers weie not removed before pollen-dust was formed, aud so the blooms were fertlised with their own pollen; but I assure them this was not so, as I was very careful to remove the anthers sufficiently early. J. H. \V. February 20, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 129 SUTTON'S PRIMULA STELLATA.— Although this year is my first trial of it, I must say that I am highly satisfied with its flowering qualities. I have it grow- ing in 4i-inch pots. The blossoms being gracefully poised on slender foot-stalks in whorls, with stems varying iu height from 4 to 12 inches, give the whole plant the appearance of a pyramid, measuring, iu some cases, fully 30 inches in circumference. The flowers are white, and sometimes flaked with crimson, and the plant has foliage of a dark green colour ; and as a pot-plant for general decoration for the green- house and conservatory, this light and graceful Primula should become very popular. A red- coloured variety of this typo would be a great acqui- sition. Alex. Mclnnes, Falkland Palace, Fife. WHAT BECOMES OF THE RAINFALL?— It may be of interest to note, iu reference to the question, "What becomes of the rainfall ? " that in consequence of the exceptionally large rainfall during the four last months of the year lb'JO, amouutiug to 18 iuches of raiu. which is equal to the enormous quantity of 1818 tons of water on each acre of land, the springs of water have risen in the wells of the neighbourhood of Harpenden, Hertfordshire, very remarkably. In our unused well from which records of the rise and fall of the water is taken at the eud of each two months, it was found that the depth of water rose from 3 feet 8 inches in September to 5 feet 3 inches in November, and to the extraordinary jump of 8 feet 8 inches at the end of January, 1897. The rainfall of January, 1897, according to the 8-inch gauge of Sir John Lawes at Rothamsted, is 1'75 inch, which is about three quarters of an iuch less than the average fall for January in the neighbourhood, extending over a period of forty years. /. J. Willi?, Harpenden. CHRYSANTHEMUM SPORTS.— Some time ago I was astonished to see a beautiful green-yellow flower on a plant of the variety Viviand Morel, which had been grown as a bush, and had given a good crop of normally-coloured flowers. Upon examination, I found a shoot had sprung from the neck of tho plant a little above the soil. I cut the plant down, and carefully staked up the shoot, and in doiug so I found another shoot a little distance from the first, which I shall call No. 2. When both were staked, the plant waB stood near the glass. The first one has grown a fair flower under the circumstances, measur- ing 7 inches across ; the green-yellow has given place to outside petals white, shading to pale yellow centre. No. 2 was a very light shade of Charles Davis in bud, hut has finished a light cream, with a tinge of choco- late towards the centre, resembling some of the Tea Roses. I think there can be little doubt but that they will be fixed, as I shall have no difficulty in getting stock from them. I think it is remarkable that two shoots should produce flowers so entirely different from the colour of the parent. Win. Kilrjour, Edije Bill Gardens, Aberdeen. THE VICTORIA ERA FUND.— Having read with much interest the various proposals to commemorate Her Majesty's long and beneficent reign, which have from time to time appeared in your columns, I venture to make an additional one. I suggest that gardeners and their assistants be asked to contribute a small fixed sum towards a general fund, which should be equally divided between the Royal Benevolent, tho Gardeners' Orphan, and the Victorian Era Fund ; and if all the gardeners, foremen, and journeymen in the United Kingdom would contribute on the following scale — 5a\ for head-gardeners, 2s. 6d. for foremen, and Is. for journeymen, &c, what a grand sum it would amouut to ! The sacrifice is so small, that it might be made by everyone. It might be easily managed if head-gardeners would unite and collect in their own gardens and im- mediate neighbourhood. I think that, as a rule, gardeners are as loyal and charitable body of men as any, and I think it is a duty to make a special effort this year to do something that will tend to remove the reproach that a collector so often hears made, " Why don't the gardeners them- selves do more to assist these charities, especially as they, and their families, only reap the benefits." Did they do so, I think our employers would be more ready to help these most deserving charities. F. Harris, Eatlnor. THUYA PLICATA AND T. OCCIDENTALIS.— I quite fail to understand how anyone who has studied living specimens of these trees growing in this country can say that T. plicata is a variety of T. occi- dentalis. Since reading your article I went pur- posely and examined a tree oi T. plicata, IS feet high, and compared both foliage and cones with those of T. occidentalis, of about the same size, growing a short distance away. The very unpleasant smell emitted by the foliage of T. occidentalis, the loose, open habit, long, lithe, and scantily-foliaged branches, and small sub-erect cones, 18(i,600 seeds of which go to the pound weight, aro marked characteristics. Then, the foliage always turns of a dirty bronzy hue in winter. T. plicata, on tho other haud, has not the the least unpleasant smell, is always compact of growth, though not formally so, with short, stout, rather ascending branches, that aro well furnished with flattoued lycopod-like foliage, while the plenti- fully - produced cones staud quite erect, with small and light seeds, 245,000 going to tho pound weight. In winter this tree never turns bronzy, but rather a dark yellowish-green colour. If T. plicata must be a variety I would refer it to T. gigantea, with which iu every respect it is far more nearly related than with T. occidentalis. A. I). Webster. [Are there two plicatas in cultivation ? The story is not yet ended. Ed.] CLIMBING ETIENNE LEVET ROSE.— I have read with pleasure an article by ''Wild Rose" on "The Vagaries of the Rose ; " but I am surprised to see that he does not know of thestrong-growing orclimbing form of Etienne Levet, which has been cultivated in our nurseries ten or twelve years. It is not as yet common in gardens, and it did not originate in this neighbourhood. When treated and pruned as a cut- back, you would scarcely tell the difference between it and the type, except that the growths are slightly stronger ; and there is, as " Wild Rose" remarks, no difference to be seen iu the flowers ; but immediately the first flowers have bloomed, it throws up strong suckerlike growths from the base, that reach a height of 4 to 0 feet, which very seldom flower in the autumn. Neither has '' Wild Rose " mentioned Climbing Victor Verdier and Climbing Henri Le- decbaux, which I consider are two of the prettiest climbing hybrid perpetuals we possess. Iu both these varieties the flowers are smaller than their types, and produced in great profusion. I would not trouble you with this if I knew who " Wild Rose " is ; but I was interested in his article, and imagined I could add to his knowledge of the subject on which he wrote. Henry Merryweidlier, Jim., Southwell, Nolls. [We are very thankful for such notes ; and so is "Wild Rose.'" Ed.] THE CLIMBING VARIETIES OF FRENCH BEAN.— At this seasou, wheu gardeners are sending their orders for seeds, &c. to the nursery and seedsmen, I think it right to call attention to the merits of the climbing French Beans. My experience of these Beans last summer was that no kind of kidney Beau withstood drought and heat so well ; and tho varieties which I grew were Epicure and Teuder- and-True. Our Scarlet Runner Beans set few flowers, and were, besides, eaten-up with red- spider ; whereas the new Beans had healthy leaveB aud biue, and supplied nice crisp pods. H. M., Newbury. CEDRUS DEODARA FAR NORTH. — All the Cedrus Deodara I have seen iu this district seem to do well in fully-exposed situatious. It is a species not much planted as a forest tree. This place stands on a hill, with full exposure to the North, and to the winds which come down the Caledonian valley. There were several Deodars planted eight years ago on the lawn, which have withstood exposure quite as well as any Scots Fir could do. II. R. Macdonald, The Garden .«, Drummond Hill, Inverness. GLADIOLUS HYBRIDS.— Having been engaged for some years in raising Gladioli from seeds, obtained by crossing such species and varieties that I havo been enabled to induce to flower at the same time, I read with interest the remarks made by Mr. Douglas (Hard. Chron., Jan. 9, p. 17), in which he urges upon amateurs the importance of taking up the work of hybridising. In this 1 agree with him per- fectly ; but having had experience, I am also aware that the matter is not so easy as might be supposed. In the first place, showy species, likely to give good results when crossed with those we now have, are not easy to obtain, and ninny of those obtained do not prove so easy to cultivate, or to flower, as do thoso at pre en tin gardens. Five years ago I got Gladiolus Luel- wigi, which appeared to be very distinct aud robust, judging by tho strong, ribbo 1 foliage which it pro- duced tho first ynii. It, however, failed to llowor, and the second year it would not even grow. In L895, I bought G>. oppositi floras, described sb being a white variety, and a very strong giowtr, oven up to 6 feet iu height. However, 1 lost it ; but thinking it was just what I wanted, 1 got it again in 1896. This time, thinking it had previously been killed by cold, I potted it, and at the same time a batch also of G. Childsii, all being planted in rich soil in June, and well watered and cared for. The latter bloomed well, butG. oppoeitiflorus never did, and did not make so strong a new corm as the old. I have it now in a very warm place in sand, treating it as I do Watsonia O'Brienii, to try and ripen the corms. I shall start both in a gentle bottom-heat to have them ready to go out in May. With regard to the Madagascan record of G. oppositiflorus, I think there has never been any confirmation, aud even of the Kaffrarian habitat, it is said to be doubtful whether it is indi- genous. Of course, the difficulties suggested will not deter me from continuing the work in the best manner that our variable climate will allow ; but I would suggest that gardeners or nurserymen in the Cape, Natal, Melbourne, Sydney, and other parts where sunlight aud heat aro more abundant than with us, should take up the crossing of such hardy species as G. Saundersii, G. purpureo-auratus, &c, with any showy but more delicate species obtainable, and thus some new races might be obtained, which when sent to us in the mature corm would prove as easy to grow and flower as are the varieties of G. gandavensis, though they would be difficult for us to raise in the first place. I have had very satis- factory results with the Nanceinnus aud Lemoinei hybrids, raising and flowering them very quickly. On March 25, 1896, I sowed seeds from these two varieties, and managed to spare the seed-bed plenty of water, whilst tho old bulbs got none. The result was that we got our best spikes from the seedlings. The first of the batch bloomed early iu September, and iu spite of the cold and wet, they continued to bloom until the first week iu November. /. 0' 13. Florists' Flowers. PANSIES AND VIOLAS. With Viola and Pansy societ:es around us doing their best to popularise these lovely, and withal sweet gardeu favourites, one is tempted to ask, "Where is your old correspondent, Mr. Bennett, who had the honour of introducing the progenitor of the Violas when he brought out Viola cornuta as a bedding plant ? " I do not, of course, forget that part of the honour belongs to the late John Wills. By intermixture with the Pansy, a hardier plant has been produced, which not only rivals the Pansy, but is superior to it as a bedding plant. Few people flower the Pansy in potB now, but I do not know any sweeter or more beautiful flower to grow in pots and keep in cold frames during the winter and spring ; moreover, they are cheap, and very easy to cultivate. I recom- mend cuttings to be taken in July for raisiug plants to grow and bloom in pots. The best cuttiugs are those which aro made from the slender growths growing in the centre of a plant, which usually have some few roots attached to them — set these iu boxes iu a shady place, and they will readily start into growth ; whereas, if the thick flowering stems be taken and cut at a joint, it requires a longer time to form roots if they do so at all, and they never make sufficiently good plants for pot culture. Wheu the youug plautsget well established, pot them iuto 60-size flower pots, and arrange them in a cold-frame on tho north side of a wall, or high fence of some kind, the Pansy disliking hot-sunBhine, so that it should not be fully exposed to it. The lights should only be made use of during heavy rain and hail-storms. The plnnts should be repotted into 6-inch flower-pots as soon as they fill the first pots with roots, using a good rich and open compost of three parts loam, one of decayed-manure, and one of leaf-mould with some sand to keep it open. As the plants increase in growth in the autumn, the flower- buds must be pinched out, and the sheets pegged down on to the soil. Carnations and Picotees. The careful amatour will now be making prepara- tions for the re potting of hu Carnations and Picotees. The compost may consist of one-half partially decayed turfy loam, decaved stable-manure and leaf-mould one fourth each, and coarse white sand enough to gieo poro-ity. Some growers tor exhibition use artificial manure, and for this purpose 1 find bone-dust as good a stimulant as any ; but I find that it is better to mix it with the compoBt ustd as a siufacediessing in 130 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 20, 1897. May. The flower-pots, mostly 24's and 16's, should be washed ready for use. The plants should have all dead and decaying leaves removed, and if the weather be dry and mild, the frame lights may be removed. Many growers submit their plants fco extreme dryness during the winter ; but this is a mistaken practice, as at the beginning of February moisture has become necessary, growth usually recommencing then if the weather be mild. At this season frosty winds are prevalent, and little or scarcely any ventilation is then advisable. If the collection is a small one, the repotting of the plants may be delayed till the middle of March. Notes should be made of the loss of varieties, so that they may be made good. Some varieties are very scarce, and it will sometimes occur that the stock of plants is sold out by an early date, and it behoves the grower not to delay his orders. No plants should be purchased unless well established in pots, Carna- tion layers not being successfully transplanted in the spring months. Nothing much can be done for the present with seedlings, excepting in fine weather to stir the soil slightly with a Dutch hoe. When the young leaves develop in the spring, sparrows do much damage — at least, I have never yet had a collection of seedlings that did not require some kind of protection from these birds, such, as black thread stretched tightly above the plants. Polyanthuses and Peimuoses of the self and fancy types now become popular. I do not advise growing any of these in pots, as when grown thus they are seldom satisfactory. The plants are quite hardy, and thrive in deep moderately-moist loam, inclining to clay. Seed saved from the blue- flowered varieties cannot be expected to produce every flower quite like the parents, and some have a tendency to revert to pink ; and even if the blue varieties are propagated by division, true to name, and grown in pots, the blue tints will, iu some instances, change to pink. Therefore, for every pur- pose let them all have a good position, slightly shaded if possible, and iu moist soil, where they cannot suffer from drought iu summer. J. Douglas. Nursery Notes. "DICKSONS OF CHESTER." One sunny morning early in August last the writer in company with two horticultural friends and fellow- judges engaged in making the awards at the great Chester show the previous day, visited Messrs. Dicksons famous nurseries and enjoyed a long-deferred pleasure, at the least as regards myself, the city of Chester having been so long celebrated almost as much for the excellence of the trees, &c., cultivated so extensively and well a short distance outside the municipal boundary as it has been for the picturesque- ness of its old streets and houses. The main drives, from the nursery entrance near the Chester railway-station until that at Upton, about two miles further away, is reached, are flanked on either side by handsome specimen Conifers of different species and varieties and dimensions. The avenue which leads to the offices, &c., from near the railway- station is imposing, and the well-filled borders on either side afford capital facilities for visitors to inspect the sorts of bedding-plants, which included at the time of our visit fine types of double and single-flowered tuberous -rooted Begonias. Some idea may be formed of the extent of these nurseries wheu I state that between 400 and 500 acres of land are occupied by forest and other trees, herbaceous perennials, and other plants. The work in eacli department is carried on, as is usual in such large concerns, under the supervision of specialists ; and a visit is especially interestiug to a gardener if made during the summer and early autumn months, when the trees and plants are in full growth, and their characteristics readily ob- served. Trees and shrubs are frequently transplanted, and set out at wide distances apart, so as to develop fully, and form well-furnished examples, and which can be safely transplanted at tho proper time in any part of the country. Roses are largely grown hero, about 45,000 Briars being the number that are budded annually ; whilst about 250,000 dwarfs are worked upon the Manetti stock. About 100 acres of land are occupied by fruit treeg, and stocks upon which to work them, the trees being transplanted annually. The laud is fully exposed to the winds which blow from the Welsh hills, and necessarily make short-jointed, well - consolidated growth, furnished with abundance of small feeding roots and fruit-buds. Such trees, when properly planted in gardens and orchards having a soil of average depth and fertility, go ahead, and withiu a space of a fow years yield profitable returns. The land is laid out in plots of various sizes, well filled with numerous kinds and varieties of trees, shrubs, including Conifers in great variety, Ac., ranging from the seedling and cutting stage upwards, all well and skilfully grown. Dotted about in proximity to the various drives running through the nursery are handsome specimens of diverse trees and shrubs of an ornamental character, and beautiful either in contour, in foliage, or flower. Facing the offices is located an extensive and excel- lent collection of herbaceous perennial plants, which in August were in fine condition. It was tho right season to inspect such, plants, but should be preceded by others in April and June by anyone who intends to form herbaceous beds and borders. On the other side of the avenue, aud close to several ranges of glasshouses, wero noted some well- filled flowor-beds, that afforded visitors to the nursery much useful information as regards the question, u what kind of plants should be employed in filling flower-beds with a view to securing a satis- factory combination of distinct and pleasing shades of colour during tho summer and autumn mouths ? " The glasshouses are well arranged and extensive, and contain many spec'ios and varieties of plants, clean and well-grown. I observed among others, Palms, Tree and other Ferns, Orchid*, Eucharises, brightly-coloured Codueums aud Drac;oaas, Bou- vardias, Camellias, and Azalea indica. Mention should be made of the Pot-Vines, some 2000 in number, olean, vigorous, short-jointed, with filbert-like buds in the axils of the leaves, excellent for fruiting in pots or plauting in borders. In the frame-ground a long, narrow tank is constructed about 1 foot above the ground-line, divided in several places, iu which species and varieties of Nymphasas are cultivated, a convenient arrangement that enables buyers to make their own selections. In the extensive oolleotiou of Carnations were noticed a fine lot of plants of the popular Mrs. Reynolds Hole, introduced by the Messrs. Dicksons in 18S7. II. TV. W. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Scientific Committee. February 9.— Present: Dr. M. T. Masters in tho chair; Rev. W. Wilks, Mr. Shea, Mr. McLachlan, and Rev. G. Henslow, Hon. Sec. Coniferous Woods. — Dr. Masters exhibited specimens of Deodar, Larch, and Cedar of Lebanon, grown by Mr. J. Simpson at Wharncliffe. They were said to have been planted at the same time, about thirty years ago. It was remarkable that the heart-wood nf the Larch and Deodar were much alike, while that of the Cedar was different, in not being so darkly coloured like the others. The quality was in each case good, especially that of tho Larch. It has been observed by Dr. Tristram that tho wood of the Cedars grown on Mount Lebanon is much closer ingrain and darker in colour than that of treos grown in England (The Nat. Hist, of the Bible, p. 343). Species of Thuya.— Dr. Masters also exhibited specimens from Mr. A, l>. Webster and others, illustrative of the confusion in the nomenclature of this genus. He observed that T. occidentalis grows in the Atlantic States (.f North America, and T. gigautea (Lobbi) on the north-western or Pacific side. A form originally named T. pK-ata was intro- duced at the end of tho last century by Menziea from Van- couver. In Donn's Catalogue of tJie Plants nf tin Botanic '.<.-<'..."' '' ■'.'• this phut is i-iTni-ddl, but wttbuut description. As this is a western species, it is redly synonymous with, or at most, a variety of what is now generally called T. gigautea. But the original T. plicata having probably died out, the name has now become trans- ferred to a form or variety of T. occidentaliB from the Atlantic side of the United States. It is probable that both species are represented by a "plicata" variety, bufc it is not certain whether the Pacific variety Is now la cultivation. Specimens of the original plicata from Vancouver are in the Herbarium of tho British Mnseum, so that it is a question whether, strictly speaking, tho name T. gigautea should not be superseded by that of T. plicata. The plant now bearing that name should then be calleiT. occidentalis var. plicata. Sisal Fibre,— A simple of this fibre, extracted from Agave sisalana, was received from Mr. W. Ployer, of Basingstoke. It was grown at the experimental farm at Mualla, near Luxor, by Mr. E. A. Ployer, of Cairo. He hopes to grow enough to supply all the bags for Egyptian Sugar, Cotton, &c. The fibre is very white, and extremely strong. The Governor of Malta is anxious to introduce the cultivation of this Agave into that island ; but as the uncultivated parts consist of hard, exposed rock, it is doubtful if it would pay, even if the climate provo suitable. The name was given to the fibre imported from Yucatan. (Kew Ball, of Misa. Inform., Maroh, 18S7.) HORTICULTURAL MEETING AT GHENT. February 7.— At the meeting of the Chambre Syndicale des Horticulteurs Beiges held on the above data, M. Jules Hve showed a good selection of his finest hybrid Cypri- pediums ; also Dendrobiums Leoehianum, nobilo nobilior, and litnillorum, all three woll bloomed; Odontoglossum Capartianum, a line variety ; Cymbidium ebumeum gigantcum, L.elia anceps alba Hyeana, an excellent variety ; MiUonopsis Bleuana, with two splendid raoemes of bloom ; Cypripedium insigne Sanderte Baron Sehrodor var. ; Lrelio- Cattlcya Pallas (C. Dowiana x L. crispa, very beautiful, especially tho lip, tho colouring of which recalls that of C. Dowiana, although tho purplish tones of crispa are retained ; Lyeasto Poelmani, with sovon pretty flowers, and other beautiful plants, helped to make M. Hve's exhibit a remarkably good ono. M. Ed. Pvnaert showed a very vigorous Cypripedium Lathamiauum inversum (villosum x Spiceriauum), with many splendid blooms ; M. Jules de Cock had C. Chambcr- lainianum, with two flno flower-spikes; L'HoRTici/LruRB Internationale, Brussols, showed Cattloya Trianasi Ira- perator, which has been figured in Lindenia. In addition to the Orchids, other fine plants wero exhibited ; M. Capitaine sent Cliveia Mile. Alice Capitaine, a new variety, with a truss of bloom nearly 12 inches across, well arranged, the flowera a bright and brilliant colour ; M. RiGoura showed JTidularium striatum, admirably grown ; M. L. De Suft- Duvivier, Croton Hamburgianus with leaves very long, spreading, of deep colour and well grown ; M. Pollmaw- Maenhout, Vriesia punctnlata ; Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Cyclamen Bu.sh|IIill Pioneer, with flowers glisteningly white, and its many crests of the same pure white. M. Ed. Ptnaebt showed a hybrid betwoen Ptoris tremula and P. serrulata, called P. Boultoni ; a good Fern for wholesale cultivation ; and M. Rigovts sent Dieffonbachia Fournieri, well grown. At the General Assembly of tho Chambro tho proceedings of the preceding year were discussod. At tho banquet fol- lowing, the President, M. L'Echevin Oct. Bruneel, was pre- sented with his own portrait painted by Lkon Herro. This compliment was in recognition of M. Brcneel's promotion to the grade of an Officer of the Order of Leopold, and of his oervicos to horticulture in general and the Charqhre in particular, Ch. De B, READING AND DISTRICT GAR- DENERS' MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT. February 8.— Tho fortnightly meeting of tho above Asso- ciation was held on Monday. Tho lecture for tho evening was upon "Soils and their Comparative Fertilitv," by Mr. Douglas A. Gilchrist, B.Sc, Edinburgh, Director of the Agricultural Department, University Extension College, Reading. Mr. Gilchrist said that before he commenced his lecture proper, he would like to direct attention to the geological map of the British Isles, showing the variations in soils, and the character of the soils derived from different formations, ne also remarked upon the climatic conditions in the different parts of the country, and how different plants required different conditions of climate. Taking up his subject proper, " Soils and their Comparative Fertility," the lecturer explained that tho fertility of soils might be divided into natural or inherent fertility and artificial fer- tility. The following were indications of natural fertility. The character of the general vegetation uf a district, such as the trees and hedges ; for instance, where the As.li is to be found doing well the soil would gL-nerally lie nf a str.ingl.iamy nature, and the sub-soil damp; whilst on chalk and oolite formations the Beech would predominate. Trees also (especially isolated tret s) generally indicated whether stnnns are prevalent in the district, as they showed by tlnir stunted growth or otherwise whether they hid been subjec to rough winds in the past. A good Thorn hedge showed that the soil was exceedingly good. By tho method in which farmers cultivated tbeir land the nature of the soil could easily be known, fur when the laud is laid out in high ridges, it generally indicates February 20, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 131 a oold wot soil. The herbage of common land generally indicated whether the soil is fertile or not. Then the colour of the soil and the character of the soil and subsoil, which may be seen at the edge of a ditch, give a good indication of natural fertility or otherwise. Soils in order to be fertile, must have all the ingredients of a plant-food present in a suitable form ; they muse also be in a suitable condition as far as tilth is concerned. Digging or ploughing, or espe- cially troncbing, when carried out on a rather heavy soil or subsoil, when wet, frequently does considerable harm for years by causing the soil to " bake." This should be avoided by carrying out these operations on the heavier class of soils only when they are sufficiently dry. There must also be no injurious ingredients present in the soil. After dealing with the plant-food in the soil, and the condition in which it should be present, the lecturer dealt with the problem of how the plant-food of the soil could bo effectually retained in the soil or even increased, and then discussed how these ingredients could be suitably increased in the soil by the application of various manures. Reference was made to the composition of various local soils which had been analysed in the chemical laboratory of the college. One sample, which was taken from Messrs. Sutton & Sons' trial grounds, showing a useful soil which had been greatly improved by manuring and trenching ; the other from poor down land close to the railway at Wantage, which was iusuch poor condition that it .would take years to convert it into a fairly good soil. Before closing, the ledurer made reference to the work of the earthworm, Darwin was the first to recognise the great work done by the earthworm in improv- ing the soil. Although many would consider that the casts caused a great disfigurement to their lawns, yet he could assure them that the worms were greatly improving the soil. Many questions were asked, and a discussion ensued. SOUTH SHIELDS CHRYSANTHEMUM. February 12. — The annual meeting of the South Shields and Northern Counties Chrysanthemum Society was held in the Guardians' Offices, South Shields, on Friday evening, February 12. Alderman T. G. Ma bane, President, occupied the chair. Mr. Bernard Cowan, F.B.H.S. {Hon. Secretary) road tho annual report, which stated that the balance in hand had been increased from 15s. 5d. to £26 5s. 9rf., which might be considered as bighly satisfactory. NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM. February 15.— A meeting of the general committee took place on the above date, Mr. B. Wynne in the chair. After the reading of some correspondence, Mr. C. Harman Payne propose! to rescind a recent reso- lution of the committee, fixing the hour for commencing tho meetings of the Floral Committee at 3 p. si. on all big show days, instead of 2 p.m., as heretofore, but it was lost on a division. The Secretary then submitted a draft report, dealing with the leading incidents of the past year, and set- ting forth that the Special Jubilee Fund had reached the sum of £370 lis. The financial statement showed that the receipts from all sources amounted to £1575 17s. '2d., adding to this a balance in hand of just over £65 at the commence- ment of 1S96, and a sum of £55, which had been added to the Reserve Fund. The total expenditure included an extra gift to the Secretary in respect of additional work occasioned by the Jubilee celebration. There is asum of £100 on deposit at the bank, and a small balance to the credit of the Reserve Fund. The sum of £839 10s. had been expended on prizes and medals awarded at the various exhibitions. The report and financial statement were re- ceived and adopted for presentation at the annual general meeting on tho 22nd inst. Eight new members were elected, including two Fellows and the Tonbridge Gardeners' Society, as also the Warlingham and District Chrysanthemum Society were admitted to affiliation. General regret was expressed that Mr. B. Wynne bad declined to be nominated for re- election as Chairman of the Committee, a post he has held tor the past two years. Enquiry. " He that queslioneth much shall learn much." — Bacon. Rev. G. Henslow, of Drayton House, Ealing, writes: "Will any expeit in Hyacinth - growing kindly explain why tho Btalka often fail to grow, so that tho (lowers appear and expand close to the bulb ? " Poinsettia pulciieruima.— Has any reader observed the production of seed-vessels by this plant. X. ©bftuacin Joseph Chamberlain.— Died on the 24th ult. For thirty-one years Foreman at Hyde Park ; after an illness of a few rlays. M. JORDAN.— We learn from the Revue Horticolc of the death, at an advanced age, of M. Jordan, the eminent botanist. He was not only a closet botanist, but cultivated the plants in which he was interested and to each minor variation of a constant character he applied a specific name, so that he was a " splitter " par excellence, M. Viviand Morel, now of Lyon was his head gardener. The Weather. [The term "accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre- gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of temperature above or below 42° Fahr. for the period named : and this combined result is expressed in Day- degrees — a "Day-degree" signifying 1" continued for twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for an inversely proportional number of hours.] Temperature. Rainfall. Bright Son. ?! AOOOMTJLATED. 1 ■ i i 1 |32 ag^lag^ ™ fl Q 3 * £ J"jJ !r ■* ||rfi|| jj5 i 11 l 1^ n g | § £ | a £ si Total Fall 8 Percentage tion fo Percentage tion sine Day- Day. Day- Day. lOths cleg. deg. deg. deg. Inch. Ins 0 2 - 0 42 - 35 + 84 6 - 25 2-S 18 18 1 1 - 1 43 - 41 + 97 5 - 21 1-9 25 16 2 1 - 4 35 - 35 + 42 3 - 30 3-3 20 14 3 1 + 8 32 - 36 + 20 3 - 32 3-9 14 12 4 2 + 12 29 - 42 + 30 3 - 27 4-1 14 13 5 2 + IS 11 - 31 - IS 1 - 27 4 7 5 13 6 1 - 4 29 - 50 + 72 4 - 20 3-2 10 19 7 1 + 8 21 - 3S + 32 2 - 27 8-1 5 13 8 i + 24 1 -28-15 5 + 29 6-0 9 19 0 1 + 13 21 - 55 + 50 1 - 26 8-1 8 19 in 3 + 29 1 - 37 + 21 1 - •JO 4-5 3 24 * 4 + 40 0 + 5 — 16 1 + 36 5-8 18 14 Tho districts indicated by number in the first column s the following : — 0, Scotland N. Principal Wheat-producing Districts 1, Scotland, E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, I 4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London, 9. Principal Grazing, .d. 4 0- .d. 4 6 6 0 - 2 0- 2 6 1 6- 0 9- 1 9 10 2 6- 3 0 2 0 - 55 0-00 0 Out Flowers. — Average Wholesale Prices. t. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. Anemone, doz. bun. 16-30 Orchids:— ArUms,p,12blooms 2 0- 4 0 I Oattleya, 12blms. 6 0-12 0 Bouvardias, porbn, 0 6-09 Odontoglossum Carnations, pr. doz. crispum,12bm. 2 0-60 blooms 2 0- 3 0 I Pelargoniums, scar- Chrysanthemums, let, per 12 bun. 6 0-90 6 0-12 0 — per 12 sprays... 0 6-09 " Poinsettias, 12 bL 3 0-40 Pyrothrums, 12 bn. doz. bun. Eueharis, per dozen 3 0-40 Hyacinths( Roman), doz. sprays Lilac, wh. (French), per bunch Liliurn Hanisi, per 0 6-10 3 0-40 4 0- S 0 Lily of the Valloy, dozen sprays ... Maidenhair Fern, per 12 bunches... Marguorites, per 12 bunches Mignonette, per doz. bunches ... Mimosa (French), per bunch Narcissus, various, per doz. bunches 16-30 0 6-10 4 0-80 2 0-40 4 0-60 1 0- 1 i Roses (French), per doz. blooms ... — Tea, per doz. ... — yellow (Mare- chal), per doz. — red, per |dozen — pink, per doz. — Safrano, p. doz. Snowdrops, doz. bunches Tuberoses, 12 blms. Tulip.'?, per doz. ... Violets (Fr.)Parme, per bunch — — Czar, bun. — — doz. bun. — (Eng.)( per doz. bun. Orchid-bloom in variety. 2 0 9 0-12 0 3 0-40 10-26 10-16 10-20 0 6-13 Plants in Pots. — Average Wholesale Prices. A.li.tntum, per doz. 4 0-12 0 Aspidistras, perdoz. 12 0-30 0 — specimen, each 5 0-15 0 Azaleas, perdoz. ... IS 0-36 0 Chrysanthemums, perdoz. ... 6 0-12 0 Cinerarias, perdoz. 9 0-12 0 Cyclamens, perdoz. 12 C-18 0 Daffodils, per doz. 6 0-90 Dracaenas, each ... 10-76 — various, p. doz. 12 0-24 0 Evergreen Shrubs, in variety, doz.... 6 0-24 0 Ericas, per doz. ... 10 0-12 0 Ferns, s. d. 8. d. Ericas, hy emails, .. 10 0-15 0 .. 10-20 z. 5 0-12 0 Ficus elastica, each 10-76 Foliage plants, per doz 12 0-36 0 Genistas, per doz... 8 0-12 0 Hyacinths, per doz. Marguerites, p. doz. 6 0-12 0 8 0-12 0 2 0-10 0 — specimens, ea. Poinsettias, perdoz. Tulips, doz. pots ... 10 6-84 0 a 0-10 0 6 0-90 Artichokes, Globe, perdoz. ... 2 6 — — Chinese (Sta- chys tuberifera), per lb 0 3 — Asparagus, Paris Giant, p. bun. 10 0-15 0 — English, per bundle Beans, French, Channel Is., 5 6-60 Vegetables. — Average Wholesale Prices. s. d s. d. Horseradish, For- eign, p. bundle 1 6 - Mint, per bunch ... 0 8-0 10 Mushrooms (Indoor) per lb 0 6 — Onions, English, p. i — Foreign, p. cwt 3 0-60 6 0-70; Potatos, New Kid- neys, Channel Islands, per lb. 0 5-06 — Kidney Pota- tos, French p. lb. 0 2-0 2$ Radishes, Channel Is., per dozen bunches ... 10-13 Rhubarb (Forced), perdoz. ... 0 10- 1 0 Salad, small, per doz. punnets... Sea Kale, per pun- net, 3J to 4 lb. weight Tomatos, Canaryls- lands, percase, about 12 per lb. — Madeira Kid nev, per bkt. of 8 to 101b. .., Cauliflowers, Cher bourg, pei 19-20 3 6-40 13-19 Cauliflowers, Corn- wall, per crate Cucumbers, home- grown, select., per doz. — 2nds, per dozen 8 0-60 Horseradish, Eng- lish, pr. bundle 2 6 — > 0-10 0 S 0- 9 0 16 - i-0 10 4 0-5 Por There arc large stocks on hand ; very few samples stand colour, and prices have again fallen for second class. Dunbar Maincrops, S5s. to 95s. ; Dunbar Saxons, 70s. to 75s, ; Lincoln Maincrops, 50s. to 75*. ; do. Saxons and Abundance, 40s. to 70s.; do. Giants, 50s. to 55s. ; Blacklands, 35*. to 40s. John Rath, Wellington Street, Covcnt Garden. SEEDS. London: February 17. — Messrs. John Shaw & Sons, Seed Merchants, of Great Maize Pond, Borough, London, S.E , write that there were] but few buyers on to-day's seed market, and the business passing, owing, doubtless, to the still water-logged state of the land, was limited in extent ; indeed, the present season promises to be a late one. Prices for Clovers and Rye-grass seeds are without material alteration. For Tares thero is a good inquiry at full rates. A cablegram just received from New Zealand reports tho Cocksfoot crop much damaged by heavy rains A specu- lative movement which has sprung up is advancing quota- tions for Canary seed. There is no change in Hemp seed Peas and Haricots sell more freely at the modorate rates current. Scarlet Uunncr Beans are now obtainable on very Low terms. CORN. Average Prices of British Corn (per imperial qr.), for tho week ending February 13, and for tho corresponding period of 1890, together with tho difference in tho quotations. These Qgures are based on the Official Weekly Return : — Description. 1896. 1S97. hiti.-ivn. ... Wheat Barley Oats ». d. it 7 ■21 11 11 0 16 6 j. d. + 3 1 + 2 9 + 2 6 132 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 20, 1897. FBTTIT AND VEGETABLES. Glasgow : February 17. — Averages of the prices current at market during the past week :— Fruit : Pears, Scl. per lb. ; Apples, Is. to 2s. per stone ; Tomatos, Guernsey, Qd. per lb. ; do., Scotch, I0d. do. ;', Grapes, home, 2s. to 3s. do.; do., foreign, 8(2. do. Vegetables : — Turnips, white, 9d. doz. ■ bunches ; do. Swedes, Is. to Is. id. percwt. ; Savoys. \0d. to Is. 3d. per dozen ; Cabbages, 6d. to Sd. per dozen ; late do., lOd. to Is. do. ; red do., 2s. Qd. to 3s. do ; Cauli- flowers, English, 2s. to 2s. 9d. per dozen ; Parsnips, 4?. to 4s. Qd. per cwt. ; assorted Herbs, Id. to 2d. per bunch ; Leeks, Is. Qd. to 4s. per dozen bunches ; Mint, green, Qd. per bunch ; Onions, Dutch, 3s. to 3s. 9d. per bag ; do., Portugal, Is. per stone; do., Globe, ?s. Qd. to 4s. per cwt. ; Parsley, 3s. to 4s. per stone ; Greens, 3d. to 4rf. per bunch; Celery, table, Is. to 3s. per bundle; do., common, 9d, to Is. do. ; Potatos, best, Qd. per stone ; Carrots, 3s. to 4s. Qd. per cwt. ; Broccoli, 2s. to 3s. per dozen; Artichokes, 10s. to 12s. per cwt.; Cucumbers, 12s. to 15s. per dozen; Lettuces, round, Qd. to 9d. do.; do., French, Is. to Is. 3d. do. ; Radishes, (id. per dozen bunches ; Horseradish, 2s. to 2?. Qd. per bundle ; Mushrooms, Is. to Is. 3d. per lb. ; Rhubarb, Is. 9d. to 2s. per stone ; Beetroot, Qd. to Id. per dozen ; Cress, 3d. per basket ; Brussels Sprouts, 2s. to 2*. fid. per stone ; Endive, Is. Qd. to 2s. per dozen ; Spinach, 3s. to 4s. per stone. Liverpool: February 17. — Average of prices at following markets:— St. John's, Potatos, 8d. tolOd. per peck; Cucumbers, Is. each ; Grapes, English, 2s. to 3s. per lb. ; foreign do., 6d. to Sd. do. ; Pines, English, 4s. to 8s. each ; Mushrooms, Is. 3d. per lb. Birkenhead :— Potatos, Qd. to Sd per p ck; Cucumbers, Sd. to Is. each ; Grapes, English, 3s. per lb. ; foreign do., 6d. to Sd. do. ; Pines, foreign, 2s. to 5s. each ; Mushrooms, Is. to Is. 13d. per lb. North Hay : — Potatos, Imperators, Is. Sd. to Is. lOd. ; Giants, Is. Sd. to Is. lOd. ; Main Crop, 2s. 3d. to 2s. Qd. ; Champions, Is. Sd. to 2*. ; Bruces, Is. lOd to 2s. 3d. per cwt. ; Turnips, l(d. to Is. per 12 bunches ; Swedes, Is. 3d. to Is. Qd. per cwt. ; Car- rots, 3s. to 3s. Qd. do. ; Onions, 4s. to 4s. 6d. do. ; do., foreign, ?s. to 3s. 6d. do. ; Parsley, 12 bunches, lOd, ; Cauliflowers, Is. Qd. to 2s. per dozen ; Cabbages, 8d. to Is. Qd. do. ; Celery, Qd. to Is. 4d. do. Aphis on Broad-beans : D. B. S. The species is Aphis papaveris — the winged insect shining black, the wingless dull black. These insects suck the juices of the young tender stems, flower stalks, and lower sides of the leaves, causing red-brown patches on the latter. The insects void a sweet liquid, the so-called honeydew. This is the com- moner species ; a less common one is Siphonophora vicise, which is grass or olive-green, [the winged insect* black, with body of green and black in the hinderpart. A mixture of soft-soap, soot, water, and tobacco-juice, applied with a syringe, will clear them off. If they infest merely the tops of the stems, cut off the latter and burn them. Bacteria as Plant Food : Cwsar. If the experi- ments with nitragin are meant, wo believe that the substance has proved of no use in field culture of crops. Books: C. A. Birron, Vines and Vine Culture (171, Fleet Street); Ward, My Gardener (Eyre & Spot- tiswoode, East Harding Street, E.C. ). Dendrobic: A*. Y. Z. We know nothing of Deudro* drobiuui fimbriatum aureum. The typical D. fim- briatum has wholly yellow flowers ; and D. fim- briatum oculatum has similar flowers, but with a dark chocolate blotch at the base of the lip. Pro- bably if jou rested your plants in the latter part of the summer in au airy vinery or greenhouse they would give more spikes of flowers. Early Vinery started December 1 : E. II. Not detrimental to the Viues if the process of forcing is very gradual, as in all c -.sea it should be. Should the Vines have been forced early in previous years, they will start into growth quicker than would be the crfse with Vines not so treated. Of course, early forcing is not without its ill-effects on Vines iu course of time. Edging for a Bed of Lobelia cardinalis : A. P. As a harmonious edging, you might use a broad band of Ajuga reptaus. tuberous Begonias with crimson flowers, or some strong-growing tricolor Pelargoniums with a red zone in the leaf ; or, if the bed be a large one, and made on the lawn with a wide expanse of turf around, Brazilian Beet would have a good effect. If you decide on an edging that will contrast with the reddish foliage of the Lobelia, you might employ Centaurea ragusina, Cineraria maritima, Chamsepeuce diacantha, silvery variegated Pelargoniums, as Bijou, Flower of the Day, &c. A green-leaved Canna of low growth, such as C. Ehemanni, or a drooping broad- leaved plant, as Panicum sulcatum, would look well if the bed is one of large size. Lobelia beds should always be made convex in form, as by that means a greater number of the plants are seen at a glance, and the space left for the edging plants ample, otherwise there will be the appearance of the latter crowding the plants that provide the chief display. Edinburgh Royal Botanic Gardens : Rural. If you state your wishes to Professor J. B. Balfour, the director of the establishment, you will doubtless be furnished with the desired information. Fumigating a Vinery whilst Frdit and Leaves are still on the Vine : Rural. To do so would be imprudent, as the fumes might injure the Grapes, and certainly would impart an un- pleasant flavour to them. It is quite safe to use XL All Vapour, the odour being not perceptible after the lapse of a few days. Growers in the Channel Islands : C. S. N. The Fruit Growers' Year Book for the present year, price Is., will give the information sought. It is published at the Gable oflfice, 30, Fleet Street, E.C. Grubs gnawing Vine Roots : /. Herd. The grubs sent are those probably of the Vine-weevil, Otto- rhynchus Bulcatus, which you must get rid of, or they will work great injury to your Vines, both as grubs gnawing the roots, and perfect beetles eating the buds, &c. For a method by which to catch the latter, see the Gardeners' Chronicle for February 13, in answer to correspondent, "W. McH.M The weevil grubs are much more difficult to encompass however, and as they live mostly near the surface, and under clodB and stones, the soil, «fcc., should be turned over with a hand- fork, going carefully all over the area, picking up the grubs and destroying them. Insects : W. A. G. A large parasitic Ichneumon Fly that haB been the means of destroying some larger and probably injurious caterpillars. Manures for Froit Trees, &c. : //. R. Mineral phosphates of lime, or bones treated with sulphuric acid, i.e., superphosphate of lime, and such as contain much potash. These manures suit stone fruits. Apples, Pears, and bush fruits may be afforded artificial manure, rich iu nitrogen applied at the rate of 6 to 10 lb. per tree a year, in two or more dressings. The same would suit the Straw- berry, but adding a larger amount of potash, using the manure as a top-dressing in showery weather in spring and early summer. Medicinal Plants, &o. : /. C. L. Vanilla aromatica would not succeed in your greenhouse, the plant being a native of tropical South America, and requiring the temperature of a hothouse. Indeed, there are but very few medicinal plants which could be successfully grown in a greenhouse ; but if you could heat the house, say in winter from 58° — 70°, and in summer from 63° to 85°, there are many species which could be cultivated, of which we may iudicate Cepbiclis Ipecacuanha, Cinchona lanceolata, C. nobilis, Marauta arundiuacea, Piuer Betel, P. Cubeba, Quassia amara, Smilax Sarsa- parilla, Myroxylon balsamiferum, A mo in una carda- momum, Cinnamomum verum, &c. Besides these there are such plants as yield substances used in the arts, or as food, as Indiarubber, Sugar-cane, Cotton, Gutta-percha. Ginger, &c. ; or Tea, Coffee, Cocoa, Kola, Cabbage-Palm, and many others. A visit to the Economic -house at Kew will give you many more examples. Methods of Propagation : A. P. We are pleased to know that the articles have been found of use, but we are unable to say if the writer of them intends to publish them at some future time in book form. We hope that he does, and should raise no objection. Name of Fruit : Scott. Northern Greening. Names of Plants ; Correspondents not answered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number. — A Constant Reader. A very brightly coloured variety of Lselia anceps, and Cattleya Trianaei rosea. — C. L. 1, Odontoglossuni Andersonianum ; 2, an immature or imperfect flower of Odontoglossuni crispum. — Fir Croft. Newly-imported plants of Deudrobuiui WarJiauuni frequently produce flowers of large size, similar to those sent, and afterwards the blooms come of the usual size. Will you let us see a flower from the same plant next year? — R. N.H. A very pretty variety of Cattleya Percivaliana. The labellum is larger than usual, and the broad lilac margin is an effective feature. — J. F. The brilliantly- col oured Lichen is Cladonia coccifera, common in heathy places.— .4. S. K. 1, specimen insufficient; 2, Haworthia margaratifera; 3, Senecio Ksempferi aureo-maculata (Farfugium grande) ; 4, Euphorbia splendeus ; 5, specimen insufficient ; 6, Eucalyptus globulus ; 7, Fuchsia procumbens ; 8, probably Cam- panula fragilis: send when in flower; 9, Myrsi- phyllum medeoloides. Seeding Cinerarias : Constant Reader. If you are desirous of obtaining certain colours, forms, &c, the plants to be operated upon must be placed in a house a good distance away from the rest of the plants, covering them securely with hexagon netting so as to exclude the bees. Then you must proceed to cut off every bloom that was expanded at the time of removal, so as to have no chance crosses, but only those you desire, which may be attained by cross-fertilising by hand, or allowing the wind to carry the pollen from one plant to another. The first is the better method, but the chief condition is isolation from other plants, pollen being brought to it from one or more plants ; and when this is done the portions of the corymb operated upon by different pollen, should be in- dicated with small parchment tickets. Having obtained by this means flowers of excellent form and colouring, it will suffice for some years to keep the batches of different colours apart in pits or houses, distant from each other, and permit self-fertilisation to take place. The results will be good for a time, but at length there will be re- versions, more or less marked, to the earlier forms, and crossing by hand on isolated plants will have again to be had recourse to. The Best Variegated-leaved Plant for Filling a Hanging Basket : F. B. The best is a matter of taste. For a hothouse there are Cissus discolor, Cyrtodeira fulgida, Pothos argyrea. For a green- house or verandah there are Sibthorpia europaea variegata, Sedum Sieboldi, Saxifraga sarmentosa, Fuchsia Sunray, Pelargonium Manglesii, Leuco- phyta Browni, very slender plant, with grey stems and foliage ; or Mesembryanthemum cordifolium variegatum. Vineries : Vine-planting. The new house is not built according to modern ideas, but good Grapes can doubtless be grown in it. The space in the front need not be wasted, Grapes growing just as well on that part of the stem which is vertical as on the oblique parts, that is if you do not crowd the Vines with plants in pots. The best Grapes are grown on Vines planted in inside borders, with acceSB to an outside one ; but such borders require more attention, and are expensive in keeping them iu a healthy condition. The '■ winter rains " do good not harm to the Viues, and it is only when early forcing is carried on that the border needs warmth, and protection from the elements. A border 9 feet wide would support Vines for five or six years, and would then require to be renewed or made wider, or both. If you have a border outside and another inside, they should be on one level for somo distance, say 1^ yards from the front of the vinery, being continued with a moderate slope to the margin. Could you not lift your old Vines that are planted in the out- side border in September, make a new border in- side and out, and build a new front wall resting on piers? You would then have the opportunity to make the new borders of one level. If the Vines are planted inside there will be no need of holes in the wall to put the Vine stems through, and the roots will extend to the outside by means of the wide openings beneath the foot of the wall. The Vine sterna can be protected from tho heat given off by the hot-water pipes by enclosing them (the stems) in wooden pipes or pieces of cork, and the roots just below the pipes by a thick mulch or a line of stout planks. Communications Rkceived.— J. B.— W. E. G.— Dr. S.— J. D. F. W. B.— M. Cogaiaux.— G. Truflhut, Versailles.— E. C— E. C D., Coonoor.— H., C. P.— A. P.— G. E.— H. L. H.— D. McD.— H. Morris.— H. W. W.— Brown k Sons, Bristol. — B. Cowan. -A. F. B.-T. B.— H. C, Geneva.— J. E. P. C. de B., Antwerp.— L. B.— N. Y.— E. A.— L. H. B., Ithaca. —J. H. C. S.-J. D.-T. B., St. Leonards —.1. O'B.— E. C— W. A. C— D. J. H.— C. C— W. T. a, &c, Received with Thanks.— February 27, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 133 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1897. VARIATION AND ENVIRONMENT. CAREFULLY studying the various articles which have recently appeared in this connection, and especially that of the Rev. Q-. Henslow in your issue of January 30, I am forced to the conclusion that scientific botanists do not take into sufficient account the capacity of plants to sport, and sport into extreme types, under such normal conditions of environment as preclude the idea that a change in these has constituted the stimulus to the variation observed. Mr. Henslow remarks, "That no no true variety will arise if the environment be constant is a belief based on a large amount of observation, but that new variations only arise in consequence of ' changed conditions of life,' as Darwin and Wallaco call them, is accepted, I suppose, by all evolutionists in Europe. Indeed, these essays, The Survival of the Unlike, J. H. Bailey, New York, abundantly corro- borate this belief." Further on he quotes Mr. Bailey thus : " I believe that tho greater part of the present differences in organisms are the result, directly and indirectly, of external stimuli," and accepts this conclusion as correct, deducing from it that " mutability depends upon environment." Finally, Mr. Bailey's three suggested causes of variation are quoted, viz. : " (1), External stimuli; (2), Internal acquired energy (n seen in sports, primarily dire to cultivation) ; and (3), Sexual intermixing." Now all Ihese quotations and axioms, except (3), as last quited, which is outsido the present mission, point in one direction, viz., that without a change in the environment, plants remain constant, and with this point I propose to deal in counection with Ferns, that particular family of plants which I have now assiduously studied for mauy years, in its varietal aspects, both as a selective cultivator, and what is par- ticularly to the point, as a searcher for new forms in the wild state. With regard to Ferns, our British species especially, there is, I imagine, no class of plants existing in the world which has been the object of so much research in thoir wild and perfectly uncultivated state, and cortainly none which has yiolded such a rich harvest of wide departures from the normal types under natural conditions of growth. The distinct and con- stant varieties thus found number certainly many hundreds. This being so, I am, I think, perfectly justified in regarding tho evidonco afforded by tho results as peculiarly to the point, and as tho bulk of it is established beyond all doubt by records contemporaneous with tho " finds," and made by more reliable authorities, it merits serious consideration by all evolu- tionists. Tho roason why it has not, to my mind, recoived this consideration so far is, that Fern- hunting has been peculiarly an amateur's hobby, demanding a great expenditure of time and patience, and stimulated by a faith which can only be engendered by a certain amount of good fortune at the outset. Hence the enthu- siasts, all told, are very few in number, and the truly scientific botanist is not found among their ranks, because his time is too much absorbed in systematic study and research in other and better-defined directions to permit of it. The immediate result of this is a tendency on the part of the scientist to relegate all the abnormal forms to tho " garden" varieties, and to ignore the very important fact that the large majority of forms owe nothing whatever to the stimulus of cultivation, but originated under precisely tho same conditions of environment as the millions of normal Ferns among which they were found. All the typical variations, and among them some very extreme forms, were thus found, and although it is quito true that under selective culture their distinctive characters have in some cases become more developed in their progeny, in a large number of instances the original finds have not only survived — for Ferns seem to have no definite limit of life — but they have been propagated by division as well as by spores ; so that every good collection affords plenty of original material for studying what variation can'arise, independently, as I maintain, of any of the three causos suggested by Mr. Bailey. For instance (and here be it observed, I have some of my own " finds" in mind, as well as those cited), what " external stimuli" can we imagine capable of trans- forming the normal frond of Athyrium filix- fcemiua into that remarkable percruciate cris- tate form known as A. f.-f. Victorian, a solitary plant of which was found growing with the common form in abundance around it, under purely natural conditions, " by the side of a by-way on the margin of a wood ? " How can we imagine an adequate stimulus so extremely local in effect that no second find of the type has turned up among all the Ferns of the world? "Internal acquired energy" there must, of course, have been in the spore or the prothallus ; but Mr. Bailey confines this causo to "sports, primarily due to cultivation," with which category this plant cannot possibly be classed. This extreme case is a typo of many. The hunter descends into a glen untouched by tho hand of man, and seldom by his foot. Ferns of various species Hue tho rocky banks and peep from every crevice, hundreds and thousands ; all may be without a traco of variation, and sud- denly in one of the myriad chinks in the self- same rock-formation or bank of drifted alluvial in which the rest are rooted, and mingling its roots and fronds with theirs, he finds one, and one only, of an altogether difforent typo. Removod and put tinder culture, changing its environment thus very completely, it not only retains its peculiar form from generation to generation of men, but even its progeny may be true to its typo, tho great change in environment producing no appreciable sub- sequent effect whatever. Again, I ask where is tho external stimulus in such a caso as this ? and add, why has tho subsequent stimulus of protective culture no apparent olfect whatever upon a variation already presumed to be caused by a difference in environment, which is quite inappreciable to investigation ? Surely, wero difference of environment tho exciting causo in those wide variations, wo should expect to find traces of similar olfoct in tho other plants with which it wns actually mingled in tho vicinity; but evidence of this sort is rare, or rather, non- existent, since although it occasionally happens that several independent plants are found near together, they are generally so identical in type as to be ostensibly seedlings derived from the original sport, which may or may not be dis- criminated from the rest by its larger size. Where, too, in all these cases, can we find evidence of the changed conditions of life, to revert to Darwin's and Wallace's phrase already quoted, as essential to the appearance of new variations ? In the case of roadside finds, which are not infrequent, the conveyance to them by wind of a certain amount of manurial dust, may be urged as possible, and I yield to the argument that here, at any rate, purely natural conditions are vitiated, while doubting much if the varieties even here are in the least induced thereby ; but in glens, mountain-sides, and rocky Fern-habitats in unfrequented spots there is nothing that I can conceive constituting such a change of conditions of life as would induce an altogether different structural plan, and one, moreover, which in some forms of variation is actually adverse to its con- tinued existence. An Athyrium, fc*r instance, I found in a wood in Ireland, was so heavily crested, moreover so brittle in structure, that it was dwarfed and battered to pieces by the little wind it met with there ; but under glass it became a fair-sized plant. Another point is, that these varieties start as such from tho prothallus, and their peculiarities do not originate as tho plant grows up. Hence, we must antedate the sport as prior to the exist- ence of the Fern itself. The parent Fern of an initial sport must be externally normal, and it is this which must be so affected by " changed conditions of life," that its spores become modified ; yet, as I have said, the general environment is at once normal, and has evi- dently undergone no essential change of climate, temperature, soil, aspect, or anything else beyond the ordinary vicissitudes of weather, it and the plants in it have been subjected to for ages. It seems to ma, therefore, in view of those facts, which ca:i bj easily demonstrated, the belief "that no true variety will arise if the environment be constant," cannot possibly be upheld, since many true Fern varieties have undoubtedly arisen where the environment has been unchanged. "External stimuli " aro also exceedingly difficult to bring in as factors, as, under the circumstances described, we cau hardly concoive theso to be concentrated upon one normal plant in such a way as to cause it to modify its spores — or a single spore, it may be — so profoundly, as to yield so different an offspring, endowed moreover with such con- stancy of reproduction of its own particular type, that subsequent ontiro change of environ- ment fails] to alter it. Internal - acquired energy, in those casos, cannot bo derived from cultural stimulus, nor seemingly from any special stimulus of environment ; while "sexual intermixing " is out of the question where the crossing can only bo botween normals of same species. All theso causes failing, therefore, to satisfy my mind, I am driven to tho conclusion that, so far as tho causos of initial variation are concerned, we aro absolutely in the dark at present. Onco a species sports, wo can easily conoeivo that tho subsequent varia- tion in the progony to which our horti- culturists, agriculturists, cattle-breeders, &c, owe so much results from the varied modus vim n'li arrived at by the conflicting olements of being presont in tho conjoined primordial germs ; but tho cause of tho first doparture 134 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 27, 1897. is a profound mystery, as is the point of its commencement. In the Pern, it may be in the spore, it may be in a modified authe- rozoid or archegonial cell, or it may even be in some subtle local modification of the parental Fern, which consequently produced the modified spore ; but in any case, for the time being, the origin of life itself and that of its subsequent initial variation must be classed with first causes, and therefore with the un- known, if not with the unknowable. At any rate, it is well, as research proceeds, to guard against the accepting as "beliefs" of theories which cannot be substantiated, since the history of science is only too rich in stumbling-blocks of this description. Another moral which I deduce from the foregoing is, that the study of domestic plants alone is not sufficient ; what is needed is a more extended study of plants in the wild state. This, I am certain, would lead to considerable modifications of the ideas at present held of the greater variability of plants under culture. Most of these owe their varia- bility not so much to the culture, as to the fact that they are the progeny of "sports," and hence more apt to vary again for reasons above cited; but my own opinion, based on experi- ence in my particular line is, that original "breaks" occurjustas frequently undor natural conditions as under culture, though the exam- ples being isolated and scattered about among the myriads of normal plants, are infinitely more liable to escape observation than where the plants from seed to fruition are under the trained eye of the grower ever on the qui vive for novelties. Ohas. T. Driiery, F.L.S. Orchid Notes and Gleanings. New or Noteworthy Plants. CYPRIPEDIUM TRIUMPHANS = SALLIERI HYEANUM x (ENANTHUM SUPERBUM. One more novelty of foremost rank was recently to be seen in flower in the collection of Thomas Statter, Esq., Stand Hall, Lancashire. The dorsal sepal is of rhomboid form across the centre, and lessening slightly towards the base, and less so towards the apes. The blood of the fusion is very marked, and en- hances the quality of the limb which is coloured, in detail, too, back as well as front. The petals and pouch resemble the pollen parent in form and colour. There were two flowers on the plant, one of which was sent to Mr. Macfarlane for figuring in colours, and the other remained on the i lant. The rhomboidal dorsal sepal is of the size of that of the largest C. Salliori, and the two-thirds of its surface has a yellowish shaded green ground, upon which chocolate or rather magenta coloured spots, the size of Sweet. Pea seed, aro crowded together almost to over* lapping, although keeping their orbicular shape. These spots get smaller and brighter towards the apex. The colours are decided, and give character to the flower. The under portion of the back differs from the front in having emerald green lines radiating from the base towards the apes, stopping short of the white ground ; the ground colour is flushed with pink, and narrowly margined with white. The inferior sepal is in form ovate acuminate, two-thirds of the size of the dorsal sepal, has a greenish ground colour adorned with a white margin, the apex being particularly noticeable. The petals, as in C. cenauthuin superbum, are of a vinous red colour, with a yellow margin, which is very striking. The pouch is identical in colour with the petals, and excellently formed. The staminode is very large, more cordate than the staminode of either parent, and has an elongated tubular shaft attaching it to the basal limb, from whence it springs. The colour of the cordate extremity is of a fine yellow shade. It has the appearance of being of good con- stitution, and bears a longish peduncle, always a- desirable feature. J. A mlerson. DENDROBIUM KENNETH (BENSONI^^, MAcCARTHIiE 9 ). (See Fig. 37, p. 133.) Dendrobifm MacCarthi», a plant generally con- sidered difficult to grow, has flowers of such beauty, which differ so greatly from those of other species, that crosses obtained from it are extremely desirable. So thought Norman C. Cookson, Esq., of Oakwood, Wylam, near Newcastle, when he and Mr. Wm. Murray, his gardener, crossed D. MacCarthite with pollen of D. Bensonise in 1889. The seeds ripened, and were sown in July, 1890, and the plants made such rapid progress that he was enabled to show it for the first time in flower on March 10, 1896, a fact duly recorded in Hie Gardeners' Chronicle, the plant having the Award of Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society. Mr. Cookson again exhibited a plant at the meet- ing on February 9 last. By a mistake when it was first exhibited, I>. Bensouke was placed as the seed- bearer, but Mr. Cookson informs us that he has never been able to get a pod of seed on that species. Those who are not used to the vagaries of colour iu crosses and hybrids would expect to see more of the rose-colour and purple of D. MacCarthie blended with the cream-white of D. Bensouice, but these are two tints which when apparent in the parents often quite disappear in the offspring. The form of D. MacCarthioe in the cross is strikingly shown in the long segments, and more especially in the elongated form of the lip. The colour of the flowers is cream-white, with a downy purple veining on the disc. DeNDROBIUM WaRDIaNUM OANDIDUBI. A good example of what is often named D. War- dianum album is sent by Mr. Win. Bolton, Wildera* pool, Warrington. The flower is of good size, pure white, with a yellow base to the lip, on which are two small but clearly-defined red-brown blotches. Apropos of thesa white varieties of D. Wardianum, it may be mentioned that they not only vary in size from one year to another, but they are more espe- cially liable to vary in the size and depth of colour of the red-brown spots on the lip. A few years ago Chas. Winn, Esq., The Uplands, Selly Hill, Birming- ham, noted that a white D. Wardianum, whose flower had been remarkable in that the brown marks on the lip had beon previously almost entirely suppressed, on flowering again had them as well defined as in some ordinary A. Wardianum. Dendroihum Wardianum var. The beautiful Dendrobium Wardianum is at this setson one of the most beautiful of Orchids, and much variety is displayed in examplos received from different correspondents. The large-it and most richly -coloured comes from Mr. W. H. Young, Orchid- grower at Clare Lawn, East Sheen. This flower is excellent in every point, and especially in the pure whiteness of the petals, and deep rich claret-purple tips to the sepal*, petals, and lip. The sepals are likewise tinged with purple at the back, which is visible from the front through the substance of the flower. The petals are heavily tipped with rich claret-purple. The labellum is of a bright orange hue, and possesses the usual rod-brown blotches at the base ; the apex is pure white, except the tips, which are claret-red. J. &B. Renanthera OOCOINEa. This quaiut and interesting Orchid is now in bloom with us. The plant is bearing sixty blooms on a five-branched raceme, which aro of a bright brick- red colour. It is the more interesting because of its peculiar mode of growth. Our plant is climbing a pole about 9 feet high — & la mode de Speed de Chats- worth— and is growing in a span-roofed structure, 40 feet by '20 feet by 11 feet, and this where the temperature during the continuous wintor of 1S94-5 frequently fell to 35° Fahr., the homo being fully exposed to tlie east. Up to two years ago I grew the plant in a small stove, where it was oxposed to the sunlight as much as poss'ble ; but not being satisfied with the progress it made, it was placed at the cooler par;; of an inter mediate -house, which was in use for exhibiting all kinds of hard and soft-wooded plants, including Orchids. I find that to be well wetted with the syringe three times a day in summer and once in winter accords with its requirements. The progress mide during the past two y«ars by the plant in the intermediate-house has been rapid, and the foliage is leathery and healthy looking. Doubtless many plants of Renanthera are grown in too much heat, and if those gardeners who have more than one plant would try one or two in a temperature of 50° to 60° in winter, and 70° in summer, they would be well satisfied with the results. By the way, have any of our Orchid hybridists taken Renantheras and Vandas in hand? In case any of them require pollen masses to experiment with, I should be pleased to give it. W. J. Grace, Bickton, Fordingbridge. THE FLOWER INDUSTRIES OF SOUTHERN FRANCE AND PARTS. From December till May is the Beason for the flower industries. It is only within tho last fifteen years that the commercial culture of flowers in France has attained its present large proportions. The area now devoted to flower-farms, where entire fields, not bads, are cropped with the most lovely and odoriferous flowers, lies in the area twenty by ten miles in extent which takes in Cannes, Nice, and Qrasse. The climate as well as the soil are especially suitable to the enterprise in question. Sub-divisions of the area have also their peculiar floral out-puts. Cannes, Nice, and Antibesare reputed fortheir-famous Roses ; Qrasse for its Jonquils, Violets, Tuberoses, Jasmine, Mignonette ; Hyeres and Frejus, for Violets ; the suburbs of Cannes, for Piuks. Bulbous plants succeed everywhere. In the matter of profit, the districts of Antibes and Cannes rank first ; excellent outputs are also secured round the Golfe de Juan and Beaulieu. The total area actually cropped with flowers is nearly 1800 acres, of which the commune of Nice represents 500, and Cannes, Antibes, Mentone, and Grasse each 250 acres. The villa residences commence to encroach on the flower lands, but the house proprietors themselves grow flowers, and that, with letting their villas, h«lps to make up the means of living. The very large growers of flowers reBemble, it may be said, large farmers ; they sell their produce to the laboratories or to contractors, or they enter into partnership with intelligent labourers, and divide profits. This is the mCtayer, or partner, system applied to floriculture. In the winter season the culture is confined to the raising of cut and ornamoutal flowers. In summer the aim is to cultivate for the laboratories, that is, distillation for porfumery, to prepare essences, pomades, and scented " waters ; " it is also the season for gathering-in seeds. It is a popular error to suppose that no skill or outlay is required to produce the supplies of flowers for northern latitudes between Christmas and May. Flower culture exacts capital and increasing care. Doubtless many conclude that the flowers grow naturally iu the open air — this is an error ; some do, but the most delicate and tho most beautiful species are raised under glass. In the regions of Nice, Grasse, and Mentone, there are 200 acres of land covered over with glass frames, each frame costing at least 7s , so that much capital is sunk in the industry. Other flowers are raised under canvas tents, and many are protected by matting. Roses and Pinks are grown uuder glass ; while whito Lilac, Lily of the Valley, and also Pinks are forced into bloom in the space of eighteen days. The Lilac is white, because grown in darkness, but when exposed to the sun, it rapidly assumes its tints, and no fewer than 200 shades of Lilac have been recorded —a collection the late M. Chevreul never could deliueate. It is in the bloom and colour-pro- ducing efficacy of the suu that much of the secret of flower farming resides. Violets are generally grown beneath the shade of Orange trees, or uuder the shadow of walls. The Russian variety is classed first, then the Queen Victoria, which is of a deeper hue. Februabv 27, 189?.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 135 Flower-culture could never have succeeded were it not for the railway companies facilitating the industry. They guaranteed the quickest trains from the South to the North of France, accepting the flowers packed in special oner-baskets, and limited to parcel-post weights, never exceeding 11 lb. It is thus that Nice, and other places, supply London, Berlin, Stockholm, &c. None goes to St. Petersburg : the parcels, even for the Imperial family, are too severely handled while passing through the Customs. Germany is the best customer of France for flowers. The prices of flowers depend upon the weather and fashion. Formerly, Berlin gave the top prices, now all are on. a level ; while the cultivators have their own daily latest market quotations published as if it were corn, pork, or coal. At Cannes, Roses range from 2d. to 7s. per dozen ; Pinks, Id. to 4s. ; Orchids, Is. 6d. the essence. Nice and Grasse work up yearly 800 tons of fat, and 500 of oil, in the preparation of per- fumery. It takes 2fi tons of Ho.se petals to prepare 2\ lb. of essence of roses, the latter representing £100. In 1892, the railway station at Cannes alone for- warded 900 tons of flowers, valued at £160,000. The profits of flower farming fluctuate between 8 and 18 per cent. France alone consumes the moiety of the total of her flower out-put. Paris is the great consumer ; the capital needs perfumes and flowers for its fStes, weddings, and funeral ceremonies. It wishes flowers upon mantel-pieces above a blazing fire— for bouquets in the eyes of French people mean gaiety. A bunch of Parma Violets can glide into a muff, can decorate a button-hole, or ornament a corsage. The wholesale market of Paris, with which the Fig. 37. — dkndrobiom "kenneth:" flowers oreamt white; lip purple at the base, (see p. 134.) to 3*. ; Narcissus that sell at one time at Id. each, can at other times be had at the same price per dozen. Occasionally, taste runs in favour of white, red, or yellow colours. During the General Boulanger craze in Franco, and especially Paris, red Carnations obtained fancy prices, because the favourite flower of the then "hero of the day ;" of late, these flowers do not sell at all. Flowers for transport are generally cut before sun- rise ; the best only are ohosen, nnd are packed with cotton, as in the case of Camellias, Roses, and such Orchids as do not staud the journey, or with t'ssue- paper, or even both. Acacia or Mimosa generally lines the baskets. Flowers as a rule, are not distilled at Grasse, &c. ; but tho leaves, bark, peedp, roots, &c., of odoriferous plants are. Tho perfume in the other cases is se- cured by pressing tho petals between layers of suet or lard ; when the perfume has been absorbed, the grease ia dissolved in alcohol, which in turn absorbs writer only deals, is held in the central cross-alley of tho Halles Centrales. In summer — April to Sep- tember-the hours are 3 to S a.m. ; in winter, 4 to 9. The right-hand side of the alley is reserved for tho flowers from Southern France, as delivered by the railway vans ; the left side is allocated to the flori- culturists of Paris and its suburbs, who have forcing- pits and greenhouses of their own. There are about thirty-two licensed retail sellers, who pay id. for their stand of as many hours. There are two sworn auctioneers, who give security each for £400 ; their fee is 5 per cent. The thousands of small baskets from Nice, &c, of 4 to 1 1 lb. weight, are sold by the dozen ; if possible, the same kind of flowers are disposed of simultaneously. Then there is in the distance a regiment of hawkers, who come to buy from tho auction salesmen ; they have a hand- cart, which they hire for Qd. a day, paying 2d. moro for tho liberty to trundle along the streets; these are the subaltern distributors of the floral harvost. In addition to the special " local " flower markets of Paris, there are 230 fieuristes — there were only 45 in 1870 — or flower shops, that have magnificent contents along the leading boulevards and main thoroughfares. Their windows are often marvellous displays of floral wealth, united to art. The contents of each window constitute an object-lesson in the harmony of colours, in the arrangement of shades and of volume, of flower- ing plants [the taste is sometimes questionable, witness the large ribbon bows and satin streamers inter- mingled]. What wreaths, what bouquets, what painting of the Lily ! All is the work of the Bpecial lady shop-assistant, known as the color iste ; she receives £12 per month for merely dressing the window, and inventing combinations for bouquets. The flewistcs in Paris are wealthy, like their customers, who command bouquets and plants vary- ing from £4 to £20. Many of the fieuristes have their own greenhouses in the suburbs, and take by contract what is most beautiful for sale by privatu growers. They possess every flower " out " of season, of the very newest variety, with the freshest. of bloom, and displaying the brightest colours. Edward Conner. CRATAEGUS. {Continued from. p. 120.) C. DouQLAsn. — One of the largest-growing of the genus, attaining a height of more than 30 feet. It is a native of Western North America, and was discovered by David Douglas in the valley of the Colorado River, and introduced in 1827. The leaves are obovate, elliptical, or cuneate, glabrous, and of a bright glossy- green, averaging 2£ to 3 inob.es in length and width, the upper two-thirds being serrated. The wood is armed with short, stout spines three-qnarters of an inch long. The abundant white flowers are produced in broad cymes during May, each flower three- quarters of an inch across. Its small fruit, which ripens in August, is black and shining, and falls soon after ripening. Sargent says that the tree attains its greatest size in the valleys of Western Oregon and North California, growing most freely on the margins of streams, where it often forms impenetrable thickets. At Kew it is the largest of the Thorns. C. Jlava. — A small tree of spreading habit, with darkly-coloured wood, well furnished with spines, 1 to 1 j inch long. The leaves are broadly ovate or obovate, as long as the spines, crenate, slightly lobed towards the apex, and slightly pubescent on the prominent veins. The corolla is ^-inch across, white, and the lobes of the calyx are very markedly glan- dular. The fruit is pear-shaped, j^-iuch long, and ripens late; its colour is greeuish-jellow. It is not one of the most desirable Thorns, neither flowering nor fruiting with much freedom in this country. A native of the United States. Var. clliptka (Sargent) is smaller and more shrubby than the type, and has thicker, broader leaves. It differs also in the fruit, which is small, and sometimes red, instead of yellow. C. mullis. — There are few Thorns from either the Old or the New World which are better worth a place in the garden than this. It is one of the largest- flowered of the species, and its fruits are also of good size, and finely coloured. Its nearest ally is C. coc- chiea, and judging by the numerous forms in culti vation at Kew, it has probably hybridised with that species. It may, however, be generally distinguished by its larger and more pubesoont leaves. In some cases tho pubescence is so abundaut that thoy are quite soft to the touch. Tho flowers are produced in large flat corymbs, and aro fully 1 inch across ; they are white, with a dark red ring in the coutre. The fruits are mostly spherical, and about tin.. quarters of au inch in diameter, and of a deeper but not so bright a rod as those of C. coccinea. [Tnfei tuuatcly, they fall early, and tho trees are h:re of them by the end of September. C. mollis is from the United States, and is a tree of vigorous growth reaching 'JO to 30 feet in hoight. 136 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Fbbbuary 27, 1897. C. punctata. — A well-marked and handsome Thorn, with obovate leaves, which can always be recognised by the prominent parallel veins running from the midrib. The blade extends down each aide of the petiole almost to the base, the upper surface being dark green and glabrous, the lower one paler green and pubescent ; the leaves are 2 to 4 inches long, and irregularly toothed, except at the base. The wood is grey, and sparsely set with straight, stout spines, 1£ inch long. The fruit is almost globular, about 1 inch in diameter, and dark red in the typical form. Var. xanthocarpa (or aurea) has bright yellow fruits ; var. striata has them red with yellowish streaks near the base ; and in var. brevispina they are of a dark dull red. In all the varieties the fruits are speckled with small, pale-coloured dots. The flowers appear in May in large flat corymbs. This is a small tree, 15 to 20 feet high, in this country forming a low spreading head. It was introduced from North America in 1746. The species bears some resem- blance in its foliage to C. tomentosa, and has by some authors been made a variety of it ; but the smaller, more oval, and always erect fruits of C. tomentosa (not to mention other characters) make it abundantly distinct. C. spululata.—At Kew this is a small, flat-headed tree a few feet high, with light grey, thin branches, but in the United States it gets to be 18 feet or more high. The leaves are spatulate, firm aud glossy, K inch long, the blade narrowing at the base to a narrow strip at each side of the petiole ; they are sometimes deeply three-lobed, or are undivided, with merely creoate margins. During some seasons the foliage remains on the tree, and keeps green up to the new year. The flowera are white, half an inch across, and appear in May. The haws are perhaps the smallest of any species in cultivation, being about one-eighth of an inch across ; they ripen in October, and are then bright scarlet. This interesting and distinct Thorn is a native of the Southern United States, aud was originally discovered by Michaux in South Carolina. Lindley figured it in the Botanical Register) t. 1846, as C. microcarpa, an appropriate name, but of later creation than the one here used. C. tomentosa. — One of the most distinct of the North American Crataegus, and although bearing some resemblance to C. punctata, is easily distinguished from it by its very different fruits. It has ovate leaveB 3 to 4 inches long, which are irregularly toothed except towards the base, dark glossy green and almost glabrous above, but covered beneath with a fine tomeu- tum. The white flowers are h to £ inch across, and appear on pubescent corymbs later in the season than most of the Thorns. It is not abundantly armed with spines ; the few it possesses are 1 to 1^ inch long, and of a light grey colour like the branches. The fruits of this species always stand erect, and are of the same shape as the haws of C. Oxya- cantha, but larger ; they are of a yellowish colour when ripe. The calyx-lobes adhering to the apex of the fruit are linear and toothed. This is a tree 10 to 15 feet high, and was introduced from the Eastern United States by Lee and Kennedy, of the Hammersmith Nursery, in 1765. C. unijlora. — This is probably the dwarfest of all the Crataegus, being generally a bush 2 feet to 3 feet high. It is said, in rare instances, to become a bushy tree 10 to 12 feet high. It has slender needle-like spines about 1 iuch long. The leaves are spatulate, and from § to 2 inches long, with crenate margins ; they are glossy dark green above, and pubescent on both surfaces, but especially so beneath. The creamy-white flowers are solitary or occasionally in pairs, and i to #-inch across. They are followed by pear-shaped fruits h to J-inch long, greenish-yellow, with large calyx-lobes still adhering at the apex, which are nearly i-inch long, strap-shaped, pointed and toothed. This species is one of the late-flower- ing group, and is often pretty iu the early weeks of June. Its dwarf habit, solitary flowers, and large sepals, make it one of the most distinct. It was introduced from the United States by Bishop Compton in 1713. C. viridis (syn. C, arborescens). — A nmall tree, reaching in the United State^a height of 20 feet or more. The leaves are mostly obovate, bright green above, glabrous on both surfaces, aud minutely crenate, occasionally Blightly lobed, aud from 14 to 3 inches long. The wood is, as a rule, devoid of spines, but what few there are, are about 1 inch long, sharply pointed, and pale-coloured. The flowers are white, three-quarters of an inch across, and produced in May ; whilst the fruit is bright scarlet or orange- coloured, and about three-eighths of an inch in diameter. This species does not appear to be of great value in Britain, neither flowering nor fruiting in great abundance. W. J. Bean. Florists1 Flowers. GARDEN PINKS. Our garden Pinks can be appropriately divided into a few types. There is the section of white Pinks represented by Mrs. Sinkios, Her Majesty, Snowflake, Mrs. Lakin, alba, and fimbriate. These are valuable as market Pinks, and iu the western and other parts of Middlesex they axe grown extensively in the fields, the plantations lasting for a considerable time. Her Majesty is one of the best forcing Pinks, and if the plants have been grown iu the open all the summer, they may be potted in the autumn, placed for a time in a cold frame, and then brought gently on in warmth so as to flower in early spring. Then there are the ordinary garden Pinks— Early Blush, Paddingtou, Lord Lyon, Souvenir de Sale, Anna Boleyn, Ernest Lad hams, and others, which form striking masses in the mixed border. The dwarf -growing, small-flowered, and profuse-blooming Bedfont types form a section of themselves ; they make a suitable edging to the taller varieties, and the short stiff stems need no tying. For bunching purposes they equal any other variety of Pink. Then there are the florists' laced varieties, which, though chiefly grown for exhibition, are yet, in many cases, excellent border flowers, par- ticularly the varieties Modesty, John Bull, Mrs. Dark, Mrs. Thos. McCrorie, and a few others. It is sometimes said the laced Pinks do not bloom freely, but this is iucorrect, as they generally flower with remarkable freedom. A few of the finest laced varieties, from the exhibitors point of view, will be found in Boiard, Device, Empress of India, Favourite, Harry Hooper, Minerva, Princess Louise, The Rector, and Zoe. Some excellent varieties are grown iu the North, but they are not so well known in the South as they deserve to be. One type of the florists' exhi- bition Pink — the white*and-black, as it is termed — is, it is feared, bocoming extinct. In this Pink no marginal lacing exists, and the fine stout, well-rounded petals surround a dark-coloured centre, and make a btriking contrast. To see this typo at its best, the flowera require more care when developing than the laced Pinks, and it is prudent to bloom them under glass, and neither Bun, wind, nor rain should be per- mitted to dim their lustre. High cultivation only will produce fine exhibition Pinks. The bed must be prepared by heavy manuring, deep digging and pulverising the clods. The time to plant is the last weok in September, or soon afterwards. The bed should be raised above the surrounding level by fully 8 inches in the centre, and fall away to 4 inches at the edge. This is done to secure dryness at the root duriug the winter. Early planting ensures good root- hold, and there is then less danger of the plants being loosened by frost. Still, it is always well to press the plants dowu firmly into the soil after a thaw, and before a top-dressing is applied. The sooner in the year the top-dressing can be employed the better. The usual method is to pass horse -drop pings and rotten leaves through a half-inch sieve, aud when this is applied to place a thin row of sprays of Spruce Fir between each line of plants, and this, stauding a little above the plants, protects them from the cold winds of March. This is a precaution that is, however, required more in the North, but it is a sensible precaution in the South notwithstanding. Early in April the branches can be removed, and another similar top-dressing afforded, Ji, D. LYCORIS SQUAMIGERA. This Japanese species of Lycoris is apparently hardy in the neighbourhood of London. Iu fig. 38, p. 137, we have pleasure in presenting a view of some plants which flowered at Isle worth, in the garden of Mr. A. Worsley, to whom we are indebted for the photo- graph. Iu an accompanying note Mr. AVorsley says that the plants were growing beside an unheated Peach- wall in the open, and that the bulbs received no protection whatever at any time. It is, therefore, a plant well suited for planting in the narrow bor- ders, with southern aspect, that skirt many of the plant-houses in most gardens, and where the Guern- sey Lily, Tritonias, Montbretias, and similar bulbous plants do well. Lycoris squamigera generally blooms in July or August ; the flowers arc fragrant, and rosy-lilac in colour. The peduncle occasionally grows 3 feet high, and bears generally about five or six flowers in an umbel. The perianth is about 3 inches long, and the tube au inch loug. The leaves are produced in spring, and are more than a foot in length, and an inch iu width at the centre. NITRATE OF SODA VERSUS SUL- PHATE OF AMMONIA. The comparative value of nitrogen for fertilising purposes in the form of sulphate of ammonia or of nitrate of soda, has been strongly debated iu this and other countries, and lias been the subject of nume- rous experiments upon many different kinds of plants, and in different descriptions of soils. Professor Wagner believes that for most crops it will require 100 lb. of actual nitrogen in the form of sulphate of ammonia to produce as large results as 90 lb. in the form of nitrate of soda. In other words, nitrogen in nitrate of soda he considers one-tenth more effective than in the form of sulphate of ammonia. Theso results seem to confirm the investigations of other experi- menters, especially if lime be added with the nitrate. The sulphate of ammonia has very frequently beeu found to retard or destroy the germination of seeds if they come iu contact with it, but there is much less danger from the nitrate. On certain soils, especially those of a light character, a mixture of sulphate ammonia and nitrate of soda is to be recommended. It must always be remembered that nitrate uf soda is more easily washed away into the subsoil by heavy rains than is sulphate of ammonia, therefore the former should never be applied until there is a crop ready to take it up, as it dissolves in the soil. Liquid- manure hastens the germination of most seeds, and has a permanent good effect upon the young plant by the rapidity with which its ammonia gets con- verted by decomposition into nitrates, J.J. Willis, Harpenden. METHODS OF PROPAGATION. (Continued from p. 104.) By Means of Roots. — The herbaceous perennia plants may mostly be increased by these ready means, as well as by simple division, which is an every-day means of increasing these plants. That which I wish to bring to the notice of the reader is the increase of Btock by the denudation and cut- ting up of the larger roots of some of these perennial plants, which can only be profitably increased in this manner. Some of these plants form nodules or tubers, which are generally stores of starch, intended to provide nutriment for the young plant when making growth in the spring ; and just as the hyber- natiug animals lay up abundauce of fat before they retire to their long winter sleep, so do some plauts store the vegetal analogue of fat — starch. Familiar examples of tliia are the Potato, the Yam, and the Jerusalem Artichoke. But very many other plants pre- sent us with this phenomena in a less marked degree, aud thus are with great facility propagated by lifting the plant from the ground, or out of the pot in which it is growing, washing away all the soil from among tho fibres, and then with a sharp knife dividing the root into short lengths, each bearing one or two nodes, or, if possible, adventitious buds. February 27, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 137 The Solomon's Seal [or the eo- called Chinees Artichoke, Stachys tuberi- fora] will be a good typical plant to begin on, as the mero tyro can see at a glance where to divide them. Each piece of the Solomon's Seal can then be potted or bedded out, and it will make a good plant during the following season, when it will be found a most useful plant, either to force gently for the decoration of the conservatory or border, or to furnish cut spikes for table decoration. Another useful plant, the Aspi- distra and its variegated form, now used by thousands for house decoration, and perhaps one of the toughest subjects we have to withstand the effects of close dry rooms and neglect, is increased readily by this method, every leaf or leaf-bud being capable of making a plant when properly treated. Jannoch of Dersingham, and the Continental growers, by tho million, while some are kept in a dormant state by artificial cold, and only brought into use when naturally-grown flowers are out of season. Richardias. This suggests other universally-liked plants, tho Iliehardias. These, with the gorgeous-leaved Cala- diutns, the Alocasius, and Anthuriums, all belong to the same extensive natural order (Arace?e), and are readily increased by cleansing the roots from all adhe- rentsoil, dividing them into small pieces each carrying a bud, which, by judicious treatment, will soon furnish useful plants, merely requiring to be bedded in light sandy soil, and kept moist and warm. Ab soon as young leaves appear they must be potted on, and if a among abundance of foliage, whereas selected crowns might be cultivated with even greater facility than those of Lily of the Valley. I have no experience of Astilbe or Spiraea astilboides and S. Thunbergi, but should judge them both to be equally amenable to this method of culture ; while the lovely Spirrea pal- mata and S. p. alba are readily increased by division of the roots, securing good plump and hard crowns for the purpose of potting-on and forcing. Experience. (To he continued.) THE VEEBENA. Since the death of our old friend, George Smith, of Hornsey, the Verbena seems gradually to have gone out of date; yet in the days of old Tweediana FlO. 38. -LYC0RI3 SQUAMIGERA, SHOWING IN A BORDER TN MR. WORSLEY's GARDEN, ISLh WORTH. (SEE P. 136. )\ Lily of the Valley crowns, which have of late years quite levolutionised the florist's trade in this useful and elegant flower, and in its frozen and retarded buds, furnishes us with good Bpikes in hitherto undreamt-of seasons, are thus manufactured — pardon the word. The roots of Convallaria majalis are fibrous and thick, whilst near tho crown numerous adventitious buds form, some of which will produco flower, while others only furnish leaves according to age. By practice, tho cultivator distinguishes these one from the other, and separates them by division in 3, 2, and 1-yr. old crowns. The 3-yr. old will bloom the next or the same year, and the others are p^ced in specially pre- pared beds of rich soil, lightened by the addition of hharp sand, and the growth is encouraged by liquid- manure and cultivation. Thus treated, they- in two nr three years develop into the large plump buds or crowns, such as are put on to the market by Mr. propagating pit be maintained at a gcod temperature, a nice batch of plants is obtained. The cultivator who has but a smattering of botanical knowledge will note that all plants of the Lily and Iris tribes are amenable to this method of increase ; but unless he read it he would not imagine that the White Lily, the Yucca, and the Dog's-tooth Violet belong to the same natural order, and the climbing Smilax to bo a very near relative (Asparagus). Spiraeas. Another very useful flower for the florist is thoHoteia japonica, called in my young days Spinea, and I am somewhat surprised that this has not been taken in hand by growers, and treated in the same way as Lily of the Valley, in order to secure flowering-buds only ; whereas now, even the best clumps imported from Holland and Belgium, are not always reliable, giving uncertain and. unsatisfactory flower-spikes and Donald Beaton's famous shot-silk bedp, it wa* one of the gems of the flower-sard en. How well I remember the furore Robinson's Defiance rau^ei when it was introduced, this and An Ire, a purple variety, and later, Purple King, carried the palui in their respective colours for some yew, and no flower- garden was considered perfect which did not possess these varieties. Afterwards we became indebted to the Lite George Smith for a class of Verbena better in the size of tho truss, and in the greater variety of colour; and for many years the Verbena was held in the highest esteem as a bedding plant, and it also used to be auoce sfully grown and exhibited as d pot plant. I I elh vr it will again occupy its former position as a bedder and pot-plant. During the summer of 1896 I saw some lovelj beds, consisting both of self colours and mixed colours. We relied too mu( h, until tbe B< grnia came into fashion, on the Pelargoniums and Violas, and notwithstanding both are well adapted for bedding, yet a chango is 138 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 27, 1897. desirable, tbe eye soon gets tired of the sameness, and a greater degree of variety is more pleasing. It is not uncommon in these days to see plants raised from seed ; these generally have a more robust constitu- tion, but the beds lack the beauty of the named varie- ties, for it is impossible to properly mix the colours in unbloomed seedlings so as to be effective. At Enville I used to plant thousands of a bluish variety, oalled Enville Blue, as the next line to one of yellow Pansies, sometimes in the front line, and vice versd, with telling effect ; indeed, the Verbena was one of the gems of the flower-garden in those days. I first used yellow Pansies in conjunction with the Verbena at Osbertou, where at that time the beJding-out was very extensively carried on, and I well remember the satisfaction it gave to the late Lady Milton. It was at Osberton that Viola cornuta and Iresine played such a prominent part, not only in the flower-garden, but in the gardening papers. Since those days we have raised Violas and Pansies of all kinds of shades and colours, but I question whether any of the newer varieties beat the old viola cornuta in its pleasing, lovely, soft tint. I need not dwell on the cultivation of the Verbena, for it is so simple and easy, that almost anyone can grow it, the only art is in the arrangement of the colours, pegging down and regu- lating the growth. Edward Bennett, Queen's Road, Egham. The Week's Work. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. EyH. W. Ward, Rayleigk, Essex. Grafting.— The modes of grafting are numerous, and all of them maybe practised with more or less success. Different circumstances, such as size and age of the stock to be operated on, should generally decide the mode to be adopted. I will particularise two methods of procedure which are both simple and efficacious. TheBe are whip-grafting (also known under the names of splice- grafting and tongue- grafting) aud rind-grafting, and these are undoubtedly the best modes to follow. The nearer the stock and scion are to each other in point of size the, neater will be the union. The scions should consist of young, healthy, short-jointed, well-ripened eboots from 9 to 12 inches long, and should, as advised in a previous calendar, be selected, and the butt-ends laid in a few in a bundle, in the soil towards the end of January, the stocks being headed back to the desired point a few weeks later. In proceeding with the opera- tion, insert the knife in the stock 3 or 4 inches from the top, and cut off a wedge-like slice of wood in an up- ward direction, nearly halving the stock (if a small one), at the top sloping the remaining portion off to the bark immediately above a wood-bud. Then make a cross- downward notch at the basis of both oblique cuts, making corresponding cuts in the scion, both transverse cuts in this case being made in an upward direction to enable the latter being tongued into the stock in the process of grafting (see Fig. 39). The stock and scion should be prepared with a sharp knife to ensure clean even cuts bring made, so that the wood and bark surfaces shall fit closely together. The scion having been thus fitted to the stock, it should then be bound thereto with a band of raffia, beginning at the bottom and finishiu" at the top, where the matting should be made secure. This done, cover the matting with clay (to which a small quantity of cow-manure may be added) of the consistency of putty, making it firm, full in the middle, and tapering off at both ends. This will exclude air and rain, and yet preserve the graft in a moist state. Mind-grafting is not only simple and efficacious, but also au expeditious way of propagating the Apple, Pear, Plum, and Cherry. Should grafts of these fruits fail, budding can be had recourse to in July and early in August — indeed, this method of propagation is the one generally practised in the case of Apricots, Peaches, Nectarines, Cherries, and Plums. Rind-grafting consists in making a longitu- dinal cut in the rind to the depth of about 1£ inch from the top of the beheaded stock, aud in raising the bark or rind on cither side of this cut with a pencil- like stick, rounded at oue end and feather-edged, aud pressing therein a scion of similar dimensions. The edges of the bark on each side should then be brought close to the graft, bound round and clayed as recom- mended above. "Where there are several hundreds or thousands of young stocks to work, two pairs of hands are generally employed in doing the work- one in putting in the grafts, aud the other binding and claying them as indicated. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By W. Pope, Gardener, Higkclcre Castlo, Newbury. Asparagus. — Where a sufficiency of established roots of Asparagus is at hand, a few dozen roots may be lifted, and placed in a frame over a gentle hot-bed. Care must be taken to lift the roots with plenty of soil attached to them. Place a few inches of leaf- mould over the warm manure, and then put in the clumps closely together, and sprinkle over them a little fine soil. Give them a good watering with topid water, and afterwards add 3 or 4 inches of soil evenly over all. The frame may be covered with mats or litter until the tops begin to show through, which will probably be in about a week. Plenty of light and air should then be given, and the produce will be equal in quality and appearance to that grown out-of-doors. Old plantations that may not yet have been put in order for the season, should be given a good dressing of rich, well-decayed niauure, which may be forked lightly in, but care must be taken not to injure the crowns or roots in any way. A good sprinkling of salt may be added to the manure with advantage, especially on light, dry soils. Scahale. — New plantations of Seakale may now be made from the largest side-roots cut into lengths of 6 or 8 inches. These sets are usually prepared at various times during the winter, aud laid in on a border out-of-doors until required for planting. If this has Dot been done, prepare the sets at once by cutting the top end of the root straight across with a sharp knife, the bottom being cut at an angle, so that no inis- Fic. 39.— TONGC take as to the position of the root be made when planting. A deep, rich, cool soil is the best for this vegetable, and the set? should be inserted with the tops just below the surface, at a distance of 1 foot or 15 inches from each other, and in rows 2 feet apart. "When growth has commenced, examine them care- fully, and reduce the number of shoots to one or two on each crown. If it is intended to plant in permanent beds for forcing on the ground, the sets should be planted in clumps or bunches of three, in a radial space of 8 or 9 inches, that they may be con- veniently covered with the pots in use, and 2 feet each way between the groups is a suitable distance. The variety known as Lilywhite is much superior to the old purple variety in appearance and quality, though not quite so hardy, as it requires a slight covering of litter or Ferns over the crowns during severe weather. The Main Crop of Onions. — If there be favourable weather, and the ground is in good working condition, there is no better time than the end of February or early in March for sowing Onions for the main crop. An open, sunuy site should be chosen and, if possible, one which has been well manured and deeply worked previously. Pig-dung,or other such rank manure.should never be used for this crop, or it will almost certainly cause an attack of the Onion fly. The ground utilised last year for Celery is very suitable, and no fresh manure is needed ; but it should have been roughly dug, and well exposed to the winter frost. Take advantage of a dry day to fork the ground over thoroughly, and when it can be walked on without Bticking to the feet, tread it firmly all over. Apply a good dressing of fresh soot before drawing the drills, which should be a foot apart and 1£ inch deep ; aow the seed thinly, cover with fine soil, and rake over the surface neatly. A good selection of James's Keeping, Heading Improved, Banbury, Veitch's Main Crop, and the Wroxton are reliable and good Onions. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By Charles Hbrrin, Gardener, Diopoaore, MaidenLead. Hollyhocks. — Owing to a disease affecting the plants for many years past, this hardy and showy pcrcnuial has fallen out of general cultivation. The usual method of propagation by cuttings of the young growths, slipped off with a heel, is now not much practised, plants raised in this manner seeming to be more susceptible to attack than seedlings. The best method of ensuring a good display is to treat the plant as an annual or biennial, and if the seeds are obtained from a trusty source, a good percentage of double-flowered spikes may be secured. If treated as a biennial, the seeds should be sown in the month of August, and the plants wintered in a frame, secured from frost. Equally good results may, however, be obtained from seeds sown in early spring, if the plants are properly attended to from the first. Sow the seeds thinly broadcast in pans or boxes filled with a soil consisting of equal parts of loam, leaf-soil, and a small quantity of sand, and merely cover the seed with finely-sifted soil. After affording the soil a moderate amount of water, place in a mild hot-bed frame having a top-heat of 60° to 65°, and covering the pans, &c, with thick brown paper till the seed- lings appear. As soon as large enough to handle prick off into other boxes, or pot singly into small 60's, returning them to the hot-bed, which should be so made up that tho plants come near to the glass ; shade from bright sunshine for a few days. When well rooted place them in a cold frame, and keep close for a time, and then admit air, cautiously aftording more and more as the season advances. Plants which make good progress maybe shifted into 4^-inch pots, and by the middle or end of the mouth of May they will be fit for planting out in the beds or borders. The stations for Hollyhocks must be heavily manured and trenched, or if in a bed, tho whole of it should be so treated. In dry weather a mulch of half- decayed dung and plenty of water should bo afforded. With this kind of treatment the Hollyhock flowers the first year. Marvel of Peru. — This is a half-hardy perennial, growing to about 2 feet in height, aud is a useful plant for dotting about in herbaceous borders. The tuberous roots are stored like those of the Dahlia, and may forthwith be potted and stood in a greenhouse or garden-frame, excluding frost and encouraging a slow sturdy growth. Several varieties, with brilliant colours, may be obtained from a packet of seeds, or assorted colours may bo purchased, if that is preferred. If seeds be sown at this season and the seed-pots placed in heat, good plants may be raised in readiness for planting out as soon as all danger from late frosts is past. The pots may be filled with a light kind of loam, and the seedlings potted singly as soon as they are large enough to handle. Old roots are the best for forming large clumps. Delphiniums. — The propagation of named variety s of Delphinium is easily effected at this season by slipping off the young shoots with a heel, now start- ing from the base of old stools, which, when pottf d into small pots, filled with sandy loam aud leaf-soil, and stood in a cold frame, soon form roots. They may be planted in the borders in April. This is the best method to increase named varieties, and the young plants produce fine flower-spikes the first season. It is a more satisfactory method than dividing tho old stools and replanting them at once in the border. Seeds may also be sown, aud of the single aud double-flowerod varieties the treatment afforded being similar to that advised for raising Hollyhocks. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Oickid Uiuwer, Burford. Torking. AnactochUus. — The present is a suitable time to divide and rearrange specimen plants of Anxctnchilus Dawsonianus, A. petola, A. Rollissoni, A. Lowi, A. striatus, A. Roxburghi, A. setaceus, &e. Exceptional care must be taken not to injure the roots, for if the point is damaged, the same root will cease to grow, nor will it produce lateral rootlets, as many other Orchids do. It will be found that tho rhizomes have become too long to be again planted in pots of con- venient size, therefore cut the rhizome in two, and leave several roots attached to the leading growths. Each of the pieces should then be put separately into February 27, 1897. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 139 the smallest pots convenient, and plunged as closely together as they will stand in shallow pans filled with growing sphaguuni-inoss. The rooting material should consist of finely-chopped sphagnum-moss, a liberal quantity of coarse silver-sand, and some small, clean crocks. Place the plants in a shady part of the stove or East Indian-house, and put an ordinary bell-glass with a hole at the top over them. This hole should be stopped with a cork, and until the plants have become re-established it should be kept close during the greater part of the time. When young leaves and roots commence to show, the bell-glass may be tilted a little, and the cork removed during the day-time, but at night the glass should be quite closed. Take the glass off each morning, and wipe the interior thoroughly dry. Keep the plants mode- rately moist at the root whilst growing, and shade them carefully from strong sunshine, but otherwise admit as much light as is possible. Masdcvallias. — In the intermediate-house, plants'of the Chimsera section of Masdevallias, as M. Chimfera, M. bella, M. Nycterina, M. Roezlii, M. Winniana, M. Wallisii, M. Backhouseiaua, M. Houtteana, M. Gar- den, M. radiosa, M. Chestertoni, M. astuta, and M. erythrocyte are now commencing growth ; it is, therefore, an excellent time to divide old plants, or to give more root room to any that require it. All of the varieties enumerated should be grown in open Teak-wood baskets, and as their flowers grow in a downward direction, no crocks should be used for drainage ; only a moderate quantity of peat and sphagnum-moss is needed for them to root in. For the next two or three months these species may be suspended iu a well- shaded position in this house. After rebasketing the plants it is not good practice to give them a thorough watering ; an occasional sprink- ling, in sufficient quantity to keep the compost moist, is preferable. Take down the plants on bright mornings and well syringe the uuder-sides of the leaves with tepid soft water. The pure white M. tovarensis is also starting to grow, and it is a good time to repot them. Pots or pans may be used, and should be filled to within an inch of the rim with drainage material, covering it lightly with a layer of sphagnum-moss. This species will root * freely in equal parts of sphagnum-moss and peat, which should be kept moist only until the young leaves are well advanced. The leaves of this Masdevallia should be sponged over occasionally, as they are often attacked by small yellow thrips. Unlike most other Orchids, the old peduncles, if allowed to remain on the plant, will bloom for two or three consecutive years ; but the retention of these spikes is not advisable, as in time the energies of the plant become weakened. The coolest part of the intermediate-house suits the plant at the present time. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By G H. Maycock, Gardener, Luton Hoo, Luton. Chrysanthemums.— As soon as it is seen that the roots are showing through at the sides of the ball, re-potting should be undertaken. The pots made use of should be either new or well washed, and the re- potting done firmly. Replace the plants in the cold- house or span-frame, affording no heat unless it be to exclude frost, and afford less air than previously for a period of one week, which will be about the time re- quired to re-establish them ; afterwards gradually in- crease the amount. An ordinary cold-frame will answer well enough if it be stood on a bed of coal-ashes, and covering is at hand in case of need. A frame has its advantages, in that in mild weather the lights can be drawn off, but in bad weather the plants are apt to suffer from dampness, and for choice then a green- house is the best place. The aim of the gardener should be to securejsturdy and continuous^growth, and for this reason crowding the plants must be always avoided. Fumigate the plants now and then, doing it when the leaves are dry. A chimenes. — A batch of t ubers may now be started, and to prolong the flowering season of the plant, batch™ may bo put in at fortnightly intervals. They may be placed in the floworiug-pots at first, the latter being extra well drained, and a compost used consisting of one-half sandy-peat, one of leaf- mould not too much decayed, and a small quantity of dried cow dung rubbed through a small-meshed sieve. Place the tubers evenly over the surface of a 7 or 6-inch pot or deep pan, and cover them over with a 1-inch layer of the soil. To start the tubers, a temperature of 60° by night, and 65° by day, is necessary. The soil should be lightly sprinkled till the plants commence to show flower, when wetting the leaves should cease altogether. Hippcastrum {Amaryllis). — The whole of the flowering-bulbs will now need to be repotted. The larger ouesj should have all the soil shaken from the roots, and be repotted singly in 6 or 7-inch pots, according to size of bulb, using aa a pot ting- mixture rich fibrous loam four parts, dried cow-dung one part, and peat one part. Afford the newly-potted bulbs a thorough watering, and after allowing the water to drain away, plunge the pots to the rims in a bed of cocoa-nut fibre refuse, or some other plunging material, over a mild hot-bed of tan or hot- water pipes. Very little water will be needed before growth is advanced. A temperature of 50° by night, with a rise of 10° to 12° by day, will suit them for the first month after repotting. \Vhen the flower-spikes begin to push (which should be a little in advance of the leaves), the temperature may be raised to suit the season the flowers are wanted for. Maintain a nice growing atmosphere in the house, syringing the foliage in favourable weather, and shutting up the house early in the afternoon. Eucharis. — Plants that are just passing out of flower require copious root-waterings,pand if the pots are very full of roots, and the plants have not been potted for several years, they will be much benefited by weak manure-water given twice a week. Clear soot-water may be given them at any time— it is always helpful ; and if the plants are syringed with it occasionally they will be the better for it. The Eucharis does not require the high temperature some growers are apt to give it. No bottom-heat is given the plants here, nor do we use artificial manures. The stock has not been re-potted for over six years, and tho plants give three lots of bloom each year. They are never dried off, but they are rested. At present a temperature of 55° to 60° by night will suit healthy specimens passing out of flower. Syringe them well early iu the afternoon. Afford a little air on all favourable occasions, and shut up with plenty of sun-heat when possible. BiUbs. — Examine all bulbs that are still in ashes or other such material, and do not allow them to remain there too long. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By F. HA.RRIS, Girdenor, Eistnor C-ntle, Ledbury. Tomatos. — The earliest plants being now sufficiently large to be placed in their fruiting-pots, should be potted before becoming root-bound, as to let them get into this state iB to seriously check their growth. This also will result from placing them in a lower degree of warmth without first inuring them to it ; and by the application of water at a low tem- perature. It is very essential that the pots and soil should be warmed before proceeding to repot. When the flowers begin to expand and the plants are estab- lished, more air will be necessary for securing a good set. During flowering the plants should be kept somewhat on the dry side till a good set is obtained, afterwards more warmth may be applied ; also top- dressings of decayed manure and soil, affording warm liquid-manure freely. At Eastnor the early crops are obtained from plants grown in rough troughs about 14 inches wide and deep, the plants being placed at the bottom of these troughs, with enough soil to just cover the balls, which allows plenty of space for top-dressings. They stand at about 16 inches apart, and are run up as single stems at first, then a Bhoot which comes out at the base of the plant is run up, so as to give a succession of fruits. This method of cultivation is less troublesome than if pots were used, and is a saving in many directions. Later batches of plants should be repotted as occasion demauds, keeping them sturdy. Seed may be sown forthwith for late fruiting under glass and outdoor culture, sowing thinly and potting off the seedlings as soon as they can be readily handled. Cherries and Plums. — Tho oarlier- started trees, now that they are in flower, should have free veatilation night and day in favourable weather, and be gently tapped to distribute the pollen. The soil in the pots must bo kept moderately moist at this season, as any failure to do this will be sure to cause the fall of the bloom. After this date all portable trees should be in their places. Those planted in the bods and borders should bo examined as to tho state of the soil, and where this is found to be dryish, it should receive a thorough application of water. The glass and woodwork of the house should be cleansed, and borders cleared of rubbish and top-dressed. On sunny day.-> the trees should bo wetted with the syringe, no artificial heat being applied in the early stage unless it be required on frosty nights when the trees are in bloom, or in dull or rainy weather. If the house be unheated, it should be kept cool and the trees at rest till the latest period possible. In any case afford the trees one good fumigation before the flower-buds burst. Early Pot- Vines. — The Grapes on November- started Vines will now bo stoning, and ought not to be much pushed along, for although seemingly at a standstill whilst the seed is in course of formation, growth will soon become more apparent. Be careful in affording water at the root, never allowing the soil to become dry, as one mistake of this sort would be very injurious. Stop the lateral shoots to a moderate degreo, and keep growth somewhat thin. When the berries re-commence to swell, the temperature may be increased by degrees from 65" to 70° at night, with a commensurate rise of 10" by day. Close the house or pits early in the afternoon, damping the paths, walls, kc, at that time. When the colour is noticed in the berries, let the house be kept rather cooler, and although it be closed as early, a small quantity of air should be admitted about 6 p.m. If this prac- tice be adhered to, the colour and finish of black Grapes especially will be much improved. Late Vines. — The Vines should be started about the first day of March, the fruit requiring a longer season to arrive at perfect maturity than that in vineries started earlier in the year. The ripening should be finished by the end of the month of Sep- tember. The temperature at the start should not exceed 50° by night and 60" by day. Afford the border inside the vinery a good application of water at a warmth of 85c' ; syringe the Vines twice daily in sunny, and once only in dull or showery weather. THE APIARY. By Expert. The Brood- chamber. — It is yet too early to make an examination of the combs by breaking up the brood-nest, though some who have passed the novi- tiate stage iu their career as bee-keepers have done so, and unwisely have made the fact known. I say unwisely, because what such bee-keepers do, the novice thinks he may attempt — but the practised hand knows what the novice has to learn, first, that the less the brood-chamber is interfered with the better at all times, but particularly when the low tempera- ture prevailing around is likely to chill the brood ; and secondly, how to do such a delicate operation in what would of necessity be double quick time to avoid the consequences of a chill. For my own part, I like to advise what I do myself, and at present I shall leave the brood-chamber severely alone. But though the combs ought not yet to be pulled apart for the necessary spring examination of combs, brood, and queen, the larder must be replenished if the food- supply runs short. Economy of heat is a great desideratum in the early months of the year, and so I would advise the removal of the outer combs not covered with bees, their places being taken by dum- mies. At the same time, whether stores are short or not, a two or three-pound cake of soft candy may with advantage be placed upon the frames. Over all, then place as much covering in the shape of woollen wraps as the loft will hold, and then, as soon as the weather will permit of the overhauling of stocks, a crowded brood chamber and extensive patches of brood will prove the wisdom of present attention. When breeding operations commence, there will be innumerable bits of comb and other debris falling to the floor-board, which, however, should not be allowed to accumulate. I have seen stocks many a time with such accumulations on the floor-board nearly 1 inch in depth. How much nicer and how much better for the health and prosperity of the community would it have been if, as soon as a spell of fine mUd weather came, the floor-boards were carefully removed, scraped, and dried. Thore are many stocks in which the combs have been built every way but the right way, thus milking movable combs a misnomer ; and now is the timo to set about remedying the defect without wholly upsetting the colony. The bees will be confined at present to the centre combs, therefore I advise the outer two or three combs, more or less, being cut apart quickly so as to leave the beos crowded by dummies upon just as many of the crooked combs as they can well cover. New combs or frames of wired foundation may then be added as required, being careful to gradually push the few irregular combs now left to tho back or side. The queen will in due course leave them tor the nice new combs at the side, and thru, if it is thought desirable au'd tune will permit, the bad combs may be replaced with fresh ones as soon as the brood hatches. 140 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 27, 1897. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER. Letters fop Publication, as well as specimens and plants for naming, shouUbe addressed to tU EDITOR, 41, Welling- ton Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications should be written on one side onlv of the paper, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be printed, but Jceptas a guarantee of good faith. The Editor does not under- take to pay for any contributions, or to return unused com- munications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. Local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists. Illustrations.— Tlie Editor will thankfully receive and select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction in these pages, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, &c. ; but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR MARCH. ( Devon and Exeter Gardeners Asso- \ ciation Meeting. 0— Royal Hort. Soc. Corns. 10— Renfrewshire Gardeners Society. 13— Royal Botanic .Society Meeting. i Linnean Society Meeting. Is-' Spring Show at Kd^kiston Botanii \ Gdns., Birmingham (two days). 23— Royal Hort. Soc. Coma. '27— Royal Botanic Soc. Meet. 30— Truro Daffodil Show (two days). 31— Royal Bot Soc., Spring Show. SALES. /Roses, Herbaceous Plants, Lilies, I &c., at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms. Mar. 1< 1000 lots of Border Plants, Roses, Climbers, Ornamental Shrubs 1 and Trees, Lilies, Hardy Bulbs, V &c., at Stevens' Rooms. i Hardy Perennials, Cannas. Gloxi- nias, <■•-■'■ ■'- VKirticulUrc Btlge, January. Hose, Fkvm,-is Copp£b, ll.l1, flow.r small, Qattieb. imbricate, dark'oriiiwm Moniteur d'Horticuli l , Jttl 1". Rodbeckm folqida, Medians' Monthly, December. RUEI.LIA MAKOYANA, RtVW HoH COll . I »c»'. 16. Tea Ross, Madame Charles Garden, January W 142 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 27, 1897. Book Notice. A Manual and Dictionary of the Flowering Plants and Ferns. By J. C. Willis, M.A. Two volumes. (London : C. J. Clay k Sods.) The following extract from tho preface will show the author's object : — "The aim with which I commenced, nearly seven years ago, to prepare this book, was to supply within a reasonable compass, a summary of useful and scien- tific information about the plants met with in a botanical garden or museum, or in the field. The student, when placed before the bewildering variety of forms in such a collection as that at Kew, does not know where to begin or what to do to acquire infor- mation about the plants. The available works of general reference are mostly very bulky and often out of date, and as a rule refer only to systematic or economic botany, and say nothing about morphology or natural history. I have endeavoured to briug together in this book as much information as iB re- quired by any but specialists, upon all plants usually met with, and upon all those points — morphology, classification, natural history, economic botany, &c. — which do not require the use of a microscope. .... The principal part of the book consists of a dic- tionary, in which the whole of the families and the important genera of flowering plants and Ferns are dealt with. The families are treated very fully, more so than in any ordinary test-book of systematic botany, whereas the genera are treated much more briefly unless they show some feature of special interest that is not common to the family.'' We place this extract from the preface in the fore- part of our notice, in order to do no injustice to the author, and also because we experience some difficulty in reviewing his production. It is clearly a compila- tion, and yet its most valuable features are to be found in its originality and novelty of treatment. It is intended, presumably, for the novice, but there is much in it that is only adapted for the advanced student. Again, the two halves of the book, or rather, we should say, the two volumes, Beem to be wanting in cohesion. The first and smaller portion is an extremely condensed handbook of general, up-to-date, morphology ; the second volume is a catalogue raisonne of orders and genera. Altogether, the amount of information crowded into these GOO or more small pages is quite wonderful, and attests not only the assiduity but the accuracy of the compiler. In the beginning the author gives au account of the purposes and general arrangements of botanic gardens, and shows how they may be turned to account by the student. This, strange to say, is a distinctly novel feature in a text- book. After this comes a chapter which will be a hard one for a beginner. It is devoted to the " out- lines of general morphology, &c," and the " probable evolutionary history of the plant," the author adding prudently that wo can only speculate with more or less degree of probability upon the course of events, but strangely omitting, or making scant mention of evidence afforded by the embryonic and develop- mental characters, and by the phenomena ot reversion which are so important in this connection. In any case, he leads <>tf with autheridia aud sperinatozoids, oogonia and ova, zygotes, ga-netes, sporophytes, sporo- gonia, and other terms which we need not quote, without auy attempt at description, and with very little explanation. It is as if a pupil, who had not previously mastered the letters of the alphabet, were set to read sentences aud paragraphs, aud even chapters. Some very considerable previous knowledge of plant conformation is requisite before the pupil can profit by this very condensed account of morphology in its physiological aspect. It is, for instance, con- fusing to be told that the sporophyte was "at first undifferentiated and reproductive only." How then did it live ? In dealing with the subject of variation, it is pointed out (as is, indeed, frequently done), that (( rudimentary structures are variable." That is a statement, however, which needs some qualification, for in some groups, at any rate, the systematic botanist looks out for these rudimentary structures to afford him "characters," and places the more stress upon them, for the very reason that they are not aated on by the environment, and aro in consequenoe more constant. Classification and its principles aro clearly treated, and then follows a chapter on geographical distribu- tion as dependent on the environment. Too much stress, however, must not be put on these influences. It is not unfrequent in Switzerland to find xerophytes living for a time as aquatics. Sempervivum arach- noideum, a characteristic " xerophyte," may often be found growiug in fissures filled with water. The fourth chapter is devoted to Economic Botany, a subject dismissed in little more than half a dozen pages. This restricted treatment is, however, compensated for by tho information given in the second volume. This second volume is a miniature Treasury of Botany brought down to date. For advanced students and experts these little volumes will be most useful for reference, as accuracy of statement and general free- dom from accidental errors are as remarkable in them as are the comprehensiveness and condensation of treatment. The Rosary. PRUNING ROSES. So much has been written upon this important part of Roso-culture, that it is difficult to discover any fresh point of view from which t<> treat the subject ; nor can it be done by briefly pointing out methods of pruning for certain classes, seeing that all but the Polyanthas, Scotch, A j rehires, and Provence, possess varieties, varying as regards habit and strength, or weakness of growth, that no one rule can possibly be given which will meet all cases. What contrasts there aro between Margaret Dickson and Etienne Levet, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam and Reine Marie Hen- riette, Cleopatra and Reve d'Or, Souvenir de la Mal- maison and Mrs. Paul, Blanche Moreau and White Bath, Favier and Mrs. Bosanquet, as examples of their respective classes ! How often in the past, and I fear even with the present day advance in horticultural literature, have we seen yards of valuable growth cut away from our most beautiful climbers ! Why should we allow such growth to be made, if only to bo cut away at pruning-timo ? There are not many of our climbing Roses cultivated with the sole object of securing a few blooms of extra quality. They are more gene- rally grown for the artistic beauty of their masses of flower, covering the walls of a house, fence, or arbour, and to get the best results we must leave a3 much as possible of the new growth intact. With these it is more a question of thinning than of pruning, and we can only remove wood that has got aged and is getting fiowerless in consequence. To remove the swaying growths of the previous summer is simply to sacrifice that which would afford the finest show of blossom. Make room for these by thinning, and do not draw them in too closely. These remarks apply more par- ticularly to such rambling varieties as Fe*licite*-Per- petue, Ruga, the Banksian, Rcve d'Or, Reine Marie Henriette, aud Longworth Rambler. The samo practice holds good with other extra vigorous growers not used as climbers but as pillar Roses, and for pegging down to the soil, viz., Paul Neyrou, Gloire des Roaomanes. Boule de Neige aud Chi-ne'dolle aro splendid pillar Roses, but if the best of the previous seasou's wood is cut away, the plants are nearly flowerlese compared with what might have been the case had the older wood been thinned out, aud last year's left almost intact. The 10-feet rods of Mar- garet Dickson, as well as the long upright growths of Ulrich Brunner, Gabrielle Luizet, Gloire Lyonnaise, and others, are by far their most valuable growths. Yet I often see these varieties pruned — nay, not pruned, mutilated — upon the same lines as A. K. Williams, Marie Baumann, and varieties with similar habit. What is the result of this ? We find a small number of flowers on the plant, and its energies directed to the production of other lengthy growths similar to those which the pruner has removed. This is the sole reason that so many of our grandest Rosea with vigorous habit are condemned as shy bloomers, when the fault really lay with the pruning. By securing the long rods in a horizontal position wo gei flower throughout their whole length, and at the samo time make better space for the development of more such growth coming away from the base of the plant. The long rods which flowered last summer should be cut away iu the early autumn, and the young growths secured to stakes, pegging them down again the following spring. There should be little need of many words anent the pruning of such grand old favourites as General Jacqueminot, Alfred Colomb, and varieties of like habit ; but even hero we need bear in mind that the weaker the shoot of last season, the harder it needs pruning. La France, Marie Van Houtto, Anna Olivier, Mrs. Bosanquet, and Caroline Testout, are fair representatives of vigorous growers with bushy habit, and the leads should first be well thinned in the centre, then pruned upon the same basis as the General Jacqueminot class, but a little more severely. The very weak and erratic Roses like Comtesse de Nadaillac, Souvenir d'Elise Vardon, Cleopatra, and Princess of Wales, should be pruned with great care. In their cases, I would simply remove pithy and indifferent wood, and slightly shorten back the remainder. I have found these to break stronger from a small eye, so long as well ripened, than from many apparently far more promising eyes, and every piece of healthy growth is valuable here. I will close with a remark upon R. rugosa aud hybrid Sweet Briars. If you [wish to see the full beauty of these, they must not be pruned, but allowed to grow at will. Nor should they be plan tod in auy position where considerable room cannot be afforded. That old favourite, the Cabbage, or Pro- vence Rose, needs much closor pruning than might be inferred from its growth. The above is for lovers of Roses, not exhibitors, who prune with that object alone. A. Piper. LILIUM COLUMBIANUM. This grows over a wide range of country and in many situations. It is found in Oregon from the coast lino and the mouth of the Columbia River, throughout the Coast Rauge, and iu the lower por- tions of tho Cascade Mountains. It reaches north- eastern California in Modoc County, and in the State of Washington is found in the southern part iu about tho same range as in Oregon. I have no accurate information as to how far it extends on Puget Sound, but it follows tho Columbia River valley, and is found in various portions of Northeastern Oregon, and is close to the Idaho line, to my knowledge. It prefers a sandy, well-drained soil, among Ferns, in open woods. It is easily grown in cultivation. L. colum- bianum may be described as a miniature L. Huui- boldtii. The flower has reflexed orange-red segment-, finely dotted. The stem is slender, and both it and the leaves are light green. The bulb is compact and ovoid, as in L. Humboldtii, but, unlike the latter, the Bcales are thin. Five hundred average bulbs measure as follows : — 100, 4 to 5\ inches in circum- ference, three-quarters of au ounce each ; 346, 3 to 3i inches in circumference, one-third of an ounce ; 54, 2\ inches in circumference, one-fifth of an ounce. L. columbianum grows from] 1^ to 4 feet in height, aud usually flowers tho first year. I find sandy alluvium best answers its needs. The bulbs of Lilium Bolanderi are almost identical with those of L. columbianum. I have not flowered L. Bolanderi, nor have I seen it in flower. It is described as being from H inches to 3 feet high, and few-flowered. The leaves are whorled, and the general habit seems to be similar to that of L, columbianum ; the flowers are, however, quite dif- ferent, the segments are not reflexed, and the flower would seem to be broadly trumpet or bell-shaped aud nodding. A collector who saw it iu full flowor this year describes it as a very handsome flower of a Fbbruart 27, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 143 pleasing red, and growiug in a high mountainous region in a soil of rocky debris and leaf-mould. Habitat indefinite, Humboldt and Del Norte Counties iu North-western California. In this group will fall a fourth speciea of the far north, related to Lilium columbianum, and as yet unnamed. Iu this species the habit of L. columbia- num in bulb and leaf is combined with a peculiar- shaped flower. The lower half of the segments f' >rins a closely-coustricted tube, from which the upper portion sproada horizontally in a rotate flower, finely dotted with maroon. This species is nearly as fragrant as L. Parry i. Carl Purdy, Uhiah, Calif,, in " Garden and Forest" A GERMINATING APPARATUS. Those who have at any time been engaged in cultivating Ferns from spores, know by experience how great a number of cultures perish. Germs and spores of animals and plants, of insects, worms parts, which can be opened independently of each other, if for some reason or other should make its necessary to open the lower part only. The pots, covered with round glass plates, are placed in zinc tubs filled with sand and water. These zinc tubs are arranged on small wooden trestles, under which aro found the heating-tubes, that may consist of ordinary water-pipes. These tubes are provided with taps (1, 2, 3 and 4), by means of which, in case the temperature should become too high, the action of some of the heating- tubes can be suspended. In one of these tubes there is a tap, indicated by a small circle, which enables us to allow the air present in the water to escape. The direction in which the water flows is indicated by arrows. The water is heated in a copper, w, in which there is a thermometer contained in a tube to prevent the quicksilver, in case the thermometer Bhould burst, from gettiug into the water, and the water from escaping from the tubes. F/G.f, f/G .2, Fig. 41.— germinating apparatus. Fig-, l.—i, admission ol the gas ; m, manometer ; p, pressure-regulator ; I, burner; w, heating-copper ; , place when? the hot-water escapes, vertical section , ,., reservoir f"r tlie overflowing water : /, flask of Mariottc. Fig. 2.— a' and &', the same places in horizontal section, as a and b, in vertical ; 1, 2, 3, and 1, taps ; when wc work with six pipes, 1 and 2 are open, 3 and 4 closed ; in order to Work with four pipes and suspend the operation of the second and third pipes, 1 is closed, and 1 opened; in order to work with two pipes and suspend the operation of the second third fourth, and fifth pipes, I and 2 arc closed, 3 and 4 opened. The circle in tho first pipe indicates \\w tap, through which the air present in the water can escape. The copper tras-pipes used for the apparatus should he screwed t Hi- f to prevent danger of a fire. alga?, fungi, and musei, often spring up in great numbers, killing in a very short time the healthiest cultures. As the hot-houses of the Botanical Gardens, where such experiments are made, mostly offer the most favourable conditions for tho development of lower organisms, the cultures are always in danger, unless they can be closely and regularly watched. To avoid these dangers, I have caused a germinating- apparatus to be constructed, as shown above (fig. 41). The illustration is at about one-fifteenth of the real size. At first it did not work with the accuracy which might reasonably be expected, but after some experi- ments, the apparatus assumed the formed represented by the illustration, and since that time it has been a great success. The germinating-apparatus is, if possible, placed in the window-frame of the study, one looking north. The top and the side turned to the street are provided with double panes ; the Bide facing the study has three glass-doors, of which the middle one consists of two The water is heated by a gas-burner, b. The copper is contained in a zinc box, and is connected by means of a vertical tube with the rcsorvoir, (?, which is covered with a lid to keep the dust out, aud prevent evaporation. When iu this tube tho water falls to the lowest level, water is admitted into it from the flask of Mariotte, f. The gas is supplied through the pipe, ; on the left is a manometer, m, to measure the gas-pressure on the right side is seen a pressure-regulator, a double governor, r. At first I used a Buusen mercury- regulator ; but i ince by accident it burst, causing tho gas-flame to go out, I havo made use of the double governor. The supply of gas, as required by the temperature of the surroundings, can, of course, be regulated by means of the tap, I, admitting the gas. A great advantage of the germinating apparatus is that it is placed in a room directly under the experi- mentalist's personal supervision ; and that, when used exclusively for germinating experiments with Fern- spores, it can be protected against all sorts of damag- ing influences. As said before the hothouses of the Botanical Gardens are mostly very favourable to the development of lower organisms, and formerly I could keep the cultures clean only with unremitting vigi- lance and the utmost care, and they were sure to be destroyed if I were prevented from watching over them personally. In the germinating apparatus, on the contrary, whatever is sown comes forth and thrives; aud, as regards keeping clean, hardly require any care at all, provided the spores have been care- fully selected, and previous to sowing tho spores, the peat and tho pots have been carefully boiled, so as to be freed from all possible animal and vegetable germs and spores. Utrecht. Nursery Notes. MESSRS. F. SANDER & CO., ST. ALBANS. The plant-houses here always present a fresh and bright appearance, and a constant changing display of flowers which the large and varied stock neoessarily assures. The interesting character of the groups observed in the rockwork terminations to the houseB, and about the pools of water with which many of them are furnished, has been increased of late years by the presence of new or rare foliage plants, which, it may be remarked, have for some time past taken an almost equal place in the St. Albans houses with the Orchids. Where Orchids and foliago plauts are arranged together, pretty effects are produced. In several of these rockery displays the new Dracaena God- seffiaua, with its elegant sprays of bright green leaves, spotted with yellow, and which at this soason are also furnished with heads of white fragrant flowers, is a conspicuous feature. It seems the best of plants for growing with and among Orchids, for table deco- ration, or as cut sprays. Indeed, there seems to be few purposes to which it cannot be put. In one of these arrangements a handsome lot of Cattleya Trianaji, among which were a fine form, superior to C. T. Backhouseiana, and several very good C. T. alba, together with good plants of the white Cymbi- dium eburneum, some C. giganteum, C. Lowianum, &c, form the floral part. The display of Cattleya Trianfei also extending down one side of the house, while on the other side the first flower of C. Gaskel- liana, which follows C. Trianjci, was open. In another group, the white and green-leaved Dracccna Sauderiana, now a favourite decorative variety, was the principal foliage-plant, and over- head hung a fine iot of Nepenthes, the prettiest of which was N. Sanderiana. with pitchers as large as those of N. RafHesiana, the wings and lid beautifully tinted and veined with bright rose colour. Passing along the lofty range which forms the con- nection with the ends of the various houses that run at right angles with it, wo found a good show of Dcndrobium crassinode, D. Wardianum, varieties of D. nobile, and other Dendrobes, with here and there groups of Co^logyne cristata, and of the variable forms of Cypripedium insigne montnnum, which has been so prolific in good things. Glancing at the groups in the houses passed, in one arranged around two gigantic plants of Arachnanthe (Vanda) Lowii, were some specimens of the white-flowered Cym- bidium Mastersii, some fine forms of Cattleya Triaiuei, and uiany showy spikes of Oncidium splendidum Lgslia teuebrosa, Lwiia purpurata iu sheath, L. ci isp i, and other Brazilian Orchids occupying the houso beyond. In another house the flower-spikes of the new hybrid Eucharis •: Elmetiasa, and I'. Stevensii were appearing profusely above the leaves : and associated with them good examples of white and coloured Ltelia anceps in flower. Another group consisted of plants of Lyoaste Skinneri, among which were several fine examples of the lxrgo or best form "f L. S. alba, also Vanda Kimballiana, V. Ameaiana, Lffilio harpo- phylla, L. cinuabarioa, Platyolinis glumacea, some species of Cattleyas, and many Sobralias, some of whioh had tho buds prominent. Among an intoresting^batch of botanical Orchids 144 THE GABDENEkS* CHRONICLE. [February 27, 1897. were noted in flower the rare Oncidiuni Brunlees- iauum, Miltonia Endresii, Prescottia plantaginea, Loptotes nana, Epideudrum polybulbon, E. tridac- tylum, Eulophia virens, Catasetum discolor, Cym- bidiuni Devonianutn, Cypripedium Schomburgkia- nuin, Triehopilia sauguinolenta, some singular Agrae- cums of small growth from Madagascar ; Pleurothallis stelis, MasdcvalHas, &c. In the cool-houses, the display consisted of a number of varieties of the true Odontoglossum nsavium, 0. Andersonianum, some very fine O. luteo- purpureutn, of which one form of the hystrix section was a most beautiful and very large flower ; 0. Rossi majus, 0. Harryanuiu, 0. Pescatorei, 0. cris- pum, 0. triumphans, O. Edwardii, some good 0. Halli, both tho yellow and the white-lipped forms ; the rare 0. nevadense, 0. Sanderianum, 0. Hunne- welliauum, and some remarkable hybrids. Also of the cool-house Oncidiums, 0. superbiens, 0. cucul- latum, 0. serratutn, O. Lucasianum, kc. In the houses containing hybrid Orchids, a good show was made of varieties of Dendrobium x Aiusworthi D. x Dulce, D. Cassiope, D. x Oweuianum, the raror varieties of D. nobile, such as D. n. Bullianum, D. n. Sauderiauum, D, n. nobilius, &c. In another house plants of Phaius tuberculosus, aud a batch of P. x Martha), and a plant of the new yellow P. x Ashworthianus; some Pescatoreas and Bolleas, and scarlet Anthuriums wero observed in flower. One side of a warm-houso was occupied by a large importation of Phalamopsis Stuartiana and other species, some of them being iu flower ; and in the houses devoted to Cypripediums a good display was made of hybrids aud species, among which C. Chaui- berlainiauuui and the allied C. Victoria Marias, many varieties of C. villoaum and C. insigue, a large number of the handsome C. x Calypso, C. x Lathamianum, and many other hybrids, wero noted. Other important batches observed consisted of Vauda ccomlea, the pretty Stenoglottis longifolia, from Natal ; and the free -flowering, violet-coloured Utricularia Forgctiaua ; some good pieces of Epideudrum Wallisii, a number of plants of the pretty white-flowering Deutzia Lemoiuci , plants of Renanthera Imschootiana, well recovered from their journey ; and some of the fragrant Augnecum Chailluauum in flower. Among Begonias, the pretty B. Gloire de Lorraine seems to be perpetually in flower. Home Correspondence. THE R&INY DAY! (GARDENERS' ROYAL BENE- VOLENT INSTITUTION). — Dr. Watts told us all about the "busy bee," and Franklin (" Old Moore") long ago advised our " making hay while the sun shines," as a provision against " a rainy day ; " and I should like to add my own convictions respecting the neces- sity that now exists for, at least, all well-to-do gar deners to subscribe to the Gardener*' Royal Benevo- lent Institution. If there is any one marked feature in our moral or ethical progress during the past sixty years, it certainly con-ists, in a great measure, in the growth and development of altruism, or unselfishness. In some cases, indeed, it may, and has been thought, that the upper classes have been legally mulcted iu favour of the working masses ; but even if we confine ourselves to " voluntary contributions " we shall find that benevolence and unselfishness are, so to speak, " in the air." Say or do what we will, life's noblest goal is self-denial and self-sacrifice. In no way does this appeal to most of us so strongly as iu the case of our oldest gardening charity, and the practical interest in it may be best shown by all gardeners giving at least something to its aid, either in pecuniary contributions, or by acting as voluntary agents in recommending the Society to others, perhaps better ablo to contribute than they are themselves. In the special case of the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution we have a society founded in 1S38, and of which Her Majesty the Queen is patroness. Tbe Society was established with the laudable object of relieving, by means of pensions and otherwise, aged and infirm gardeners, market gardeners, market growers, nurserymen, seedsmen, their widows, and others engaged in horticultural pursuits, and its work has been well done. The pensions were originally £16 per annum to men, and £12 per annum to their widows, but the amounts were increased in 1S85 to £20 and £16 respectively. During the time it has been in existence the Institu- tion has distributed in pensions aud gratuities £71,000. It inculcates the principle of "self-help," by giving a preference to those candidates for assist- ance who have contributed to its funds. Persons of sixty years of age and upwards, if incapacitated from work, and if they comply with the rules, or younger iu case of total disability, are eligible for pensions. One hundred and sixty-one persons are now receiving permanent aid, whilst there are twenty-nine pressing cases on the list awaiting election. Additional funds are therefore much needed to meet some of these urgent claims. An annual subscriber has one vote for each guinea. A donation, or collection, of ten guineas constitutes life-membership, with one vote at each election. A life -subscriber has one vote for life for ten guineas, and an additional vote for life for every additional ten guineas. A large proportion of the total funds of the Society has been derived from the voluntary contributions of those amateurs who employ gardeners, and nurserymen and others have in many cases given most liberally to its funds. The Society is ably and economically conducted on the soundest and best business principles, aud what is now most needed is the help and personal interest of a larger number of practical gardeners. It is, indeed, depressing to find how small a proportion of those for whose benefit it is worked really contribute to its funds, or take any hearty interest in it what- ever. No other institution or society known to mc guarantees a pension for life after sixty years of age (or total incapacity) to any gardener who makes a single payment of ten guineas, or who subscribes fifteen guiueas in fifteen annual payments. Seeing how generous the patrons of gardening have been, and still are, it now behoves all self-respecting gar- deners to put a hand to the wheel, and to do at least something themselves for such an excellent institu- tion. Much can be done either by contributions direct, or by their saying a word iu due season to their employers and friends. Now aud then private gardens, with particular specialties, may bo opened to the public at a nominal entrance fee, and the pro- ceeds given to the fund ; or gardeners may often be able to organise local public entertainments to the same end. One of my friends is most goncrous in sharing surplus plants, seeds, and cuttings with visi- tors, but only on the condition tbat they give at least something to his collecting-box shaped like a watering-can, while others use the collecting- cards whenever opportunity occurs. Auother kind friend, who is hospitably inclined and fond of cards, plays penny points with his guests on the sole condition that all moneys so used shall go into the collecting box for his favourite charity. As a matter of fact, however, " wherever there's a will there's a way," and even the poorest gardener with a family may do something, however little, towards an institution that never fails its supporters. As a proof of the kind thought and consideration of those at the head of the Iustitution, we may draw attention to " the Victorian Era Fund " recently inaugurated to give a sum of money to all who are unfortunate and unsuccessful at the annual election of pensioners. The idea is a noble one, viz., that even the disappointed shall be solaced, and that " none shall be sent empty away." A sum of £5000 is urgently required as a principal from which to pay donations, and it is for gardeners and others to do their best to give or collect this sum. Are thero not oOOO gardeners in England to-day able to give £1 each towards this end '! I feel sure there are, if only they would interest themselves and their friends in tho matter. Horticultural Societies, and Gardeners' Mu- tual Improvement Societies, might do much by the use of collecting-boxes and cards at their flower shows or meetings. Not only head gardeners, but foremen, and young gardeners, especially those for whom lodgings and other advantages are provided, might do something, however small, for, as our Scotch friends say, "many a mickle mak's a inueklo.1' In a garden with twenty men a penny per week from each would yield £4 6s. %d. a year, aud if this wore paid into the Post Office Savings Bank every week the money would be safe, and increased slightly by iuterest to boot ; while the whole transaction would affjrd an object-lesson on thrift and business principles to all the young men concerned. In some caaes gar- deners who have subscribed £10 to £20, have been elected as annuitants, and have received ten or twenty- fold the principal they had originally invested ; and I believe there is no instance of a subscriber not having been elected after due application has been made. Unfortunately, it is not possible for every gardener to subscribe largely, but there are few who could uot afford, say, 5d. a week, so as to make up a guinea a year. It is a trifle like this— put by carefully at Btated intervals that will provide a sure aud certain hope for a decrepit old age. As an old subscriber of £15 15s. once said to me, "The wife or myself U sure of something at least if we fail, and that thought alone is a great consolation, and worth the money we iuvested many times over." He, good honest man, has never earned more than a pound a week, with his cottage and garden, and he has had a family of five to start in life; but all are doing well, and at nearly seventy years of age he is hale and hearty, and respected by his employers ; and although he is eligible in some ways, I never expect to see him an aunuitant of our good old institution. F. W. Barbidr/c. THE CLASSIFICATION OF APPLES.— In Inviting the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society to undertake the task of formulating authorised lists of Apples which shall be termed respectively cooking and dessert, and so regarded throughout the king- dom, the requisitionists do not seem to have fully realised the exceeding difficulty of the undertaking. No such classification could be complete that did not include every Apple known in commerce, of which, as tho celebrated Ohiswick Congress showed, there are some 1500 ; but it would still be needful to classify all unknown local Apples — evidently an impossibility. But even attempting the work par- tially, dealing solely with such varieties as are com- monly listed, it would be found that were a dozen of tho leading fruit catalogues of the kingdom examined, that 6ome 401) assumed diverse variotios were pub- lished. "What would etill further tend to difficulty in tho matter, is the undoubted fact that traders differ so largely amongst themselves as to tho proper classi- fication of varieties that confusion is excessive. No doubt, it will be pleaded that wero some fitting authority to classify these varieties, traders would follow that lead. If they did so, it would indicate great humbleness on their parts, as it would be tacit admission that through all the years past they had been in tho wrong. Yet thero can be no doubt but that so long as the arbitrary distinctions of cooking and doesert, or table aud kitchen sections, are to be maintained, tho more probable is acceptance of any classification, however partial. It iB worthy of note that tho present bother (and we may say agitatiou) has grown out of the action of the York Gala Committee in inserting into the conditions for a miscellaneous collection of fruit, tho arbitrai'y term " dessert." A mixed or miscellaneous collection of fruit is invariably inclusive of several kinds, and often of diverse varieties. It also invariably com- prises fruit that is ripe, or nearly so. The Royal Horticultural Society, in its Crystal Palace schedule, is content to ask for ripe fruit, which, seeing that these fruits are for table use, seems to meet every requirement. The National Chrysanthemum Society, at their Jubilee show, wero even less exacting, getting all that was possible by asking for a collection of nine dishes of fruit, thus using no arbitrary term. Had not the term dessert, which is a foolish one to employ, been in the York schedule, Mr. Riddell would never have been disqualified, and the sub- sequent bother would not have occurred. However, the Royal Horticultural Society had no desire to shirk tho task sought to be imposed upon it, but pre- ferred to proceed in its own way, which is this : " We cannot undertake to formulate lists of Apples clas- sified to suit every ono ; but as we hold the greatest Apple show in the kingdom annually at the Crystal Palace, and have classes for Apples in sections, we will, through the agency of a smalt committee of experts, arrange lists for our own show-schedule of what shall be by that body properly regarded as eating, cooking, or compound sections, which, so far as the Crystal Palace show is concerned, will be regarded as authoritative, and we leave to the country at large to accept our class i neat ion or leave it. These aro not their words, but they describe practically what has been attempted. The committee seems to favour the term " eating " to the other one, "dessert," but allow " cooking" to remain. Lists of about Beventy of the best kuown and most commonly grown and shown varieties of eatiug and of cooking Apples have been compiled, and from these will bejeither starred or withdrawn and put into a third 1 ist a certain few varieties which cannot be rigidly classi- fied as either absolutely, but may be well regarded as compound or suitable for both uses. But even these have first been put into the sections to wliL-h they seem primarily to belong. Of course when th^se lists are completed, they will bo published in the February 27, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 145 Crystal Palace Fruit Show Schedule, and these will until further revised become authoritative under the Royal Horticultural Society. There can be no doubt that classification is a matter of exceeding difficulty, foi a variety that may be ouly fit to cook in one part of the kingdom is delicious eating in another. Then tastes vary very much, and whilst some will have high flavour, only such as Cox's or Ilibstona give, others prefer the soft flesh of Pomona or of Blenheim Orange Pippin ; whilst othei-s even have fondness for the keen acidity of Golden Noble, or Wellington, and certainly the 1 itter four do furnish for the table most beautiful samples. All have particular goodness for softness of flesh, without acidity, and but little sugar. Youth often has preference for sharpness, whilst others prefer sugariness. Then there aro numerous small iiud rather hard varieties included in the eating sec- tion, that have fancy names, but are really worthless either to grow or to eat. Many very fiue handsome rich-coloured, soft-fleshed, and exceedingly pleasant Apples, on the other hand, are classed amongst cookers, because they are large. It is difficult to correct all this apparent misplacement, but no doubt what the Koyal Horticultural Society is doing will greatly help to that end. Pomona. TO CLEAR MEALY-BUG FROM GRAPE-VINES.— The Vines at the place where I am now gardener were greatly infested with mealy-bug when I entered on my service three years ago last November, none of the bunches of Grapes being fit to eat unless they were washed in clear water, which, of course, spoiled their appearance. When the crop was cleared off, the Vines were then scraped almost bare of bark, pruned, and the surface-soil of the border taken away to a depth of several inches, and the Vines washed with water containing 2 oz. of soft-soap to the gallou, and used as hot as one could bear the hand in it. This being done, the Vines were dressed with a mixture consisting of 1 lb. soft-soap, 1 lb. of flowers-of-sulphur, about 3 lb. of clay, a handful of soot to the gallon of water, which made a kind of paint, to which I added half-a-pint of gas-tar to every ten and a half pints of the mixture, well mixing all together. This paint was used on the canes from below the ground-level to the top, filling up all crannies with it, but not much was used about the buds. I watched the Vines closely for any appearance of bug, and enly dis- covered a few, which 1 touched with a camel's-hair pencil dipped into a mixture of one-quarter piut of water, two tea-spoonfuls of paraffin, and a piece of soft-soap of the size of a cob-nut, the soap and paraffin being first mixed, and the water added giadually. The mixture should be well stirred when it is used, and should be kept in a corked bottle in the vinery. Since carrying out the above sort of treatment, there are now but few bugs on the Vines. D. J, H. NAILING PEACH TREES.— I have been interested in the notes appearing under the above heading, and would like to put iu a plea, viz., for a nailed Peach tree, much as I am in favour of wire. All the same, a good nailer will finish a tree nearly as quickly as another can tie one, and when it is finished the nailed tree will look better than the tied one. The following are a few of the advantages of nailing. In the first place, it does not matter how closely the wires are placed, there will always be some cross supports required to which to secure the ends of the shoots that will not touch the wires, and this causes the workman to have recourse to matting, string, or sticks, which take time to arrange. Whereas with the nails you can do exactly what is required without loss of time ; and with shreds, by using these long or short, pressure that often results in gumming is averted. I have an idea that gum- ming is from one cause and another more prevalent in tied than in nailed trees. Peach trees should be untied or unnailed every year, and unless this U done one caunot have wrll-developed trees iu good condi- tion for any length of time ; as all trees grown upon the principle (extension) have necessarily to be re- arranged every year. I think it may be taken for granted that there are in the country quite as many trees that are nailed ;ls are tied to wires ; in fact, iu many of the best gardens wire is not used. I have noticed that bettor and liner crops of fruit come from nailed trees, and considering all things, I think I intend to stick to mils for trees on outside walls. I have not found that fruit trees suffer in any way from being close to the wall, and never failed to secure good crops, ISO:") and 1890 being exceptions, owing to the drought and heat, I have taken forty dozen fruits from one five-year-old tree. The fol- lowing varieties are growing here on the south wall, and these without exception do well : Waterloo, Amsden June, Early Grosse Mignonne, Dymond, Barrington, Goshawk, Royal George, Sea Eagle, with Lord Napier aud Victoria Nectarines, and sundry seedling Peaches and Nectarines. The secret of suc- cessful Peach culture does not consist in the way a tree is fastened to the wall, but in affording trees a good start in suitable soil, proper drainage, keeping them free from insect pests of all kinds, and severe dis- budding so that the crowding of shoots is avoided. The border must be well supplied with water, and the syringe or engine used freely in warm bright weather. The Peaches and Nectarines whose names I have given afford fruits from the end of June to the end of October, after which date Peaches are no longer fit for dessert. W. N. Cook, Compton Basset, Cubic Wilte. SEED PODS ON POINSETTIA PULCHERRIMA. — Here we have two plants which have produced seed-pods on them, the only two out of a batch of 150 plants. It is not a rare occurrence where a large batch of plants are grown. I had one or two seeds some three years ago, and grew the seedlings, but there does not appear to be any difference in them when iu bract than those grown from cuttings, they only grow taller and are paler in colour. I have enclosed a bract with a seed-pod upon it, for your correspondent. A , S, Cole. In reply to " X.," in a recent issue, it may be stated that this plant produces seed very freely if fertilised. The seeds vegetate readily when quite matured, if sown in heat. I was successful in raising plants from seeds six years ago, but they resembled the parent plants, although I crossed them with Euphorbia jacquiniflora. Win. Smythe, Basing Park Gardens, Alton. THE VICTORIAN ERA FUND.— Mr. Harris, in the Gardeners' Chronicle, p. 129, writing on the above subject, suggests that gardeners, foremeu, journey- men, &c, should subscribe a fixed sum this year towards the Gardeners1 Benevolent Institution, &c. ; also that gardeners should be asked to collect from meu employed under them. Although the sum he mentions is small, I do not consider that gardeners should ask the men to subscribe; their pay is usually so small that they can ill afford even so small a sum as he mentions. But I would like to suggest that e ery head gardener should be induced to become an annual subscriber ; and if such a rule were followed throughout the kingdom, we should not then require any cjllection or extra funds. A Life Member and A nnual Subscriber. THE CEDARS OF LEBANON. — In an interesting article from the pen of J. Pascoe Oliver, Capt. lioyal Artillery, which appeared in the issues of the Gar- deners" Chronicle for August 9 and IU, 1879, an account of journey iugs in Palestine, the Northern Lebanon range, and El Beka'a is given. The article was illus- trated by a sketch by Captain Oliver of the Lebanon Cedars as they then existed. The trees, large and small, numbered :J8j specimens, the smallest being from 50 to 80 years old. No youug trees were springing up, although there were cones in abund- ance, aud germinating seeds were observed far beyond tho actual area covered by the trees. If it were not for the goats which eat off the sc tilings, and the visitors who tread them under foot, a few decades would see a large extension of the area under Cedars, and eventually the formation of a large wood. Perhaps some reader of this note may bo able to inform me if anything has been done since 1S79 to carry out the idea of protecting this grove, which is the property of the Patriarch of the Maronites, who, at that time, resided by tho Dog River, not far from Bey rout. Some articles have appeared in the Gar- deners' Chronicle recently which would seem to indi- cate that the Cedar of Lebanon shows seminal variation. Perhaps persons who have closely observed these trees in their native habitat would be enabled to say if this inference has any foundation in fact. A Traveller. CYPRIPEDIUM INSIGNE SANDERS. — I am pleased we have now got your correspondent, *'S. S.," to facts (see Gardeners Chronicle, p. 128). Tho plant shown at Manchester was not any portion of the Pickering Lodge plant. I see he states that Mr. Ball has got very much mixed ; but I should likely to have his opinion of his judgment when he states the flower shown at Manchester is not the true C. i. Sanderae, and much inferior to Mr. Ball's flower, when I inform him that it came straight from Baron Schroder's. Fred. Hardy. VIOLET PRINCESS OF WALES.— Having seen some remarks in the gardening press attributing shyness iu flowering to this new Violet, I would like to say that such has not been our experience. It has given us good flowers and foliage all the winter. Growing side by side with most other varieties, it has proved superior to all of them, including The California. It is, moreover, remarkably free from damping during the winter months. Enclosed is a bunch of blooms for your inspection. G. Morplictt, Htdscivood Gardens, Hartford Heath. [Very fine flowers indeed. Ed.]. SOCIETIES. ROYAL GARDENERS' ORPHAN FUND. The Annual Meeting. FumuARY 10.— On tlie above date was held the annua general meeting of those interested in the Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund. The meeting took place at 4 p.m., at Ander- ton's Hotel, Fleet Stieet, London, E.C., and the poor attendance may be partially explained by the wretched character of the weal her during the day. Aiming the score or so gentlemen present were the following : -Messrs. W. Marshall (Chairman of Executive Committee), B. Wynne, R. Dean, J. Hudson, Jas. Walker, F. A. Assbee, A. \V. Gh Weeks, Jas. Melady, G. W. Cummins, H. J. Jones, Geo. Rey- nolds, W. Poupart, Jno. Lyne, J. H. Bates, W. RoupclL A. F. Barron (Secretary), and representatives of the Horticul- tural Press. After the reading of the minutes of the last meeting, which were approved, it was proposed by Mr. Marshall, Chairman, that the report presented by the exe- cutive committee be adopted. It ran as follows : — REPORT AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1896. In presenting their Ninth Annual Report, the executive committee can heartily congratulate the subscribers on another year's operations— generally satisfactory and en- couraging. If the financial support given to the Fund as annual subscriptions bo not as large as the committee could desire, yet from other sources it is evenly maintained and the interest in the progress of the Fund widely felt. The Fund was instituted in 1SS7 in commemoration of the Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen. The year l*i>7 finds your committee assisting in com- mem trating the longest reign of a British Sovereign, and in consideration of this auspicious event, they recommend to the subscribers that the whole of the candidates be elected by resolution of the annual meeting. To those who have so gene rously, and in not a few cases so constantly supported the Fund by menus of special dona- tions, the committee owe a great debt of gratitude. By sums derived from money-boxes, concerts, the opening to the public inspection of gardens and plant-houses, especially during the season of the Chrysanthemum, the sale of (lowers, &.C, considerable additions have been made to the Fund. The Annual Festival Dinner -presided over by His Grace the Duke of Bedford, the president of the Fund— proved a most gratifying success, resulting in a considerable augiu n- tation to the charity ; and the committee tender to His Grace their most grateful thanks lor his able advocacy of the claims of the institution, and also for his generous contribution. Among other contributions to the Festival Fund was that of the tenants of, and growers of produce for Covcnt Garden Market, who subscribed the sum of £:'.41 15s. Gd., a measure of support highly appreciated by the committee ; and they also desire to gratefully acknowledge the great, assistance rendered by Mr. J. Assbke in obtaining this welcome gift. The number of children who have been placed on the Fund since the commencement is eighty -live, of this number fifty- eight are now reviving the benefits of the Fund, to bo Increased by those recommended foi election this day. The number of children who through the ftge bunt and other causes have ceased to be chargeable i" the Fond is tweuty- One most pleasing cause of gratification to t lie committee is the letters of deep and earnest thankfulness received from the mothers of children who have ceased to be chargeable to the fund, acknowledging tho great help the quarterly pay- ments have proved to them in times of necessity. The committee, by means oi the special grants they are empowered to make, have also boon enabled to render timely assistance in starting several orphans in life. The total amount paid to the children since the commence- ment of the Fund is £4,918, The members of the Executive Committee who retire by rotation according tollulo IV.. are Messrs. M man u i , It \ its Dkan, Herbst, Junks, May, Rsynoldb, and Weeks, alio whom being eligible offered themselves lor re-election. The best thanks of Ibis committee EU*C duo, and are hereby tendered to the Treasurer, T. H. Haywood, Esq., and the Auditor, Jons Frasbr, Esq., who retire after holding office 146 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 27, 1897. since the establishment of the Fund. The committee have great pleasure in announcing that N. N. Sherwood, Esq. (a munificent supporter of the Fund), has kindly consented to accept the office of Treasurer, and Peter Barr, Esq., that of Auditor, and they are hereby nominated by the Mr. A. F. Barron is again nominated as Secretary at the same remuneration. Cash Statement for the Year Ending December 31, 1S00. Receipts. £ s. rf. To Balance from last account 600 1 11 ,, Subscriptions, General £291 5 6' ,, Ditto collected by local sees. ... 74 0 0 365 5 6 Donations, general (including pro- ceeds of sales of ilowers, boxes, entertainments, &c 156 1 10 , Ditto collected by local sees. ... 58 13 9 ,, The Emma Sherwood Memorial ,, Annual dinner „ Card collection „ Advertisements in List of Subscribers... ,, Dividends on stock and interest on deposit . •2 J Per Cent. Consols ... ... £7070 6 10 3 Per Cent. Canada Stock ... 2000 0 0 £9070 6 10 Bxpenditw ■e. By Allowances to Orphans ... £850 5 0 £ s. d. „ Emma Sherwood .Memorial ... 13 0 0 ,, Grants in aid 6 0 0 80S 0 „ Annual dinner 161 17 8 „ Secretary's salary 105 0 0 „ Printing and posting subscribers' lists ... 31 8 6 ,, Printing and stationery 10 14 1 ,, Annual, General, and Comn littee Meetings ... 13 2 0 ,, Postages ... 10 10 i ,, Bank charges 1 6 2 „ Sundry expenses (petty cash) ... 18 9 8 66 9 „ Purchase of £500 Three per Cent Canada Stock 030 1 0 „ Balance- Cash at hankers ... 492 4 8 Cash in hand 7 7 7 Cash on deposit ... 100 0 0 £ 699 11 10 2362 a 0 approaching £10,000. The committee thought that under such circumstances (and it being Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee year) it was warranted in recommending tbe election of the whole of the candidates. This was approved by the meeting, and it was nest resolved, upon a proposition by Mr. Assbee, that a copy of tbe previous resolution I'C sent to Her Majesty the Queen, and to the Patroness of the Society the Princess of Wales. A hearty vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the meeting. A friendly dinner of the members of the committee and subscribers to the fund afterwards took place at the same hotol, Mr. Owen Thomas presiding. (See p. 140) Having inspected the securities and examined the books and vouchors .supplied to us, wo hereby certify the above account to bo correct, (Signed) METRowB^Clapham } A"'iitOTS- Dated January 23, 1897. Mr. Marshall, in a brief commentary upon the report, drew the attention of the meeting to several letters that bad been received from the guardians of children tho com- mittee had helped from the Fund, all of which wero satis- factory, aa showing tbe extremely useful purpose served by the grants of money, and the appreciation evident on the part of those responsible for the children's welfare. Tho excellent praotice of the Institution in the granting of a sum to assist in giving tho children a start in some trade or other was also alluded to. The committee, it will be remem- bered, have power to grant such allowances (not exceeding £10) to any cases that appear to require such help, and during tho past year this step was taken on three occasions. That it is possible ito do something in this direction is a matter we think for congratulation. There was no discussion of the report in dotail ; and after it had been seconded by Mr. Jno. Fraser, it was passed unanimously. The next business was that ol proposing votes of thanks to retiring officers, and tho election of new ones. Mr, T. B. Hay- wood, who has been treasurer to the Fund since its incep- tion, retires with the thanks of all; and it is satisfactory to know that the office will be taken up so worthy a gentle- man as Mr. N. N. Sherwood, who was proposed by Mr. R. Dean, seconded by Mr. J. W. B ites, and elected with enthusiasm. Mr. Peter Barr was next elected to succeed Mr. Jno. Fraaer as auditor to tho Fund. Mr. Poupart noxt proposed that tho whole of tho retiring members of the committeo be re-clcctod, and in doing so, testified in a marked manucr to the sorvicos these gentl cmen had previously rendered tho Institution upon tbe com- mittee. This having been passed, it was proposed by the Chairman that Mr. A. F. Barron be rc-electod secretary upon tho same conditions as last year, and tlus too was adopted by acclamation. The Chairman then rose to propose that, there being thirteen applicants for benefit from the Fund, the whole of ' them bo elected. Ho said that it was most satisfactory that tho Society, which, it would be remembered, was inaugurated in 1SS7, to celebrate the jubilee of Her Majesty's reign, had disbursed a sum of nearly £5,000 to children, and at the same time had managed to put ; GHENT HORTICULTURAL Fkbruary 7. — The Chambre Syndicalo des Horticulteurs Beiges held their last monthly meeting on the above date, when the following awards were made : — Certificates of Merit to M. Jules Hye (par acclamation) for Cypripedium insigne Sanders Baron Schroeder, and for Lselio-Cattleya Pallas (0 Lowiana x L. crispa) ; to M. Ed. Tynaert van Geert, for Pteris Boultoni ; to Messrs. Linden & Co. (> + 1 11 Oats 13 9 16 5 + 2 8 apl'.les.NI FBTTIT AND VEGETABLES. r : February 21. — Tbo lollowing arc the averages of the prices current at market during tho past week : — Fruit : Pears, 8d. por lb. ; Apples, It. to 2*. por stone ; Tomatos, Guernsey, Gd. por lb. ; do., Scotch, 10<(. do. ; Grapos, home, 2*. to 3*. do.; do., foroign, Sd, do. Vegetables : - Turnips, white, 9d. per doz bunches ; do. Swedes, Is. to la. \d. porewt. ; Savoys lotf to 1», HI. per dozen ; Cabbages, Gd. to Sd. per doJion ; do., late, 10J. to 1*. do.; do., red, 2s. Gd. to 3s. do ; Cauliflowers, English, 2s. to 2s, iW. per dozen ; Parsnips, 4*. to 4s, Gd. por cwt. ; Herbs, assortod, Id. to 2d. per bunch ; Looks, Is. Gd. to 4s. per dozen bunches ; Mint, green, Gd. per bunoh ; Onions, Dutch, 3*. to 4s. Gd. per bag; do., Portugal, Is. to Is. M, per stone; do., Globe, Pa, GJ. to 4s. Gd. per cwt. ; Parsley, 3s. to Is. Gd. per stono ; Groons, 'Ad. to 4d. per bunch ; Celery, table, Is. to 2s. per bundle ; do., common, 0d. to Is. do. ; Potatos, best, Gd. per stono; Carrots, 3s. to 4s. Gd. por cwt. ; Broccoli, 2s to 3s. per dozen : Artichokes, 10*. to 12s. per cwt. ; Cucumbers, 12*. to 15*. por dozen ; Lettuces, Gd. to 9J. do. ; Radishes, Gd. do. ; Horseradish, 2s. to 2s. lid. per bundle ; Mushrooms, 1*. to 1*. SU. per lb. ; Rhubarb, Is. .Ul. to Is. Gd. per stone ; Boot- root, Gd. to 7d. per dozon ; Cress, 3<(. por basket ; Brussels Sprouts, 2s. to 2s. Gd. per stono ; Spinach, 3*. to is, per stono. Liverpool: February 21.— Average of the prices currant at tho following markets:- St. John's: Potatos, n/. to 10,/. por pock ; Asparagus, tfs. por cwt. ; Cucumbers, 1*. ench ; Grapes, English, 3s. Gd. per lb. ; do., foroign, s./. to 1*. do. ; Pines, English, Is, to 6$, oaoh ; Mushrooms, 1*. 'Ml. por lb. Birkenhead :— Potatos, Qd, to Sd per p.ck; do., new, id. to Gd. por lb. ; Cucumbers, s.f. to i,«. each ; Grapes, English, 3*. to K per lb. ; do., foreign, *d. to 10m-heat of G0J, and fcop- hKit of 65°. In three weeks the cuttings will be struck, and ready for potting, which should be done in A \ inch pot*. If it be desired to flower them in pots, a suitable soil will consist of three parts loam, one of sand, and if the soil is of a sandy nature, one-quarter of the whole may consist of leaf-mould in place of the saud. When used for beds, autumn-struck cuttings are preferable. These should be taken about September from plants growing in the open, and pricked out in sandy soil in a cold frame, bracken or mats being thrown over the glass in severe weather — treated, in fact, the same as bedding Calceolarias. They are hardier whou thus treated, and much time is saved. Roots of Vinus: 8. II. The border appears to have been sodden, and the roots sutlbc.ited for want of air. The staLe of the roots could scarcely be worse. Seed-boxes, Licaf-mould, and Fungus: Fungi. It is not surprising that fungus gives trouble when such ill-prepared leaf-mould is employed as that which you sent to this office Leaf mould is an almost indispensable ingredient in potting-soils, and should not, in a general way, be employed, except in a well-decayed condition ; and to obtain it, the leaves of Oak, Chestnut, Beech, Birch, Willow, Alder, and Hornbeam, being more suitable than those of the Sycamore, Plane, Maple, Walnut, Elm, and others of like soft texture, should be gathered into heaps and enclosed by sheep-hurdles or similar contrivance, so as to prevent their being blown about. It will take from two to threo years to thoi'onghly decompose a heap, and in the second year the heap should be turned with leaf-forks, and the decayed central portion separated from tho rest, sifted through sieves or a screen, with a $-inch mesh, the rough part thrown back on the heap, and the finer part put under cover for another year before using it. Tho heap of leaves, now partially rotted, should be mixed together and formed into a now cone-shaped heap, to still further decay. The addition of some warm stable-manure will, at this stage, aid fermentation and rotting. At the end of the second year the whole will be fit for another turning over and separation of the decayed portion as before, and at the end of three years the entire heap will be reduced to the condition of leaf mould. Each year should have its separate leaf-heap, and decayed and partially-decayed leaf-moulds should be put in heaps kept apart, and the year of collec- tion marked with a stout label. Chips of soft wood, any kind of bark, soft shoots, small branches, old Pea and Bean-sticks if rotted in a heap out-of- doors, and similarly treated, form, when quite . decayed, a capital material for mixing with the peat and loam used in pottiug Ferns, Authuriums, Pothos, terrestrial Orchids, Gloxinias, Achimenes, Camellias, New Holland plants of nearly all species, Dracaenas, &c. You might try the use of decanted clear lime-water in arresting the growth of the fungus in the seed-boxes. The Heat of Hotbeds : G. W. The Melon succeeds on a bed having a steady waraith of S0° The Cucumber scarcely needs so much heat, and 75° to 78° suffices. With stable-manure alone, the heat will be of short duration once it has declined to these figures, but it would be much more lasting if you could mix with the latter an equal quantity of the leaves of the Oak, Chestnut, ami Beech. Fail- iug these, the necessary degree oT heat may be kept up by means of linings of properly- prepared stable- dung applied when the heat of the bed, taken with the plunging thermometer, is seen to be declining. Window Boxes in a North Aspect: M.S. Satis- factory results would be obtained by planting the following: — Cut back Fuchsias, not less than two years old ; Cinerarias, raised especially for the purpose ; some of the dwarfer Asters, or Michaelmas Daisies, as A. acris, 2 feet, white ; oestivus, blue, 2 feet ; alpinus, 1 foot, bright purple ; and re. albus ; altaicus, blue purple, 1 foot; argenteus, purple 1 foot; dumosus, white, 2 feet ; Keevesii, white, 1 foot and less in height ; peregrinus, bluish-purple, 1 fuot ; the annual " Asters," Callis- temma hortensis, might also be employed, growing them in pots or in beds in a sunny place, and transferring them to the boxes after the plants had got well iuto bloom ; the same might also be done with single and double flowered Pelargoniums, such as are ordinarily used in the flower garden, except that pot culture ouly would have to be resorted to ; various species of Lily might be similarly treated, choosing those of moderate height, as CitesUei, concolor, japonicum, roseutn, and the varieties of L speciosum. Shrubs with variegate 1 foliage might be sparingly use 1 >is foils ti the fl >werlng plants, as Auciibi, Enouymus, golden Thu. a an 1 CioreBsi'is, s'jver and golden I'Mvet, &e.' As tailors, Liuaria cymbalaria, Seduin Steboldi, Lithosperinum p'b-ttratum, Lysi- niiehia Nummularii (Money w.u'f), .fee , inijht bj use \. COMMUMC*TlL>rM IUckivkp.— S. It. l),_Co1. T. - K V — A. S.— W. N.-L. G A. P. U. - K. A.— Mr. P.-A F li — K.yal Bdtmic Society.— (J. II. C.-U. 11. M.--W. II. W — IS. J.— II. P.— A. O. L.— J. J. W. -J. Douglas,— A. D. W — Ed. Bennett.— J. A.— A. D.-L P.— W. Earp — D. A — U. L)., Berlin. CATALOGUES RECEIVED. Jas. Uockek & Sons, Aberdeen— (1) Hoses, Herbaceous Plants, Fruit and Ornamental Trees, Ac. (2) Seeds and various Plants. DoBifi & Dicks, 66, Deausgate, Manchester— Seeds. Jno. Latno a Sons, Stanstead Park Nurseries Forest Hill, Londuii, S.E — Cliveias. Letellier A Suns, Caen, France— Fruit Trees, Lilies, and other Bulbs. GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. Mil. G. Huuhard, previously employed in tbe gaVdzns Little Dalby Hall; Helton Mowbray, as Gardener to Dr. r.iuiM.L, The Elms, Melt..]! Mowbray. Mr. J. Hammond, until recently General Foreman at Highnam Court Gardens, Gioueester, as Head Gardener to Col, IIanbury Barclay, Tingrihh Manor, Wobiirn, Bedford- Mr. J. Faroi iiarson. late General Foreman at Bridge Hill : Gardens, Derbyshire, as Head Gardener to 1;. 0 Lamb, Esq., West Denton Hall, Scotswood-on-Tyne. Mr. Henry Adams, Gardener to W. Park Dickins, Esq., Cherington, SliipUiu-onStour, previously Foreman at Dayleslonl Gardens, Chipping Norton, and Basing Park Gardens, Alton, Hants, lias been appointed (iardener and Bailiff to Mrs. Mackenzie, llirdiugbuiy Hall, Kiighy. Mr. Nt M. So II.' stle, i He March 6, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 149 ■Ln.cj SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 1897. EECENT CHRYSANTHEMUM LITERATURE. rpHERE are, of course, many readers of the A Gardeners' Chronicle who remember the Centenary Festival and Exhibition held under the auspices of the National Chrysanthemum Society in 1890. They will, no doubt, recall the prophecy of certain well-meaning but happily short-sighted people who declared that, after such an exceptional effort, tthe popular flower from the Far East was destined to enter upon a period of decline, and that little else remained to be done to maintain its popularity. But these worthy folk could not foresee the advent of a Calvat, whose entrance into the ranks of seedling-raisers since the date men- tioned has almost entirely reversed the old order of things ; nor could the prophets be expected to count upon the extraordinary exertions of the executive of our leading Chrysanthemum So- ciety to celebrate, as was so well done last November, the fiftieth anniversary of its exist- ence. But to those who know the Chrysanthe- mum best, its history since its first introduction into Europe more than a century ago is little else than a series of surprises and departures from the beaten track. A very fair idea of the importance of any subject, be it floral or otherwise, may be gained from its literature. Siuce the year m which the centenary was celebrated with so much success, the Chrysanthemum has been dealt with in a most liberal manner by the horticul- tural press both iu England and America. Apart, however, from these fugitive contri- butions, many of which are of a high o.der of meri\ the Chrysanthemum has received a large meas ire of support from the pens of authors of independent treatises. It is not an uncommon thing now-a-days to find some of the leading nurserymen giving their trade catalogues a semi-literary appearance by iucluding essays on cultivation, and occasionally matter of a more technical nature. Amongst some of these com- mercial publications it is difficult at times to say which should Le regarded as mere trade cata- logues, and which should be placed on a higher level, because the main object of them is to sell the goods of those who are responsible for thiir publication. Without, however, attempting to draw any such line of demarcation, it will easily be seen that besides the higher class of nurseryman's catalogue, tho literature of the Chrysanthemum has received substantial additions from the pens of authors whose direct object has not beon the advertisement and sale of plants. Upwards of forty independent books, pamphlets, and treatises dealing with the cultivation, description, exhi- bition, or other subjects allied to the Chrysan- themum have been published by horticultural wi iters during the past seven years, a number never equalled in any similar period during the history of the flower. They vary from mere pamphlets to works of some pretensions, and have been contributed from many sources at home and abroad. This fact is well worthy of men- tion to dispel any lingering mistaken notion that may^even now exist as to the approaching decline ofthe popularity of our favourite. Chief among cultural treatises are the handy manuals] by Mr. Edwin Molyneux, Mr. J. Morton, and M. Anatole Cordonnier, the repre- sentive writers for England, America, and France. Among the descriptive lists, official and otherwise, the catalogues of the National Chrysanthemum Society, the American Chrys- anthemum Society, and those compiled by M. de Meulenaere, of Ghent, deserve a special mention. Then, from an artistic point of view, such publications as Mr. Imai's Kiticwa Meiji- Sen, Mr. Ogawa's Chrysanthemums of Japan and the Oolden Flower, Chrysanthemum, a very finely-executed American art volume, occupy a high rank, and although not in any case of a practical nature will be much appreciated and valued by those admirers of the Chrysanthemum who have also a tincture of the bibliophile in their constitutions. The years most prolific in additions to the bibliography of the Chrysanthemum since the stir consequent upon the centenary celebra- tion are as follows : — 1891, when six new books were published; 1892, when there were eight; 1S94, when nine new works appeared, and last year when there were as many as twelve. Ot these twelve, England contributed five, and it will be almost needless to remind the reader that early in the year, Mr. R. Owen and Mr. W. Wells issued handy little cultural guides, which were shortly afterwards followed by Mr. H. J. Jones' excellent Chrysanthemum Album, a new departure in every respect. The National Chrysanthemum Society, as a part of its jubilee programme, published a new and revised edition of its official catalogue, and there was also a small pamphlet on Chrysan- themum culture in the Salisbury series of garden produce handbooks. The French were also responsible for the same number. M. Anatole Cordonnier's Le Chrysantheme a la Grande Fleiir, is at once one of the best works of its kind from any source, and it is not at all to be wondered at that a second edition has just recently been called for. MM. Chabanne and Choulet as joint authors, and M. Raphael de Noter were the next in the field with small cultural essays, and then M. Georges Truffaut issued in separate form his Ultude sur la Culture et la Vegetation des Chrys- autheiues, which was originally printed in the Journal, of the National Horticultural Society of France. The last to be" noticed from France was a most interesting Monograph by M. Henri L. deVilmorin, entitled Le (Jhrysunthhne, histm're, ■nhysiologie et culture en France et d I'etrangcr, in which this eminent horticulturist very fully and ably deals with the subjects of his essay in a most delightful manner, and the work has tho advantage of being embellished with a goodly number of well-executed and characteristic wood engravings. Belgian Chrysanthemum literature in separate form was represented by one work only, viz., the second supplement to M. 0. de Meulenaore's valuable catalogue. This gentle- man has earned tho thanks of all literary Chrysanthemum growers by thu preparation of his useful catalogues, in which are to bo found much matter relating I" dates ami raisers' uamos that cannot be found elsowhero, and which render his catalogues of iufinito service to thoso who writo for tho press. The last new Chrysanthemum treatise for 1896 to be noticed, emanates from the United States. It is Bulletin 112 of the Cornell Uni- versity Agricultural Station, and bears the title of The 1895 Chrysanthemums, by L. U. Bailey, Wilhelm Miller, and C. E. Hunn. It is similar in style to the one from the same source the previous year, called Recent < 'lirysan- themvins, and contains much matter of intorest to other than American growers. But quite separate and distinct from the above-mentioned works, one of the most promis- ing features in connection with Chrysanthe- mum literature is the recent appearance of periodical publications. One would have thought that we in England, with all our protestations of affection for the flower would have long since started and loyally supported a weekly or monthly magazine specially devoted to the dissemination of Chrysanthemum news. The French, however, simultaneously with the founding of their throe new Chrysanthemum societies, have already shown us the way. The first is the Nord Horticole, the official organ of the Northern French Chrysanthemum Society, a bright little monthly that was first issued in May last, and which ever since has very fully dealt with the Chrysanthemum iu every conceivable manner, giving portraits and biographical notices of many of the principal French growers. The special double Chrysan- themum number for November last was full of interesting contributions, and this publication, as a Chrysanthemum journal, occupies a prominent position. The Chrysanthemum section of the National Horticultural Society of France has also issued two numbers of a new bulletin dealing exclu- sively with the operations of that section. Reports of visits to the establishments of well- known growers, selected lists of varieties for various purposes, and other articles have ap- peared ; but unfortunately, up to the present, the interval between the numbers is a somewhat lengthy ono. The last ofthe new French serial publications is entitled Le Chrysantheme, and is the organ of the French National Chrysanthemum Society. This was first issued in September last, and has been regularly supplied to members every month since. It is edited on somewhat similar lines to the one just mentioned, but is a little more comprehensive, for the contents are not exclu- sively confined to the operations of the socioty which issues it. The title is well chosen, and the work itself needs but a little expansion to become a thoroughly representative Chrys- anthemum journal; and is a most creditable publication, considering the Society is only a little over the first year of its existence. Such is a brief outline of the literary activity displayed in a popular cause during the past twelve months, or thereabouts ; and, iu my opinion, it is the surest guarantee that we are as yet a long way from the anticipated docline of the flower that, considering its season, has no rival worthy of the name. 0. Harman Payne. New or Noteworthy Plants. CYltTANTHUS X MAHIAV. At last, after Boms years of endeavour iu (trussing spcoiesof tha Monella section ot Cyrtanthus, I have succeeded in producing one raised itotn lutetcena liy pollen ot C Tuoki, which that groal authority un the genus, Mr. J. O. Baker, at once pronounced "a very fine plant, aud an excellent addition to the genus, notwithstanding its hybrid origin." In its 150 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 6, 1807. general features it may be said to have the strong habit and robust stature of C. Tuckii, bearing a many- flowered umbel (not few-flowered, as in C. Iutescens), with much of the yellow colour and graceful habit of C. Iutescens, which it also follows in the recurved or spreading character of the perianth segments, and in commencing to flower very early in the spring. The leaves, which are produced together with the flowers, are bright green, and when mature they measure about 1 foot in length. The stout peduncle is nearly 2 feet in height, and bears an umbel of eight very showy flowers, on pedicels varying from 1 to li inch in length. The curved perianth-tube is 2 inches long, and the seg- ments are spreading. The ground colour of the flower is yellow, the tube is suffused with light pinkish- orange, which deepens as it approaobes the perianth- segments, which are a dark shade of scarlet at the back, and yellow tinged with red on the face. The biseriate stamens are just visible in the tube, from which the style slightly projects. I name it after my little daughter, and thus keep it clear of the true Bpecies. In crossing these plants I have had some curious experience, which tends to confirm my previous experiences, viz., that the hybridist should be shy of crossing a free-seeder, or rather of persisting in crossing it after failure has been demonstrated. I tried crossing several species, both of the Monella and the Gastronema section, but either they did not produce seeds, or the weak seed- lings raised from the seeds failed to live. At last I imported a very free-.fi owering but rather low form of C. angustifolius, which 1 named C. a. aurantiacus, and on its flowering, after carefully removing its own anthers before they were of use, I crossed it with several species, and it took equally well with the pollen of each. But on the seedlings flowering they were one aud all C. angustifolius aurantiacus, and nothing else. Occasionally, either in the bud or in the fading flower, they sometimes exhibited faint traces of other influence, but no one but a keen observer who knew how they were produced could distinguish it. On trying it again, the result was the same. There seems to be a strange individuality about some species which we may regard as sectional types, which prevents perversion, the first generation, at least. I have had several marked instances of it. James O'Brien. others in the same grove. The foliage, too, differs in colour, being on some trees dark green, and on others light blue-green, a peculiarity which has led to some confusion of nomenclature, the blue - leaf form often appearing in gardens as Tsuga (or Abies) Hookeriana. Patton's Spruce grows in the greatest perfection on the slopes below Crater Lake, in the Cascade Mountains of Southern Oregon, forming here exten- sive and nearly pure forests, in which individual trees 100 feet high, with Btout massive stems 5 or 6 feet in diameter, are abundant. Such a growth ia probably not exceptional, and this tree is abundant and conspicuous at the timber-line of Mount Hood, Mount Ranier, and on the Selkirk and other moun- tains of British Columbia. On Mount Ranier, with Abies amabilis and Abies lasiocarpa, it forms a large part of the forest growth, growing above the banks of glaciers in great luxuriance. Some idea of the upper forest-belt on Ranier can be obtained from our illustrations in this issue ; that on p. 6 displays the snow-covered summit rising 8000 feet above the timber-line, with scattered trees of Patton's Spruce on the slope'in the foreground, and in the illustration on p. 7 the trunks of this tree are displayed in more detail. cultivation, it is an ornamental tree of much promise in several European countries. Patton's Spruce, moreover, is one of the comparatively small number of the Conifers of the Pacific States which thrive in the east ; and although, like most alpine Conifers, it grows extremely slowly at the sea-level, it has for several years withstood without injury the changeable winters and dry summers of the New England climate. Garden and Forest. [The woodcuts illus- trating this species first appeared in the Gardeners' Chronicle on July 2, 1892, and June 3, 1893. Ed.] PATTON'S SPKUCE. Br the increasing number of travellers who explore the high mountains of the Pacific States, which are its only home, the lovely Mountain Hemlock is now usually known as Patton's Spruce. Perhaps best considered a Hemlock, this tree differs from other Hem- locks in its long, narrow cones and in its more acute leaves, usually keeled on the upper surface, and its bilobed pollen grains ; and in general appearance it is one of the most distinct aud beautiful of the North American Conifers. Tsuga Pattoniana, as botanists call this tree, was discovered only about forty-five years ago near Mount Baker, in Northern Washington, by the Scotch collector Jeffrey, and wa9 named out of compliment to George Patton, a Scotch lawyer, who was given to the cultivation of exotic trees, and was one of the subscribers to the fund which enabled Jeffrey to explore the forests of North-western America. Patton's Spruce is now known to range from Alaska, where it grows at the level of the sea, south- ward along the mountain ranges of British Columbia, west of the continental divide, the two slopes of the Cascade Mountains of Washington and Oregon, and the California Sierra Nevada, where probably, on the upper waters of some of the tributaries of King's River, it finds its most southern home. It is a tree of high altitudes, and, except at the extreme north, it is found only near the timber-line, forming, with Pinus albicaulis and Abie3 lasiocarpa, extensive forests. Patton's Spruce is a tree of marvellous grace, with drooping branches clothed with thickly-clustered leaves, abundant elongated narrow cones, which hang on slender, spray-like branchlets, and on some individuals are bright purple, and light yellow on SOAI.E AND f In Washington and Oregon, Patton's Spruce grows at elevations of from 5000 to 6000 feet above the sea- level, but further south the timber-line is carried higher ; and John Muir, who describes this tree in his Mountains of California as the " most singularly beautiful of all the Californian Conifers," found it growing on the Sierras up to 10,000 feet altitude ; and on the edge of Lake Hollow, at an elevation of 9200 feet, measured a trunk 19 feet 7 inohes in cir- cumference at 4 feet above the ground. " No other of our alpine Conifers,*' he tells us, " so finely veils its strength. Its delicate branches yield to the mountain's gentlest breeze, yet it is strong to meet the wildest onsets of the gale— strong not in resistance, but in compliance, bowing snow-laden to the ground, gracefully accepting burial, month after month, in the darkness beneath the heavy mantle of winter. Every tree-lover is sure to regard it with special admiration. Apathetic miners, over seeking only gain or gold, stop to gaze on first meeting it, and mutter to themselves, ' That is a mighty pretty tree. ' The deer love to lie down beneath its spread- ing branches ; bright streams from the snow that is always near ripple through its groves, and Bryanthus spreads precious carpets in its shade. But the best words only hiot its charms." Introduced into Scotch plantations by its discoverer, Patton's Spruce has shown that it is fairly adaptable to altered climitic conditions, and it may now be seen in many European collections; aud although it has not yet had sufficient time to attain maturity in The Rosary. ROSES IN EARLY SPRING. We have many kinds of exotic plants in our garden, some of them rare, and many of them beautiful ; but there is nothing in the greenhouse or hothouse equal to the Roses which are now in leaf and flower. The green leaves, with a small globule of water at the tip of each serrature, are very beautiful in the early morning, and how restful to the eye ! By the end of February we always begin to cud the flowers of our Roses, and continue to do so until Roses are plentiful out-of-doors. We have no convenience for planting-out Roses under glass, therefore the plants must be grown in pots, and we have no place that can be specially set apart in which to grow Roses for forcing. But where there is a will there is a way, else that may seem difficult. My practice is to prune the Roses about October. The earliest vinery is started about the middle of November, and the Roses, which have been (carefully prepared, are started in this house in a minimum temperature of 45° to 50°. I like the old-fashioned method of putting a heap of fermenting manure inside the vinery ; this not only gives off ammoniacal moisture sufficient for the Vines, and saves the frequent syringing and "damping down " which causes an irregular degree of moisture in the atmosphere. Some cocoa-fibre or spent Mush- room-bed may be placed on the top of the manure- heap, and on this the Roses are stood. Care is taken not to allow a violent heat to burn the roots, which might easily occur if rank stable-manure is used. If the manure is fresh it ought to be thrown into a heap and be turned over two or three times at intervals of five or six days before taking it into the house. The only pests that attack the leaves thus early are the green aphis and mildew ; a very light dusting of flowers-of-sulphur destroys the latter, and the aphis is filled by fumigating with tobacco-smoke. When the flowers are pretty well advanced, it is better to remove the Roses to a warm greenhouse, for by that time the temperature of the vinery will have advanced to about 603 minimum, and flowers opened in this temperature in February are flimsy. Care should be taken of the Rose plants, so that the foliage may be kept in good condition ; and when the flowering period is over, the plauts must be carefully looked after until the wood is well ripened. This is what I alluded to above as being " careful preparation," for how often, do we see the plants turned out-of-doors as soon as they have done flowering ! Now, it is a fact that few plants are attacked by so many pests as are Roses. Green-fly attacks the points of the young growing shoots, and red-spider turns the older leaves of a rusty-brown colour ; while the troublesome fungoid growths, Orange-fungus and mildew, are seldom absent. I saw a collection of pot Roses once abiut the end of Sep- tember, and every plaut was infested with all four pests. Under such conditions how could the young wood become developed or well ripened ? Hybrid perpetuals are comparatively hardy, and do not suffer much from a deluge of rain, or from cold east winds after April comes in ; but it is not so with the Tea-scented varieties. They require more shelter, and should not be placed out-of-doors until the end ot May — indeed, it would be better if they were not placed out-of-doors at all, even in Bummer ; but in that case they should be given plenty of space, and exposed to light and air. The plauts should be re- potted in August, to allow the roots to grow freely March 6, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 151 into the fresh soil before the end of autumn. A compost of good turfy-loam four parts, one part leaf- mould, and one part decayed manure, with about a 6-inch pot ful of bone-dust to eaoh barrow-load of the compost will suit them well ; but Tea Rosea like a rather lighter material, which may be obtained by the addition of some light fibroin peat. Pot rather firmly. J. Douglas. ENGLISH ORCHARDS. The following is the text of Mr. George Gordon's lecture on " English Orchards," given before the Society of Arts on Wednesday, March 3 : — It would, I am fully persuaded, bo not less gratifying to you than agreeable to myself wore 1 in a position to speak this evening in terms of warm praise of the present c< >ndition of English orchards, and in a spirit of hopefulness with regard to their possibilities. It would also be extremely pleasant if I could, with strict regard to truth, describe them aa having no superiors in any part of the world, and aa so rapidly increasing in productiveness as to justify the hope that the time is within a measurable distance when they will yield supplies sufficient to meet the large and increasing demand for fresh fruit. Still further, I should be glad to speak of them as so judiciously planned and skilfully managed that they might serve as models for tho guidance of colonial and foreign fruit-growers. It would not be less pleasant to dwell upon tho glorious pictures the orchards present in spring when the trees are enwreathed with their snow-white or delicately -tin ted blwssonts; and in autumn when the supple branches arc bending beneath their precious burden of fruit, and alsj to refer to the profit their crops give their owners, and the satisfaction the fruit affords those who have to depend upon the markets for their supplies. Un- happily, most of these pleasures arc for tlie present denied me. Instead of giving expression to feelings of satisfaction with what has been accomplished by owners of orchards, it is my duty to place before you facts which to those not fully conversant with the subject might Well appear incredible in the light of the remarkable advance that has been made in all branches of industrial activity during the past balf-cen- tury. I have, indeed, to briig before you a state of things in relation to the orchards of England, so grave as to deserve the most careful consideration of all who are interested, however indirectly, in the prosperity of the owners and tillers of the land ; and I earnestly hope, as one result of this meeting, that attention will be aroused to the necessity of a drastic reform in orchard management. The question of fruit culture is one that has for many years received a large share of my attention, and I have endea- voured to keep it constantly to the, front, not only in dis- cussing its various aspects in the pages of the Gardeners* Magir.id', for whose policy and management I am respon- sible, but, as far as my somewhat exacting professional duties will permit, by work in other directions. Ten years ago I initiated a series of conference! at tho Crystal Palace, which were held in conjunction with the autumn exhibitions of fruit, and at the gathering in the autumn of 1890 I submitted a report on the condition of fruit culture in Ireland, this report being founded on investigations that I had made by myself, and at my own cost, in the course of the previous summer. The success of these conferences stimulated the Royal Horticultural Society, tho Fruiterers' Company, and several of the principal provincial horticultural associations into activity, and as the result of the combined efforts the area under fruit has been increased during the decade by 18,9'2;j. acres, and considerable improvements have been effected in methods of procedure so far as they relate to market garden plantations. With the exception of the first-men- tionod society the several associations appear to have grown "weary of well-doing "in the advancement of profitable fruit-culture, and hive returned to their old methods, and the Royal Horticultural Society has shrunk from grappling with the somewhat difficult question of the orchards. We are therefore now in the position of having a continuously increasing demand for fruit in all our populous centres, with tens of thousands o( acres of the tinest laod in England occupied by fruit trees in so dilapidated and wretched a con- dition that thoy cannot possibly pay even the rent of the ground, without one of the several hundreds of societies that osten- sibly exist for the advancement of horticulture and agricul- ture being engaged in making a systematic endeavour to improve their condition. I regret also that, with some notable and praiseworthy exceptions, Technical Education Committees are not less oblivious of their responsibilities in this matter than are the societies immediately concerned with the affairs of the farm and garden. In proof of this, I have only to point to the fact that in coun- ties where tho orchards are in a terribly neglected state, large sums of money arc annually expended in teaching painting on china, music, dancing, and similar accomplishments, while not a penny, so far as I have been able to ascertain, has been spent on the education of the occupiers of orchards in their management and the utilisa- tion of their products. I would submit that the chief object of societies that profess to foster horticulture and agriculture, and of education committees in ...unties, should be to diffuse information upon matters ha\ log dlra I rcl ttlon to the work of those engaged in the cultivation of the land ; for not until tho cultivator is well informed upon the principles and practice of his art( can he hope to obtain a full return for his labours. Unfortunately these public bodies do not, as a rule, hold the samo views with regard to their duties as myself, and considering it to be utterly futile to expect them to take ths initiative in the adoption of some means by which an improvement could be effected in the orchards, I carefully considered what could be accomplished by private effort. As the doctor must diagnose a disease before he can properly prescribe for his patient, it appoared to me that one of the first steps towards an amelioration of the con- dition of our orchards would bo to direct attention to the state of neglect and decay into which thoy have fallen by means of absolutely exact repot ts founded upon careful in vestiga- Fig. 43.-TSIX Shoot with male flowers ; a flower magnified ; eroB of leaf, and other details, (See p. 150.) tions. It was accordingly decided to investigate them on behalf of the Gardener? Magtuine, and publish the results of t^o investigations. The task was one not to be lightly entered upon, and I coufess that, it gave mo much anxiety. To be of value the investigations h in3, and I have proved that planting it iu shade results only iu much leaf and scinty bloon. G. H. Eigtehzart. Erratum. —P. 12*3, for amicus, read cernuus. March 6, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 153 PICEA OMOEIGA (THE SERVIAN SPRUCE). This, the latest discovered of the European Spruces, was figured in the Gardeners Chronicle for March 8, 1SS1, p. 30D, but at that time it had not been intro- duced into this country. Even now specimens, except of small size, are rare, but this need not be the case much longer, for ihe species is now in commerce. There is a group of trees in the pinetum at Kew which were raised from seed sent from Belgrade eight or ten years ago, and which are now large enough to give some indication of its probable value in giirdeus. It may at once be said that few of the Spruces thrive in the indifferent soil and atmosphere at Kew so well as this one promises to do. The trees are now fj to 3 feet high, of symmetrical outline, and well furnished with foliage to the ground. The leading shoots made in 1896 are from 12 to 18 inches long, so it is evidently a rapidly growing plaut. Tho leaves are about three-quarters of an iuch long, not so distinctly four sided as most of the Spruces, and they have two glaucous lines on the upper side — that is, the side towards the growing point of the shoot. The wood is furnished with short, black hairs. The species is a native of the mountains of Servia, Bosnia, and Montenegro, and its existence was first made known to science by Dr. Pancic, who described it as equalling any of the European Spruces in stature, AY hen it was first discovered it was thought by some authorities to be merely a form of P. orientalis. It may bear some resemblance to that species when very young, its leaves being then much smaller, but plants of the size of those at Kew are unmistakably distinct. P. ajanensis appears to be its nearest ally. W. J. B. The Bulb Garden. THE CULTIVATION OF DAFFODILS IN POTS. In my note on this subject in the Gardeners Chronicle for February 13, p. 105, I appear to recommend the typical Narcissu* posticus as adapted for forcing, whereas it is, of all NarcUaus, the least suited to tho purpose. Indeed, it may with truth be stated that the old pheasant-eye Narcu-sus abhors artificial heat, and when perchance a stray bulb finds its way into another ba'ch this is clearly shown. The same remark applies also to the true Lent Lily, N. pseudo-narcissus, and to the twin flowered N. bifiorus. Of the latter I had for a year or two a few bulbs mixed with one of the larger lots, yet, notwith- standing they possessed plenty of roots prior to being forced, they were uniufluenced by heat, and when early in March the other kinds were turned out again, this one, N. bifiorus, would be only just on the move, and generally would flower scarcely a day earlier than the bulbs which had remained in the open ground throughout the winter. Tho reason why some species thus refuse to grow and flower when force! I do not kuow. J. KEW NOTES. Fig. 14.— PIOEA GMGIUlA, the BSBVIAM SPRUCE. (Natural Eizo, from a photograph.) SiXIFRAGA APICULata. — Some fine tufts «f this early crested species are now beginning their season of flowering at Kew, inasmuch as large examples are prone to a long continued season of bloom. This t-pecies, which has numerous synonyms, some of which are eironeous, is one of the best, as well as the freest flowering among the earliest flowering species. It is a free grower, and with care may soon be grown into handsome tufts 1 foot or more in diameter. The plant can be increased by pulliDg it carefully to pieces, and re-planting these pieces somewhat deeper than previously in a fairly moist spot in sandy soil. Most of these will strike root. The idea that Saxifragas prefer a very dry position has no foundation in fact, and many plants are lost when so planted ; whilst others are lost after dividing the tufts by being planted insufficiently firm and deep. The lowers of S. apiculata are of clear prim- rose-yellow, and they appear in great profusion throughout tho spring. Adonis amubensis. Plants of this new and interesting species are to be seen at the present time in .lower, the finest growing in a somewhat protected nook in the rock garden, and further screened from rough weather by a piece of glass being put over them. It is a native of ftlaud- Bhuria, and, judging by the specimens now in Mower, it promises to surpass the few known members of the genus. The flowers are of a golden-yellow tint, and situated at tho summit of the orctt growths. The latter are vigorous, whilst as yet they are not fully developed. It is among tho earliest February flower- 154 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 6, 1897. ing plants, the first blossoms appearing early in the mouth, and much before the well-known Adonis vernalis. It is probable that A. amurensis will suc- ceed in a deep, light, sandy loam, its cultivation giving but little trouble ; in stiff clay soilB, on the contrary, the plant never appears to be quite a success. SNOWDROrS abound in all parts of the grounds as groups and colonies, imparting very pretty effects. But it is in the rockery gardeu that the choicer species find a place. Here were remarked Galanthus Alleni, in vigorous examples ; G. Ikarise, with broad, handsome, aud slightly recurving leaves, and short and sturdy flowers. This fine species is being established in quantity in the upper parts of the rock garden, and another year it will be seen in increased vigour. Others consist of G. Elwesii, latifolius, imperati, and caucasica. J. varieties if pollen from the small-flowered varieties be applied to them by means of a camel-hair pencil. The latest house of all should be kept as cold as possible, and in spite of so doing, I fear the mild weather will cause the trees to start into growth. Keep windows and doors wide open day aud night, unless sharp frosts or very cold winds should occur, and the flowers have begun to open. The Week's Work. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By F. Harris, Gardener, Eastiior Castle, Ledbury. The Early Peach-house. — The fruit on the trees in this house, now swelling fast, should be thinned for the last time, removing, if the set is a good one, the deformed, and those hanging in positions where they will not come of good colour. If first-class fruits are looked for, one fruit to one square foot of superficial area, and one fruit on a shoot should be left ; although, when the set has been light, I have often left two fruits, which have swelled up all right- still, it is not a practice to recommend in general. It is also essential to the attaining of high colour in the fruits to elevate each by means of a short piece of lath iuserted between the branches on either side, thereby enabling the fruit to get all the sunlight possible. As the trees will now begin to feel more severely the calls made on their energies, manurial aids will be valuable; and I know of nothing that is so beneficial at this stage than fish manure sprinkled on the borders, and carried down to the roots by a good application of warm water. The only fault to be found with this sort of manure is its unpleasant odour, but this passes off in a few days. Keep the syringe well at work to prevent red spider getting a foothold, and to clear away aphides. If this be done, and excessive heat in the pipes avoided, these, the greatest enemies of Peach-trees, may bs certainly keptjgreatly in check. Avoid crowding the trees with more young shoots than are required, aud stop, at the first leaf from the base, all lateral shoots not required as bearing shoots another year. Succession Peach-houses. — Those trees which were started at the New Year having set their blossom, will now require to be disbudded. If aphides are noticed, fumigate the trees without the least delay, eradication being easier now than when the leaves beco ua curled, affording two light fumigations in preference to one that is heavy. In disbudding, take the superfluous top and bottom shoots first, leaving the lowest shoot at the side of the bearing shoot of this year for next year's fruiting ; and. instead of removing most of the shoots entirely, and thereby giving the trees a check, pinch out the points of some of them, thus leaving two or three leaves on each to help furnish the tree with foliage ; and as the shoots intended to remain grow, these pinched shoots may be altogether removed, but leaving them where there are fruits, so that they may attract sap to the fruits. As soon as ever a shoot is long enough to be tied to the trellis, all those which are to furnish the tree should be tied or "heeled-iu" at the base. Any extra strong shoots should have the points nipped out. Avoid draughts, the air in March being often keen and cold, although the sun may be shining. Affording air in large amount is often the cause of mildew appeariug. As the sun continues to increase in power watch the temperature carefully, and do not allow it to rise above 85° at any time, this being, in my opinion, one of the causes of fruit dropping. The Later Peach-houses. — Peach-trees now in flower require to be kept rather dry as regards the air of the house, but it must not btj still air ; and do not let the house3 get arid, but sprinkle the paths and borders twice or thrice daily in very fine weather. Artificial fertilisation is not so imperative as earlier in tue year, but it is an assistance to the large-flowered THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Burford, Dorking. Aerides. — During the next few months the Orchid- grower will be extremely busy in consequence of the potting, watering, damping-down, shading, and attention to ventilation, which will be necessary. At the present time many species are sufficiently advanced in growth or root-activity to admit of being repotted or top-dressed. Such East Indian-house plants as Aerides and Saccolabiums show by their roots turniDg green at the points that they have commenced to grow. These tender roots grow rapidly, and are easily injured, aud no time should be lost in effecting what is needful to unsatisfactory plants. Any specimens that have lost a number of their lowermost leaves, and show much bare stem, should be carefully turned out of their pots, then cut off so much of the base of the stem that when the plant is transferred to the new pot the basal leaves will be just above or on a level with the rim. Fill in around the stem with clean crocks to about one-half the depth of the pot, and replace as many of the old roots as possible, working in amongst them equal parts of fresh sphagnum moss and crocks up to the rim of the pot, and afterwards living moss well up to the base of the leaves. Plants that are healthy require to have the old moss carefully picked out, and to be re-surfaced with the same in a fresh living state. Shade the disturbed plants from strong sun- shine, and afford one thorough watering, which will suffice to keep the roots inside the pots moist for a considerable length of time. In a few days, when the sphagnum-moss on the surface appears dry, give only a slight sprinkling of water, sufficient to keep the moss growing. Pinch off any flower-spikes that may appear on those plants that have recently been repotted, and wait until the plants have become re-established before allowing them to bloom. All of the following Aerides are well worth growing : — A. Lawrences, A. L. var. Sanderiana, A. Lindley- anum, A. Lobbi, A. Houlletiaaum, A. Godefroy;e, A. Ficldingi, A. expansum, A. falcatum, A. affine, A. Larpentaa, A. odoratum, A. suavissimum, A. quinque- vulnerum, A. virens, A. crispum, A. crassi folium, and A. Savageanum. The terete-leaved A. vandarum (cyliudricum), a singular species, is now Bhowiug its flower-spikes, and must not be disturbed at the root. Unlike the other species, it thrives best when fastened to upright teak rods, to which the small atrial roots cling tenaciously. During the growing season syringe the plant overhead several times a day, and afford similar treatment to A. rotuudifolium aud Saroanthus filiformis. The dwarf-growing and sweetly-scented Aerides japonicum, from the hilly districts in Japan, should be grown in shallow teak-wood baskets. The intermediate-house is the best place for it in winter, and in summer it may be removed to the warmest end of the cool house. Saccolabiums. — Such species as S. Bluinei, S. retusum, S. prajmorsum, S. ctolestc, S. speciosum, S. violaceum, S. giganteum, and the dwarf-growing S. ampullaceum, S. miniatum, and S. curvifolium should be suspended in baskets near to the roof in the hottest part of the house during their season of growth. The small-growing S. Heudersonianum is a little gem, aud has spikes with bright rose-coloured flowers. It should be suspended to the roof in small pans or baskets, and requires little shade at any time. Angrcscums and Yandas. — The winter-flowering variety of Augnecum sesquipedale is now commencing to emit new roots, and, if required, it should be re- potted or top-dressed, as recommended for Aerides. The spring-flowering variety should not be disturbed until after the flowers fade. The " fish-bone " Angrsecum pertusum, which is now in bloom, should be treated similarly. Vanda Cathcartii, which is also in bloom, will grow luxuriantly if affixed to the exterior of a long teak rod cylinder, and placed in the highest tem- perature available. It requires an abundance of moisture at all times. Vanda Amesiana and V. Kim- balliana have already commenced to grow, aud if more root space is needed it should be givtn them at once. Upright teak cylinders or baskets are prefer- able to pots, as they allow plenty of air to circulate among the roots. Sphagnum- mo =s, with a few pieces of crock intermixed with it, are all that is necessary for them to root in. Select the lightest and most airy position available in the intermediate-house, choosing a spot distant from the hot-water pipes. Abundance of water is necessary throughout the growing season. Other Species. — Immediately such species as Spatho- glottis Reguieri, S. Fortunei, S. Lobbi, S. Ericssoni, ■S. Kimballiana, S. aurea, aud S. augustorum, com- mence to grow they should be repotted, using a mixture of peat, chopped sph%gnum-moss, and coarso silver-sand, with plenty of drainage material. The same remarks apply also to Microstylis bella, M. Scotti, M. macrochila, and to Ipsea speciosa. Place them in a shady corner of the East IudUu-house, aud afford copious waterings until growth is completed. Shading. — Recently we have found it necessary on several occasions to shade the cool-houses, and to put temporary shading over Bolleas, Cypripediums, Phalienopsis, Angnecums, and young tender seedlings just starting to grow, and many other tender plants. Orchid-growers cannot be too careful as regards shading, and especially is this the case after the comparatively sunless autumn and winter now passed ; therefore, have all blinds and shadings put in order without delay. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By G. H. Mavcock, Gardener, Luton Hoo, Luton. Winter -flowering Carnations. — Cuttings propa- gated as previously advised will now require to be potted ; 3-inch pots are the best for the purpose, and a mixture of three parts good loam which has been previously stacked in a dry shed, one of charred loam, and one of sand will suit them well. Replace the plants when potted in a warm frame, and keep them there till well rooted, and afterwards a cooler temperature will suit them. Some growers prefer to syringe the plants, and others do not. It is a question of locality, and in all cases the grower must determine for himself whether the practice is desirable or not. Euphorbia jacquiniftjlora. — A good batch of plants may now be started to furnish the first supply of bloom?. With careful management flowers of this Euphorbia may be had all through the winter months. They require a longer season of growth than Euphorbia (Poinsettia) pulcherrima. To have good blooms from them after the bulk of the Chrysanthemums are over until the end of February or commencement of March, three batches should bo obtained, and propa- gated at intervals of a mouth. Cuttings readily root if taken off with a heel whon about an inch long ; or a stock may be acquired by cutting up pieces of the old stems, in lengths of about 1.* inch long — place these in shallow pans in an upright position, using a compost of half leaf-mould and half sand, and remove them to the propagating-house. When three batches are required, the operator should take off a third of the stem each time, the lower buds will then be more matured when the next batch is required. Keep the old plants quite dry at present, but ia May they might be started to help furnish a late supply of bloom. Roses. — The best time to prune Roses growing in a house set apart for their cultivation is the month of November, at which season exhausted soil should be cleared away, aud fresh substituted for it. As- suming that this has been done, and the plants are advanced in growth, a thorough watering of the bor- ders, followed by a mulchiug of rich farmyard- manure, will be of great assistance to them. In order to keep aphides in check, the house should be fumigated occasionally. A suitable temperature at this date is 50° by night, and 55Q by day, affording air when the weather is mild and open, but avoiding cold draughts, aud giving air in frosty weather. Fuchsias. — Large, old plants, which were pruned last month, should be shaken out of the old soil, and re-potted in a mixture consisting of loam three- quarters, and leaf-mould one-quarter, used in a fairly coarse state. Trained specimen Fuchsias are very effective for conservatory decoration. The Fuchsia is easily propagated, by taking shoots, 3 inches Ion y, and plungiug in a gentle bottom heat iu a frame, and as soon as rooted, potting them, aud growing them in warmth till May or Juue. With care, spring-struck Fuchsias will make nice plants of good size iu the autumn. Erica hyemalis and Edam's. — Any plants which are passiug out of flower should have the current year's shoots pruned hard back, and be kept cool anl quiet, and slightly drier than before. When the young shoots are about 1 inch long, the re-potting of March 6, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 155 those plants which need it should be done, and the drainage of every one should be put in good order. The pots used should be well baked and hard, and be very efficiently crocked, a large quantity of small, nicely-broken crocks being placed over the large ones at the bottom of the pots, and above these, pieces of the size of Hazel-nuts. The potting-soil should consist of hard peat and sand, and the potting must be very firmly done. During the summer months place the plants in cold frames, a slight shading being afforded them during the hottest part of the day. The plants require to be. afforded water with much judgment, bemg very sensitive to extremes of either wetness or dryness. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By Charles Herrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead. Gladiolus. — "With a view to obtaining early flower spikes either for cutting or outside decoration, some of the hardiest varieties, as G. Brenehleyensis may be planted as soon as the soil is in a condition for work- ing upon. The early flowering G. Colvillei and Colvillei alba (The Bride) should be planted in Feb- ruary or early in March. Another plan is to pot thera up early, placing about five corms in large 60-aized pots, and place in a cold-frame tor under cocoa-fibre refuse outside until rooted, when they may be taken out of the pots and planted into the borders. Border Chrysanthemums. — These varieties of the Chrysanthemum flower from late summer to the end of the mouth of October, and are effective plants wherewith fill beds or dot about in a herbaceous border, either to singly or in small groups. Space should also be found for a small collection of them in the reserve garden for cutting purposes, the flowers being especially useful in the autumn. Those gardeners who have to furnish large quantities of flowers for sending long distances at that season will find them extremely valuable. Improved varieties have been introduced during recent years in considerable numbers, and fairly good blooms of the Japanese section may be cut in the months of September and October, and if some or all of the plants can be afforded some slight protection, good flowers may be guaranteed to the end of the latter month, and sometimes still later in the year. Early spring is a suitable time to propa- gate these early-flowering varieties, and the mild weather of the past few weeks has caused numerous strong shoots, suitable to make cuttings, to start from the plants in the borders. These shoots, with or without a heel, if stripped of their lower leaves, should be put, to the number of four, round the sides of large 60-pots, filled with a light sandy soil, a small quantity of rough leaf-mould in the bottom being sufficient drainage for the pots. If the cutting- pots be placed in a frame having a mild bottom-heat, and preserved from damping off by affording air daily for a short time, the cuttings will root in about three weeks. If large plants are required, they may be repotted iuto u-inch pots when well rooted with- out disturbing them. Whether parted or not, the plants should be kept rather close in a cold-frame for a short time after being repotted or potted-off. If topped once and gradually hardened off, these young plants wilt be ready to plant out at the end of the month of April. A very floriferous variety is the Pompon Flora, a flower of a deep yellow colour. This variety has the merit of commencing to flower in August, and continuing in bloom more or less until cut down by severe frost. Some other early Pompon varieties arc Toreador, bronzy-red, H foot ; Canari, pale yellow, 1£ foot ; Jacintha, pink, 2 feet ; Pre*cocit<5, ruby-red, 2 feet ; Frederic Marronet, bronze-red, 2 feet; Strathmcath, rosy-pink, 2 feet; Mrs. Cul- lingford, white, 2 feet; M. W. Piercy, orange-red, 2$ feet. Of small Japauese varieties flowering prin- cipally in September and October, the following are desirable varieties :— Madame C. Desgranges and its yellow sport Mfs. Hawkins ; Carrie Denny, amber ; Harvest Home, bronzy-red, 3 feet ; M. Gustavo Grunerwald, white, 2 feet ; Goldmine, golden-bronze, 2 feet ; Roi des Prdcoces, rich dark crimson, 2 feet ; Ryecroft Glory, golden-yellow, 3 feet. The old hybrid Pompon, Scour Melanie, when planted in a sheltered position is an extremely useful October (lowering variety, and the pure white flowers keep fresh in a cut state for a considerable time. Carnations. — If the plants of the border Carnations have been wintered in cold pits or frames, preparation should now be made for transferring the plants to beds and borders. All plots to be occupied by Car- nations, which also includes Picotces, should be deeply dug, having previously dressed it with well- rotted manure. Some of the manure should be kept within 4 inches of the surface, and to ensure this being done bastard trenching is advisable. I prefer to layer Carnations early, and transplant direct to the borders in the autumn which is undoubtedly the better method where the soil of the garden is mode- rately light, and local conditions are not against the well-being of the plants in the winter. In heavy soils, and iti gardens that are low and are very damp, it may also be necessary to put the plants under glass during the winter. Glass protection ia, however, not without its disadvantages, the plants, in my experience, being then more susceptible to the dreaded " spot " on the leaves, unless the air of the frames can be kept artificially dry during mid-winter. The plants in the beds should be examined, and those which are loosened by frost pressed firmly down, and the soil, when workable, stirred with a Dutch hoe. Seedling Marguerite Carnations should be kept near the glass in a house or pit having a warmth of 45° to 50°. If seed was sown when advised, the seedlings will be ready at this date for pricking off into other boxes at about 2 inches. Lobelia cardinalis in store boxes, if the stock is insufficient, may be pulled apart, all those pieces which possess two shoots and some roots potted in small 48's, using a soil consisting of half leaf, mould and half peat, with a small quantity of sand. Stand the divided and undivided plants, which should also be potted, in a warm house till/established, then remove to cooler quarters. Calceolarias, Pcntstcmons, and Oazanias, which were struck in the autumn, and have been wintered in cold frames, ought now to have full exposure, excepting when frost prevails; pinching the points of the leading shoots to induce bu&hiness. Hints on Work in General. — Gravel paths will have been loosened by frost, and will be the better for a good rolling when dry on the surface. The re- gravelling of dirty piths should be finished off within the next two or three weeks. Box edgings may now be lifted and re-laid or mended ; and if the walks require gravelling, the edgings should first be re laid. Lawns should be swept, and mo3s, plantain, and weeds geuerally raked off or spudded out, and the holes caused by the extraction of the roots filled with loamy soil. A surface dressing of fine soil, wood- ashes, and soot, in mixture, if applied at this season, will encourage the growth of the finer grasses and Clovers, to the exclusion of moss and weeds generally. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By W. Pope, Gardener, Hitfhclere Caatle, Newbury. Rhubarb. — In planting new Rhubarb-beds, as the crowns this season are already on the move, no delay should occur. The land should have been heavily manured and deeply trenched early in the winter. Lift as many old roots as are likely to be wanted, dividing them into separate crowns with a sharp spade, the strongest being then selected and planted in rows 3 or 4 feet apart each way, not quite burying the crowns. If seedlings are planted, only those of the most promising colour and size should be selected, and in any case many of the plants are sure to prove worthless. Turnips. — A small sowing may now be made, preferably on a border with an eastern aspect. In sowing thus early the plants will probably run to seed before the roots attain to their full size, so that only a small breadth need be sown, sowings being repeated every ten or fourteen days. Sow the seeds, if fresh, and of good vegetative power, thinly in drills, 15 to 18 inches apart, applying, if possible, a good dressing of wood-ashes at the same time ; and as a protection from the attacks of small birds, wot the seeds, and roll them in redlead powder. The best Turnip for early work is Early Milan ; still, it will be prudent to sow a pinch of Snowball or Early Six-weeks, which, coming into use a week later, avoids the chance of there being a break in the supply of roots. Peas. — For affording Peas in the month of July, seed should now be sown in quantity. In some soils that are dry and shallow it may be advisable to make trenches 18 iuches deep and wide, placing a thick layer of rich manure on the bottom of each, and treading it firmly, then returning a portion of the soil, and sowing the seed aud covoriug it with 2 inches of soil. The soil that remains will come in for earthing-up the plants. On good land of a retentive nature, trenches are not necessary for Peas. Tall varieties must be allowed a space of from 5 to 6 feet between the rows, but a better method is to sow in rows 12 feet apart, and crop between with Turnips, Cauliflowers, Salading. &c. As soon as the early sowiags show above the ground, dust the latter frequently with fresh soot or quick- lime as a means of warding off slugs, &c. ; earthing- up and staking the plants as soon as they are a few inches higher. Keep a sharp outlook for the sparrows which pick off the tops, protecting accordingly. Peas raised under glass must be kept cool, aud be pro- perly hardened off before being planted on a warm border. When planting these house-raised Peas, it is the best course to stake them forthwith, and afford some kind of protection on the more exposed side of each row. Miscellaneous Mowings.— Seed for furnishing the main crop of Brussel Sprouts may be sown soon on a border that is sheltered from harsh winds. This sowing, if not quite so early a> that sown under glass, will probably give a better return. If large Sprouts are liked, choose the Aigburth or Scrymger s Giant, and for small solid Sprouts nothing is better than May's Northaw Prize, or Sutton's Dwarf Gem, the latter with dwarf sturdy habit of growth. Sow seed^ of some good early Cabbage, as Flower of Spring, or Ellam's Early, and a pinch of early and late Cauli- flower, all of which are better for being sown in drills 9 inches to 1 foot apart. The first sowing of Radishes may be made on a warm border, sowing the seeds broadcast, and covering them with less than half-an-inch of fine soil. Wood's Early Frame for long roots is a good Radish, as is French Breakfast, if short ones are preferred. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. ByH. W. Ward, Rayleigh, Essex. Kecently- Planted Trees and Bushes. — In places where the condition of the soil has been so wet a* to prevent its being made firm about the roots and stems of transplanted fruit trees and bushes, no time should be lost in treading it pretty firmly over the roots and around the stems when the ground is in a workable condition. Stakes used as supports to standard trees should be made upright, and the soil left firm about them at the same time. Afterwards point the soil thus trodden over slightly with a digging fork, and apply a 2-inch surface-dressing of short dung. In the case of light, shallow land occu- pying a somewhat high and consequently dry situa- tion in which fruit trees and bushes have been planted, the loosened soil after a short period of dry weather soon becomes too dry for healthy root- action. Consequently water should be given at the roots, or the growth made will be stunted and unfruitful. The Training of Pear and Plum Trees on walls having an easterly aspect, as well as Peach and Nec- tarine trees occupying a like position, should be com- pleted as soon as possible. There can be no doubt that the lack of sufficient moisture in the soil is frequently the primary cause of the stunted ap- pearance and premature decay of many neglected wall-trees. Everything is against wall-trees obtaining naturally sufficient moisture at the roots at any time throughout the year. In addition to the extra drainage which the foundations of the walls afford, the latter prevent the rains— even during a wet season — from penetrating more than a couple of iuches deep into the soil over the roots. In the case of a downpour even — rain coming straight down from the clouds — the sloping surface of the borders carries most of the water some feet away from the foot of a wall. Any reader may prove this by digging out the soil to the depth of 7 or 8 inches at 1 or 2 feet from the stems of trees trained against south, east, and west walls at any time iu the year. Hence it is that during the greater part of the la*t quarter of a century I have had the surface of the soil above the roots of my Peach, Nectarine, Apricot, Plum, and Cherry trees pricked over with a tivo- tined fork in spring, before the troes had pushed into flower, following this with a surface dressing of half-rotted manure, audagood soaking of clear wati-r. the watering being repeated OS soon as the fruits were sot, and several times afterwards, until the crops ripened. Sometimes I have found the first tub of 30' gallous of water insufficient to moisten the suit down to the roots of a Peach or an Apricot tree j.wt before the flowers had begun to open, aud so had to repeat the application. This matter should receive attention forthwi'h. 156 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 6, 1897. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER. Letters for Publication, as well as srecimens and plants for naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Welling- ton Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications should be WRITTEN ON ONE SIDE ONLY OF THE PAPER, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be printed, but keptasa guarantee of good Jhiih. Tlu Editor does not under- take to pay fur any contributions, or to return unused com- munications or illustrations, -unless by special arrangement. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY, Ma TUESDAY, Maf WEDNESDAY', Mar. SATURDAY, Mar. MONDAY, Mar. TUESDAY, Ma WEDNEiDAY, Mai. 10 THURSDAY, Mar 11 FRIDAY. Mm. i Annual meeting ol the United Hor- SJ ticnltnral Benevolent Provident j Society, at Caledonian Hotel, L Adelphi. q j Royal Horticultural Societies Com- 9 ( niittees. 10— Renfrewshire Gardeners meet. 12— Royal Botanical Society meet. SALES. ' Greenhouse Plants. Roses, Herba- ceous Plants, Lilies, Ac., at s Protherue & Morris' Rooms. s Colleelion of Border Plants, Roses, Shrubs, Lilies, &c., at Stevens' I Rcoms. /Cannas, Gladioli, Carnations, Ane- mones, &c. ; Imported and | Established Orchids, at Pro- v thcroe & Morris' Rooms. ("Japanese Lilie Plants, Tnbero dioli, and Pair ) theroe Si Morris 2500 English, German, and Hutch Roses; Fruit Trees. Border Plants, Shrubs from Holland, Bulbs, &ic, at Stevens' Roo us. Special Sale of Border Plants, Shrubs, &c. ; also 30 000 J .panese Lilies for the Trade, lie., at Ste rens* Rooms. roar Messrs. F. Sanier at Protheroo & Morris' Rooms. Photographs and Scientilic Appa- ratus, at Stevens' Rooms. Continental s, Spineas, Gla- Seeds, at Pro- Rooms. ( Orchid & 12- It Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from Observations of Forty-three years, at C'hiswick. — 41 8°. Actual Temperatures :— London.— March 3 : Max., 49° ; Mln., 37°. Provinces.- March 3(0 p.m.): Max., 44#, Devon Coast; Mic, 38?., Sumbnrgh Head. Classification of A GOOD deal of unnecessary heat Fruits in has been evolved lately over a Competition, simple matter about which some people appear to hold rather lax views, as to the fairness, or otherwise, of competing with the same varieties of fruit in both the dessert, and the culinary, or "kitchen" classes; for example, with such popular varieties as Blen- heim Pippin Apple, Usurp.' Diel Pear, and Victoria Plum. According to our best authority, Blenheim Pippin is highly esteemed, " either for tho dessert or culinary purposes ; " Beurre Diel is distinctly termed " a dessert Pear of the highest merit ; " and Victoria is as dis- tinctly stated to be "a culinary Plum;" yet probably those three varieties are employed more frequently than any others as completing dishesof fruit inboththedessertand the culinary classes. Is itnecessary for competitive purposes to have two classes — (1), Dessert ; (2), Culinary — of Apples, Pears, and Plums ? Most people of any experience will leply in tho affirmative ; and it is one of the points in horticultural competi- tions upon which the public look to tho Eoyal Horticultural Society for instruction, and a definite law or rule to guide them. For all that has been said to tho contrary, the point is not a difficult one, and a small committee of level- headed experts would quickly settle it in such a manner as to meet the approval of all reasonable people. The distinction between (I) "dessert," and (2) "culinary," varieties, is only needful for competitive purposes, and it is not necessary to frame a law to meet any oth?r purpose. Gar- deners, amateur fruit growers, cooks, and all others interested in the uses of fruit, can deter- mine for themselves how the}7 will use the different varieties of Apples, &e. — in a raw, cooked, or liquid stato — according to their tastes, and the purposes they want to serve. That side of the question may be safely left to them by the managers of fruit shows and competitions. What is required by managers, as well as by competitors, at fruit shows, is a definite list of the varieties of Apples, Pears, and Plums, which shall be classed, for competitive purposes only, as Dessert varieties, or as Culinary va- rieties. The Royal Horticultural Society has already gone some distance in tho right direc- tion in compiling the list of Apples an 1 Pears, for the guidance of exhibitors and others, at the Crystal Palace Fruit Show of tho Society, and all that is necessary is the extension of the lists, until they comprise all the Apples, Pears, and Plums usually exhibited under ordinary circumstances. Having t-iken tho trouble to glance through tho latest edition of Dr. Hogg's Fruit Manual, our chief authority on tho clas- sification of Fruits, and particularly of Apples, it may be of interest to show, from tho following analysis, how comparatively little remains to be done by the experts of the Royal Horticul- tural Socioty to settle which varieties of Apples, Pears, and Plums shall be classed as " dessert " and "culinary." Dr. Hogg describes rather over 700 varieties of Apples, and classifies about 270 as "dessert," 2:;() as "culinary," 80 as "dessert and culinary," 75 as "cider," and only about -1.3 are not referred to any class. Of tho eighty or so vaiielies of Apples classed as "dessert" and "culinary" by Dr. Hogg, a tenth aro already dealt with in tho lists of "dessert" and "cooking" varieties, compiled by tho Royal Horticultural Society, including such varieties us Blenheim Pippin, or "Orange," Duchess of Oldenburg, Emperor Alexander, and Peasgood's Nonsuch, which aro all placed in the list of " cooking Apples," Allen's Ever- lasting, Brownlee's Russet, Foam's Pippin, and Worcester Pearmaiu being placed in tho " Des- sert" Apple list. Such an excellent .example for competitive purposes should be carefully followed out, and the remaining popular varie- ties of Apples, classed by Dr. Hogg as dessert and culinarj-, put into one or other of the two classes. There should he no difficulty in deal- ing equitably with such well-known varieties as Golden Pearmain, Gravenstein, Reinette du Canada, and such-like, classed by Dr. Hogg as dessert and culinary. In classifying the Pears, Dr. Hogg has not been so exact, as he passes about 110 out of about Ojl) varieties described without any reference to their "dessert" or "culinary" qualities ; but with Pears tho classification may not be considered so neeJful for general purposes, although it is imperative for competi- tion. H-i does, however, class about 170 varieties as " dessert, ' and undoubtedly most of the varieties not classed are also " dessert; " thirty-two as "culinary" or stewing; and thirty as " perry " Pears. Out of about 186 Plums described by Dr. Hogg, eighty-four are classed as "dessert;" sixty-four as "culinary;" and only thirty- eight, mostly never seen in competition, are not classed. It is thus seen that if Dr. Hooa's Fruit Manual, and no better work can be found, is taken as a basis for the classification of Apples, Pears, and Plums into (1) dessert and (2) culinary varieties, the work of classifying them need not be either costly or prolonged ; and the authorised lists compiled and published by tho Royal Horticultural Society would bo a valu- able boon to all concerned in tho management of fruit shows and fair competition. Tins popular provincial Society, The R iyal eiur.ii i I Southampton one 01 the best-known and most Horticultural largely patronised in tho South of Society. England, now finds itself, after nearly thirty years of active operations, to be in danger of collapse, because it has at present no plaie in which to hold its exhibitions. Formerly it found ample room for its fine annual shows in Fitzhugh Park, close to the town ; but eventually the builder ejected them, and a home was secured and maintained at great expense, in Westwood Park, a little further out. That was held on a lease that unfortunately expired last year, and thus tho Society finds itself literally without a place in which, at the cus- t unary period of the year, it can hold its meet- ing. Just on tho north side of tho town is the wjII - known and beautiful common, some :; hi acres in extent, which is in no sense a public park, but which h none the less under the absolute control of the local corporation. For tho privilege of boarding in a few acres of thia largj space, so that tho annual show may bo there held in August next, the Society has askel permission. That body quotes tho fact, that in somo other towns, notably at Shrews- bury, similar privileges aro granted ; and more than once have some of the large peripatetic agricultural societios had tho same privilege granted them on Southampton Cjmmon, and no one has been injured. These, too, have had some 30 acres onclosed for many weeks, whilst the Socioty asks for but a few acres, to bo enclosed for only a fow days. No doubt the corporation fears that applications of this nature may become too frequent, if once tho first be granted ; but it would bo an immense misfor- tune hud the Society no place to hold its shows. Such are the troubles that Ihe grip of tho builder indicts on horticultural societies in and around largo towns. DENDROBIUM DalhouSIEANUM. -Our illustra- tion, p. 157, exhibits this handsome species in ex- cellent form as grown by Mr. 10. O. Skelton, the gardener at Mount Pleasant, Bishop's Auckland, who kindly furnished a photograph, of which fig. 45 is a reproduction. The species, a native of Burmah, and introduced t.> Cliatsworth in 1837 by Gibson, is now pretty well known in this country. It is a noble- looking plant, evergreen, large flowered, and produc- ing its blossoms in the spring from the leafless steins for several years in succession. The stout, terete, sub- fusiform stems grow from 1 to 8 feet in height, and they are prettily marked wi'h crimson. The sepals and petals aro of a tawny-yellow with a margin of rose colour. 1 he lip is in the front, whitish, and at the base of a pale yellow tint marked on either side with a large purple blotch, the inner edge of which is furnished with a fringe. Plants have been noted with forty-three blos.oms on a stem, and a total number of 440 on a single plant. Royal Horticultural Society. —The next Fruit and Floral meeting of the Koyal Horticultural Society will bo held on Tueslay, March I), in the Drill Hall, James Strett, Westminster, fro u 1 to 4 P.ir. At 3 o'clock a lecturo will be delivered by Professor H. Marshall Wako, F.H.S., on "Micro- scopic Qarden'ng." Maroo C, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 157 FlO, 45. — DENDROBIUM DAMIOIHIEANUM. (SHE P, 151 158 TSE GAUDENERS' CHBONIGLE. [MAE0HJ6, 1897. The Royal Gardeners- Orphan Fund.— A meeting of the executive committee was held on Friday, Feb. 26, when W. Marshall, Esq., was again elected chairman of the committee. Amongst others the following special receipts were announced. The Chislohurst Gardeners' Mutual Improvement Society's Concert, £23 12s. 6d., a special vote of thanks being accorded ; Messrs. Bunyard& Co., Maidstone, £5 5s. ; Mr. 0. Thomas, Frogmore, £2 2s. ; Mr. T. Whillabs, Blenheim, £2 ; Isle of Wight Horticultural Society, proceeds of lecture by Mr. H. J. Johes, £1 2s. ; Miss Noble, Henley. £1 ; Mr. J. Kipling, proceeds of skating on Knebworth Lake, lis. 7d., and several smaller sums. The result of the election was an- nounced, whereby thirteen children are placed on the Fund, and the respective guardians appointed. The mothers in each case undertaking the duties. The United Horticultural Benefit and Provident SOCIETY.— The annual meeting of this estimable gardening society will take place on Mon- day, March 8, the chair being taken at 8 P.M., by Mr. A. Dean. Kewites : Present and Past.— The annual meeting of the Kew Guild was held in the lecture- room at Kew on the 25th ult., when the popular president of the Guild and curator of the Gardens, Mr. Geo. Nicholson, occupied the chair. The report of the committee, though giving rise to considerable discussion, was upon the whole a most satisfactory one, and it was passed by acclamation. The Guild has now a sum of £10 invested, and a balance besides. All the members of the committee were re-elected, and additional ones to represent Kewites abroad and in the Colonies were appointed. Mr. J. Aikman retires from the secretaryship, with the thanks of the Guild, and the office will in future be combined with that of the editor of the Journal. Two auditors were also appointed. It was suggested by several members that as soon as the committee could sec its way to the publication quarterly of a modified edition of the Journal, the members of the Guild would be glad to welcome it. If the association continues to give effect to the vitality it possesses, it will undoubtedly be of increasing interest and service to all gardeners who have passed through Kew, and to national horti- culture. We desire to urge any past Kewites who have not yet closely identified themselves with the move- ment, to do so at once. Communications should be ad- dressed to the editor of the Journal, Mr. W. Watson. The Surveyors' Institution. — The next ordinary general meeting will be held on Monday, March 8, 1897, when a paper will be read by the Right Hon. Horace C. Plunkett, M.P., on "Agri- cultural Co-operation;" the chair to be taken at 8 o'clock. The third of four meetings of ex- aminees and students avithorised (subject to cer- tain conditions) by the council to be held during the present session, will take place in the first floor room of the temporary premises, Savoy Street, W.C., on Monday, March 15, at 7 p.m., when a paper will be read by Mr. R. St. J. Mathews on the " Housing of the Working Classes." All inquiries with reference to the Junior Meetings should be addressed to Mr. A. Norman Garrard, 8, Frederick's Hace, Old Jewry, K.C. Coming Exhibitions.— Of the horticultural display that will be made in the United Kingdom during the present year, that of the — Shropshire Horticultural Soc;etv, which will take place at Shrewsbury on August 18 and 19, will be one of the most important. The committee has announced its intention to make the exhibition com- memorative of the sixtieth year of Her Majesty's reign. In order to make it successful in this respect, the presence and cooperation of the Royal Horticul- tural Sotiety has been asked, and as most of the readers of this journal are aware, the request has been cordially accepted. The schedule issued by the Shrop- shire Society is before us, and from this we observe that a sum approaching £900 is offered in cash prizes in the Society's schedules for the year. The list of silver medals, cups, and extra awards is also a very long one, and includes two specially designed Victorian medals offered by the president of the Society, a Veitch Memorial ,Medal, the gold medal of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers, a gold Bauksian medal of the Royal Horticultural Society for the exhibit (non-competitive) which best repre- sents the progress of horticulture during the last sixty years. Some of the principal classes that are likely to create features at the Show, are the follow- ing : — A group of miscellaneous plants upon a space of 450 square feet, the 1st prize for which is £35, and the others proportionately large. Then we notice the 2nd class is for a group of ornamental foliage plants, Palms, Ferns, &c, to be arranged upon a space of 250 square feet. The 1st prize for this is £25. Artistic arrangement in the above classes will bea chief point in the competition. The liberal prize of ;£25 is offered for the best collection of twenty stove and greenhouse plants, and for lesser collections of similar plants the prizes are as tempting. As an encouragement to the exhibition of new plants, the Society offers a Gold Medal for the most meritorious flowering or foliage plant not in commerce before January 1, 1897. Turning to the cut-flower depart- ment, the most important class in this section is that for a display of floral arrangements, for which three prizes amounting to £37 are offered. Most of the flowers in season will be exhibited in special classes. The Decorative Dessert Table will undoubtedly create much interest among fruit growers (and fruit eaters). For the particulars of this competition the reader must turn to the schedule, but we may add that the 1st prize for this valuable feature of the fruit classes will consist of a Veitch Memorial Medal and £5, presented by the Veitch Memorial Trustees, and 12 guineas given by the Society. Tlie Victorian Fruit Class should be of even greater interest. It calls for 60 dishes of fruit, tastefully exhibited with cut flowers, &c. The winner of the 1st prize will obtain the Gold Medal of the Fruiterers' Company and £30. We nniot omit to mention other classes in this schedule, including the vegetables. Enough has been said to show that the Shropshire Horticultural Society is flourishing and enterprising. Wolverhampton Floral Fkte. — Encouraged by the success that has hitherto attended the horticultural exhibition that now takes place annually in the West Park, Wolverhampton, the committee has again issued a catalogue of classes that indicates continued ami increased vitality. The next exhibition will be held on July 13, 11, and 15, and we notice that seven of the classes are described as international ones. Among these are classes for sixteen stove and green- house plants, for a group of plants arranged for effect upon a space of 450 feet, for eight exotic Orchids, and others for Palms, fine foliage plants, and Ferns. In the two first classes the prizes amount to £95. There are a number of Rose classes, including one for seventy-two distinct varieties. As usual, there are numerous classes arrauged for cut blooms of different species, this being a section that usually is a marked feature of the Wolverhampton exhibitions. Fruit and vege- tables are fairly well represented, especially remem- bering the date at which the show is held. Some oi the classes in all sections are reserved to gentlemen's gardeners, others to amateurs, and there are con- siderable inducements held out to cottager exhibitors. Altogether there are 114 classes, aud a good display may be looked for. County Borough of Hanley Horticultural Fkte. — It has been determined to obtain in Hanley what has already been inaugurated in other populous districts, viz., a Horticultural Fete. Of what is known as the Staffordshire Potteries, the county borough of Hanley occupies a central position, and is, therefore, in the midst of a very largo populace. The schedule that has just been issued by the committee is a bold one, and if other established societies are not sufficient for the horticultural exhibitors' time and resources, the Hanley exhi- bition, to be held on July 7 and 8, will be a success. The schedule embraces five divisious, including open classes, gentlemen's gardeners', or amateurs' classes, local clas ses, cottagers' classes and one for the best kept gre enhouse in the county borough of Hanley. The cottagers' section is very limited, and in proportion to the open classes, we think they should have beeu trebled at least. It is amongst such cultivators that the greatest opportunity exists for a society like this to do good. In all there are seventy- nine classes, and the prizes offered are equal in some instances to those offered by societies that have existed for years and are widely known. Many of the classes are interesting ones : an instance may be given of that for a group of Orchids in bloom arranged for effect, with the optional use of Ferns, upon a space not exceeding 100 square feet. Baron Schroder's Orchids.— We are in- formed that the Queen, the Empress Frederick, and the Princess Beatrice, visited Baron and Baroness Schroder at Egham on March 2, and were highly delighted with the Orchids shown them by the Baron and his gardener. Disastrous Gale in West of England.— On Wednesday morning last (writes Mr. A. Hope), between 7 and 8 o'clock, a fierce gale of wind blew across the county of Devon for about an hour, up- rooting trees, tearing off roofs of houses, and stripping gardens in all directions. Tliedamage to timber around Exetor is very considerable. Powdorham Park, Nut- well Court, and other well-known seats have suffered much damage, many fine trees having fallen. The old nurseries of LUOOMBE, Pinch & Co., now the Exeter Nurseries (Messrs. Sclater Brothers), have suffered to the extent of over a thousand pounds, the large Camellia-bouse being completely wrecked, with other houses near it. On the Streatham Hall property over sixty fine trees have succumbed, and in Northern- hay and the other pleasure grounds of Exeter, Elms of 100 and 200 years old have been uprooted in large numbers. Messrs. Veitch have suffered also, but not to any great extent, although so fierce was the gale that frame-lights were in some instances carried many yards from their places, and, of course, smashed to pieces. Marriage of Mr. Geo. Monro, Jun. — On Tuesday, the 2nd inst., Mr. Geo. Monro, the Bocond son of Mr. Geo. Monro, of Coveut Garden, was married to Helena, daughter of Edward Oliver, Esq., of Haverstock Hill. The ceremony took place at the Haverstock Congregational Church, where, it may be stated, Mr. E. G. Monro, the oldest son, was married a month ago to a daughter of T. Gurney Randall, Esq., England Lane, N.W. As on the former occasion, the chapel was crowded with invited guests and others, and was profusely decorated with flowers. A similar reception was again held at the Vestry Hall, Hnmpstead. The happy couple afterwards left for St. Lconards- on-Sea, and many of the guests proceeded to view the handsome presents that were on view at 96, Haverstock Hill, the residence of the parents of the bridegroom. In celebration of the double event, Mr. Monro's employe's of all grades were invited to dinner at Simpson's, Strand, on Saturday, the 27th ult, when there were about sixty persons present. "Arbor day" at Eynsford, Kent.— In the quiet little village of Eynsford, in Kent, there took place on Saturday, the 27th ult., the first celebration of an "Arbor-day." The inauguration of similar institutions in all parts of the country is a step which Mr. Radci.ifee Cooke, M.P. for Hereford, has recom- mended as a means to excite 'the interest of country people in the question of cider manufacture, and to induce them to plant vintage trees of the best kinds of Apples for this purpose. Though our Americantousins may be excused for viewing with humour the com- mencement of " Arbor day " celebrations in a country so populated as our own little island, if it proves help- ful in drawiug attention to the necessity of replanting most of our old orchards, and giving increased atten- tion thereto, it will justify its existence. The cider industry is deserving of encouragement from horli- culturists and all who desire to see our available land made more valuable for cultivation. The first " Arbor-day " passed off successfully, and this was March 6, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 159 due in a large measure to Mr. Till, of Eynsford, who was the chief promoter. At a meeting held under the presidency of Sir Geo. Bibdwood, K.C.I.E., &c, a resolution was passed urging the Government to appoint a commission to enquire into the condition of English orchards. • A Directory of Titled Persons for the Year 1897." — This little volume is intended as a supplement to Mhitakcr's Almanack. It contains a history of the monarchy aud of tho peerage, with full details of the Royal family, and with an account of the Queen's coronation — sixty years ago. Then follows in one continuous alphabetical sequence a list of peers, baronets, knights, privy councillors, dowagers, bishops, and of everyone with a recognised title. A great amount of labour and care has obviously been expended on this volume, which, from tho facility of reference which it offers, and its complete- ness, will be most useful. FRUIT - CANNER. — According to tho English Mechanic of February 19, 1897, a patent has been granted in the United States to A. C. MoCutcbeon, of Sparta, Mich., for an improvement in canning fruit. Instead of cooking the fruit before canning, the fruit is first put in the cans, and the latter are placed iu a specially-designed steamer, whereby the fruit may be cooked by steam, retaining more per- fectly its full flavour and colour. The body of the steamer is placed in a boiler-pan adapted to be set on a stove, and a short distance above the water is a perforated diaphragm on which cans may be set, there being another perforated diaphragm a short distance higher up within the casing, on which cans may be set, and to which steam is supplied by a central pipe and branch pipes, maintaining an equal heat in the upper and lower sections. Wild Bird Protection and Nesting. BOXES. — Mr. J. R. B. Masefield is about to publish a work on this subject. The object of this book is to furnish reliable particulars of the ancient and modern laws relating to wild bird protection, including orders obtaiued by county councils for the local pro- tection of wild birds and their eggs, and to give full particulars and illustrations of artificial bird nesting boxes, ledges, and holes, with instructions how to make and affix them, also figures of various designs of nesting boxes recommended by the Rev. Julian Tuck, the author, and others. The book is fully illustrated by nine full-page collotype plates taken from photographs of nesting boxes, &c., in situ, which have been actually used by wild birds. The publishers are Taylor Bros., Leeds. Truro Daffodil and Spring Flower Show. — We learn that owing to the unusual forwardness of Daffodils and other spring flowers this season, the com- mittee .of the above have decided to alter the date of the show to March 16 aud 17. Notice of entries should be sent not later than Tuesday, the 9th inet., to the Secretary, Tregye, Perranwell, Cornwall, who will supply entry forms on application. MR. William Milne.— The death of this gar- dener, in his forty-third year, is auuouuced. After some years of service at Livens Hall, Trentham, and previously at Wimbledon House, he succumbed to softening of the braiu aud concurrent blindness. He was elected to participate in the benefits of the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Fund at the last election only. He leaves a widow and four children. Pitiable cases like these emphasise the necessity for our gardeniug charities, and render imperative the duty of supporting tliem. Botanical Magazine.— The March number is particularly interesting. The plants figured are : — Wistaria ehinensis mr. multijuga,the'W. multijuga of Van Houtte's Flore des Serves. It resembles chi- nensis, but it has smaller leaves with a larger number of leaflets, and much longer racemes, and more numerous but smaller flowers, t. 7522 ; Kew. Holothrix ortltoceras. — A South African terrestrial Orchid, with radical, sessile ovate tessellate leaves, and erect scape3, bearing at the top racemes of white flowers somewhat spirally arranged, as in Spiranthes- The lip is broad, projecting, rather deeply lobed, ending at the base in a long spur, t. 7523 ; Kew. Qrcvillca Hilllana.—Aii east Australian Protead with pinnatitid, broadly-lobod leaves, silky on the under surface. The greenish flowers are densely compacted in shortly-stalked, axillary spikes, 5 to 6 inches in length. La Mortola, Coram. F. Hanbury ; t. 7524. Dendrobium sarmentosum. — A Burmese species, with slender stems, ovate leaves, and small white, flattish flowers nearly au inch in diameter. The three-lobed lip scarcely exceeds the segments, the two side lobes are small, erect, yellow with red stripes, the anterior lobe ovate, acute, yellow at the base, t. 7525 ; Kew. ' Didymocarpus malayana. — Hook, f., in Gardeners' Chronicle, 1896, ii., 123, f. 24. CHIONOSCILLA Alleni.— This hybrid between Chionodoxa sardeusis and Scilla bifolia, is iu fine flower at Kew. The plant came in some bulbs from Mr. Whittall, of Smyrna, and has also been raised artificially. GERMINATION.— It is currently reported in the text books that the radicle escapes through the micropyle of the seed by virtue of the pressure which it exerts during its growth, and which enables it to force its way through the tissues. The real force seems rather tq be a ferment]which is formed in the radicle, and which erodes and dissolves the tissues, aud thus enables the radicle to escape. Publications Received. — Ueber denGartenbau, in Russland, Von Dr. Udo Dammer. Jahrgang, 1897 (Buxenstein, Friedrichstrasse, 240, Berlin). — Liste des Con if res cult ires dansle Pare de la Picrriere, a Chambtsy. Souvenir de la Visite de la Socie'te Suisse des Forestiers, August 10, 1896. Extrait de l'Hortus Boissierianus (Lausanne, Imprimerie Georges Bbidel & Cie.) — Les Fruits et I es Leg antes aux Holies Centrales de Pans pendant I'annee 18'J5. Par MM. D. Bois and G. Gibalt. Reprinted from the Journal of the Societe1 Nathnale (V Horticulture de France.— Transactions of the Scottish Horticidtural Association, Constitution and Bye-laws, Syllabus for Session 1897, and Twentieth Annual Report. We are pleased to learn that the past year was a satisfac- tory one, and that the prospects of the Association for the future seem propitious (Edinburgh : Sanson & Co., Easter Road).— Fifth A nnual Report of the Women's Branch of the Horticultural College, Sivanley, Kent. This association seems to be still flourishing and extending, the report for the past year being in every way favourable. — The Fruit-growers' (Illustrated) Year- Book. A useful shilling handbook, addressed to all growing fruit, whether for private consumption or for market. It is edited under the direction of the Earl of WiNCHiLSEA.and tho (London) Office is 30, Fleet Street, E.C.— The Fruit-growers' Catalogue and Market-senders' Quide. This serviceable directory is edited by Sampson Morgan, author of many agricul- tural and gardening books. It is especially intended for "market senders, shippers, growers, brokers, retail traders, and salesmen," whoso interests are herein specially considered (Horticultural and Agri- cultural Bureau of Information, Adelaide Street, Charing Cross.) — Transactions of the Royal Scottish Arborkultural Society, vol. xv., part i. (Dougl\s & Foulis, Castle Street, Edinburgh). It is satisfactory to note how flourishing this society continues to be. — Studies on American Grasses (U. S. Department of Agriculture, Division of Agrostology; Washington). This bulletin (issued February 6) includes papers on the Genus Ixophorus, by F. Lamson-Scribner ; List of Grasses collected by Dr. E. Palmer near Acapulco, Mexico, by the same contributor ; Mexican Grasses collected by E. W. Ni-xson, by F. Lamson- Scribner and .Tared G. S.urTii ; American Pani- cums in tho Herbaria at Berlin, by Tiieo. Holm ; Native and Introduced Species of Hordeuui and Agropyron, by F. L. Scribnkr and -I. G. Smith. — Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Trinidad. Part i., vol. iii., for January. Tho contents include papers on Petrea (species), the Cocorite Palm, Pitheco- lobium Saman, &c. There is also a note relating to the decreasing rainfall of Trinidad, which is attributed to the disappearance of the forests. It is at least ad- visable that this drought bo carefully noticed and chronicled, as it may be due to causes which, if taken in time, may be coped with before serious damage is effected. — Proceedings and Journal of the Agricultural awl Horticultural Society of India. Vcl. x., for October-December, 1896 (Calcutta, Metcalfe Hall). A satisfactory report of a veteran society still doing good and appreciated work. — Agricultural Journal of the Cape of Good Hope (Published by the Department of Agriculture). The fortnightly issue of this publication, dated January 14, contains reports of crops in various districts, and prospects for the future harvests. Stock-farm- ing is included among the subjects treated of. Erythca, edited by Willis Linn Jepson (published in Berkeley, California, in London, and in Germany). The issue for January contains Notes on Peucedanum erosum, by the Editor ; Notes on the Pollination of Californiau Mountain Flowers, by A. J. Merritt ; New West American Fungi, by J. B. Ellis, and B. M. Evereaut ; Botanical Explorations in California in 1896, &c. — Report of the Botanist L. R. Jones, of the Vermont Experiment Station. Reprinted from the Ninth Annual Report. — Royal Botanic Gardens, Qlasnevin, Dublin. List of seeds for exchange during 1897. A long cata- logue including some desirable species. —Favourite Flowers of Garden and Greenhouse. By Edward Step, Nos. 26 to 28 of vol. iii. have uow been issued, and, like former numbers, are sure to be ap- preciated by those who like descriptive and cultural notes aud attractive coloured plates. (Frederick Warne & Co., Bedford Street, Strand). — Familiar Wild. Flowers. By F. E. Hulme (Cassell & Co , London, Paris and Melbourne). The First Part of a new edition of this popular work has now appeared. The whole issue will consist of twenty-one parts, price 6d. each. — Dictionnaire Pratique d' Horticulture et dc Jardinage. The 58th Livraison of this work is continued as far as Rhipsalis, half of which genus is therein treated of. Orchid Notes and Gleanings. CATTLEYA PERCIVALIANA. Despite the fact that on its first introduction some of the best specimens realised over £100 each, Cattleya Percivaliana has never been a favourite Orchid ; and yet the flower of a good variety is very handsome. An inflorescence of the best form is sent by \V . H. Lumsden, Esq., Balmedie, Aberdeen (gr., Mr. G. Roberts). The flowers are as large as those of an ordinary C. labiata, the broad sepals and petals of a bright purplish-rose tint ; the finely-expanded aud crimped lip of a dark reddish-orange at base and centre, the front lobe being of a rich velvety crimson- purple. Few Orchids have displayed such rich colouring or such neatly-f u-med flowers. OllONTOGLOSSUM. CRISPUM. As a rule, the commaud of high prices pertains to the spotted forms of O. crispum, rather than to the fine white varieties ; but wheuever a really fine example of the latter appears, it commands quite as much admiration as tho blotched kinds, aud a propor- tionately good price when sold. One of the best, if not the best, forms of white O. crispum which has yet appeared, was put up at auctiou by Messrs. Pro- theroe k Morris at their rooms. '^7 and oS, Cluvipside, on February '26, when, after a spirited competition, it was purchased by H. T. Pitt, Esq., Rosslyn, Stamford Hill, for 31 guineas. The plant bore a noble in- florescence, the flowers resembling of the O. c. Duchess, which caused a great sensation some years ago; but those of Mr. Pitt's plant are much larger, the substance is firmer, and the flower bettor in every respect. A*. Lycasti: Skinnerj var, Tom Lopthouse. Among the many varieties of Lyc;uste Skinneri which date from tho days of G. Urc Skinner, who used to grow them in one of his rooms at home, thoro 160 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Maf.ch 6, 1897. have been very few of first ra'e excellence Per- sonally, I have never seen one to equal the highly- flamed and beautiful one named Dawsoni, first flowered in the Meadowbank collection quite thirty- five years ago. Unfortunately, it is not in existence now ; one of the more prominent of existing forms is Imperator, similar to which in character is the variety recently in flower at A. Warburton's, Esq., Vine House, Hasliugden, Lancashire (gr., Mr. Tom Lofthouse). This variety has fine, broad, oblong- ovato sepals of a blush ground, with broad, straight, pink Hues about equi-distaut over their surface. The petals are highly flamed and of good substance, nestling close over the column and half enveloping tho lip. The lip is all but pure in colour — far more so than in Imperator. Mr. Warburton's Lycastes are all well grown in an intermediate temperature, this plant having a dozen of strong, roundly-ovate pseudo-bulbs with strong leaves. J. A, Group of Plants in Flower of Dendrobidm WARDrANUM. In Mr. Warburton's Ladia and Cattloya-house, which is a comparatively lufty hip-span, is a splendid set of Dendrobium Wardianum, excellently culti- vated, and yielding, at the time of my visit, 2000 expanded flowers. One plant alone had about !20 flowers. These are suspended above the Lrelias. There are no plants exactly alike. One of the most striking one) was of normal form, but had a yellowish - green suado, particularly about tho lip, which with the bright crimson eyes contrasted so well. Mr. Lofthoiue waters very sparingly oveu in the growing season, and he has not subjected any plants to tho temperature of a cool- house. The result shows that those who starve their plants to get them to set buds or to arrest second growth are in the wrong, and the sooner tbey follow the practice adopted at Vine House, Haslingden, the better for themsdves. J. A. Dendrobidm densiflorum. A very fine example of this species is now in bloom in the collection of Orchids at Greenlands, Heuley- on-Thamos. It is a finely-blanched example, carry- ing twenty-three spikes, large, full, and very showy. R. D. MUSTARD FOR WIRE WORM. Whether- a farmer or a horticulturist he may consider himself a happy man who has not suffered, more or less from the ravages of the wireworm. As tho latter, I have been fortunate in meeting with a remedy which I believe would also be of great benefit to the farmer. I have something over an acre of garden, mostly new soil. It is no wonder tin reforo, if my crops have been more than decimated by wireworm. When sowing some Pe is hist summer I remembered a remedy which I had used some half century ago in the caso of grain crops. It was then the custom to 6ow Mustard-seed, and plough it in previous to Wheat I applied therefore to the housewife, and from a tin of Coleman's mustard-powder, I scattered some over the Peas in the trench for a couple of yards before they were covered up, the result was a very fine crop in this portion, the Peas coming up thickly, aud with that dark bluish-leaf which betokened the rich growth that was to follow. Last summer I also applied this dressing to other crops, especially Onions and Carrots, with marked success. I much appreciate the latter wheu very young, as does also the wireworm. I usually have five or six eow'mgs tu furuish me with tender half- inch roots in due succession, and when I hnd a difficulty in procuring auything like an even crop, have by a moderate use of my powder no difficulty in securing faultless rows of tins delieious~veg< table, the roots nearly touching each other. So also with IJeins of various description. In previous years, when tired of waiting for their appearance above ground, I had examined the growth and found the seed burrowed through aud through by the wireworms. I now obtain splendid crops without intermission. On one occasion, when raking over tho ground previous to sowing a crop of Sutton's early Marrowfat and Sharpe's Queen, I fouud so many wireworms that I put a hundred into a cup and dusted freely some mustard-powder over them. Iu ten minute3 they were all dead, pale and motion- less. The gardener, who, like most of his class, was a stubborn unbeliever in new remedies, then sowed the two rows, and I dusted half of each row with my powder. He covered in the Peas, and in a few minutes he came after me. " I believe, Sir, there 13 something in your powder, for the wireworms seem coming up out of the ground." The result was a remarkably tine crop of these Peas. From the first day they appeared above the ground the contrast to the undressed portion of the rows was undeniable. I am tbis spring dressing every crop in the same way, including early Potatos. In my flower garden I have hitherto lost 80 per cent, of my bulbs, Carnations, &c, Gladiolus shoots have in most cases had their shoots pierced through by wireworms. Iris roots also I have found with the inside completely eaten away and the skius alone left, looking with their rootlets like an empty glove. I am now tryiug the effect of mustard iu suchca^es, and I hope that some of your readers will make expei i- ments in this direction aho. A very email quantity of mustard is sufficient, more is dangerous. It must not be supposed that I continue to use " Colman's pure mustird,'' as at first, now I apply for the coarser description— siftings — callel " mustard-dross " It is remarkable that this commod.ty after being pressed f-.r the extraction of oil is exported to Holland, &c, for dressing land infested with wireworm. It is possible that my adoption of it is not so unique in this country as I suppose. A small (half-gallon) wicker basket I find the most convenient for dusting the dry mustard-dross with. I may add that it is probable the unexpressed oil in the dross acts as a manure in stimulating the growth of crops, as I have above stated. But I will repeat, the dross must be used carofully — a very little seems to sicken the wireworm— just sufficient dusting to pro- duce a little greyness of colour ; dropping it in patches enough to cover the soil seems fatal to everything beneath it, vegetable or animal. Wheu deposited thus thickly, the mustard-dross lecomes a grey mould and loses its power. I overdosed Iris roots, the powder turned mouldy, and seemed to have lost its virtue, for I found six vigorous wirewoirns at one root unaffected by the grey mould close to them. Worms succumb to a slight application, but it seems cuiious that the dry and scaly wireworm f-hould not better withstand the touch of this dry powder, which soeras to pierce the joints of its armour. ,/. P. [The use of mustard iu treating land infested by wireworm is advocated by Miss Ormerod in her Manual of Injurious Insects. En.] SWEET PEAS. The increased popularity of this beautiful annual, which has been so greatly improved during the last decade, has caused me to endeavour to trace its early days, with the actual date of its introduction into this country. It seems that the original variety, with dark purple standards and dull blue keel and wings, first came to us from the Island of Sicily, in the year 1699. Dr. Petiver mentions the fact in a paper he communicated in 1713, to the Royal Society, and which will be fouud in the Philosophical Transactions (see vol. xxviii., p. 210). It seems that the seed was sent to Dr. Uvedale, who was an euthusiast in plants, aud had a curious collection of exotics in his garden at Enfield. It was here that the original plants flowered, and they were visited by many expert^, including Dr. Plukeuet, author of one of the II, rials of the day. Another variety called Painted Lady, with white wings and keel, aud a flesh-coloured standard, appears to have been evolved from this original form. Yet some writers of a later date tell us that this latter species came from Ceylon. I can find no reference in any of the books available and published during the next few years, to the Sweet Pea, outside the later editions of Miller, who does not. however, write auything that is fresh ; and the first mention I have been able to trace in a seedsman's list is in that issued by John Mason, who traded at the Orange Tree, 158, Fleet Street, London. His Catalogue, issued in 18-00, is a solid little book of 11 1 pages, and in it ho oflfers black, purple, scirlet, white and painted ladies, new and old. He calls them hardy aunuals, to be sown in open borders from March to May. Iu 1837 I notice Mr. Carter offers a similar list, with a striped form added ; whilst iu 1S">0 he includes " new large -flowered." In 1860 he gives nine varieties and a yellow-llowercd one, and also blue-edged, to which the Royal Horticultural Soe:ety gave a First-class Certifievte many years later. On August 22, 1883, this novelty was first namel Blue Hybrid, and it was understood to have been a truo hybrid between the annual white Sweet Pea and the peren- nial Lord Anson's Blue, now almost lost to cultiva- tion. It was the outcome of a Beiies of experiments made with the object of raising a real blue flowered variety by Col. Trevor Clarke of Daveutry. Oa July 11, 1S65, Mr. Stephen Brown o£ Sudbury gained a similar honour for Scarlet Invincible. From about 1882 to the present time, according to the record* of the Uoyal Horticultural Society, Mr. Eckford has held tho field, aud he deserves the greatest credit for the high state of perfection to which he has brought this charming species. Seedsman. A GROUP OF LILIUM CAND1DUM. Thb common white Lily, the painter's Lily, is well shown in fig. 10. taken from a photograph kindly sent by Mr. Jeffery, Moor Court Gardens, Cueadle. The accompanying note tells us that la&t year the bulbs flowered remarkably well in the hot sandy soil of the garden. He had not always been so fortunate, how- ever, iu obtaining fine results. When the bulbs were first obtained in the au'umn they were planted in ordinary garden-mould, iu clumps, dotted about in different parts, aud the following year they flowered well. The next year they appeared to be gradually dwindling away, very fow perfect flowers bjing pro- duced ; and in August the bulbs were taken up, and an examination showed that there wero hundreds of small white mites harbouring between the scales of the bulbs. Tho bulbs were washed in warm water in which a small quantity of petroleum was incorpo- rated, in tho hope of killing the mites, and imme- diately planted into light, rich soil, in which the bulbs have flourished ever siuco. This species deserves a little more attention from gardeners than, as a rule, it obtains and means should be taken to clear tho stems and blooms of aphides, which are apt to be troublesome. Belgium. HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION TERVUERLiN. AT The programme for flower, vegetable, aDd fruit shows to bo held this year at Tervueren, oa the occasion of the Brussels Universal Exhibition, is just published. The horticultural shows will be on the following dates : — Inaugural exhibition, May 9 to 12 ; Cut Roses, June 12 to 14 ; general exhibition, July 21 to 25 ; Chrysanthemum show, November 6 to 8. Exhibitions of vegetables will be held on May 15 to 17, June 11 to 13, August 2 to 4 ; Sep- tember 25 to 28. Fruit shows on tho same days, but not in August. The piiaes will consist of diplomas of honour, and of Uuld, Silver, and Silver-gilt medals. At the inaugural aud general shows, medals arc offered for the most tasteful groups arranged by the exhibitors, and composed of choice and rare plauts. NOTES FROM BRYANSTON, I! LANDLORD. BiiYANsro.v, the hue estate of Lord Portman, is charmingly situated near to tho picturesque town of Blandford. The visitor enters the grouuds from the t^wu by a gateway of noblo proportions, flanked by March 6, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 161 quaint lodges, whcnco runs a road in acknirable keeping, and adorned on either hand with a variety of tree and shrub, and of tho latter so»i« gigantic Buxus form a striking feature. The mansion is a modern building standing on an extensive lawn skirted on one side by a wood. The river Stour bisects tho lawn ; and from this part of the garden good views of Bland ford town, the Dorsetshire hills, and distant and adjacent woods are obtaiued, the whole forming a very pleasing prospect. Bryauston ia a well kept-up domain, and both gardening and farming are carried on in accordance with modern ideas ; but it is of the gardens that I chiefly wish to speak. These are under the charge of Mr. Arthur Allsop, an excellent gardener, who appears to be fully equal to the great demands made upon his abilities. There are very large quantities of cut-flowers required, and especially in the winter and spring, and Lily of the Valley, Hyacinths, Tulips, Narcissus, Staphylea col* chica, Lilac, Azalea mollip, and A. indica, are forced in Violets are made a special feature, and never in all my travels have I witnessed such an abundance of fine flowers. Marie Louise is the favourite variety, and some 2000 plants of it are grown in cold frames. Several of the flowers that I measured were larger than a florin , and there seemed to be as many flowers almost as leaves on tho plants. Mr. Allsop has evidently hit upon the right kind of treatment for the Violet in winter ; and perhaps this note, when he reads it, will induce him to describe his methods. Judging from photographs which I saw of such summer -flowering subjects as Gloxinias and Streptocarpus, these plants must be grown in grand style. Numerous foliage plants for use in indoor decorations, for which there is a fairly constant and large demand, occupy several of the glass-houses. The vineries and poacheries already started had a thrifty look, and will be worth seeing at a later date. The fruit and kitchen-gardens arc laid out on a very extensive scale, and are very productive, as they needs must be, to supply tho needs of o large an establishment. The pleasure- It is to be feared that the majority of tho Council regard the papers as bores, and show their appre- ciation of them by their absence. A Fellow. HYBRID PRIMULAS.— Reading tho remarks of "J. H. W." with respect to his efforts to intercross P. obconica and P. Sieboldi, which like to so many other efforts at intercrossing seem to have been a failure, I am tempted to ask whether there is on record any well-authenticated case of the successful intercrossing of two absolutely distinct Primula species. In years past I have had many trials in that direction, but never with success. I rather think that iudefatigable and able hybridist, the nursery- foreman to Messrs. Sutton & Sons (Mr. James Martin) could tell a long story with reBpect to efforts he has made from time to time with diverse species. It is generally understood that we owe the florists' Auricula to the intercrossing of P. auriculata with P. viscosa ; but even if it be bo, these are such allied forms that they can hardly be classed as distinct species. The subject is of exceeding interest, and one very seasonable too, just now, when Primulaceai are i ust about to bloom. A, I). "4 At %3f*f >| Lv *# GBOCP OP UIiIUM CANDIDU.M, GROWN IK THE OARDEN OF (BEE P. 160.) S. BOLTON, ESQ, MOOR COURT, I.'IIEADLE, great batches to meot the demand. One of the things very largely grown is Freesia refracta alba, of which 4000 potfulB are annually got ready. The Cyclamen is cultivated with equal success, and at the present time about 300 plants are in profuse flower, the varie- ties Butterfly and Vulcan, many of them with fifty to sixty flowers, being very conspicuous objects. Tree Carnations, Border Carnations, and C. Souvenir de la Malmaison in variety are capitally cultivated. About 200 fine plants of tho almost indispensable Carnation, Miss Joliffe, are at the present date in fine bloom. Border Carnations are grown to tho number of 2000, and the collection includes many of the finest varieties. Of Carnation Souvenir de la Malmaison about 100 healthy plants will form a display of them- selves for some time to come Many phwits of the lining favourite Marguerite-Carnation are grown in 5-inch pots, which have aflbrded a rare harvest of bloom, and aro still affording Borne flowers. This is a very valuable type of Carnation to grow for cut flowers ; moreover, its cultivation pVi-sents uo difficulties. grounds and flower-gardens cover many acres, still they are being enlarged and improved. Alfred Outran, F.R.H.S. Home Correspondence. LECTURES AT THE DRILL HALL.— I read Dr. Carvilo's complaint concerning the reading second-hand of the papers or lectures sent to tho Council of tho Koyal Horticultural Society for the Tuesday meetings there. Now, in connection with ordinary gardeners' associations, of which there are so many doing excel- lent social and educational work in tho kingdom, it is tho rulo to pay readers of papers any out-of-pocket bravelliug expenses they may incur ; thus, they rarely have second-hand papers. Why cannot a Society, such us is the Koyal Horticultural Suciety, so long as it iuvitos papers of this nature, offer to repay the readers such expenses aa thoy may incur in coming to London for the purpose ? Of course, discussion in theabsence of the writer of tho paper is absurd. It is of not the least use to object to any statements made in the paper when the writer is not there to defend them. A GERMINATING APPARATUS.— The costly and elaborate arrangement illustrated on p. 143 of your last issue, is totally unnecessary even for the most exact»work. The most practical and useful form, which I myself used for many years, was constructed as follows : — The bottom of the apparatus consisted of a flat copper box about 1 inch deep containing water ; the contents of one 3 feet long by IS inches wide are about 2 gallons. To the sides of this box are soldered tho coppcr-framos carrying the glass sides, these being fixed, the top glasses only being removable. For a germinator of this size for ordinary seeds not requiring very high temperatures, say under "0° Fahr., it is sufficient to place under the tank an ordinary No. 00 Bray's lighting burner at a distance sufficient to prevent tho possibility of the flaino touching tho copper. A gas consumption of 1 cubic foot per hour will maintain a rise of about 85° Fahr. in the tank over the normal temperature of the room, and owing to the very slow changes ensured by tin- In ilk el water, manometers and pressure- governors are quite unueceseary. In an ordinary living-room a 50s consumption of .4 cubic foot per hour will maintain an average 75° F. bottom-heat, and 1 cubic foot will maintain over 90° F., a tempe- 162 THE GABDENEkS' CHRONICLE. [March 6, 1897. rature at which most, if not all, seeds of tropical plants germinate rapidly. In the apparatus referred" to the pots arc covered with glass plates, to guard against falling spores ; but under any circumstances, the products of combustion do not affect the most delicate plants in the case. No doubt, some small part of the products will get in the case from the top ; but even if the quantity was large, the result would be the same, as the moisture condensing on the glass would at onco take up any sulphur com- pounds present. In such a case as this I have growu (or years in succession Orchids and delicate filmy Ferns, the room in which the case stood being lighted by gas every evening, without any special ventilation. Thomas Flelcker, Grappenhall, Cheshire. THE BAY LAUREL (LAURUS NOB1LIS).— I send you a specimen showiug how fruitful the Sweet Bays are here this past season. We have a fair crop of fruit in average years, but I have never seeu the berries so plentiful as they are at present. Some of our bushes look very ornamental indeed with their black glossy berries. D. C, Powcrscourt. SEEDING CYCLAMENS. — The culture of Cycla- mens from seed can be made very profitable, but it needs great care throughout, and it is especially important that seed should be obtained from plants bearing superior flowers. The best time to select flowers is about the middle of February, and more than nine should not be selected from one plant. They must bo gently brushed with a fine camel-hair brush two or three times when the sun is bright, taking care not to bruise the pistil. As soon as the seed-pods are formed, a slight top-dressing of Clay's or Thompson's plant-manure may be given. About the beginning of June, the seed will be almost developed, and the plants should be kept rather dry at the root. It is a mistake to throw the corm away when the seed has been gathered, for a Cyclamen if properly treated will thrive for six years at least. When the seed has been taken, the bulbs, still in their pots, should be taken outside and exposed to the sun for about three weeks, and watered weekly. The dry leaves should then be cut off close to the bulb with a pair of scissors, care being taken not to tear the bulbs. Afterwards put them in cold frames and slightly shade, watering them about three times a week with fresh cow manure-liquid. After the bulbs have shown signs of new growth, they should be taken out and potted rather firmly in a compost of three parts good fibrous loam, one part of leaf-mould, and a small quantity of silver-sand. Give them a temperature of 60°, and a little air when the sun is warm until they have made a fair amount of growth, when they should have exactly the same treatmeut as is required by seedling plants. It is a great advantage to exhibitors that flowers from old bulbs come much better and clearer than from seedlings, and generally most of the flowers come at one time. Charles White, Stevenage. CYPRIPEDIUM INSIGNE SANDER/E. — Kindly allow me a few closing observations in reference to Mr. Hardy's supposed plant of this Cypripedium. I may say that it was not by any means a secret at the Manchester Show of November, 1895, that the plant exhibited was the one he bought at the Pickering Lodge sale. Allow me again to call attention to the Gardeners' Chronicle of February tj, wherein he says that he never showed his C. i. Saudera. After noting this, please turn to p. ,145 of your last issue, and behold his statement, viz., that the plant exhibited at the show referred to, was not only Sanderas, but that it came "straight" from Baron Schroder. Here we have two very opposite statements, both majestic enough for any Homerian Cyclopes, so I must leave them for the puzzle-expert to solve. I still maintaiu that the variety shown by him is inferior, and not the original C, i. Sandera. I quite admit that dividing a plaut may cripple the full development of its flowers for a time, but it will never alter their leading features to au extent beyond recognition. S. S. VARIATION AND ENVIRONMENT.— Mr. Druery, in Gardeners' Chronicle, February 27, p. 133, calls attention to a very important fact, and one often stated to show that varieties may arise among other plants of the same kind without any apparent " changed conditions of life." Of course Darwin demands that they should so appear as a rule, other- wise there would be no struggle for life, and no scope for natural selection. But both Darwin and Dr. Wallace think that "the country must be undergoing some change ' which would induce variations to arise. Mr. Druery shows, what is well known, that varieties do occasionally arise among the parent type, especially if it be a very plastic one, as in the ca6e of Ferns; but the degree of frequency of such isolated appearances is very Bmall, taken as a whole, i.e., when contrasted with the normal variations in plants distinctly induced by some marked change of environment ; and his words really express accurately all that cau be guessed as the cause of sporting in Nature : — " It may even be in some subtle local modification of the parental Fern, which consequently produced the modified spore." Precisely so ; but then this implies some, however minute, cause presumably to be traced to a new element in the environment, and this is all that is maintained. Usually a plant migrates into a new habitat (by dispersal of its seeds, &c. ), and then varies ; but if anything happen to it without migration, then, it may vary while still residing among its kith and kin. Mr. Druery asks for " a more extended study of plauts in a wild state." but twenty-five years of study of wild plants, with their methods of evolution, always kept steadily in view, has convinced me that all the various types of plants, as represented by their vegetative fades, have arisen solely by adaptation to their environment, as I have shown iu my last book, The Origin of Plant Structures. This conclusion is based on an over- whelming mass of evidence. It is, moreover, thoroughly corroborated by horticulture, as is so well shown by Mr. Bailey. Hence, when a strange form suddenly appears, where we may not be able to see any difference in the environment, the conclusion is inevitable that some " subtle local " influence is at work which has affected that one plant and no other about it. That such is the right con- clusion is strengthened by cultivation, for here dif- ferent forms arise, and sporting is far more frequent than in the wild state. Hence the coincidences betweeu " sportiug " and " artificial soils " of g irdeus force the same couclusion, that there is. directly or indirectly, a distinct cause and effect — '• some subtle modification " of form arising in consequence. George Henslow. GARDENERS' RELIEF SOCIETIES. — I have read with pleasure the remarks made at different times by writers in these pages, in regard to the necessity of upholding tho few societies which afford relief to gar- deners when past work, and of assisting in the support of gardeners' orphans. I should also much like to see discussed the pros, and cons, of a scheme for affording relief to gardeners when out of employment. A great number of gardeners are always lacking situation for a great variety of i-easons, and only too often through no fault of their own ; their savings are soon spent, and many are reduced to great straits. It may be urged against such a scheme that it would afford a premium on indolence, but that is not my opinion. It should be made an essential part of tho scheme that it Bhould be supported by the subscriptions of gardeners themselves, aud that only subscribers should benefit. The subscription might consist of £1 a year, and the amount of relief afforded should be small ; say 5s. a week for single men, with 2s. 6(1. extra for wife, and an additional Is. for each child. I am mentioning these figures at random. I leave it to others of greater experience in such matters to say if such a scheme could be made self- supporting. A strict investigation would be made in the district in which an applicant resides before placing him on the register, so as to prevent undesir- able persons joining. I should like to have the opinion of gardeners on this matter ; also whether the formation of au entirely new society is desirable, or whether it would be better that the existing societies should take up the matter. Neither should it be looked upon as a scheme for commemorating Her Majesty's Jubilee, of which there are already enough ; but I feel that no harm can be done in stating the needs of self-help for gardeners in this very important matter. L. F. P. GRAPE GROS MAROC AND OTHERS AT EDIN- BURGH.— In reply to the person who calls himself a "Northern Gardener," who asks why I did not write "soouer about the judging of Grapes" at Edinburgh, may I remind him that if he had read the recent numbers of the Gardeners' Chronicle he would not have required to ask that question ; it was not I who started the topic, and one reason for my taking part iu the discussion was that I was asked so to do. I am sorry that my "audacity," has given offence to a "Northern Gardener." I am not, however, sorry, nor do I regret one single word that I have written about this matter, and my contention has already met with support from independent sources. David Andrie, Lalert House Gardens, Stirlingshire. [Enough has naw been said on this subject. Ed.] VICTORIAN ERA FUND.— My suggestion does not meet with everyone's approval. I did not think it would do so; but I still maintain that there are, I should think, very few gardeners, or young gardeners, who cannot afford to contribute the modest sum I mentioned. Therefore, although I quite agree with your correspondent (" Life-member and Annual Sub- scriber") that all gardeners, who possibly can do so, should become annual subscribers, I do not agree with him that young gardeners (by which I mean the young men who live in bothies aud cottages iu gardens, not the labourers), should not be asked to subscribe. I think there are very few of these who would not give a little to help their unfortunate or aged brethren. From my own experience, I have known young men subscribe, both liberally and freely, on several occasions, and I thiuk they would do so again. Since writing my last letter, I have looked over the Horticultural Director //, aud taking a rough aver- age of three in each garden (one at each scale), I find that such a subscription would realise the handsome sum of over £8000. This is surely something worth trying for, and yet within the reach of nearly all to assist in obtaining. F. Harris, Easlnor. CEDARS OF LEBANON.— Your correspondent, "A Traveller" (Gardeners' Chronicle, p. 145), makes enquiries as to seminal variation of Cedrus Libani observed in their native habitats. Of that I know nothing, but it is quite certain that among the fine specimens of the tree in this country there are several types which are distinct, both in habit of growth and colour of the needles. A week ago I visited Highclere Castle Gardens, aud viewed the famous Cedars of Lebanon at that place. Mr, Pope, the gardener, pointed out to mo two distinct types of Lebauou Cedar, au erect- growing variety of a deep shade of green with very massive limbs, but with a very short trunk. Tho other type is of a pendulous growth, aud foliage of grey-green, aud although seeming to lack the vigour of the erect, grnwing variety, it has a much finer trunk, clean and straight, such as might have furnished the fine timber of antiquity, as the pendulous habit would prevent the lodgment of the heavy snows of the Lebanon region. There is still another type with au erect habit, and needles of a glaucous blue colour, nearly the same shade as those of Abies nobilis, but the tree is not so large as either. Of this type are some very fine trees at Wbitekuights Park, Reading. It would indeed bo interesting to know if anything has been done to protect the grove of Cedars of Lebauou, bearing in mind that they are of great interest to all civilized nations, and since Palestine and Syria are among the much-visited countries of the east. The wealthy tourist might undertake to do what the Patriarch of the Marouites may be too p Jor to effect. It would be a worthy object for which to solicit subscriptions to protect these trees which are memorials of so many poetic illustrations in Holy Writ. R. M., Nivibury. SOCIETIES. NATIONAL DAHLIA. The following is the Report of the Committee for the year 1896. If the number of Dahlia blooms, especially of the Cactus varieties, exhibited at the Nation il Dahlia Society's Show at the Crystal Palace on September 4 and 5, 1S96, were less than usual, the fact is to be attributed, not to any diminution of zeal on the par , of Dahlia growers, but to the abnormal nature of the season. An almost rainless spring and summer effectually prevented Dahlia plants from nuking their natural growth at the usual time, even where the plants were well watered ; and then, the rain coming just when the plants should have been coming into bloom, they started into growth so vigorous that it seemed likely to postpone all flowering indefinitely. Innumerable Dahlia plants, notably in the Cactus and decorative sections, were quite "green" at the time of the society's exhibition, at which, in consequence, some of even the largest growers were unable to compete. If, however, the extent of the show was below the average, the flowers staged were of good quality; and the new class for " vase decoration" was . generally considered a success and an addition to the exhibition. Tha same, however, can hardly be said ol the new classes for "cottagers and amateurs not employing a gardener"— classes for which Messrs. Dobbie & Co. kindly presented the prizes. The idea in forming these classes was to attract to tho society's exhibition new competitors or beginners in Dahlia-culture ; but the prizes were won in competitors who have for years been members of the society, and who at the same time were taking prizes in some of the largest classes. For another year, therefore, it March 6, 1897.] THE GABDENEBS' CHRONICLE. 163 would probably be more useful to make two similar classes for "competitors who have never before won a prize at an exhibition of the National Dahlia Society." The committee desire to convey their thanks to the donors of special prizes; and al&o to the officers of the Horticultural Club for their permission for holding the society's meetings in the club-room. The committee deeply regret to have to record the great loss sustained by the society through the ceath of their President, the Rev. Charles Fellowes, who was elected to the presidency in 1SSS. and had continued to occupy the post to the last. [Mr. Fellowes' achievements were dealt with in these pages on December 26, 1S96, p. 790. Ed.] The com- mittee also deplore their loss, by death, of Mr. F. Full of Tottenham The income of the society from all sources, including the balance of £4 13s. 5rf. in the society's favour from the year 1895, amounted to £142 19s. Id. ; and the entire expenditure, including the payment of all prizes awarded at the Crystal Palace, amounted to £134 8s. 9d., leaving a balance in the society's favour of £S 10s. 4rf. The Annual Exhibition will this year be held at the Crystal Palace on Friday and Saturday, September 3 and 4, ISM". With a view to commemorating the auspicious eveat of the Queen's reign having proved the longest on record, various new classes have been added to the sohedule, including especially "The Commemoration Class" (class 1), designed to display the wonderful development of the Dahlia during the last sixty years. The Hon. Secretary of the Society is Mr. J. F. Hudson, Gunnersbnry House, Action, W.; and the Hon. Treasurer, E. Mawley, Es}., Rose Bank, Berkhamsted, Herts. READING AND DISTRICT GAR- DENERS' MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION. A reediit fortnightly meeting of this Society was held in the Club Room, British Workman, Reading, when Mr. T. Neve presided over a very large attendance of members. After the usual business had been disposed of and five now members elected, Mr. P. H. Foulkes, B.Sc Edin., of the staff of the University Extension College, Reading, gave an interesting and practical lecture on " Insects Injurious to Plant Life." Mr. Foulkes in opening his subject dealt with the great damage done annually by the various pests, and drew atten- tion to the fact that the annual loss to the country runs into hundreds of thousands <>f pounds sterling. In instancing sonic of the most noticeable pests, he quoted the nop aphis as doing damage in one year to the extent of £500,000. Besides true insects, there are a number of pests which do a great deal of damage, the most noticeable of which are the eelworm and red-spider. Passing on to the distinguishing features of insect attack, he dwelt on the different stages of an insect's life, how in some cases the damage is done in the larval or grub stage, in the mature stage, and in some cases insects are capable of doing damage in both stages. Of the various kinds of attack there are those insects which attack the seeds, flowers, the seedling leaves, and the mature leaves ; those which live on the roots and underground stems ; and also those which live in the stems and boughs of trees. Reference was made to the conditions which are essential if the various stages of insect lifo are to be successfully passed— conditions which are just as much required as are those necessary for the germination of seeds. Of these, shelter, suitable food and warmth were most requisite. Thj fact that insects are not so lowly organised as is generally believed was shown by the statement of Linter as to the presence of certain organs of scent of many insects by means of which an insect can detect its food a long distance off ; hence insects often mike their appearance on a tield after weeding and thinning of a crop, the bruising of the pi tins resulting in the operation causing them to give forth a smell which no doubt attract the insects. The lecturer touched upon the resemblance of fungoid- growths to the results of insect attack, and showed this more clearly by throwing on the screen some photographs of Swedes which had been attacked by "finger-and-toe," and Swedes which had been attacked by the "Turnip-gall weeviL" The habits of insects as to appearance and time of f?ediug were a.Uo dwelt upon, as well as the manner in which an insect fed. Passing on to the types of insects, an account of the life-history and habits of the winter-moth was first given. No in cct is a better example than this one of the value of knowing the habits and characteristics of a pest when adopting measures for prevention and remedy of attack. lu this case it is known exactly when the moth will appear, when and whero the oggs avo laid, and when the caterpillar will come out to do the damage. Knowing these features, the gardener was in pos- session of valuable facts which he could make use of to over- come the pest. Passing over the various measures adopte J, he showed, by the aid of the lantern, a useful form of moth- guard for preventing the femal s moth climbing up the trees to lay her eggs. The eel-worm was next taken as a typo of garden pest, pictures were put up in the screen showing the attack on Cucumber and Tomato roots as well as stages of this peat. In doaling with sof prevention and remedy, he instanced, among others, tho uso of "capture" plants as a means of clearing the ground of the eelworm, a practice which has been adopted in Germany on a large scale with considerable success. In concluding, the lecturer said that though we knew the habits and characteristics of a number of our pests,' yet there was a great deal of information still to be learned, and he pleaded for the help1 of those .who by their natural habits and calling were continually coming into contact with ';.('{, insect pests. A number of questions were aske I as to the 'm chafers. Vine-weevils, crickets, &c, and an interesting dis- • cussion followed. Among the exhibits were Princess Beatrice, Gloire du Bourg Violets, a perfect head of (lower of a hybrid Cliveia, raised by Mr. Bright of Wb itek nights ; and a "blue" Prim- rose; whilst an excellent display of insects injurious to plants, seeds, trees, &c. were exhibited by Mr. H. Ham of the Reading Natural nistory Society. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Foulkes for his lecture, and to those who had brought the flowers, &c. for the inspection of the members. ©hituaru* JAMES SALTER, F.R.S.— We regret to hear of the death at Basiugfield, Basingstoke, on the 2Sth ult., in his 73rd year, of Samuel James Augustus Salter. Mr. Salter held a foremost place in medical and scientific circles some years ago, and since his retirement to Basingstoke occupied himself largely with horticultural matters. A short article on planting on ohalk soils, originally contributed to this journal, has " gone the round " ever since, sometimes with, sometimes without acknowledgment. Mr. Salter was the first to make the remarkable observation of the occasional formation of pollen-grains within the tissues of the ovule in Passion-flowers as recorded in the Transactions of the Linnean Society. He was a man of extensive knowledge, and an acknowledged master in some departments, and this fact, accompanied by great amiability, endeared him to his friends. Mr. Salter came of a family remarkable for their attainments. Among his brothers were Dr. Bell Salter of Ryde, well known in botanical circles, and the late Dr. Hyde Salter, an eminent London physician. [The term "accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre- gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of temperature above or below 42° Pahr. for the period named : and this combined result is expressed in Day- degrees — * " li iv-degrtiB ii.;iii[;,in: l* continued for twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for an inversely proportional number of hours.] Tkmperat TAX. Rainfall. Bright 8uh. if 13 Accumulated. 1867. )7. B 5 1 Its 1 1 Above 41' , difference from Mean since January 3, 1897. Beluw 42°, difference" from Mean since January 3, 1897. 3 1 -5 = a 1 Is 1 t § 1 s Sec" !1 Day. deg. Day- deg. Day- deg. Day- lOths deg. Inch. Ins. 0 6 + 27 8 - 2 + 3012 + 36 5-8 12 16 i S + 39 7 + 1 + 33 1 + 29 2-8 31 19 2 ■■> + ■u 0 + 12 - 16 13 - 35 37 33 18 3 8 + 37 1 + 2 -. 41 3 - 37 4-8 35 17 4 s + 31) 0 + 8 - 35 3 - 32 4-0 25 16 5 7 + 38 0 + 2 - 07 4 - 31 5 0 26 17 0 0 + 28 0 - is + IS 7 + 30 5 1 13 19 7 1 + 34 0 - 1 - IS 0 aver 35 41 20 15 « 6 + 37 0 + 1 - 5S 5 - 30 7-1 10 20 0 * + 31 1 - 19 + 7 4 + 36 44 20 21 In 6 + 50 0 + 6 - 11 S - 83 5-5 18 21 * 4 + 48 0 + 30 - 86 5 - 42 6-2 18 19 Tho districts indicatod by number in tho first column am the following :— 0, Scotland N. Principal Wheat.- producing Districts — 1, Scotland, E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, E. ; 4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London, 8. Principal Grazing, dec, District$ — 0, Scotland, W. ; \ England, & oel Islands. THE PAST WEEK. The following summary record of the weather throughout the British Islands for the week ending February 27, ia furnished from the Meteorological Office :— "The weather during this period was generally fair and dry in all the more southern parts of the kingdom, while in the extreme north and north-west rain fell on almost evei y day, the falls being very large in the North of Scotland. "The temperature was much above the mean, the excess ranging from 4° in the 'Channel Islands' to 8° in the 'Midland Counties,' 'England, E.,* and 'Scotland, E.,'and to 9° in ' England, N.E." The highest of the maxima, which were recorded either on the 22nd or 2Gth, ranged from 64° in ' Scotland, E.' (at Aberdeen), and 60° in 'England, N.E., to 55° in ' Scotland, W.,' and ' England, N.W.,' and to 54° in the 'Channel Islands.' The lowest of the minima wore registered on the 27th, when they varied from 31° in 'Scot- land, E.,' the 'Midland Counties,' and 'Ireland* N.,' to 39° in ' England, S.,' and to 42° in the ' Channel Islands.* "The rainfall exceeded the mean over Scotland, and tho north of Ireland, the excess being large in ' Scotland, N , and W.' In 'England, N.W.,' the fall just equalled the normal, while in all other districts there was a deficit. At some of tbe south-eastern and southern stations the week was quite rainless. "Tho bright sunshine was deficient in most parts of tho kingdom, but exceeded the normal in the eastern and north- eastern districts. Tha percentage of the possible duration ranged from 3-5 in ' England, E.,' 33 in ' England, N.E.,' and 31 in ' Scotland, E.,' to 13 in ' Scotland, W.,' 12 in ' Scotland, N.,' and 10 in 'England, S.W.' " Enquiry. "He that questiomth much shall learn much." — Bacon. Terrestrial Orchids and Jadoo Fibre. — "A. B." asks for information from anyone who may have tried the fibre for the growth of terrestrial Orchids. A R K E T 8. COVENT GARDEN, MARCH 4. jt Flowers. — Average Wholesale Prices. . d. s. d. Anemone, doz. bun. 16-30 Arums, p. 12 blooms 2 0-40 Bouvardias.perbn. 0 6-09 Carnations, pr. doz. blooms 2 0-30 Chrysanthemums, doz. bun. ... 6 0-12 0 Eueharis, per dozen 3 0-40 Hyacinths! Roman), 0 6-10 0 6-10 4 0-80 L2blms. , 12 bm. Orchids : — Cattleya, Odontogli crispun. Pelargoniur. let, per 12 bun. 4 — per 12 sprays... 0 Pyrethrums, 12 bn. 2 Roses (French), per doz. blooms ... 1 — Tea, per doz. ... 1 — yellow (Mare- chal), per doz. 4 — red, per dozen 4 — pink, per doz. 3 — Safrano, p. doz. 2 Snowdrops, doz. bunches 1 Tuberoses, 12 blms. 1 2 0-40 Tulips, per doz. ... 0 Violets (Fr.)P; 0-12 0 0-6 0 4 0-60 10-16 — doz. sprays Lilac, wh. (French), per bunch Lilium Harrisi, per doz. biooms Lily of the Valley, dozen sprays ... Maidenhair Fern, per 12 bunches... Marguerites, per 12 bunches Mignonette, per doz. bunches ... Mimosa (French), per bunch Narcissua, various, per doz. bunches 1 6- ORCHin-BLOOM in variety. Plants in Pots.— Average Wholesale Prides. Adiantum, per doz. 4 Aspidistras, perdoz. 12 — specimen, each 5 Azaleas, per doz. ... IS Cinerarias, per doz. S Cyclamens, per doz. 9 Daffodils, per doz. 6 Dracaenas, each ... 1 — various, p. doz. 12 Evergreen Shrubs, per bunch - Czar, bun. - doz. bun. (Eng.), per 0-16 0-16 '6-13 : 6- 3 6 0-3 0 0-10 lit variety, doz.. Ericas, per doz. . 10 d. s. d. 0-12 0 0-30 0 0-15 0 0-36 0 0-10 0 0-15 0 0-9 0 0-7 6 0-24 0 0-24 0 0-12 0 Genistas, per doz... 8 Hyacinths, por doz. 0 Marguerites, p. doz. 8 Pidtns. various, ea. 2 0-36 0 0-12 0 0-12 0 0-12 0 0-10 0 6-84 0 0- 1) 0 Paioi Apples, 1'ivntl Crab, per bush. .. 3 6- 1 0 — Wellingtons, p. sieve ... 6 0 — Figs, per doz. ... 24 " 30 0 Grapos, Alicante, 1st quality, per lb. ... 2 0- 2 9 — Alicante, 2nd quality, per lb. 2 0 — 0ape,B k.li). 0 0- 10 r.i|.n Mil. ,i, per lb 0 0- 10 — Bros Counan, selected, p. lb. 2 V- 3 S — Gros Colraar, 2nd quality.tb. 2 3-26 s. d. t. d Nuts, Cob, per 100 lb 60 0-70 0 Poaches, Cape, per box containing 20 s 0-12 0 Pears, Cape, p. out ■..Hi lining SO . 7 0- 8 0 Banter limine" ( California) lgo. , ni'S, t, ,'.l,l..| , 14 0-10 0 do., 164 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 6, 1897. Vegetables.— -Average Wholesale Prices. Artichokes, Globe, perdoz. — Chinese (Sta- chys tuberifera), per lb Asp;u;iyus, Paris Giant, p. bun. ! — English, per bundle Beans, French, Channel Is., per lb. — Madeira Kid- nev, per bkt. of *8 to 10 lb. ... Cauliflowers, Cher- bourg, per 18"a rers, Itdl- per mat, 4 0-4> Cauliflowers, Corn wall, per crate 0 0-10 0 Cucumbers, home- grown, select., perdoz. ... 6 0-80 — 2uds, per dozen 3 0-50 Horseradish, Eng- lish, pr. bundle 2 6 — Horseradish, For- eign, p. bundle 1 6 — i Potatos. Trade very stagnant, and stocks still increasing. Dunbar Maincrops, 85s. to 90s. ; do., Saxons, 6£.s. to 70s. ; Lincoln Maincrops, 40». to 70s. ; do., Saxons and Abundance, 35s. to 70s. ; do., Giants, 35s. to 55s. ; Blacklands, 30a. to c5s. John Bath, Wellington Street, Govmt Garden. Mint, per bunch ... 0 Mushrooms {Indoor) per lb 0 Onions, English, p. — Foreign, p. cwt. 3 Peas. ordinary (Channel Is- lands), per lb. . 2 Peas, Telephones (Chaunol Is- lands*, per lb. . 2 Potatos, New Kid- neys, Channel Islands, per lb, 0 — Kidney Pota- to.?, French p. lb. 0 Radishes, Channel Is., per doeen bunches ... 1 Rhubarb (Forced), per doz 0 Salad, small, per doz. punnets... 1 Sea Kale, per pun- net, 3£ to 4 lb. weight 0 Tomatos, Canaryls- lauds, per case, about 12 lb. 4 SEEDS. London* : March 3. — Messrs. John Shaw & Sons, Seed Merchants, of Great Maize Pond, Borough, London, S.E , write that notwithstanding the recent heavy rains, which delay farming operations, there is now, as might be expected, a daily ^increasing demand for Clover and Grass seeds. Buyers find this season that their requirements can be satisfied on very moderate teims. Lucerne and Saufoin are in good request. There is no change in Tares. Canary seed is firm. For Peas and Haricots, low quotations prevail. Rape seed tends upwards. Mustard unaltered. Linseed CORN. Average Prices of British Corn (per imperial qr.), for the week ending February 27, and for the corresponding period of 1896, together with the difference in the quotations. These figures are based on the Official Weekly Return :— Description. 1896. 1897. Difference. Wheat Barley Oats s. d. 25 6 21 10 13 10 i. d. 28 2 23 8 16 3 ». d. + 2 8 + 1 10 + 2 5 ttmWm fa LormpondenU Ants: Artus. Use carbolic acid in their haunts and set saucers filled with treacle about, with some means afforded the ants to climb into them. Asparagus plumosus : C. B. W. A. p. nanus, if true to name, is merely a variety, and, like the type, may be increased by division of the roots, and cuttings of the half- ripened shoots, struck in bottom- heat, and possibly from root-cuttings. Seeds are obtainable, but these could not be depended upon to produce the dwarf type of the plant. You are employing more heat by night than is required. Before we can tell you if you have the true plant, you should send a plant, or piece of one, for observation. Books : /. W. Q. Botanical Dictionary by Thomas Martyn, B.D., F.It., and L.S S., Uegius Professor of Botany, Cambridge University, published 1799. A well-known book. Valuable only as a curiosity. Try the second-hand book-sellers. Criticism of Gardener: W. W. So long as your employer is satisfied with you, it will not greatly matter what the vi&rtor says about your methods. Flowers prom Seed is Cold Conservatory i 7. F- Annuals : *Acrocliniiim rosoutn, *Alonsoa linifolia> Globe Amaranths, Amaranth us Henderi, and others ; Asters of all( kinds, especially the tall varieties ; double flowered Balsams, tuberous-rooted Begonias, ""Calceolaria herbacea (for flowering next year), Canary Creeper, 'Celosia pyramidalis, Cine- raria {for another year), Coleus in variety, Eccre- mocarpuascaber (climber), Lobelia ramosa, Mar- tynia fragraos and others, M mraudya Barclayana (climber), Melianthus major, *Mignonette various, * Nasturtium, both tall (climber) and dwarf varieties ; *Nemesia compacta in variety, Petunias, Rhodanthe Manglesii and R. inaculata, Ricinus Gibsoni (foliage plant, coppery red leaves, nice grown in pots), Scyphauthus elegans, Ten-week Stocks, and other annual, varieties ; Thunbergia alata and others ; and Verbena in variety. In addition to the creeping plants already given, mention may be made of Lophospermum scandens, L. atro-sauguineum (Rhodochiton volubile), and Cobcea scandens. With the exception of those marked with an a-terisk, these seeds should be sown thinly in pots placed in heat, pricking them out into other pots before they spoil by crowding each other, and growing them on near the gla-s, and with good ventilation in mild weather. The chief thing to guard against is weak etiolated growth. Annuals ueed rich soil, well decayed manure, not too much drainage material, and but few plants, or as in the case of creepers, Balsams, Celosias, Ricinus, only one plant in a pot. Of the shorter lived plants it will be well to make two s >wings, one late in March and one in the beginning of May. In the ca^e of Balsams, if some of these plauts are kept in pots of 6 to 8 inches diameter, and all the flowers allowed to remain, tliey will give an early display ; for later flowering the blooms must be removed until the plants reach the desired size, and one or two large sbifts given. Gardeners' Royal Benevolent : T. F. It is next to an absolute certainty that a subscriber for the allotted period will, if he be in need, receive the benefit without the trouble of election. Practically, it is certain, but to meet exigencies which might by some extremely remote possibility arise, it is de- sirable that the right should be rati6ed at a general meeting. To those who become life-members it is by far the cheapest investment we know of. The only element of chance in it is that some may never want to avail themselves of the assistance of the fund, whilst others will. The former have the satisfaction of knowing that they are contributing to the welfare of their brethren, the latter, as we have said, are certain to be elected if they have complied with the rules. Greenhouse, and Rent for the same \ T. B. What can you expect if you put up a greenhouse on land that is merely lent toy.p.u, but that the owners will make you pay rent for it or pull it dowu. Rather unwise to spend your money in doing this when the tenancy is so precarious. You had better consult a solicitor about the other matter of which you write. Insects: ~ A. B. 5. H. The grubs sent with Wall- flower are those known as the wireworm grubs of the Click-beetle. Taey^-are most destructive to very many kinds of vegetation, and they are diffi- cult of eradication. Lime and salt are both employed with advantage to infested land, and an application of gas-lime in its caustic state is one of the best methods of treatment. The burning nature of this, however, necessitates the operation being done in autumn, and no crops should be put upon the land until late spring. See also article on "Mustard and Wire worms" on p. 160. I^selts in Vinery : W. H. W. The name of the beetle is Trox sabulo3iis. They are not likely to injure the Vines, and were probably introduced with animal matter (bones/) used as manure. Nevertheless, they are, no doubt, a nuisance, and should be got rid of as such. R. McL. LiGUsruim ooriaceum1. — The plant growing in the grounds of the Atkinson Morley Convalescent Hos- pital, Wimbledon, and mentioned by J. Colebrook in our issue of February 20, p. 128, is, as the writer of the note informs us, L. ovalifolium. Mildew on Tea Roses: C. N. May. Dusting with sulphur vivum (black sulphur), or failing that, the ordinary flowers-of-sulphur. The sulphur when used in a dry state should be applied when the leaves are wet. Sulphur may be mixed like mustard, till it is well incorporated with a small quantity of water, and then diluted with 15 to 20 paits of soap3uds, and applied with a syringe fitted with a nozzle. Two or three applications on alternate days are required to get rid of mildew. When a few leaves or shoots are affected, it is better to apply sulphur in the dry state with a small dredger or pepper-box. The florists sell mildew destroyers, but we are not aware that these are better than sulphur. Be careful in veutilating the house in which are the Roses, keeping it moderately warm and the air in motion, not admitting for the present, air at the bottom of the house, unless it can be warmed by impinging in its passage into the house on the hot-water pipes. Coat these pipes with Hmewabh, having a considerable proportion of sulphur mixed in it. Name of Fruit : /. P. Pear, Knight's Monarch. Names of Plants : Correspondents not answered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number. — M. Your specimen was mislaid, but has now reappeared. We regret the delay in replying to you. The plant is probably Thuya (Biota) Sieboldi of gardens. — Constant Reader. The Orchid is a very large and finely-coloured Caltleya Triancei ; the other plant Columnea hirsuta. The Violets are very fine. — A, R. S. 1, Pellionea pulchra ; 2, Pellionei Daveauana ; 3, Selag'tnella denticulata. — J. W. " Tagasate," Cytisus proliferus from Canaries. Recommended as a fodder plant for some countries. See Kew Bulletin, 1891, 239. Orchids : /. E. D. We do not know of any plaut called Oncidiuiu Bungerosa, imported by Lindley, nor any Brassia splendidis-ima. The former may possibly be intended for Oncidium Bungerothi, imported by Linden, but we find no such name in our recoids. Peach Trees is Unheated House : T. F. Having gla=s protection only to preserve the blossoms from injury from frost, it will be piudent to keep the house cool and well veutilated so as to retard the expansion of the flowers to the latest date. As a rule for general observance, do not wet the trees or make the soil unduly moist till fruit has set, and the weather gets warmer. When there is no longer any danger from frost, the trees should be syiinged night and morning in fine weather, doing less of it in dull an 1 rainy weather. You have done what is right in keeping the borders moist. Petroleum Barrels : J. W. 0. Kindle a fire with straw, &c, inside each, and when the staves are slightly charred, and the oil with which the wood was saturated is in part consumed, put out the flames by cuttiug off the supply of air, and then soak the barrels in wa'er for a few days. The oil remaining in the wood after this sort of treatment is not likely to injure Peach or other fruit trees planted in the barrels. Pruning Currant Bushes when Planted : W. W. It is the UBual practice, and the Currant does not resent it, so far as we can ascertain. The plants possess a large quantity of roots in proportion to its size, so that the growth during the year of planting is sufficient to give the rudimentary framework of the future head, even when pruned. If roots were Bcanty, it might be better not to cut at all the first yeai, but encourage leaf growth, as this would lead to greater root extension ; and what pruning was required might take the form of disbudding in May or later, according to the start made. Quitting Service without Noiice: Ptcris. As a weekly servant, a week's notice is required from employ 6 or employer under ordinary circum- stances. Stacuys tuberifera syn. Crosnes, and Chinese Artichoke : //. E. C. This plant has nothing whatever to do with Solomon's Seal. It is a misprint of or for and, iu the top line. Communications Rkceived.— F. n , many thanks.— L. L. — Prof. W., Vermont— Be 13. C— J. It.— G. J. I.— Miyata KiW, Jiipan.— liiiri.n E., Florence — H. &., New Orleans. — C. S. S.. Boston.— R. 6i Co.— H. J. C— E. G. L.— W. G. O. 11. .1. W.— J. B. T.— A. C F.— H. H. DO -W. E. B., Granada. - E. A. T.— A. D. W.-L. G.— A. F. B.— Linnean Society.— Royal Society.— H. J. C— G. M.—R., Sydenham. —Wild Rose.— W. E. B.— E. J. L.— A. C. F.— G. G.-R. D. —J. R. J.— Crwydryn.— E. C— R. Ma tie.— L. Linden.— H. G. C. CONTINUED LASIX IN-? RE ASS in, the CIRCULATION OF THE "GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. Important to Advertiser-*. — The Publisher has the satis- faction oj auwnincinj fhU thz circulation of the " Gardeners' Chronicle " has, since the reduction, in the price oj the paper , Increisel to the extent of uv>re than 93 par ceat., ana that it contin i n to increase weekly. Advertisers are reminU I thi'. the " Chr.uiicle" circulates among and garden-lovers at kotne, that it h%$ a specially large K./.kiiiN AND COLONIAL CIROULACtJN, an I that it U preserved tor rejerence inall the principal Lie March 13, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 165 SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 1897. STREET TREES. HARDLY more than sixty years have passed since the Champs Elysees were truthfully described as impassable by day on account of the bad state of the roads, and by night by reason of the hosts of vagrants that frequented them. For many years past, thanks largely to improved sanitation and the planting of street trees as a science and an every-day practice, Paris has become assuredly one of the fairest, safest , pleasantest cities in the world . Not by any means that its Seine or its slums are without spot, or perfect. But its street-planting, its parks, its open places, are magnificent. Many of the public roads in the rural districts of France and the main streets of Paris and other great cities are open spaces on a regal scale. There may be, there are sanitary blemishes in France. But every great high- way is a ventilator and a purifier, a utilise? of the waste products of life and labour. We are often told in this country that land is too valuable to be spared for the growth of trees in our great cities and towns. But "where there's a will there's a way." Land in France is so much and so severely sliced up by law and custom as to create a land- hunger that is daily growing more intense in its severity. And yet in the Champs Elysees, in the centre of Paris, room has not only been found for one avenue, but for five or more, with flower-gardens and shrubberies thrown in as well. And thus it comes to pass that no one can look for the first time down the Champs Elysees from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde, and ever forget the grandeur and beauty of the sight. Is it a wood, a park, a garden, or a city ? It is all four. Much that is far from perfect in the life of this fair city is hidden from view Under the thick veil of trees, shrubs, and flowers. With the exception of the Palais de l'lndustrie, which earns a large rental to the Munici- pality, but which is soon to be removed, there are few other substantial buildings among the trees or gardens, and yet the rental for pleasure gardens, refreshments, chairs, theatres, See., amounted to ,£11,000 in 1895. The thousands of coloured lamps, which seem immensely popular with visitors and the Parisians, add a weird-like charm to the trees, without revealing much or many of the flimsy buildings hidden away among them. But by planting such grand avenues as the Champs Elys6e8, the Bois de Boulogne, the Avenue de la Grande Armi'e, the Boulevard Beau- marchais, the Boulevard liichard-Lenuir, and scores of others almost equally long and spacious, tree-planting has been firmly esta- blished as one of the most important functions of tho municipality of Paris, and is prosecuted with a skill and an energy almost unknown to us in this country. It may now bo taken for granted that almost any of our deciduous trees will grow and flourish if sites, soils, and sorts are carefully selected, planting and culture skilfully effected, and adequate care taken in after maintenance. In planting in fresh towns and districts, how- ever, it is best to proceed tentatively, taking careful notes of those trees in the district that soonest grow into things of beauty and last the longest. There is one more caution that needs to be given to any that may be fresh from Paris. Few are likely to be ablo to plant other cities in the grand style of that fair city. The majority of the main streets and boulevards of Paris are from 100 to 150 feet from house to house. As much as 40 feet is at times devoted to the centre avenue, with 25 feet on either side to side walks or pavement. And then large spaces are often devoted to flowers, shrubs, and masses of small trees and shrubs. In fact, such avenues as that of the Bois de Boulogne, that links together the Arc de Triomphe and the Bois de Boulogne, is as much, or more, a series of gardens, as a mag- nificent avenue in grand luxurious style. Something on a much humbler scale would suffice for the majority of our towns in this country, not that any street planting can be too good for London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Manchester, Birmingham, &o. ; still, a great deal may be done to fringe almost inter- minable" lengths of brick and mortar with re- freshing verdure and beauty. The designers of new Edinburgh deserve high credit for their bold and capacious planting between their massive blocks of buildings in their squares. Another charming transformation scene was the evolution of the Princes' Street gardens, from what was virtually a public nuisance. Other and almost equally valuable improve- ments have been effected in the vale of the Eden, and in many other directions the area of verdure aud beauty is extending. The Eoyal Botanic Garden, which is now open to all, has .long been a centre of light and leading iu horticultural matters, and seems greatly prized. Edinburgh has also long been famous for the extent and excellence of its nurseries of fine trees and shrubs. It has also long been the home of the Eoyal Scottish Arboricultural Society, which exists to foster the love of all that is best and most beautiful in trees and shrubs. And yet the majority of the streets and main thoroughfares of Edin- burgh are treeless, or noarly so. The very massiveness and coldness of its stone archi- tecture make matters worse.- The paucity of trees gives a feeling of coldness, an air of stillness and hardness to the towering architec- tural magnificence of Edinburgh. The life, the mobility of trees; the grace of climbers, the glowing colours of foliage and flowers, are needed to soften and enrich the bald-faced monotony of miles and miles of grey walls, uprising from tho lowest depth, and losing themselves in the dizzy heights of Scotch mists that lost in cloud land. Public and private buildings, castles, monuments, moun- tains, constitute a sombre study in grey, that cry out loudly for relief. Fortunately, Princo's Street and most of tho main thorough- fares in tho new town of EJinburgh, and not a few in the old, arc sufficiently wide for double lines of trees, thus converting tho stilt', stately streets into avenues as graceful as grateful. Tho lop-sided squares Could readily be converted into charming avenues, while, at the same time, multiply- ing manyfold their shelters, shadows, colours, varioty, and beauty. F. Orchid Notes and Gleanings. CATTLEYA TIUAXJEI. This fine form of C. labiata has been beautifying our gardens during the protracted dull weather, and the gorgeous colours and innumerable varieties should render it a close rival to the autumu-floweriug form. But two things militate against C. Triamci being the general favourit3 it shouLi be, which are, that iu the first place, unless it is imported from a known good quarter, an overwhelming proportion of poor varieties is found among them ; and in the second place, it should naturally flower in the dead of winter, but from the absence of light and sun during most winters, the buds have to take so long in perfecting that they cannot show themselves to advantage. A box of really grand flowers sent by Joseph Broome, Esq., Sunny Hill, Llandudno (gr. , Mr. David Boardman), tells of a better light and a purer air than fall to the lot of plants grown near large towns. The flowers in every instance are large and broad-petalled, aud three of them well simulate three good varieties of other sections of the species. One has showy flowers, and expanded frilled lip, like C. Mendelii ; another is a good representation of a dark C. labiata Warneri ; aud the third has light rose sepals, petals, aud tube to the lip, whose broad front- lobe is coloured like C. Warscewiczii, even to the two yellow marks, one on each side of the tube. /. 0'B. Dendrobiom nobile nobilius. In an importation of some 2000 or more Orchids last year, we bad at least ten plants of this very pretty variety, some of which are now in flower. It is something like twenty years ago since D. nobile nobilius first flowered in this country, and even now it is not by any means common. When the plants are arranged among other species of Orchids, it shows to great advantage. Although I should think that it would succeed when grown in baskets, suspended from the roof, we have been very successful with it in orchid-pots. D. n. nobilius requires the heat of the East Indian-house when making its growth, and plenty of water at the roots, but only enough to prevent shrivelling of the bulbs when at re3t, at which time it should be in a lower temperature, but not one that is below 50° Fahrenheit. If it be kept when in bloom in a cool airy house, the flowers will last iu perfection for about six weeks, but they must be shaded from the sun's rays. O. Borrows, Berwick Gardens, Shrewsbury. CALADIUMS. The Caladiums grown as decorative plants arc. many of them, desceuded from the well-known Caladium bicolor, Ventenat. The beautiful Caladium argyrites — a synonym for C. Humboldti— is, however, distinct from Caladium bicolor, Vent. Both of these species thrive well under the conditions which ob in in and around the district of Trinidad in which the Botanic Gardens are situated, and am easily culti- vated. The varieties of the first mentioned are very numerous, and have long been great favourites with both the amateur an I gardener. It is singular, however, that while the. first species has produced innumerable varieties with parti-coloured or tri-coloured leaves, C. Humboldti has remained true to the original type. Tho amount of variation in the individual varieties of OalaaUuth bicolor, when grown in Trinidad, U howewr but little marked when under cultivation; but on contrary, it is to be noted that where the plant lias been cultivated and has been planted into t ie 80J1 of thr u'.ir. Ifn, f'lnr i- inhibited a distinct t-si !<-i y t .. * revert to the original bicolor, or to one which lias nothing moro than a green Leaf— the shape, si r<\ and 166 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Makch 13, 1897. habit of the original bicolor, but without coloration of any kind. In the Botanic Gardens so much is this the case, that in many corners, on the lawns and in various other places, plants of Caladium bicolor can be seen growing vigorously among grass and other plants, which have lost all or most of the reddish colour in the centre of the leaf which is common to Caladium bicolor. The same plant may also be found quite common on many Cacao estates, where it haa escaped from cultivation, growing freely under the shade of the Cacao trees. It may also be plenti- fully found along banks and on the roadsides in villages where it has escaped from gardens. Cala- diums, with home cultivators, are sometimes difficult things to grow. This arises, for the greater part, from the inattention which they receive when their beauty begins to fade. The Caladium requires plenty of heat, a temperature from 90° Fah. to one not lower than 65° Fah. being best suited to its growth. When its tubers are matured, and the leaves com- mence to turn yellow, it will stand a long period of drought ; but if the dry weather sets in before full growth is made, the tubers are apt to rot, and they will n*t keep good in a low temperature. These acta are the key to good cultivation. As much, or more, care and attention is required when the plants have lost their beauty, as when they are in full growth and vigour, and those home cultivators who attend to this point and give them plenty of heat all he year round, plenty of water when growing, and a dry warm Btorage when at rest, will not fail to have Caladiums in perfect health and vigour. Caladium argyrites doeB not require as much rest as C. bicolor, but it benefits by being accorded a short period at the proper season of the year. J. Hart, in Bulletin, Royal Botanic Gardens, Trinidad. Paris. From our own Correspondent.) NATIONAL FRENCH HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. A splendid show of Orchids was the chief feature of the last meeting in Paris. Orchids are decidedly gaining a foremost place here as well as in England and in Belgium, and the number of growers and amateurs steadily increases. M. T. Leroy, gr. to Baron de Rothschild at Armainvilliers, staged Cymbidium eburneo-Lowianum, flowers cream-yellow, very fine ; Lffilio-Cattleya Leroyana (C. gigas x L. purpurata), with very large flowers, fine broadly open pale lilac lip. Odontoglossum Leroyanum, a specially interesting hybrid ; 0. crispum x 0. luteo • purpureum, with numerous large brown spotB, the plant having two large spikes. Many other very important groups were shown by M. 0. Doin, M. Bert, Mr. Page (gardener to M. Lebaudy, at Bougival), Mr. Dugger (gardener to Madame Halphen, at Ville d'Avray), M. Peeters, and M. Trufiaut of Versailles, who had a very important lot of Cattleya Triansei in fine varieties. The most interest- ing plants noticed were Cypripedium insigne Sandenc, exceptionally fine ; Miltonia Bleuana aurea ; Pleuro- thallis Roezlii. A vermilion-coloured Epiphronitis x Veitchii, contrasted agreeably with Lselia anceps Williamsii, pure white. A specimen of Sophronitis grandiflora, with seventy open flowers, was much admired ; so was a group of Cypripedium Sallieri Hyeanum, 0. Rothschildianum, C. niveum maximum, C. Lathamianum, extra fine. A curious plant, Stenorhynchum speciosum, was also>emarked j many other good varieties were to be seen, but the Bpace you can allot me would not be sufficient to enumerate half of them ; however, we must mention the splendidly-grown Cypripedium Lebaudyanum, the Cattleya Triamei alba, and Lycasto lanipes, of Mr. Page. A very important horticultural congress is to be held during the next Paris show in June. Amongst many interesting questions to be discussed, we notice the two following : — " Study of the Causes of the Degeneracy of Cattleyas grown in Europe; " "Study of the Influence of Selection : 1. In Raising of Plants from Cuttings ; 2. In Raisins of Plants from Grafts." POLYCARPIC AGAVES. The following notes on the flowering peculiarities of Borne Agaves, have been prepared at the suggestion of Mr. J. G. Baker, F.R.S. They relate to plants cul- tivated at Kew, where the collection of living Agaves is a fairly strong one, 90 species of the 138 species admitted by Mr. Baker in his Handbook of A/naryl- Hdeas (1888), being represented there. Since the year 1880 twenty - five species have flowered in the Succulent-house, some of them for the first time in cultivation ; others were previously unknown to botanists. It is popularly believed that all Agaves flower once and then die. This is true of some of them, but not all. Dr. Engelmann in hi3 Notes on Agaves (1875), says: — "The majority of Agaves are acaulescent and monocarpic (flowering once) ; the short subterranean trunk continues to grow for years until vigorous enough to evolve the flowering-stem, a continuation Fig. 47.— agave Portion of the stock, showing five snecessivo terminal flower spikes ; a, position of the last lateral bud. b, latest flower-spike j b, b, b, b, remains of previous flower-spikes. of ita axis, and dies after bearing fruit A few have persistent trunks, sometimes of considerable dimensions ; these produce flowers repeatedly, just as the caulescent Yuccas do. from axillary branches after a terminal bud has fulfilled its destiny and died." These are called polycarpic. Probably more species of Agave belong to thia second or polycarpic group than has hitherto been supposed. Of the twenty-five species flowered at Kew since 1880, no fewer than nine have proved poly- oarpic. Some of these have been described as acaulescent, and therefore monocarpic. This term, acaulescent, does not properly apply to many Agaves for which it ha3 been used, many of them forming distinct woody stems above-ground. Judging by cultivated plants, it would be more accurate to say that the majority of Agaves are shortly caulescent. The produced trunk is not always associated with a polycarpic habit ; for instance, A. attenuata, which develops a trunk 6 feet high, dies after once flowering. A. laxifolia, also distinctly caulescent, died aftor it flowered. A. lurida var. Jacquiniana, as figured in the Botanical Magazine, t. 5097, has a trunk 1£ foot long ; and A. rigida elongata in the Kew Museum has a trunk 4 feet long. Both of these are monocarpic. The following list comprises the species that have flowered at Kow since 18S0, with the year of flowering. Those marked with an asterisk have proved polycarpic : — *A. albicans, 1S91 A. horrida, 18S0 A. americana, several A. Kerchovei, 1896 A, atrovirens, 1SS8 9J-V6 A. Kewensis, 1895 A. attenuata, 1S80 A. laxifolia, 1895 A. Baxteri, 18SS A. lophantha, 1887 *A. Bouchei, 1S96 A. multilineata, 1887 *A. Celsiana, 1S94 *A. polyacantha, 1S95 A. chloracantha, 1882 A. potatorum, 1894 *A. dasylirioides, frequently "A Sartori, frequently *A. densiflora, 1894 A. Scolymus, 18S7 A. Elemeetiana, 1883-88 *A. striata, several •A. Haseloffi, 1S94 A. univittata, 18S1 A. Hookeri, 1830 It is noteworthy that all the species here marked as polycarpic belong to the sub-genus Littsea, in which the flowers are borne in pairs, forming a dense sub- Bpicate inflorescence. In the sub-genus Euagave, typified by A. americana, the flowers are in clusters placed at the ends of the branches of a deltoid thyr- soid panicle. So far as I know none of the Euagaves are polycarpic. The thickness of the flower-spike or pole in Littsea is much less than that of the stem or trunk of the plant from which it Bprings. This is shown in the accompanying figures. In Euagave, on the contrary, the pole is about as thick as the trunk. This difference may account for the development of lateral growth- buds after flowering in the plants of the one group and not in the other, the energy of the plant being less heavily taxed by the comparatively smaller inflorescence. The only species known to develop the infloresoence laterally is A. Sartori ; in all the others seen the spike or " pole " is terminal, and in the monocarpic species it ends the life of the plant. In the poly- carpic species, a number of lateral buds are formed just below the base of the pole, and one or more of these buds develops and continues the life of the plant. In fig. 47 we have an example of — A. Bouchei, in which this habit is clearly seen, the production of a flower-spike being followed by the development of a growth-bud, which in its turn flowered, and so on until this year, when the flower- spike was succeeded by two growths, both of which have been removed. Fig. 48 represents a section of the Btam of the same species, showing the position of the first lateral growth, o. Dr. Engelmann observed tliL* character in a plant in the Berlin Botanic GardenB in 1869.* A. albicans. — The plant that flowered in 1891 was figured in the Botanical Magazine, t. 7207. It lived after flowering, developing two lateral growths, which were removed and planted separately three years ago. In the Gardeners' Chronicle, in May, 1885, Mr. J. S. Corderoy noted a similar case which occurred in his garden, both the type and the pretty variegated form of it, known as albo-picta, having flowered and developed side growths. He called his plants A. Ousselghemiana, a synonym of A. albicans. A, Celsiana. — This flowered two years ago, when it had a trunk nearly a foot high. Recently the second growth has been cut off and rooted. Mr. Corderoy stated, iu the note referred to under A. albicans, that A. Celsiana lived after it flowered with him. A. dasylirioides. — There is a good figure of this species in the Gardeners* Chronicle, June, 1889, p. 804, from a plant then in flower at Kew. It flowers frequently, and is in flower now. Iu this the flower-spike is certainly terminal. The old leaves live for years after the spike has faded, and after the lateral growth has developed to a large size. The Bpike is peculiar in being cernuous and drooping, so that if unsupported it would trail on the ground. A. densiHora flowered two years ago, the dried base of the flower-spike being Btill on the plant. The new growth is now a rosette 2£ feet across, on a trunk 18 inches high. " He also noted A. ehloi-aoantha as showing the samg character. March 13, 1897.] THE a i r> DEXERS' CHBO KI CL E. 1-67 -This also flowered two years ago. It has a trunk 1 foot high, and one lateral rosette a yard across. A. polyacantka flowered last year (1895). Most of the old leaves are still on the plant, and it has now a new rosette of about twenty leaves, 1 foot long. A. SartorL — A figure of the Kew plant was pub- lished in the Botanical Magazine in 1877 (t. 6292), when it flowered for the first time. It then had a "stem 1 foot high, forked dichotomously." It bifur- cated again at the height of 4 feet, the stems being now 5 feet hhh. They show distinctly the scars of Fig. 48. — AGAVE BOUCHEI. The right-hand figure shows the stem d, reduced \ ; latent leaf buds at K ; lateral leaf-bud developed at c 3 of terminal flower-spike. The left-hand figure slunvs at a, st'tiun ui .^t'-iu ; b, terminal flower spike ; c, lateral leaf-bud. FlG. 49.— AOAVK FIMFEKA : SHOWING STOLON I FRROtffi SHOOTS eleven flower-scapes, which occur at intervals of about 9 inches. They also show plainly the lateral position of the inflorescence, the ring-scars on the trunk being only partially interrupted by the base of the flower-spike. A. striata. — Plants of this have flowered several times lately at Kew, and in no case has the plant died or even lost its leaves in consequence. Some species appear to develop lateral growths in advance of the flower-spike. Thus A. Kerchovei major, lately in flower in the Palm-house, has a distinct trunk 2 feet high, supporting a rosette of leaves 6 feet across, from the centre of which the spike rises to a height of 15 feet. From the axils of the upper leaves three arm-like side-growths have developed ; they are IS inches long, the lower two-thirds clothed with short imbricating leaves, the upper portion being a large rosette of leaves, 13 by 3 inches. These growths are more analogous to the stoloniferous suckers that are developed from the base of the trunk of most Agaves, than to the growths of such as A. Bouchei. A large specimen of A. Botteri has had its central growth arrested by some cause,* probably the formation of an incipient flower-spike, and two lateral growths have started from near the centre. This species belongs to the LitUeas. It evidently has the power of developing lateral buds near the top of the axis. The basal stoloniferous growths appear to be pro- duced at any period of the plant's existence, and are not in any way connected with the production of flowers. In some cases they are so numerous that quite a colony of plants is formed round the original one, suggesting gigautic Saxifrages. If the growing point of a stolon gets damaged, laterals are readily developed from it, a bud beiug quite perceptible in the axil of every one of the scale-like leaves which, clothe these stolons. They may therefore be utilised for the multiplication of the plant by cutting them into lengths of a few inches, and inserting them as cuttings. In A. filifera (fig. 49) these stolons are 2 feet long. Many Agaves produce a crop of bulbils or plantlets on the flower-spike after the flowers have faded, and generally when the capsules (fruit) have not matured. In some cases, however, both capsules and plantlets have been borne together, though I have never seen a case at Kew. These plantlets are ofteD very nume- rous. In the species which produces Sisal Hemp, A. ligida sisalaua, this "reproduction by means of pole-plants is very interesting. After the blossoms begin to wither and fall away, buds develop from the stalk below, and grow into small plants. After attaining a size of from 3 to 10 inches, they fall to the ground and take root. They have very great vitality, and develop into stout, strong plants. In cultivation they are much used for planting. A single flower-stalk (pole or mast) will bear from 1000 to 2000 pole-plauts. As many as 2500 have been reported. The species is said to have spread over the Florida Keys by means of buds from the poles being driven by the currents of air and water.'' f It would be interesting to know if this particular Agave is ever propagated by means of seeds, or if basal suckers and pole-plants only are used. Some- times the pole-plants do not appear until long after the flowers have faded, and the leaves havo withered. Last year the only plant known to exist of A. kew- ensis flowered in the Succuleut-houso at Kew. It had never produced any suckers, and therefore the production of seeds or pole-plants was anxiously hoped for. Not a single capsule matured, tho plant having almost perished aud tho pole itself turned yellow before auy plautlets appeared. Finally, how- ever, a good crop was yielded, and there are now plenty of healthy young plants of this very distinct Bpecies of Agave at Kew. A. atteuuata does not push out stoloniferous growths, but develops instead buds about tho base of the stem, which, when largo enough, dehisoe readily, and fall to the ground, where they take root. W. JFatsont Kent. ' Since this was written the plant has pushed up a stunt fluwci' spike. / . \ga United 6ta!tt,hj A.J. Mulford (ISM), 168 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 13, 1897. THE CULTIVATION OF TENDER ALPINES. For some years past I have devoted attention, in the Jardin Alpin d'Acclitnatation, to the study, which may be called experimental, of the acclimatisation of certain tender alpine plants which are considered impossible to grow at Geneva. The results, especially of cultivation n sphagnum, of which I spoke in the Gardener*' Chronicle on April 14 and July 11, 1891, are of sufficient interest to be further spoken of here. Last summer, at the Congresses held during the National Swiss Exhibition here about ten times between May 1 and October 15, alpiue plants sent from the Jardin Alpin were shown, grown in pots of sphagnum in the full sun, and these attracted much interest. Certain of these plants flowered throughout the summer, and among them were specimens of Linariaalpina, of Hutchinsia, and even of the beautiful Houstonia cccrulea, which I received from England, and have never before succeeded with. There were 100 pans containing rare and tender plants, all of which I had almost given up cultivating at Geneva, and which I could ouly try to introduce into our gardens among the Alps. I know that the system of cultivating in sphagnum has been tried in England, consequent upon the two previous articles about it in this paper, and I have learnt from letters and conversation that, in Devonshire and Cornwall for instance, good results have been obtained, but that, in other countries failure has ensued. Evidently there is everything in the influence of warm and dry air, and it is absolutely necessary to experiment only under these conditions. The proof of this is, that, at Nice, Cannes, and Tessin, the system has succeeded well, while in North Holland, as in England, no results have been obtained. It appears evident to me that sphagnum exercises a mechanical and physical influence very important to alpine plants. It serves as a sponge round their foliage and roots, absorbing damp when that is prevalent, and restoring it gradually to the air or soil when drought begins. This is, as I have before said, the part played on a greater scale by the rocks in nature. Sphagnum is an equalising element ; it condenses and dispenses moisture in a valuable way. Its chemical action seems void, as we have grown, in pans and uuder the same conditions, species very nearly related, and which pass for sand or for lime-loving varieties of the same type, and they have varied slightly. They have completely retained their characteristics ; and thus, Linaria alpina and L. petnea, which are so similar, that one is considered to be an oolitic form of the other, keep up and even slightly accentuate their indi- vidual differences at the end of two years' simul- taneous cultivation in sphagnum, and I have come to consider them as true and different species. The late Professor Romanes of Oxford experimented on the variability of species, recommended me to conduct my investigations on these lines. We have in our Jardin Botanique de la Linnxi, at Bourg de Pierre, planted side by aide, species similar in type, but from varying habitats, as Ramondia pyrenaica and ser- bica, Linaria alpina and petnea, Gentiana Clusii, Kochiana alpina and angustifolia, Geranium argenteum and cinereum, &c. But we have not succeeded in preserving their distinctive characteristics so well as with plants grown in sphagnum. Further, strange to say, plants grown in sphagnum flower more abundantly than when wild ; the blooms are earlier and last longer. For instance, I had last year a plant of Cyananthus lobatus, which had not before flowered with me, and which, grown in sphagnum, bloomed from May to September. I have now, in my window, three pans of flowers which are much admired ; one contains four plants of Soldanella montana, bearing, in all, sixty flowers. I have never before bloomed this Soldanella. It is, therefore, plainly shown that the use of sphagnum for soil is the best plan for growing and flowering delicate alpioes in dry warm climates. Its retention of moisture enables it to supply the lack of that wet and moisture which, in the Alps, is so freely supplied to the plant. I should add, that I have succeeded in bloomiug the fine and rare Diapensia lappouica by this plan. Last April I had a strong plant n a pot of sphagnum, and it has now borne sixty-eight flowers. This plant is difficult to ultivate, and the seed often remains eighteen months before germinating. It is very graceful, and is elegant when well developed. //. Correvon, Jardin Alp in iVAcdimatation, Geneva. LILIUM HUMBOLDTI. The typical Lilium Humboldti has a large ovoid bulb, more or less oblique, and occasionally pro- longed laterally in a semi-rhizomatous manner. The scales are thick, and the bulb very compact. In height the stem is often above 4 feet. I have seen it 9 feet high, and in one instance a single stalk bore eighty buds. Ten or fifteen flowers in a panicle are common. The lower pedicels are longer, and, grow- ing gradually shorter, form a broadly conical panicle. The flowers are large and of much substance, of a uniform rich reddish-orange spotted with maroon, and strongly re flexed. Nature has provided for the weight of the great panicles by giving this Lily a very stout, erect stem, which is well furnished with leaves in full whorls. In its native home in the foot-hills of the main Sierra Nevada, Lilium Humboldti usually follows the belt of Yellow Pine (Pinus ponderosa), and grows in the open woods. It does not often grow above the 4000-feet line, nor on the lower foot-hills. Just how far north it extends I have never been able to learn. I know of it in Tehama County, California, but have never seen or heard of in the Mount Shasta region. It has never been reliably reported from any point in the northern Coast Range of California, although I have recently learned of a Lily in Humbold County which can only be L. Hum- boldti, or an unnamed species. Neither have I been able to learn of this Lily in the foot-hills of the lower San Joaquin Valley, nor farther south than the Yose- mite road. Generally it is strictly a mountain species, but there is one notable exception in the upper Sacramento valley. Some fifteen years ago it grew sparsely at one location in the Oak forest which borders the river; it is now abundant for 12 or 15 miles aloug^tbe river. In El Dorado County I saw it floweriug to perfection last June. A fire had gone through some second-growth Pines a year or two before, and the magnificent panicles made a gorgeous display high above the Ferns and weeds. The top of the hill had been cleared some years befor.1, and was cultivated in grass and grain, but in the new stubble many stubs of the Lily-stalks could be seen, and from wounds made by the plough the bulbs had been broken into groups of trom two or three to a dozen bulbs. The Lilies are evidently on the increase under the conditions, and the bulbs were very healthy. As a cultural hint I would say that L. Humboldti alwajs grows on well-drained soil. The subsoil is usually rocky, the upper soil clayey or volcanic. In Southern California there are two other strongly marked types of Lilium Humboldti. Of these L. Humboldti, var. magni6cum, is nearest the northern form. This superb Lily has a large bulb, which is usually broader and rounder than in the type, and which speedily turns purple on exposure to the air. At its best it is even sturdier in growth thau the type. The foliage is similar, dark green and glossy ; the stem is much darker. The flowers, while of the same form and borne in a similar deltoid panicle, are differently coloured. At the middle of the flower the ground-colour is a rich orange-red ; the maro«n spots are surrounded by a reddish circle. On the upper half the reddish circles become larger, until they merge into each other at points, making an irregular combination of dark maroon spot3, red ocellations, and of dark reddish-orange grouud in blotches. This form of L. Humboldti is found in the San Bernardiuo Mountains which make the southern end of the Sierra Nevada, in the Coast Range, as far north af maiden-trees, almost every lateral growth should bo employed inlay- ing the foundation of Ihe trees, rubbing nut. all fore- right or front buds as they appear. The foregoing remarks, are especially meant to refer to Peach and Nectarine and otlier wall- trees, but are, nayer- the le i, applicable toother fruit trees which make much superfluous growth. The first trees to require attention in the direction indicated are tho Alexander, Waterloo, Amsden June, and Hales* Early Peaches, Early Rivers, and Lord Napier Nectarines. 170 THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE. [March 13, 1897. Frost-screens. — When the blossoms open, it is a matter of great importance to make the blinds quite secure, for should the weather become windy, much damage may be done to the trees by the flapping of the blinds, destroying the young shoots and buds on the lower branches. I have known instances of this unde- sirable state of things happening, not through the blinds having been blown from the fastenings during the night, bat owing to the upright poles being let into the ground too close to the wall, and too wide apart. In these circumstances, two lines of long bean-sticks should be tied across the uprights to prevent mischief being done in this way. Miscellaneous. — Prunings of all kinds should be raked up and burnt. Scrapers should be fixed at certain points of the fruit plots and walls leading on to the gravel walks. Pieces of hoop-iron about 12 inches long let into oaken stumps about 2 inches square, and from 18 to 24 inches long, according to the nature of the soil, make excellent scrapers. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By W. Pope, Gardener, Hlgholere Castle, Newbury. The Leek. — A sowing of Leek Beed, to furnish the main crop of these plants, should be got in with as little delay as possible, sowing it in drills in the manner directed for Onions, or broadcast, as the plants need to be transplanted when sufficiently large. The Musselburgh variety is good for general use, but Sutton's Prizetaker or Dobbie's International are better for exhibition. Any part of last year's crop now in the ground may be lifted, and laid in on a shady border, so as to check the natural tendency of the plant after this date to run to seed. The ground thus cleared may be prepared for some other crop. Leeks sown under glass should be kept steadily growing in a temperature not exceeding 50° at night and 60 by day, with as much air as possible. Presently these plants may come into the cold pit or frame, and hardened gradually in readiness for planting out towards the middle of next month. Leeks should be grown in trenches prepared as for Celery, four or five rows being put in a trench, which may be got in readiness when opportunity offers. The trenches should be dug out to a depth of eighteen inches, and as wide as may be desired, and plenty of well-rotted, rich manure placed in the bottom and made firm afterwards, turning on the top of it nearly to the thrown-out soil. On planting, let the roots go down as far as the manure, not pressing the soil hard round the plants ; but leave the holes open till growth has somewhat advanced, when, by the re- peated stirring of the surface with the hoe, the holes will gradually get filled. Tomatos. — To provide plants for putting out of doors, early in the month of May some seeds may be sown thinly in 5-inch pots, and placed in a forcing- house or stove with a minimum degree of warmth of 65°, and when germination has taken place, standing the pots in full sunlight and close to the glaas. When the seedlings have a few true leaves, and before they become crowded in the seed pots, pot them singly in 60's, still keeping them well up to the light. Do not let Tomatos get pot-bound before planting, but repot them once or twice, and gradually harden off till they can be trusted in a cold frame, and afterwards in a sheltered position out of doors before planting them out. Potato.*. — The first planting of early varieties of Totatos should now be made on a warm border. The Ashleaf and its varieties are favourites for early crop- ping, and if round ones are desired, Sutton's Al is excellent. Plant, if possible, where some kind of protection can be afforded from frost, as the crop is not out of danger till before the middle of May. The sets should be planted about G inches deep, 20 inches from row to row.and 12 to 15 inches from plant to plant in the rows. On heavy cold soils a liberal allowance of leaf-soil should be worked into the staple or laid in the furrows with the sets ; and on light soils a dressing of Beeson's or other approved bone-manure may be sprinkled along the furrows when planting, and again before the stems are earthed up. Except in very mild parts of the country, it is yet too early to plant Potatos in quantity, but much may be done now to ensure success by laying out the sets thinly as I advised some weeks ago, the sprouts will then get sturdy and not be easily broken off if carefully handled. Potatos growing in pits and frames should be aired freely at all times when the weather is mild, not letting, however, cold air reach the tops, and always tilting the lights on the side from which the wind is not blow- ing. On bright mild days, the lights may be drawn off the frames for a few hours in the middle of tho day. Coverings of mats and litter must still be made use of at night more or less, according to needs. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By Charles Hbrrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead. The Planting of a Herbaceous Border.— Assuming that a new border is to be made, and that the soil has been liberally dressed with well- decayed manure, and trenched some weeks ago, planting may begin when the state of the soil becomes work- able. The border, if consisting of light soil, or it has been only recently trenched, should be made firm by trampling it evenly and regularly all over, and afterwards be levelled. No border of perennial plants looks well if the plants are arranged in straight lines and formal designs ; rather should the various species and varieties be placed in small groups together, there being one or several such groups, accordingly as the border is small or wide and long. Of course, the tallest plants should to a certain extent be placed in the middle of the border if it have two faces, or at the back if it have but one, dwarfer plants coming towards the front in each case ; but this should not be too strictly adhered to, some of the plants of moderate height being grouped with dwarfer ones, so as to afford an undulating outline and do away with undue regularity. The perennial Sunflowers form extremely useful plants, that are in flower from June to late in the autumn. All of them possess flowerB of a yellow hue as regards the rays, and central disc of brown, orange, or black. Most of them are tall in growth, and some, owing to their growing by underground Btolons, are apt to become somewhat of a nuisance. Helianthus multiflorus, 5 to 6 feet ; H. m. flore plenus, 5 feet ; H. decapetalus, 5 feet ; H. occidentalis, 4 feet ; H. rigidus, 3 to 4 feet ; H. lsctiflorus, 4 feet ; and H. orgyalis, a tall, late-flowering species with handsome Willow-like foliage, are all of them desirable Sunflowers. Spirieas form a handsome class. S. aruncus is a noble subject when in bloom, and should not be omitted ; it grows from 4 to 5 feet in stature. S. astilboides, a distinct and beautiful plant, is 2 feet high ; S. japonica, a dwarfer species, is a well-known plant ; S. filipendula flore-pleno and S. venusta, with pretty rose-coloured flowers, are worthy of a place in any garden. Anchusa italica, a Borage like plant, with flowers borne on strong spikes 4 to 5 feet in height, iB an acquisition, no other subject equalling it in the intensity of the blue colour of its flowers ; it flowers from June to September. Other tall-growing plants are Delphiniums, double and single, in variety ; Phlox decussata hybrids, early and late-flowering ; Solidago virga aurea, S. altissima, and S. mufti radiata; Bocconia cordata, a strong-growing plant with cordate foliage and spikes of cream-coloured flowers, striking and handsome ; Verbascums, in- cluding the pretty V. Chaixii, growing 5 to 6 feet high. Herbaceous Pieonies planted in groups of three to five have a fine effect, and should be freely planted in both double and single-flowered varieties. Baptisia australis and B. exaltata, old-fashioned border plants, with blue pea-shaped flowers, the foliage, which is useful for arranging with various cut flowers ; the plants in height from 2 to 4 feet. Helenium autumnale and H. a. grandifloruni, Galega orficiualii and G. o. alba, Dictamnus Frax- inella and D. f. alba, Hesperis matronalis fl.-pl., the old double white Rocket, so sweetly scented aud useful for cutting ; Eryngium amethystinum, Rudbeckia speciosa, and R. purpurea ; Campanulas in variety, C. persicifolia and p. alba, being two which should not be omitted. Gypsophila paniculata, Tritomas, Asphodelus luteus and albus, the early-flowering Thalictrum 'aquilegifolium roseum, Inula glandulosa, Hemerocallis flava, H. kwanso, and the double- flowered variety. Early-flowering Chrysanthemums, Doronicum plantegineivm excelsum, Monarda didyma, Echinops Ritroaud E.ruthenicus, Lychnis chalcedonica and Clematis erecta. Plants for the front portion, growing from 6 inches to 2 feet in height, should include Picotees, Piuks, and Carnations in variety, Orobus ver- nus, Helenium puuiilum, Heuchera sauguinea, Tiarella cordifolia, Pyrethrums in variety, Phygelius capensis, Papaver nudicaule in variety, and P. orientale ; Ane- mones apenuina and japonica, Funkias, Iris in great variety, German, English, and Spanish ; Achilleas ptarmica, fl.-pl., and The Pearl ; Armerias, Aubrie- tias, and Gentians, may be used for forming edgings to the borders. Bulbous subjects, as Liliums of various heights and colours may be dotted about in small groups, and Montbretias. Alstrcomerias, and others. Crocuses, Scillas, Daffodils, and other low- growing bulbous subjects, may be plauted at a good depth towards the edge of tho border, aud after tho foliage has died down, any bare spaces may bo sown with annuals. The Michaelmas Daisies form a large class, and add to tho autumu beauty of the garden. The following are a dozen good varieties ; — Harpur Crewe, and Purity, white-flowered, 4 to 5 feet ; Robert Parker, lavender-blue, 5 feet ; Nancy, pale blue, 4 feet ; Amellus-besBarabicus, 2 feet ; lrevi- gatus, rose-coloured, 2\ feet ; acris, 2 feet ; cordi- folius Diana, 4 feet ; ericoides, 3 feet ; Maia, rosy-lilac, 4 feet ; diffusus horizontalis, 3 feet ; Tradescantii, late-flowering, small white, 4 feet. Seeds to be Sotm. — Ricinus, Cannabis gigantea, Melianthus major, Nicotiana, Variegated Maize, and Solanum robustum, for subtropical bedding. The Ricinus seeds should be sown simply in small pots, beiDg bad subjects to transplant from seed-pans, any breakage of the young roots often causing the death of the seedlings, and when sown in Bingle pots they may be potted on without a check. Verbenas, Petu- nias, Pentstemons, Antirrhinums, and Lobelia speciosa are other seeds that should also be sown if strong plants are desired by bedding-out time. Use pots or boxes filled with light soil, scattering the seeds thinly, and covering them more or less according to the Bize of the seeds ; keep all seeds well shaded till germina- tion takes place. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By G. H. Mavcock, Gardener, Luton Hoo, Luton. Tuierous-rooted Begonias. — As soon as time permit! most or all of the tubers should be potted. My practice is to winter these in shallow boxes, with just sufficient soil over them to prevent shrivelling taking place ; and select those for the first potting that are beginning to grow, leaviog the others to be potted later, and thus lengthen the season during which the plants will flower. After potting, place the tubers near the glass in a forcing or other house having a genial temperature. Seedlings of this type of Begonia may now be pricked out in shallow, well- drained, earthenware pans or wooden boxes as soon as it is possible to handle them, using a pronged stick to lift them out of the soil, and a tiny dibber for setting them. These young plants should be kept near the roof-glass in a house or pit, and well shaded when the sun shines. Violets. — Plants in frames should be copiously watered in the early morning when it is found that the soil is getting dry, choosing a bright day for doing the work. Do not leave decaying matter about the plants, or omit to ventilate freely, whenever there is no frost, even keeping doing bo at night in mild weather. At this season efforts should be directed to maintaining a healthy stock of plants from which to propagate next month. Red spider give little trouble if the soil of the beds is kept in a moist condition, and tho plants are occasionally syringed, especially the lower sides of the leaves, this with a nozzle-syringe in the forenoon of warm dayB, and afterwards leaving off the frame-lights, so as to dissipate the over-abundant moisture before nightfall. If, despite those precautions, it should begin to spread over the plants, the XL All vapour should be em- ployed against it. General Mints. — Harrison's and the common Musk should be struck from cuttings or pieces of the roots, using for this purpose small 48's, and a mixture of sandy loim and leaf-soil, in equal proportions. Selaginella denticulate should be similarly dealt with, but putting, however, a handful of decayed dung below the soil, and affording plenty of drainage. The seed-vessels of plants of Azalea indica which have been forced should be removed without delay, and those plants of Azalea in need of re-potting, should be attended to after flowering is past, and growth has begun. The Indian Azalea likes as a rooting medium hard fibrous peat, half decayed, in stack, aud plenty of clean sharp sand mixed with it, the more if it be naturally deficient in sand ; and broken sandstone may be also used for large plants. As drainage, it is better to use a few large crocks at the bottom of the pot, and above these a layer of finely-broken crocks, and over the latter nodules of peat of about the size of acorns. Loosen the roots at the sides of the ball, and if these are much matted together, shave off a thin slice all round ; take out the old crocks if not much embedded, and let the ball be one-half to an inch according to size of plant, lower than before. Fill in with small quantities of the soil, making it firm with a potting-stick each time before putting more soil into the pot. The potted, and the unpotted plants from which no bloom is expected, should be placed in a house having a night temperature of 60°, and a day temperaturo of 75°, closing it between 2 aud 3 P.M., and generally keeping it moist, and the plants syringed in the morning at 7 a.m., and at closing-time. Allow the plants ample space, turniug them round once a week ; do not use any manure- water to plants that have been recently re-potted, March 13) 1897.^ THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 171 and only very weak guano-water once in eighteon days to those which have not been re-potted. It may here be aaid that Azaleas in an untrained or but littlo trained form are more handsome than those stiff, un- gainly pyramids and balloons onoe so common ; and if some of the branches grow downwards, and partially hide the pots, so muoh the better is the effect. It is sometimes necessary to cut Azaleas hard la; this, however, is better done in late autumn (and it should not be too severely done), as then the old wood will bristle with shoots when the plants are placed in heat at this season. The temperature should be a few degrees higher than that afforded the other part of the stock of these plants, and the house kept closer till a good break is obtained. It is at this season that grafting may be done, if desired, using as a stock A. purpurea or other strong-growing varieties. Cut-back old plants may also be grafted with desired varieties, keeping them close and warm meanwhile. Prepare pots and pans for tho seed-sowing of both stove and greenhouso annuals, and lose no time in getting the bulk of them sown. Afford weak dressings of arti- ficial-manure to Carnations generally, and stake early those plants requiring support, fumigating them occasionally. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Burford, Dorking. Calanthcs.—The deciduous Calanthcs will soon be in a condition to be repotted, and a sufficient quan- tity of good fibrous loam should now be selected and laid in some convenient place, where it may become moderately warm before it is made use of. Loam is the principal soil needed by Calanthes, and cow-dung forms an excellent ingredient to mix with it. The latter should be prepared by exposure to the sun until it is quite dry, and afterwards rubbed through a fine-meshed sieve, and turned over occasionally until needed for use. The position in which the plants will be placed after the repotting should be made perfectly clean ; the woodwork, rafters, &c, and the glass both inside and out, so that the plants may have a good clear light during their season of growth. East Indian-house. — Such plants as Renanthera coccinea, R. Storei, R. Warocqueana, Vanda Hookeri- ana, V. Miss Joachim, Vanilla aromatica, V. plani- folia, V. Walkeriana, and V. Humblotii, having commenced to grow should be placed together at one end of the house, where they will obtain much sunlight. These species require their aerial roots to be moistened with a fine syringe several times a day. Vanda teres, given the same treatment, will grow and flower freely in the lower temperature of the Mexicau-house. Vandas of the suavis and tricolor section should now be given more water at the root ; their flower-spikes being just discernible. Do not syringe them overhead, or the water will accumulate in the axils of the leaves, and cause decay. These handsome, tall-growing plants must be protected from strong sunshine, or they will lose their lower- most leaves. Mexican division. — Plants of Odoutoglossum citros- mum are beginning to grow. No water need be afforded the plants before the growths are well advanced, but immediately the flower-spikes are seen afford them a thorough soaking at the root, and after- wards place them in a warm, moist atmosphere. Woodlice and slugs muat be prevented from injuring the young spikes. It is also g:>od practice to place beetle-poison on the plants to destroy cockroaches. Oymbidiums. — Any plants of C. eburneum, C. alpinum, and C. Mastersii, that have just done blooin- iog, or those of C. Lowianum that are producing young growths instead of flower-spikes, may be re- potted at this season if they need it. Also such species as C. Traceyanum, C. Hookerianum, C. ensi- folium, C. longifolium, C. ehloranthum, C. elegans, C. giganteum, aud C. sinense. Cymbidiums, as a rule, do not tako kindly to root disturbance, and it is not expedient to repot them unless there is good reasons for it. When this is necessary, give the plants a good shift., that will suffice for several years. Give good drainage, and instead of elevating the plant above tho rim of the pot, keep the soil at least half an inch below it. The compost should consist of one half good turfy loam, the other half peat and leaf-soil, to which may be added somo small crocks and a little coarse silver-sand. Cymbidiums, when in full growth, require plenty of moisture at tho root and iu tho atmosphere. Thoy should be grown in the coolest and most shady position in tho intermediate-house during the whole year. Plants of C. Lowianum and its distinct variety viride (concolor), also the beautiful hybrids C. eburneo-Lowiauuui, and the reverse cross C Lowio- eburneum, that are in bloom, should not be disturbed until the spikes are cut. C. Devonianum, which is now in bloom, is suited for basket culture. The pretty dwarf-growing C. tigrinum from Tenas- serim, at 6,000 feet elevation, should be given the warmest part of the Odontoglossum-house. Cypripedinms. — Plants of C. Leeanum x , C. iuaujne, C. Charlesworthi, C. villosum, C. Boxalll, C. venustum, C. purpuratum, C. Sallieri-Hyeanum x , C. Schlimi, C. Amesianum x , C. Williamsianum x , C. radiosum x , C. Arthurianum x , C. Niobe x , C. Statterianum x , &c, which may have become pot- bound, should now be re-potted. Afford liberal root- room, with plenty of drainage, and pot firmly with lumpy fibrous peat and a little sphagnum-moss. As all of these plauts require abundance of water during their growing season, it is good practice to make the compost absolutely porous by mixing pieces of crock, tufa, or broken brick with it. These plants must be well shaded from strong sunlight at all times. A cool damp position in tho intermediate-house is the best plaoe for the above-mentioned species and hybrids at all seasons. At the present time the rare C. insigne Sanderae and C. i. Ernesti appear to grow better if placed in a little more warmth than is recom- mended for the species. C. superbiens (Veitchi) may be re-potted if necessary. It should be grown in the warmest part of the Cattleya-house, every care being taken not to expose it to the least ray of sunshine, or its beautiful mottled leaves will lose their freshness and colour. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By P. Harris, Gardener, Eaatnor Castle, Ledbury. The Early Vinery. — If the Vines in this house were started on or about December 1, they will now be coming into flower, in which stage a little more warmth, viz. 05° at night and 70° — 753 by day, is required, or is beneficial ; and the air should be kept somewhat dry, in order that the pollen may get better distributed. If the varieties are Elack Ham- burgh or Foster's Seedling, a gentle tapping of the rods at about noouday will suffice to obtain a good set ; but if Muscats are shortly expected to be ia flower, it is a good practice to hold a shallow box under the bunches as they are tapped to catch the pollen as it falls, which, if kept perfectly dry, will be found to greatly assist Muscats to set freely if applied with a camel-hair pencil carefully drawn over the flowers. If plants are cultivated in the early house, they ought to be cleared out while the Vine3 are in flower, otherwise the set will probably be interfered with. If the hot-water pipes are furnished with evaporatingpans, the latter should be emptied for a few days, a slight damping of the paths and borders at closing time affording enough moisture. As soon as the flowers are all set, a good application of tepid water to the border inside will do much good ; and the usual damping- down may bo resumed, doing this twice or thrice daily, a canful of manure-water being used for damping-down the last thing. When it can be seen which are the best bunches, reduce the number on a Vine to what it is believed it will bring to perfection without being unduly exhausted. There should have been a Btill earlier thiuning of the number of the bunches, all those which it is apparent cannot make nice buuehes being taken ; this in most cases will benefit the Vines. At the second removal of the bunches they should be loft evenly distributed over the whole of the Vines, not thickly hero and sparsely there, as is sometimes observed ; taking caro to leave thoso which hang the more conveniently for thinning, for if a good bunch be left in an awkward position, it is unavoidably spoilt somewhat by the operator rubbing or pricking the fruits. In thinning a bunch, the first thing to be sure of is that the shoot on which it grows is firmly tied to the trellis, or after the shoulders have been secured by ties, the weight of the growing bunch will bring the shoot lower, and render the tying useless or injurious. Tie the shoulders up as much as may be required before commencing to thin, or berries will be removed which should be retained. First cut out all the seedless berries, then thin the others to tho required distance, remembering that early Grapes should not be as much thinned as the late ones. Use a short-forked stick to steady the bunch, aud never allow tho fingers to touch tho berries. Start at the bottom of a bunch, aud finish at the shoulder, leaviug as many berries as possible iu an upright position at the top, which will then close up com- pactly, and no stalk will l ; and, if we c 1 w ( ( h ) further suppose the edges that are in general free and detached to be united, we then get a hollow cylinder or tube, instances of which are very common. So far, then, there is nothing absolutely new about these Cyclamens. In the first instance, we may infer that their produc- tion is due to hypertrophy, or over-growth, caused by excessive feeding ; but that is only a guess, and does not help us to understand the spread and increased development of the pecu- liarity. Messrs. Low & Co., as we know, exhibited some specimens of this variety at a recent meeting of the lloyal Horticultural Society, and have subsequently displayed it in Belgium and in France. And now we learn from the Revue Horticole that M. Etienxe Narboutost, a gardener at Maisons- Lafitte (Seine-et-Oise), Prance, has had a similar Cyclamen, but of a red colour, for the last three years, and that the characteristics are reproduced from seed. In this case, then, we have had a variation, as it were, formed beneath our eyes, and one, moreover, which in so far resombles a species that its characteristics arc reproduced from seed. If these crested Cyclamens should take the public taste, we may expect to see great develop- ments in this direction; but if, as is quite as likely as not, they fail to attract attention, they will disappear and be no more seen until what we, in our ignorance, call accident once more brings them to light. It is curious to note that all the now numerous forms of Cyclamen are derivatives from one species, C. persicum. In many of these cases the changes arise from hybridisation of two or, eventually, of several species, as in tuberous Begonias; but the Persian Cyclamen has, we believe, not been crossed with any other species, or, if it has been, the results are not known to us. The amount of variation of which an uncrossed species is capable is well illustrated by the Chinese Primrose, whoso history was detailed in these pages when the wild plant from Ychang was first brought into cultivation in this country. Daphne indica rubra at Berkeley CASTLE. — Daphnes of all species are plants of comparatively slow growth and moderate size under cultivation. The specimen of D. indica rubra which fig. 51 shows is the more remarkable, seeing that this plant and others in the same house measured G feet in height and breadth. These plants were struck from cuttings about sixteen years ago, and they are planted in a border. The plant succeeds in a mixture of two parts of unctuous loam, one of fibrous peat, and the same proportion of sharp sand. D. i. var. rubra differs in regard to its flowers from D. i. alba by the former having a red-coloured under-surface, and D. i. rubra is a better doer under pot-culture than the latter variety, and is not so much subject to red-spider. The conditions under which Daphnes succeed under glass are similar to those found to suit the Camellia. We are indebted to the kindness of Mr. Shone, the gardener at Berkeley Castle, for the photograph from which the illustration was taken. KEW.— The furnishing of the Alpine house has just commenced, aud arnoug the plants which may now be seen there, are Mori^ia hypogre.i, a em dl tufted crueller, with a rosette of deep green, deeply pinna'ely divided leaves, from the centre of which uprises a flower-stalk 2 to -1 inches high, with two to five bright yellow flowers. The plant isvery striking in app.-arance, though, as yet, little known out of botanic gardens. Saxifraga apieulata shows a mass of yellow flowers — this is the species originally called luteo- purpurea. S. Burseriana is very beautiful in its profusion of white flowers, and S. Boydii alba is scarcely inferior ; Fritillaria citrina is well represented, and Shortia galacifolia gives hope for the future. Crocus Malyi, Noccea stylosa, may also be noted in this house, which in another week probably will be replete with beauty and interest, as it generally is at this season. On the rockery, Saxifraga sancta (yellow), Anemone (Hepatica) angulosa, and the Pyrenean form of Saxi- fraga oppositifblia are very attractive. The Hellebores are coming on in force, Daphne Blagayana is in full bloom, and things are coming on so rapidly that the plant-lover will soon experience the usual impression that time will not permit him to study the floral detail presented to him. The turf is speckled with blue from the thousands of Chionodoxa of various kinds. Snowdrops, which have been even more numerous, are now passed out of flower. The furnishing of a conservatory or green- house often forms the subject of an enquiry in these columns. Whenever practicable, we re- commend the enquirer to visit the show - house at Kew. The house No. 4 is kept gay through- out the year with ordinary plants, and very often the visitor may have in addition the good fortune to see plants which he could hardly see elsewhere. This display of rare or now plants is one for which the authorities cannot be too highly commended, aud it is one that need in no way interfere with the require- ments of the populace. The fine plants in pots of Saxifraga Stracheyi, for instance, form an excellent object-lesson for those who have to fill conservatories or window cases. Very showy and better known aro the Cinerarias, Chinese Primulas, Cyclamens, Hya- cinths, Tulips, Azaleas, Cliveias, Acacias, Narcissus, Eriostemons, Begonia semperflurens. The Camellias which were planted out, are over, but Cestrum fasciou- latum is still in flower, and, indeed, it would require a catalogue of some length to include all that may be seen in the show-house. The Kew Guild.— Owing to a printer's error, the invested fund of this guild was stated in our last issue to be £10. It should have read £100. LlNNEAN SOCIETY. — On the occasion of the evening meeting, to be held on Thursday, March 18, at 8 P.M., the following papers will be read: — 1. " Further Observations on Stipules," by the Right Hon. Sir John Lubbock, Bart., M.P., P.C., F.HS., &c. 2. " On the Origin of transfusion-tissue in the leaves of Gymnospermous Plants," by Mr. W. C. Worsdell. The Midland Carnation and Picotee SOCIETY. — We have received the sixth annual report of this society, which includes a full list of awards, and a list of the subscribers and balance-sheet for 1896. The show held on Friday and Saturday, July 24 and 25, was considered, from the exhibitors' point of view, a success, the competition in most of the classes being stronger than on any previous occa- sion. The society maintains its reputation, and new members have joined it in considerable numbers. The balance this year not being so large as usual, the support hitherto given each year to the Royal Gar- deners' Benevolent Institution and to the Royal Gardeners' Orphau Fund is omitted, but the com- mittee hope to continue their support in the future. The receipts for the year 1896, including balance from the previous year of £40 2s. Ad., amounted to £225 17s. 2d., and the expenditure to £188 12s. 9i" ift jp ?/if^ & 3ffcl ^.■~"j^. H5#^ 'S * j^. " 5 r*°* ** Fig. 51.— daphne indica rvbba, in the gardens at bebkemy castle, olouoestershibe. (see p. 172.) .TEST ,8? jonnivi ";■..<- ■■•0 ■efanscmfto rv- Maroh 13, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 173 The National Auricula and Primula SOCIETY. — We have before ua the twentieth annual report of the Southern Section of this Society, from which is gathered the fact that the membership has received a further increase. A notable feature of the last show was the exhibit of the Rev. F. D. Horner, consisting of twelve show varieties of Auriculas, ten being of his own raising, and two of Mr. Ben. Simonite's, one only of the twelve, viz., Heatherbell, being in commerce. The premier Auricula, Mrs. Henwood, raised by the late S. Barlow, is a remarkable green-edged flower, and a welcome addition to its class. The committee have, with much regret, to report the resignation of the honorary secretaryship by Mr. J. Douglas, which he has held for upwards of twenty-one years. The annual exhibition of the Society will be held in The Drill Hall, James Street, Victoria Street, S.W., on April 13, under the auspices of, and at the same time as the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society. The account of receipts and expenditure for the year 1896 shows — receipts, £82 7s. ; expendi- ture, £71 14s. 9d. ; and a balance in hand of £10 12s. 3d. POTATOS. — At the last meeting of the Farmers' Club, Mr. Arthur Sutton delivered a lecture com- prising 1, the Botanical description; 2, the Introduc- tion of the Potato into Europe ; 3, Deterioration and Disease ; 4, Disease Prevention — a, by spraying ; b, by raisiug seedlings ; 5, Species and Varieties ; 6, ** )dern Introductions ; 7, Cultivation and Reports 'rops. Under the latter head mauy agricultural and statistical details were given. The lecture was Bimilar to those already reported at the Royal Horti- cultural Society and in Dublin, and was copiously illustrated with lantern-slides. Truro Daffodil Show.— The unusual for- wardness of vegetation, due to the mill weather, is rendering necessary the alteration of the dates of spring flower shows. Mr. J. Boscawen, Hon. Secre- tary of the Truro Society, desires us to state that the date of that bulb show is now fixed for March 16 and 17. Royal Botanic Society. — At a meeting of this Society, held on Saturday, February 27, Mr. John Birkett, F.L.S., in the chair, the Duke of BedI'-okd, Sir G. Hamond Graeme, Bt., and nineteen others, were elected Fellows. A paper was read by Mr. Maktindale, calling attention to the great desirability of establishing in London an institution for the purpose of teaching botany, similar to those in existence on the continent, and proposing that the Council should take charge of the scheme, and utilise a portion of their ground for the erection of the necessary buildings. From its central position, and the fact of all the requisite material for study being at hand in a living condition, no other site in or near London would be so suitable for the purpose. The great fault of the present system of botanical teaching in England outside the medical schools and univer- sities was, that too much attention was given to botany, solely with the object of enabling students to pass examinations, while economic and physiological botany was scarcely touched upon. If a young Ger- man were desirous of emigrating, previous to doing so he could attend a short course at one of the insti- tutions at home, and learn all that would be of most use to him about the grasses, fruits, and vegetable products of the country he proposed to settle in ; but in England there is no such means of acquiring knowledge of this kind, and it was for the purpose of supplying such a deficiency that the este'lishment of the institute is proposed. Among those present who gave the scheme their hearty support, were Professor Olivkii, of University College; Mr. D. H. Scott, of Kew; Professor Hbnslow, Professor Greenish, Mr. M. Caiitiiciih. Mr. K. M. Holmes of the Pharma- ceutical Society, and mauy other eminent scientists. The National Carnation and Picotee SOCIETY. — The committee of this Society, reviewing its position during tho past year, report that it has more than maintained its ho'd in the estimation of the public, in evidence of which is the fact of an accession of eighty new members during the year, raisiug the total to 300. The date of the show this year will not be fixed till a fairly trustworthy opinion can be formed as to the probable date of the maturity of the blooms ; and the committee propose to hold a meeting in June, and as soon after such meeting, advise the members by circular, and the public by advertisement, of the date of the exhibition ; which will be held at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park. The committee lose with regret Mr. James Douglas, who for a period of twenty-one years has occupied the position of honorary secretary, during which he has rendered excellent and valuable service to the society. Mr. T. E. Heywood has kindly consented for the present to act in the capacity of honorary secretary. Tho income of the Society for the past year amounted, together with a balance of £195 19s. l.JrZ. from the previous year, to the sum of £471 7s. Id., and the expenditure to £233 6s. Id., leaving a balance of about £238. ISLE OF WIGHT. — A correspondent in the island remarks that the last month was the mildest expe- rienced for the past ten years, the nights being par- ticularly warm, As a cousequence, vegetation is unusually forward, and blossoms of Primroses, Violets, Arabis, and Aubrietias are plentiful in gardens. Butterflies and moths could be seen on the wing, and the hum of bees was heard : but a severe check came with the first days of March, and a furious gale from the south by south-west occasioned much damage to plants, trees, and build- ings all over the island. Tasmanian Fruit Season. — The Managing Directors of the Peninsula and Oriental Steam Navi- gation Company obligingly send us the following : — " We have a wire of the following shipments of fruit : Per China, due here, about April 3, 6600 boxes ; per Orient Company's Oraba, 6S00 boxes ; per Massilia, due here about April 20, 24,000 boxes." CCELOGYNE CRISTATA. — We have received during the past week, and by the same post, two photographs from gardeners, each representing successful cultiva- tion of this pretty and useful species of Orchid. One of these comes from Mr. J. W. Barks, Alder- brook Gardens, Cranleigh, Guildford, Surrey, and illustrates six fine, well-flowered plants. The other is from Mr. W. Wen.man, Hickleton Gardens, Don- caster. This shows a group of specimen plants in praiseworthy condition, that have been grown from small pieces by the present gardener. We regret that, having already figured many such instances in the case of Ccelogynes,2it is impossible for us to reproduce the photographs now sent. Cyder >nd Perry Fruits. — The season for grafting fruit trees is close at hand, and it would be well if those in suitable districts in the south who have Apple and Pear-stocks 1-yr. planted would send to the ^Herefordshire, Somersetshire, and Devonshire nurserymen and farmers interested in the manufac- ture of these once national beverages for scions of tho best varieties of each. We append the names of some of these, and doubtless the trade would furnish others equally desirablo— Pears : Parsonage, Tajnton Squash, Thorn, White Squash, Moorcroft, as early varieties ; Bar- land, Black Huffcap, Holmer, Winnals Longland, White Longland, Yellow Huffcap, and Oldfield, as mid-season varieties ; and Aylton Rod, Butt, Cappy, Rock Red Pear, and Thurston Red, as late ones. Apples: Herefordshire.- Kymock Red, Eggleton Styre, Forest Styrc, Fox whelp, Geunct Moylo, Hagloe Crab, Kingston Black, and Red Splash. Devonshire— Tom Putt. Red Cluster, Soldier, North- wood, Pound Apple, Ponsford, and Sweet Elford. Somersetshire. - Black Hereford, Hangdown, Cadbury, Lurlcy Bitter Sweet, Red Cluster, Sweet Reiuette, &c. In the case of Apple and Pear-wilding stocks planted this yoar, and therefore unfit for grafting, budding should bo carried out lute in July, and in August and September, obtaining the shoots on which are the buds from the sources indicated. These shoots, if carefully wrapped in damp moss covered by waterproof paper, could be safely sent in small numbers through the post. The west country farmers run up their Crab and Pear-stocks to a height of 6 to 8 feet, and graft at that height, which is doubtless of advantage in the case of varieties which make weak growth, or which seldom make sturdy stems ; but it is not essential, as almost every kind of cyder Apple and perry Pear will make in time, if not denuded o"f its lateral shoots too severely, a stout stem when grafted or budded low down. The Arbor Day, inaugurated by Mr. Rad- clvffe Cooke at Eynsford on Saturday, February 27, should set all holders of land thinking, however small their holding may be, in what manner they may obtain a stock of dessert, culinary, or cyder and perry varieties of Apples, Pears, &c. Entries of Plants at the Royal Horti- cultural SOCIETY. — Constant complaints having been made to the Council to the effect that the business of each of the committees has lately been disorganised, on account of the disregard of the Society's rules and regulations, the Council hereby direct, that — 1. The rule whereby all objects pre- sented for certificate must be entered with the clerks at the table before 11.30 A.M., be iu future rigidly enforced. And that — 2. All Buch objects must be placed on the special table provided for plants for certificate. After the plants have been presented to the committees, they can, if the exhibitors wish it, be incorporated in their groups. ENGLISH ORCHAKDS. {Continued from p. 151.) Wi;st of England:— The four great fruit-producing counties in the West of England are Devonshire, Here- ford, Somerset, and Worcestershire, and it is in these that the greatest need for improvement exists. These four counties contain about 97,07S acres of orchards, and, notwithstanding the highly favourable character of both soil and climate, and the facilities that exist for the dis- posal of tho produce, not one-fourth of this large area gives an adequate return. Here we find not only trees that are unproductive through age, starvation, or some other form of indifferent management, but thousands that, in conse- quence of the inferiority of the varieties, bear fruit that is utterly useless, excepting it be to make bad cider. In the formation of many of the Apple and Pear Orchards, trees that had sprung from the pips distributed through the medium of the refuse from the cider or perry-press were planted, and there they have remained until the present day giving neither pleasure nor profit to thou owners, and without anything being done to improve them by the simple process of grafting. With regard to the capa- bilities of Hereford as a fruit-producing county, we are told that " almost every holding in Herefordshire could produco magnificent fruit for home use or for supplying the market if the trees were given proper attention, and the right varieties grown. The soil is naturally rich and fertile, rest- ing on the old red sandstone in mauy parts of tho county, and the colour of the fruit when ripe is very bright and striking." The manner in which the great natural advantages of the county are in too many instances utilised may bo gathered from the following statement in reference to tho Leominster side of tho county: — " With the exception of gardeners, no one appears to trouble much about the orchards, except when the taggot- hciip needs replenishing. Then tho farmer turns his atten- tion to his orchards, and the dead WOOd L8 cut Olll "i the trees, with .ils... it may be, many of the large limb I never saw worse mill dated trees than lln.se met with in OUO or two orchards. . . . Canker. American bligl dead wood, and ^oin-ral earelossness me only ton :i|ip.ircii< it almost every side, young tree- thai should I full crops of the largest Apple* m iy be seen in a dil ion, t brou b - In ep 01 - to ■ ha sos b w ins, the bark oil the trun I tt .■ | tarda ire stances of the mosl primitive description, nil practically worthless. Hundreds of poun \ trooa are literally choko i by horns or small branches of forcsl trees tied up in .1 bundle round tho stems. This rough ind-n i certainly answers tho purpose ol pntoctio tho young trees [rem sheep bul In i poai 01 two Nottles, Thistles, and othor ,,.,. [on p bbJ ■ i ■■■' up unong il this protocttn | mat 1 1 il, n m bin i ah I as high i tin ! ■■■ , thereby < w M I, i . ,o .1 to tho "i'ii irda In nnothor p irl ol tho county, il is stated "1 I und on mi u tn mi at tn onlj i , feel ap irl . ui I, a i mat i il courso, I ■■■ i liter irj Lu1 ■ rv a ■■■ !i !> en h ol her. . . When tho tops pt into this vory on i tod state, all the enemies natural to trull tree hold high rovol, dovourlng foliago, blooms, and 174 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 13, 1897. even the points of the shoots, until all the food at hand is exhausted. These wasted orchards are a standing menace to other growers who exercise proper care with their trees, as they are practically a nursery for all sorts of injurious pests, which spread and attack other orchards in the vicinity." As Hereford has long been known lor its cider, it follows as a matter of course there should be a reference to that beverage, and, so far a9 it relates to the produce of the farm orchards, here it is: "There seems to be a general opinion that farmers in Herefordshire do not mike such good elder as they did years ago. It is not surprising there should be a decline in the quality of the beverage when, as I had more than one opportunity of seeing, they neither take the trouble to kept the varieties separate when grinding up the fruit, or to throw out the rotten fruit ! They in many cases smash sound and rotten Apples all up together, consequently the liquor is injuriously affected. More might be stated about the slovenly manner in which some of the farmers make their cider, but the marvel is that men can be tempted to drink the unpalatable stuff. There is no reason why they should not manufacture the most delicious cider and perry, for the county is specially suitable for producing fruits for conversion into these beverages ; and I was informed by one of the most successful makers of cider and perry, whose name is familar, that both are annually becoming more in demand as a summer beverage by all classes. " There is, I am anxious to state, much excellent fruit grown for market in the county, and large quantites of cider and perry of the highest class manufactured, but the farmers' orchards are on the whole in a most disreputable condition, and the cider produced i* of inferior quality, with no evident signs of improvement, Devonshire lias the largest acreage under orchards of the English counties, and consequently the report on the present aspect of fruit, culture in this shire has special interest, and no excuse will be necessary for the two quotations I shall make. We are told with regard to the capabilities of the county : — " By way of showing what it is possible to do in Devon, I give a few figures supplied by Mr. Snow, who has an orchard only one acre in extent, but which has been tho- roughly well managed from the time it was first planted. In 1S03 Mr. Snow gTew enough fruit to make 31 hogsheads of cider, which he sold at the rate of 3os. per hogshead. In addition he gathered and sold 500 score pounds of Apples, which fetched, on an average, 1«. per score. Good crops were again had in 1894, and 13 J hogsheads of cider were made, this fetching 26s. per hogshead, while no less than 350 score lb. of Apples were marketed, this time at 13d. per score. If the old notions to the effect that some varieties of Apples only bear fruit once in every two or three years were true, then Mr. Snow ought to have had very few fruit in 1891, and not a very heavy crop in 1895. As it happens the trees are not in a crowded state, nor individually in want of thinning out, nor of being cleared of moss, nor in need of assistance at the roots, and, as a consequence, were fully equal to bearing an even heavier crop. Twenty-nine hogsheads of oider wore made, and six hundred aud fifty score pounds of Apples marketed." The way in which these capabilities have been taken advantage of maybe gathered from this excerpt : " Devon is certainly famous for its orchards, and noted for the excellence of much of the cider that is made in the county ; but tho orchards will not, as a rule, bear critical examination, nor is cider sufficiently in demand to justify such a waste of space in growing Apples for its manufacture . As a matter of fact, Devonshire, compared with other coun- ties, has made little or no progress of late years, and there are hundreds of orchards in that county that are a little short of disgrace to those who own or rent them. Here and there are signs of improvement taking place, and it is hoped the capable instructors engaged by the technical education committees will not expend their energies in vain. The majority of the orchards are rented by farmers, who too often are the worst of gardeners and the poorest of fruit growers, and they cannot be induced to improve on their methods. All the while the trees remain standing that is sufficient for them, and not a few that have blown over— for they get some heavy gales in Devon— are left where they are as long as life remains in them, or the cattle that roam in the orchards leave them fairly intact." (To be continued. Home Correspondence. New or Noteworthy Plants. ASPHODELINE TAURICA (Kuntk). (See fig. 52.) This fine species from Asia Minor has a robust stem, which is densely provided with erect liuear leaves. Ifc ends into a long densely-flowering cylin- drical raceme, with largo ovate, or ovate-oblong acute or cuspidate pure white bracts, which enclose the flowers. The peduncles are short, articulate in the middle. The white perianth has linear epalulate leaves, with a brownish middle nerve. The filaments are very unequal, the longer ones have the anthers three times larger than those of the shorter ones. The plant grows in stony places of the sub-alpine and alpine region of Asia Minor, from where it was imported last year by Mr. Siehe, of Mersina. V. I). SWEET PEAS. — In the Gardeners' Chronicle for February 13, p. 114, in an article on Holtzbecker'B drawings he states— Sweet Peas are exceedingly small. I presume this remark refers to the two varieties of Lateirus on p. 40 in the Album. The two drawings in the centre are doubtless those in question, as figs. 1 and 4 are forms of Lotus. I hardly think figs. 2 and 3 are intended for Sweet Peas, as the plants in both cases are entirely different to any Sweet Pea I have yet seen. But I think fig. 2 is intended for Lathyrus sativus, introduced 1640 (Don) ; vide also Nicholson's Diet., art. Lathy- nts. I enclose a dried specimen. The flowers are bluish-white, as in Holtzbecker. This plant is culti- vated for forage in Western and Southern France, and other places on the Continent. I have not been able to clearly identify fig. 3, but presume it may be meant for Lathyrus tuberosus ; a specimen of this is enclosed herewith. There is a small- fiowered red, which I have often seen near the Basses Alpes, but it is one-flowered, and the keel is not pure white. I am sure your correspondent will be glad to have his attention directed to this. The second earliest coloured illustration of Sweet Peas I have been able to find is in Kniphof's work. Can you help me to find something earlier ? In Gerarde's Historic of Plant*. 1597, I find under Lathyrus maior latifoIiu3, variety 3, the following: — "The stalks, leaves, and fioures of this, are like those of the precedeut, but the floures are of a reddish- purple colour ; the cods are lesser than those of the former, and in them are contained lesser, harder, and rounder seeds, of a dark or blackish hue. This grows not wild with us, but is sometimes sowne in gardens, where it floures in June and July." Can you help me to the modern name of this plant ? On the following page in the work, the number 3 is affixed to an engraving of Lathyrus angustifolius flor. purp., or purple-flowered Cuickling Vetch. The engraving shows a plant very similar to the Sweet Pea, with leaves slightly elongated. Respecting coloured illustration of Sweet Pea, I had overlooked the fact that a figure of the purple variety appears in that charming set of engravings, designed by Peter Casteels, engraved by H. Fletcher, from the collec- tion of Robert Furber, Gardener at Kensington, 1730— "Hunts from the Baggett Rigaud, 1730," Judo plate, fig. 33 ; the brick- red shading is obviously an artistic eflect. A perfect copy of this work is to be seen in the reading-room of the British Museum. D. LAPAGERIA ROSEA AND L. R. ALBA GROWING IN THE OPEN. — I have witnessed various kinds of treatment of Lapageria rosea and its variety under artificial heat, and in the open with a due precaution taken against iujury by the sun's rays, but I have never seen such luxuriant plants as those growing in the garden belonging to — Robin, Esq., of Bishops Leighton, Devon. They are planted against a wall facing due east, with little more protection afforded them in winter than a frame light. The plants con- sisted of the red-flowered L. rosea and its white variety, and large umbrageous trees near at haud cast a sombre shade over the wall, and render the surroundings somewhat damp. Under the--e conditions, the plants, as I was told, flower profusely, although the local conditions are not very favourable, as was apparent from the scrubby appearance of the hedges and trees on the seaward side. T. Brockbank, 39, Hoopern Street, Exeter. DAMAGE BY THE STORM AT WEST PARK. — The heavy gales of the 3rd and 4 th inst. occasioned a great deal of injury to the trees in the grounds at West Park, Salisbury, uprooting from 200 to 300 of them, and seriously damaging many more ; some of the fine specimens of Cedar and Pinus having suffered greatly, and Scots Firs of 80 to 110 feet in height were blown down, and the tops of others broken off. G. Fulford, West Park Gardens, Wilts, THE AMERICAN APPLE CROP OF 1896. — have been favoured by a correspondent in Pennsyl- vania with the following particulars of the Apple crop for 1896. It was fully 50 per ceut. greater than that of 1S95, indeed, the heaviest they have had for many years. The average price paid for selected Apples, without barrel, was 50 cents (about 2s.) per three bushels, which is the quantity a barrel holds. The barrels cost, delivered at the orchards, about 25 cents each, therefore the price paid at the orchards was from 75 to 80 cents per barrel for choice fruit (75 cents = 3*.). The price paid for picking is 2 cents per bushel. In a young orchard where the trees were low and the crop heavy, a good picker might pick 100 bushels in a day. Choice fruit carried by boat 1200 miles to Memphis brought a dollar-and-a-half per barrel. At Cincinnati, Ohio, and Louisville they were a drug in the market^ and dealers disposed of them at any price they oould obtain. All cellars and buildings along the river Ohio were filled with Apples, being held back for better markets, but owing to much of the fruit rotting, but little will be realised, unless from regular storage houses like one in this neigh- bourhood which holds 40,000 barrels. This letter was dated January 2d", and the temperature at the time was 17° below zero, Fahrenheit. Mid Kent. COLD STORAGE FOR FRUIT.— During the dis- cussion which arose after the reading of Mr. G. Gor- don's admirable paper on English orchards, the necessity for cold storage of Apples, and fruit generally, to keep it marketable over a long season, and also to check not infrequent gluts, was strongly urged. Many persons seem to be unaware of the fact that if we will hut grow good, late-keeping varieties — Lane's Prince Albert, Wellington, Newton "Wonder, Bramley's Seedling, and others, as also somo specially regarded as late eating varieties — there is very little difficulty io koeping them sound and fresh for several months, if properly stored. A good Apple- store should be one which admits of an occasional change of air on cool days only. The walls and roofing should be so dense as shall always main- tain during the winter an equable temperature ; and where the atmosphere is rather moist than dry. Still, the average temperature should not bo allowed to fall in any case lower than freezing-point, and may go as high as ■10". Concrete or mud walls and thatched roofs will often furnish this desideratum as less readily affected by fluctuations of heat and cold outside. But the advocates of cold Btorage se.'ra to favour much lower temperatures than I have men- tioned, and produced artificially. Now the point is, what would be the condition of fruit, Apples espe- cially, subjected to a low temperature — say 30°, for a long time? How would such temperature affect flavour and quality of flesh ? and what would good Apples or Pears be like after a few days' expDsure to our normal and changeable temperatures ? Has any- one any knowledge on this head ? A. D. ARBOR-DAY. — I have read with iutercst your short notice of " Arbor- Day in Kent," and it see:ns to me that if 150 Apple, Pear and Plum trees have been thereby added to the orchard area in one rural village, the oelebration has not been devoid of utility, and may very well be commended for imitation to country towns aud villager, not only in Kent, but in all other counties of the kingdom. It is quite cer- tain that, if Arbor-days were to prevail generally, nurserymen would everywhere find an increase J demand for fruit ind forest-trees. There i* wisdom, too, in having one day in the year (not necessarily tlie same day, nor even at tho same season of the year in all places) set apart for planting. Wo all know how "stated time is a hedge to duty," thus, if it be once decided to give oue day a year to the business of planting fruit aud other trees, the effect will be to considerably improve the fruitfulness of our native land, and at the same time to add increased attractiveness to tho landscape. The celebration in Kent seems to have been business- like. A resolution at a public meeting of the villagers in favour of "a commission to enquire into the condition of our orchards," strikes at the root of the mischief, which was the keynote of Mr. George Gordon's paper at the Society of Arts meeting on March 3. I observe that the Gardeners' Magazine neither favours the adoption of an Arbor-Day, nor thinks it likely that we shall obtain a commission to enquire into the state of our orchards ; for what reason the one is disparaged, and the other despaired of, I cannot quite see. A multitude of methods are now being launched for the purpo?e of celebrating the present remarkable year of our Queen's reigu ; aud. although loyalty is supposed to be tho prominent motive, there is in connection with the movement far too much collection of £ s. d. Arbor- Day in Kent was inaugurated with comparatively trifling expen- diture, and yet the effects will probably be felt for a century ; every recurring season will witness an increase in the size of the ornamental trees planted by the children ; and iu years to come, villagers and wayfarers will enjoy the grateful fchade as they gradually grow to "maturity. Many a refreshing March 13, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 175 / " 176 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 13, 1897. draught of that most healthful beverage — Cider, I meau — will be produced, and before very long, from the fruit of the orchard of which Sir George Bird- wood and the Hereford M.P. helped to complete the planting on Arbor-Day. Trees well planted and well tended quickly come into bearing, and my own expe- rience does not altogether confirm the old saying, that "those who plant Pears plant for their heirs." I have reaped quite abundant crops of Pears planted in Jubilee Year. Arbor-Day is a novelty in this country, but I hope it will not be despised on that account. In addition to the vintage, Apples and other fruit, a number of Belle de Louvain Plums were planted on Arbor-Day, in order to see whether good Prunes cannot be produced at home as well as imported from France. Orohard. NEW v. OLD MODES OF FUMIGATION.— The appli- cation of the old saying, " Time works wonders," is perceptible in most things, aud especially in my present subject, viz., the fumigation of glasshouses. The time is now approaching when aphides abound on the tender young shoot3 of many kinds of plants, and I well remember the dreaded evenings when fumigating some large greenhouse or conservatory was performed, when perhaps several young gardeners would each take a flower-pot with a few hot embers in it, and a potful of damp moss (to use in the event of the paper or rag bursting into a flame). Of course, this danger compelled the young men to remain in the house for a period of one hour or longer, as that was about the time it took for the house to] become so filled with smoke that nothing could be distinctly seen at a yard distant. The consequence of this breathing-in of smoke in most cases compelled one to take to one's bed, feeling more dead than alive. Then, again, in fumigating Cucumber and Melon-pits, and in which it was not possible to enter, a sharp watch through the glass had to be kept to see that the paper did not flare, and if it did so to open the light and put it out, or take out the smoking pot, thereby losing a large volume of the all-important smoke. This method of fumigation, I was under the impression, was almost a thing of the past till recently finding in some of the more important places the old style still carried out, in some cases owing to prejudice, and in others to ignorance of the benefits of more modern and easier methods. I have for the past six years used McDougall Bros, insecticide Bheets, and found them very efficacious, as well as simple in use. Instead of now remaining in the house, it is only necessary to find the capacity of the house or pit to be fumigated (which can be jotted dowu for future use), and put in the required number of sheets, roughly twisted and stood up singly in No. 32 or 24-pots placed in different parts of the house, and light a corner of each sheet on the top, which can be done with a match, closing the house as closely as possible ; and in the case of pits or frames, having them covered with old shading material or well-wetted garden mats. Instead of taking, say, a couple of hours for two or three jen, it can be done in ten minutes by one matter of great moment in busy seasons with few hands to spare. With a good syringing in the morning over-head, in the case of thrips the syringe being directed against the under-side of the foliage, any insects that are not wholly killed are easily dislodged and drowned. The sheets mentioned above may be torn into as small pieces as required, according to the size of the house or pit ; but in usirjg small quantities, I would recommend putting a little more than the directions given ; for instance, should a pit be measured at 400 cubic feet, I would put in half a sheet, equal to 500 feet, and so on in proportion ; but in larger houses, where several sheets are required, the stated number will be found sufficient, providing the con- finement of the smcke within the house is what it should be. A. G. Lyddiard, Blackheath. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. March 9. — A meeting of the committees was held on Tuesday last in the Drill Hall, James Street, Westminster. It was a characteristic spring exhibition, in regard to the varieties of plants staged, and to their total quantity. Every part of the hall was utilised, its capacity being uncommonly tixed, and notwithstanding the efforts of Mr. Wright to arrange for the display of all the collections, it was necessary to limit the amount of space required by exhibitors in a few instances. The number of visitors was exceptionally large also. The meetings and exhibitions are usually better attended during spring, and on succeeding occnsii ms we may hopefully expect such a display as was seen on Tuesday. Such plants as Cyclamens, Primulas, Freesias, Cinerarias, Hippcastrums, Azaleas, Boronias, Came1 lias, and other spring-flowering species accounted for a considerable part o the show, and all of these were represented in first-class collections. In addition, there were several exhibits of hardy and Alpine plants, Narcissus, &c, and the usual groups of miscel- laneous plants. Several of the best new varieties of Violets were well represented, and the dissimilarities could be observed conveniently. From Mr. Mount, of Canterbury, there was a surprising collection of Rose blooms, which attracted attention ugh- out the day. Hellebores were exhibited in numerou species and varieties for prizes ; and there was about an iIia display of Orchids, including a remarkable Bolbo Fruits and vegetables were not exhibited in great quantity. The Orchid and Floral Committee recommended Certificates or Awards of Merit in many cases, but though j there were many things of much merit, there was little that was pir- ticularly novel. Floral Committee. Present. — W. Marshall, Esq., in the chair; and Messrs. H. B. May, R. Dean, R. Owen, G. Stevens, J. F. McLeod, T. Peed, C. J. Salter, C. Jeffries, J. W. Barr, G. Gordon, J D. Pawle, C. E. Pea- son, E. C. Shea, J. Walker, H. J. Jones, H. J. Cutbush, D. B. Crane, E. Beckett, H. Turner, G. Paul E. Mawley, H. Herbst, J. Laing, J. Hudson, R. M. Hogg, and Rtv. G. IT. Engleheart. Messrs. Cutbush & Son, Highgate Nurseries, London, N., had a large group of miscellaneous plants upon the floor. It included many plants of Pyrus Malus floribunda, some of the very desirable spring- flowering shrubs, Forsythia suspensa, Erica melanthera, E. Wilmoreana, Boronia niegastigma in batches ; also dwarf plants in flower of several varieties of the Malmaison type of Carnation, blue-flowered Primroses, &c. (Silver Banksian Medal). Messrs. Laing & Sons, Stanstead Nursery, Forest Hill, S.E., exhibited a group of miscellaueons plants, including Cliveias and many pretty foliage plants (Silver Banksian Medal). Messrs. W. Paul & Son, Nurseries, Waltham Cross, showed their usual collection of Camellia japonica in much variety. Of little-known varieties we may mention the following as shown in pots, viz., Auritania, pink co'oured; Linda Rosazzo, reflexed white; Ninfa Egeria, also reflexed white; Com t esse Jd'IIainault, a nice flower, of a pale shade of pink; Madame Ambroise Verschaffelt, flesh coloured ; the old Leeana superba, a fine crimson-coloured cupped bloom ; Cup of Beauty, creamy-white, with rose suffusion in the centre ; conspicua, a big rosy-crimson, with prominent golden stamens ; Beauty of Waltham, palest flesh-colour, Imbricate petals; Madame Cachet, flesh-coloured ground, with rose-pink flakes and stripes, imbricated, and handsome ; Eugene Masscna, a deep rose-coloured bloom, of a cupped form ; Marie Nicolais, a refiexed crimson flower, with white central band on the inner petals. The plants ranged from 2 feet to 0 feet, and were admirable examples of good culture. We noticed the following older varieties among them, C. M. Hovey, Corallina, Alba elegantissima. Exquisite, Delica- tissima Gardinu, and Santarella. An Award of a Silver-gilt Flora Medal was made. Messrs. Jno. Peed tfc Sons, Roupell Park Nurseries, Nor- wood Road, London, S.E., had a group of spring flowering plants, including Azaleas, double-flowering varieties of P.unus sinensis, also Choisya te:nata. Lilies of the Valley, Cyclamens, Boronia niegastigma, &c. All the plants we e well flowered, and the group was extremely gay .(Silver Banksian Medal). Mrs. Whitbourne, Great Gearies, llford, Essex (gr., Mr. J. Douglas), made an extensive exhibit of Cinerarias, showing well-flowered plants of a good strain (Silver Banksian Medal). Messrs. J. James & Son, Woodside, Faruham Royal, Slough, showed a long table filled with < 'inerarias of the kind he has for many years accustomed us to, the plants dwarf, and excellently foliaged, with compact and dense heads, consisting of flowers of beautiful and distinct colours, and of the largest size ; some of the margined flowers exceed in point of size and regularity of marking anything before seen in Cinerarias (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal). Roses as bright as those of summer were contributed by Mr. Geo. Mount, Cauterbury. The variety Captain Hayward was capital ; also Mrs. Jno. Laing, Catherine Mcmict, Marie Finger, Caroline Testout, and two blooms of The Bride. The foliage was especially good in each instance (Silver Banksian Medal). The new Rose Enchantress, figured in Gardeners' Chronicle, p. 673, Dec. 7, 1S95, a hybrid between China and Tea-scented varieties, was shown by Messrs. Wm. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross. Several well-flowered specimens were shown, aud, in addition, a few plants in flower of Souvenir du President Carnot, and Charlotte Gillemot, both of which are pretty pale-flowered varieties. Mr. Cuas. Tuhner, Royal Nurseries, Slough, exhibited baskets well filled with the following new varieties «>f Violets: —Princess of Wales, Princess Beatrice, Italia. Vmiral Avellan, and Primavera. Princess of Wales is apparently the best of them, but the flowers are much paler in colour than those of Princess Beatrice. Amiral Avellan has small flowers, with much purple in them. A fine lot of plants of the Violet California was shown by Mr. Isaac House, Coombe Nursery, Wcstbury-on-Trym, Bristol. It is a vury desirable variety, by i of the flower-stems. Some plants of a yello named Sulphi Sons Exeter Nurseri The hardy plants : Ware, Hale Farm N alpine species, and exhibited by Messrs. R. Ve ver exhibited by Mr. Thos. S. s, near Tottenham, were chiefly neatly staged, the pots being hidden by moss. There were excellent pans of Megasea cravsifolia, M. speciosa, M. ciliata, M. Strachcyi, Saxiftagas saneta, apiculata, Boydii albida, &c. ; Ranunculus anemo- noides, Ficaria grandiflora, Primula denticulata alba, the dwarf purple-flowered P/imula Clusii, P. acaulis coetulea, &c. Also, a group of plants of P. obconica grandiflora, including some plants of fine rose-coloured flowers, a strain the committee distinguished by an Award of Merit. Mr. Ware had likewise a group of flowers of Narcissus, includ- ing such varieties as Sir Watkin, Princeps, Golden Spur, Obvallaris, Telamonius fl.-pl., W. Goldring, cernuus Bishop Mann, c. Mrs. Thompson, Emperor, Empress, Queen of Spain, incomparabilis, sulphurous, albicans, Leedsii Cyno- sure, Barri conspicua, and several others of the sec (Silver Banksian Medal). A collection of hardy plants in flower, shown by Messrs. Paul & Son, the Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, included several species of Megasea, also Hepaticas, Saxifragas, Bulbocodium vernum, the double flowering Primula purpurea, Paul's snow-white Mezereum, a pure white-flowering variety, and several Hellebores. Two specimens, bearing berries of t dwarf - growing Cotoneaster hoiizontalis, were exhibited (First class Certificate); and a pale-flowered form of Marechal Niel Rose (Bronze Banksian Medal). Messrs. Barr & Son, King Street, Covent Garden, showed a collection of Hellebores, including H. Colchicus, one the dwarfer of the purple -flowered species; H. Lady Carrington, a cross, a rather tall plant (li feet), with light purp e-coloured olossoms, looking like an exaggerated H. punctata ; H. Jas. Atkins, a variety lighter in colour, and blossoming before the leaves show ; Commander Benary, creamy white, suffused with green at bottom of flower; the peculiar -looking H. iaridus, with short terminal spike of green flowers, and several other crosses. Narcissus of many varieties were noted, also Chionodoxas, including a white flowered variety of C. Lucilke, which was awarded an Award of Merit ; Chionodoxa gigantea, Scillas, Megasea ligulata, Puschkinia liuaiintica, a few Lacbenalias, including L. Wilsoni ; Saxi- fraga oppositifolia splendens, exceedingly dwarf and well studded with light purple -coloured blossoms. The more pleasing of the Narcissus shown were Ard Righ, triandrus albus, pallidus, pracox, obvallaris, capax, Golden Spur, and a form of Corbularia, named Cebrine (?), Cyclimineus, &c (Silver Banksian Medal). Cyclamens were capital from Mrs. Crawford, Gatton Lodge, Reigate (gr., Mr. Slogrove), who exhibited a con- siderably-sized group of plants of mixed colours. The St. George's Nursery Co , Hanwell, W., staged a very good collection of Cyclamens, of a large- flowered strain, in which the segments are uf very considerable length. Tho colours of tho flowers arc distinct, and the habit good. The same Company also exhibited a few plants described as grandiflora alba, of very stout habit, with splendid flowers, the segments measuring 2] inches long. An Award of Morit was recommended to this strain. Several plants with fringed flowers were shown, and were very pretty (Silver- gilt Banksian Medal). Mr. John May, Gordon Nursery, St. Margarets, Twicken- ham, showed more than 100 very excellent Cyclamens, in varied colours, but chiefly white -flowered, and these were also the finest and largest blossoms. A fine exhibit, beau- tifully flowered, and the flowers of unusual substance, thrown well up above the neat dwarf foliago (Silver Banksian Medal). Primulas, &c. from Messrs. Jas. Veitch «fe Son, Royal Exotic Nuisery, Chelsea, occupied the greater part of one of the large central tables. They were exhibited as showing tho types and strains from which seed is saved, and iucluded the following varieties:— Double White, Double Lilac, Double Blue, Double Rose, Double Salmon, Gigantic White, Gigantic Red, Gigantic Rose. Superb Fringed Red, Fringed White, various forms of the Queen type, Che lsea Rose, Chelsea Scarlet, Gigantic Blue (single), Chelsea Mauve (single) (Silver gilt Banksian Medal). Messrs. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent, showed a group of plants of their " pyramidalis " strain of Chinese Primula, and several very useful and pretty varieties of fibrous-rooted Begonias, including Globe de Sceaux, President Boureulles, with dark, metallic-looking leaves and rose-coloured flowers ; tho variety Manicath auroo-maculata, a very siugular-looking plant, with dwarf -habited foliage considerably variegated with white, and numerous very small and delicately pretty flowers upon many flowered, rather tall panicles. Erfordia, Carrieri, and Picta are also free flowering and useful plants (Bronze Baoksian Modal). A very creditable group of Freesias in flower was shown by the lion. H. C. Legob, Fulmcr, Slough (gr., Mr. Mow- bray). (Bronze Flora Medal.) An Award of Merit was obtained by Mr. H. B. May, Dyson's Lane Nursery, Edmonton, for Lomaria ciliata grandis, a very pretty and useful variety. Messrs. Hugh Low Aj Co., Bush Hill Nurseries, Enfield, displayed a group of varieties of Epacris, embracing a g 1 variety of colour; also some new varieties of Azalea iudica. A fine flower of Gerbera Jamesoni came from Mr. McAlister, Hanslade, Bampton, North Devon. Mr. Backhouse, of Sutton Court, Herefordshire, sent some flowers of seedling Narcissus, some of which were obtained March 13, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 177 from the Tenby Daffodil, crossed with Emperor. The seed- lings were described as blooming early and previous to the Tenby Daffodil. A group of splendidly-grown plants of the sweet-scented Boronia mcgastigma, and the delicate-looking Primula verti- cillata, was exhibited by Messrs. W. Balchin & Sons, Has- sock Nurseries, Sussex (Silver Banksian Medal). Messrs. R. &S. Cuthbert, Soulhgate, Bhowed a group of seedling Azaleas, from A. mollis and A. sinensis (Bronze Banksian Medal). Hippeastrums were exhibited in a capital manner by the Hon. W. F. D. Smith, M.P., Greenlands, Henley-on-Thames (gr., Mr. Perkins). There were nearly fifty plants in this group, and each of them were well flowered and of good strain (Silver Banksian Medal). Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons exhibited the beautiful Cytisus Scoparius precox; also Cytisus elongatus, an elegant slender- growing shrub, with white or exceedingly pale lilac Mowers ; Rhododendron Early Gem, very profusely flowered ; Bpiraaa confusa, and Corylopsis spicala. The last-named is an old Hamamelideous plant from Japan, illustrated in Gard. Chron., February 25, 1S65, p. 172 ; it produces pale yellow, sweetly-scented flowers in early spring, before the long- stalked, cordate leaves appear. It usually grows about 3 feet high (Award of Merit). Several line varieties of Hippeastrum were also shown by the Chelsea firm, and flowers of Lachenalia Nelsoni, L. Garni, and L. tricolor. Mr. J. J. Rogers, Raggleswood, Cheshunt, showed an extensive collection of Helleborus in variety, including Otto Froebel, bright purple ; Frau Irene Demeniann, light reddish-purple; Grctchen Weinemann, similar, bat with green-tipped petals ; Rudolph Barr, of a dull purple colour ; Leichthni, creamy white ; Willy Schmidt, similar to the last-named; and s-veral more having the same general resemblance; Caucasicus gigantea, &c. MhArcherHind showed a smaller collection ; and an inter- esting one also was sent from the Botanic Gardens at Glasnevin. In a competitive class for Helleborns, the 1st prize was gained by Messrs. Paul & Son, The Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, with a lot of strongly-grown examples in 10-inch pots, abun- dantly flowered, the species and varieties being those noted in previous collections. The 2nd prize fell to Messrs. Barr &. Son. Mr. J. Douglas, gr. to Mrs. Whiteourne, Great Gearies, showed a number of Hellebores raised from seeds saved by Mr. Elwcs, Colebourne, Cirencester. They were chiefly remarkable for a great resemblance to each other. Orchid Committee. Present: Sydney Courtauld, Esq., in the Chair ; and Messrs. J. O'Brien (Hon. Sec.), E. Hill, J. Jaques, C. Winn, W. H. Protberoe, H. M. Pollett, H. Ballantine, J. Gabriel, W. H. "White, H. A. Burberry, T. W. Bond, W. H. Young, H. J. Chapman, A. H. Smee, F. J. Thorne, J. Douglas, and T. B. Haywood. Only two plants were successful in securing First-class Certificates, viz., the extraordinary Bulbophyllum Ericssoni, with its large head of curiously arranged greenish-yellow and purple flowers, exhibited by the Hon. Walter Rothschild, Tring Park, Tring (gr., Mr. E. Hill), and which from another plant in his possession furnished material for the full-sized llluslration given in the Gardeners' Chronicle, Jan. 23, 1897, p. 61 ; the other was a noble specimen of the old Cymbidium eburncura (which like many other fine old species had not been previously certificated) sent by the Rt. Hon. Earl Brownlow, Ashbridge, Gt. Berkhamsted, Herts (gr,, Mr. R. B. Lowe), and which was also awarded a Cultural Commendation. Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Dorking (gr., Mr. W. H. ^ hitc), staged a most interesting and effective group, among which were in fur pursed fine cut examples of Cattleya Triamei Leeana ; C. T. Backkousiana ; and C. T. Reine des Beiges, all of them splendid forms. Prominent in the group were a grand specimen of Brasso -Cattleya x Lindleyana (formerly kuown as Lajlia Lindleyana) with thirty-four charm- ing white and rose flowers and which having previously been given a First-class Certificate nowreceiveda Cultural Commen- dation, the fine orange-scarlet Masdcvallia Pourbaixi (Vritcbi X Shuttle worthi) which, although of the same parentage as M. x Kimballiana, is far superior (Award of Merit) ; M. falcata (coccinea x Veitchiana), M. Schroderiaua and M. triangularis, covered with flowers ; Cymbidium X eburneo- Lowianum and the greenish-yellow C. Lowianum viride ; the latest Burford hybrid Cypripedium, C. X hirsuto- Sallieri (hirsutirsimum x Sallieri Hyeanum), a charming pale whitish-yellow flower with faint rose tips to the petals (Award of Merit) ; C. x barbato-bellum ; the pretty white Sarcochilus Hartmanni (Botanical Certificate), and the neat dwarf white Epidendrum Endresi (Botanical Certifi- cate); Pontbicva maculata, the ra'e Miltonia Endresi, a most beautiful specimen of Dendrobium x Micans (Wardi- anum x lituiflorum), one of the most charming hybrid Dondrobes ; D. nobilo murhinianum ; the elegant little Maxillaria Lawrenccana, Odontoglossum aspersum vio- laccum ; a pretty plant of Dendrobium Krugianum, &c. The group was awarded a Silver Banksian Medal. Baron Sir U. Schroder, The Dell, Egham (gr., Mr. H. Ballantine) showed two immense spikes of his Calauthe X "Baron Schroder," both the lighter and the dark-coloured varieties (Cull oral » niiinnjndation). Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Limited, Royal Exotic Nurseries, King's Road, Cholsea, were awarded a Silver Flora Modal for an excellent group, in which were Dendrobium x Ainsworthi intertextum, the result of crossing a fine light -colon red D. nobile, with a special dark yellow form of D. aureum, the result being an Ainsworthi only in form. The present variety hid large cream-white flowers, without ther colour on the sepals and petals, the lip having a velvety claret-purple disc (Award of Merit) ; D. x splendidissimum nobilius (splendi- dissimum grandiflorum x nobile nobilius), in which the flowers were fine and had a peculiar marbling of rose-purple on the petals ; the whole race of the Epidendrum Endresi family, including the species which received a Botanical Cer- tificate ; E. x Endresio-Wallisi and its hybrid, E. x elegan- tulum, of which also the light-coloured var. Langleyense was shown. Also in Messrs. Veitch's group were the new Cattleya x intertexta (Mossia; x Warneri), a noble flower a-ihering closely to the latter parent ; C. X Miranda (guttata Prinzi x Trianan), a neat flower with lilac-tinted sepals and petals, each having a light claret-purplish feather at the tips, the front of the lip being soft purple ; a fine specimen of the scarlet Epiphronitis x Veitchi ; and a new form of Epidendrum x O'Brienianum, with flowers of much the same dark scarlet colour as the Epiphronitis ; also a rose- coloured form of the same. Among other noteworthy sub- jects were Odontoglossum X ex^ellens, home-raised by Messrs. Ve ten ; some fine varieties of Cattleya Triamei, some fine Dendrobium Wardianum, D. x melanophthalmum, D. X Aspasia, D. atroviolaceum, D, x Wiganife, various forms of D. x Ainsworthi, D. x enosmum, Anguloa uuiflora Turneri, Cirrhopetalum picturatum, many Cypripediums, Messrs. Linden, 1' Horticulture Internationale, Pare Leopold, Brussels, showed two charmingly formed, spotted varieties of Odontoglossum crispum, to each of which an Award of Merit was given. Both werp characterised by their broad and equal segments and distinct spotting, though they were dissimilar in other respects. O. crispum Kegeljani had white sepals and petals ; the sepals bearing six or seven distinct red-brown coloured blotches while the petals had from twelve to eighteen smaller ones ; the lip bore one large blotch and several smaller ones, and the margins of all the segments were white. O. crispum Ami Charles bad white sepals and petals slightly tinted with rose, the petals and lip being finely fringed. The sepals bore six or seven purplish blotches, and the petals numerous smallish purple spots. Messrs. Linden alsi showed Odontoglossum x cirrho-Halli (cirrhosum $ , Halli xanthoglossum dmitog]ossums,|espccia]lya vory fine large-flowered O. crispum and various forms of O. x Andersonianum ; Cypripedium tonsum, Restrspia striata, Cypripedium x T. W. Bond, &c. W. C. Walker, Esq., Percy Lodgo, Winchmoro Hill (gr. Mr. Geo. Cragg), showed a fine specimen of Dendrobium primulinum giganteum (Cultural Commendation), and the brightly coloured D. nobile, Walkei's var. F. A Bevan, Esq., Trent Park, Barnct (gr., Mr. Lees), showed Odontoglossum Halli with avery .strong branched infti >resceiiec. T. B. Hay- wood, Esq., Woodhaten Lodge, Ucigite (gr., Mr. C. J. Salter) showed Livlio Cattleya X Hay wuoili.n bybridof unrecorded par- cntago but with sumo resemblance to L.-C. X llippolyta. Tho flower was of reddish Indian yellow with purple veining and tip to tho labellum. Mr. J. K. Hall, Foxwarron Gor- dons, Cobham, sent spikos of Phaiufl X hybridus (grandi- folius x Wallichi), W. A. Gent, Esq., Brooklands, Cheshire, showed Dendrobium nobile Amesiana album; D.n. Hardya- num, and D. x Melanodiscum Wrigley's var. H. Howard Vyse, Esq., Stoke Place, Slough (gr., Mr. Page), showed Ly- caste Skinneri. Mr. F. Perry, The Gardens, Spye Park, Chippenham, sent a well-formed white Odontoglossum crispum. A. War- burton, Esq., Vine House, Haslingdeo, sent Odontoglossum crispum, Victoria Regina, a fine purple tinted, spotted form. Major Joicey, Sunuingdale Park (gr., Mr. Fred J. Thome), sent a finely -flowered Dendrobium atroviolaceum, which showed progressive good culture for some years. Mr. W. Mono an sent a brightly-coloured Dendrobium densiflorum named . d. Fieldingi. S. G. Lutwyche, Esq., Beckenham (gr., Mr. Paterson), showed two seedling Dendrobiums. Fruit Committee. Present.— G. Bunyard, Esq., in the chair; with Rtv. W. Wilks, and Messrs. T. H. Crasp, T. F. Rivers, A. F. Barron, R. Fife, F. Q. Lane, A. Dean, C. Herrin, G. Wythe3, H. Balderson, W. Farr, G. H. Sage, G. Reynolds, J. Willard, G. T. Miles, W. J. Empson, J. Cheal, J. Smith, C. Ross, G. W. Cummins, J. Wright, and J. H. Veitch. The exhibits before this Committee were not numerous, and there were no Awards of Merit or Certificates recom- mended; nevertheless, a few meritorious collections wero staged. One of these was from E. Dresden, Esq. , Livermera Park, Bury St. Edmunds (gr., Mr. J. C. Tallack). It con- sisted of about thirty dishes of good sound fruits of select varieties of kitchen and table value (Silver Knightim Medal). Another collection was one from C. J. Massey, Esq., Garliostown, Wigtonshire (gr., Mr. Jas. Day), who showed some commendable fruits for a district so far north (Silver Bank-iau Medal). A collection of fruits and vegetables was also shown by Mrs. Wingfield, Ampthill House, Amptbill (gr. Mr. W. J. Empson) ; a Silver Banksian Medal was deservedly awarded for this collection. In the competition for flavour in Apples and Pears the prizes were awarded thus : -Apples, 1st, Cockle Pippin, shown by Captain Carstairs, Welford Park, Newbury (gr. Mr. Ross); 2nd, Adams' Pearmain, shown by Roger Leigh, Esq., Barham Court, Maidstone (gr. Mr. Geo. Woodward). Pears, 1st, Benrre Ranee, shown by Roger Leigh, Esq., and 2nd, Bergmiotte d'Esperen, shown by Mr. W. H. Divers, gr. to the Duke of Rutland, Belvoir Castle. Two bundles of Asparagus of the variety Connover's Colossal were shown by Mr. Geo. Wythe?, gr. to the Earl of Northumberland, Syon House, Brentford. The heads had been forced .in the open, and the Cultural Commendatio.i awarded was well deserved. Various seedling varieties of Apples were submitted for Certificates, but no award was made. Excellent fruits of Lord Hindlip Apple were sent by Mr. Watkins, Pomona Farm, Hereford, and Mi-. J. Hudson, Gunnersbury House Gardens, sent fine fruits of Newton Wonder Apple. (Cultural Commendation.) Lecture. Microscopic Gardening. A very instructive and interesting lecture was delivered upon tbe above subject during the afternoon by Professor Marshall Ward, F. R.S., who, for some years past, has been doing very important work in the study aud culture of minute organisms. At the commencement, Mr. Ward interested his audience by referring to the study itself, giving early In- stances of the method of cultivation of such organisms adopted, and indicating the line of thought that had led to the belief, that the prosecution of sueh work would be of practical value. The unusual difficulties that bjset tho microscopic gardener wero adverted to, Mr. Ward remarking that he had to deal with plants that he cannot soe with the natural eyo alone, and to sow seed from such plants. That considerable success had attended the efforts which had been made tb overcome theso and other difficulties, was due to practice and continued experiment, much in the same way as an ordinary gardeuer, after trying for some time without success to cultivate a freshly-imported specimen, at length IntH upon "the trick," as it were, of supplying the exact medium (soil) the plant requires. L'ntil 1350, though very many of those organisms bad been discovered, and some duly named, there ha. I been no attempts to effect their culture separately. About [660 howover, it began to be felt that more knowledge of them must be. obtained, and in order to "know "each organism, it n i necessary to isolate it and to cultivate it. The next twenty years saw considerable progress in the cultivation free from tho intrusion of other organisms which might bo considered in the light of weeds, owing to the experiments of do Bavy and Rev. M. J. Berkeley. They showed that, however difficult it might be, they must treat the microsoopio plants a-s ordinary plants are treated, that is. they must keep their cultures free from woods. During every stage tho strictest caro is necessary, and [romsoedto seed it must be proved that the culture is trie The important point throughout Is thai the fn odom from weeds in the culture bo capable ol proof. The extraordinary difficulties to he over- come may be estimated to some i dent b> the lad that about '.'.'., nun of tin -,■ organisms if placed end to end would cover a spico of 1 inch. But It -could be done, and done just as per- fectly t iun ly as iu the eaao of Poaa and Beans, Having found the tight medium (*"il), and one capable of 178 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 13, 1897. being made almost like liquid, some jelly that is soluble at about the temperature of the hands is taken, and with a small ball of this the seeds are shaken in the hand, and then poured on to a glass plate. The jelly soon sets. In a few days the plants will appear, and then there is weeding out to be done, until all that are left resemble each other. The dust of the rooms ami the atmosphere are full of these "weeds" — indeed, they are everywhere. But one plant can be isolated under the microscope, and made to grow eontlnuously under observation there. In fact, it could be put in a microscopic greenhouse, which could be heated, illuminated, filled with any desirable gas— could, indeed, be used as, and serve all the purposes of, an ordinary greenhouse. One of the principal questions regarding each organism was to determine whether it is a friend or an enemy. Recent developments have proved that microscopic gardening has been carried on for years by agencies and persons not fully aware of the fact. Artificial hybridisation was a case in point. In that case the sUgma was the medium (soil), and the pollen the Beed. The pollen-grains being placed upon the Btigma, commenced to grow, and emit a tube through the style to the ovary ; and there is one known case, at least, where the growth of such seeds is sometimes frustrated by the presence of weeds. Tho spore of a certain fungus is sometimes deposited upon tho stigma of a particular plant at about the same time as the pollen-grain, and when this happens, the spore commences todo exactly what the pollen- grains do, but the tube of the fungus-spore invariably reaches the ovary first. These fungus-spores were brought to the stigma by bees, and bees were therefore the oldeBt micro- scopic gardeners. Of course the Btigma of a certain plant was a suitable soil (medium), only for certain seeds. The first human attempt Mr. Ward knew of at microscopic gardening was in relation to brewing. In this case the plant-bed was the wort, and the plants were certain organisms in the air which effected fermentation. This h id latterly been turned to account, and brewing was no longer carried out in the hap-hazard manner that prevailed when the principles of the operation were not perfectly under- stood. The ordinary soil of a field or garden was simply alive, and contained myriads of Bacteria, fungus-spores, and other minute organisms. It varies greatly in the number it con- tains, even from one thousand to 75 millions in a thimbleful. It was found that the first 3 inches from the surface contained the greatest number, and they became gradually fewer until at about 2 feet there were none existant. What were these things doing? The work of many of these organisms differed much. One set would decompose paper, and render it fit food for plants ; another set would act in the same way with the case of farmyard -manure. Soil without such organisms would not support plant-life. Mr. Ward then referred to an organism that it was proved liberated nitrogen in the soil, and said that this in the future would probably explain the circuit of the nitrogen from plants and animals through the air back to the soil. The rust upon Wheat was then referred to, the history of its identification hinted upon, and the practical value of the results from this knowledge. There wore two stages in the history of these parasites— their life outside the plant, and their life inside the plant, and it was essential to know, in order to circumvent them, what was the most vulnerable moment of their existence. In the case of seeds which wero mixed with or carried fungus spores, it had been found that the fungus seeds could be killed by hot water at a tern- pratu re that failed to injure the other seeds at all. In all antiseptic treatment, it had to be studied how to treat and kill the parasite (the weed) without injuring the host plant The general use and application of antiseptic measures were remarked upon, and Prof. Ward stated that notwith- standing the BuccesB that had resulted therefrom, more con- sistent success would be obtained if the measures wero always intelligently applied, and the operators thoroughly understood how to apply the remedies and at what moment. The evidence in the laboratory was conclusive, but it was for the cultivators to experiment afterwards in order to sec how far and under what circumstances the antiseptics could be applied in the garden without injury. By doing so they would considerably help the microscopic gardeners hJbo in the laboratory, for the cultivators and the former should have many suggestions and ideas to exchange with each other. Unfortunately, said Prof. Ward, thero had been some lack of interest in the subject. In con- clusion, the lecturer said that he had been able to say only sufficient to explain the subject without going into details ; but his paper, being too long to be read at the time, would be 4 printed in the Society's Journal. Rev. Geo. Henslow made a few remarks, and referred to the fact that Pliny had noted, that in tho first century of our era leguminous plants were grown for the purpose of turning in by digging. It is only recently that we know why such a practice was scientifically correct and valuable. TilLuidsia Lindeni vera, is a dwarf variety, vigorous, and with three fine spikes of bloom ; it came from M. Jules de Cock. Miltooiopsis Bleuana rosea, with three racemes of large, rather dark rose flowers ; Cypripedium Boxalli, with fourteen well- coloured blooms ; and Udoiitoglossum hystrix var., remarkable for its dark chestnut-brown colour, came from M. Joles Hye. Vriesea Leodiensis Closoni, spike dark red, very shiny, with flowers very bright yellow at the bracts, and Cypripedium villosum x Stonei, with petals like those of villosum, and the beautifully coloured lip distin- guished by the unusual width of its white bordering, were bot^i shown by M. Poelman-Maenhout. Azalea Mme. J. Baumann was sent by M. J. Baumann ; the flower was large, salmony white, doable, the petals slightly scalloped, an excellent variety. M. A. Dalliere exhibited Dendrobium thyrsiflorum (Hildebrandti), with four flowering and three budding racemes. M. G. de Cock sent Cliveia Mme. G. De Cock, with a fine truss of large well-coloured flowers ; Dichoris. andra argentea, a specimen with twelve spikes of fresh, foliage, and Pandanus pacificus with fine shining green foliage and of dwarf habit, both came from M. Alb, Ricouts. From MM. Duriez freres came Livistona rotundifolia, a dwarf variety, fine and healthy; and from the Boci^te Horticole Gantoise, a group of six seedling Anthuriums of the Rothschild ianum section which obtained the highest award, being excellent varieties, very effective, the spathes large and wonderfully varied in marking-, some, having small others large spots, and the colours also being white and of various shades of red. At this Meeting a pl.n of the Hamburg Horticultural Exhibition was shown and much commented upon ; the groups extend over 15 hectares (I bee. = 2*4 acres circa), the lake over 6500 square metres (1 sq. m. = 1$ yd. circa] the great exhibition hall SOOO squar e metres. The halls for the permanent exhibition are to be 1050 feet long, those for the industrial section 975 feet ; the flower-garden 4S7 feet by '2G0 ; various tents, refreshment- rooms, Arc, are to be erected, and there arc to be rosaries and a large fruit garden. From the storms in Belgium on March 3, various horticultural establishments near Ghent, notably at Loo- christi and Meirelbeke, suffered considerable damage. C/t. De Boucher*. HORTICULTURAL MEETING AT GHENT. Among the numbe r of interesting exhibits seen at the recent meeting of the Chambre Syndicale des Horticulteurs Beiges, the following plants may be mentioned ; — Dendrobium Kingianum, an Australian species, bearing many small flowers, an excellent greenhouse plant ; Carlu- dovica palmifolia, a very beautiful plant with deep green leaveB Btill in perfect condition, its numerous adven- titious roots and suckers give it a picturesque appearance; both these plants were from M. L. De Smet -Duvivier. NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM. March 8. — A meeting of the general committee took place at Anderton's Hotel on the above date, Mr. T. W. Sanders presiding. A letter was read from M. Henri de Vilmorin acknowledging the honour done him in electing him a Honorary Fellow of the Society. It was unanimously resolved that, in consideration of the honour done and the hospitality shown to the recent deputation from the Society to the Ghent and other shows, a Silver-gilt Medal of tho Society should be presented for competition with Chrysan- themums at the exhibitions to bo held during the present year. Mr. G. E. Willis, of East Finchley, was elected a member of the committee in the place of Mr. N. Davis, resigned. Messrs. E. Beckett, W. Mease, J. H. Witty, T. Bevan, G. Stevens, and II. Owen were re-elected members of the Floral Committee, they having retired by rotation ; and Mr. W. Higgs, Leatberhead, was elected in the room of Mr. N. Davis, who had resigned. Mr. T. Bevan was unanimously re elected chairman of the Floral Committee. The schedule revision subcommittee recommended the creation of two classes of "amateurs." one comprising those who mainly, if not entirely, cultivate their Chrysanthemums themselves, and who while employing not more than one assistant regularly, are vet the real growers and exhibitors of their plants. To thiB division nine classes are appro- priated, an extension ot the number which has hitherto found a place in the schedule; and single-handed gardeners will also be allowed to exhibit in these closes, but in no other division. The second class of amat.urs comes under the definition hitherto observed, and they have eight classes apportioned to tbem. The exhibitors in each case can compoto in any of the table decoration classes. This approved new arrangement appears to give much satisfaction to the large body of amateurs who are members of the Society. The Committee have also set apart three classes commemorative of Her Majesty the Queen attaining to the sixtieth year of her reign. One is for thirty. six blooms of Chrysanthemums, twenty-four Japanese and twelve incurved distinct novelties introducid in 1895, 1896", 1S97, or not yet in commerce, to be shown on ordinary boards for Japanese blooms ; all to be correctly named. This is open to the trade only. The other is for thirty-six blooms of white, yellow and crimson Japanese Chrysanthemums, in twelve varieties, three blooms of each, to be shown on ordinary boards, with three inches of clear stem above the boards. The handsome Turner Memorial, which was not competed for at the Jubilee Exhibition is offered as a Challenge Cup in this class, and it is to become the property of the individual winning it two years in succession, or three times in all. The third of the commemorative classes is that for twenty-four dishes of Apples, nine of tbem to be varieties in cultivation in the country at the time of the accession of the Queen, the remaining fifteen varieties those introduced during the past thirty years, five fruits of each to be shown, and the varieties need not necessarily have been grown by the exhibitor. The schedule gives the names of thirty varieties in cultivation sixty years ago, some of which are among the leading varieties grown in the present day. The sum of £16 is givon in five prizes. It was resolved that the Classification Committee be continued during the present year, the appointment of the Catalogue Revision Committee being postponed for the present. It being considered some revision of the rules was necessary, a sub-committee was appointed to consider the matter and report to a future meeting. Mr. J. T. Simpson offered a special prize of one guinea for the premier Japanese bloom in the next November show; and, in addition, expressed his willingness to make a painting in oils of the flower, and present it to the winner of the prize The Secretary reported that there were at the present time 703 Ordinary, 102 Fellows, and 88 Foreign Members, making 842 in all ; and 136 societies in affiliation. UNITED HORTICULTURAL PROVI- DENT AND BENEFIT. March S.— The annual general meeting of members of this praiseworthy benefit society was held on this date, in the Caledonian Hotel, Adelphi, Strand. The chair was filled by Mr. A. Dean, and thero was a moderate attendance. The minutes of the last meeting having been read and adopted, the secretary (Mr. Collins) proceeded to read the report of the committee for 1S96. The accounts have again been carefully audited by Messrs. W. Gunner and Geo. Dixon, and found correct. The committee specially invite all young ga doners and seeds- men to join this excellent society, feeling sure they cannot do better than join the " United." The detailed balance-sheet was a most satisfactory one, and showed that there was a balance to date in favour of the benefit fund of £S834 5s. bd.t a balance in favour of the benevolent fund of £2604 0s. &d. , of the voluntary convalescent fund of £304 0s. 6(7., and of the management fund of £44 14." . Id., which, together with a balance carried from the previous year of £172 17s. 6d., makes a total of £11,960 4s. bd p being the assets of the society. The report and balance-sheet being formally proposed and seconded, was passed unani- mously, in the absence of the slightest criticism. The Chairman then delivered an address upon the aims of the society, and the singularly successful character of its operations. The advantages the Institution offered was strikingly exemplified by the fact that Mr. J. George, being now 70 years of age, retires with a sum of £82 10s. to his credit- a circumstance that is probably without a parallel in similar institutions. Seven yeais ago the amount standing to Mr. George's credit was about £59, and it had, therefore, increased during that time to the extent of nearly £24. The membership of the Society in 1887 was 191, in 1S90 it was 310, and since then it had risen to 641. The election of officers was then proceeded with, and to fill five vacancies that occurred upon the committee, the following members were elected :— Messrs. Keif, Regent's Park ; E. T.Cooke; Hemsley, Edmonton Nurseries ; Coles nd Winter. The whole of the officers were re-elected. Nursery Notes. MESSRS. J SO. LAING & SONS. AT the Stanstead Nurseries, Forest Hill, the work of raising Beedling Begonias is in full progress. There are several houBes filled with boxes containing seed- lings that have been, or are about to be, pricked off; and whilst expressing astonishment at the numbers in sucb a stage, we were led by Mr. Laing into other structures in which were many more plants that had evidently been raised specially early. Some of these were in pots 6 and 7 inches in diameter, and had made sufficient growth that they are alrea'dy flowering. Mr. Laing can tell us a very great deal of the early history of these glorious tuberous Bego- nias, for he was one of the first to set to work to produce them, using in the first instance the species B. boliviensis, B. Veitchi, B. Pearcei, and a few varieties. Their culture has ever since been one of his specialties, and though many growers have assisted in perfecting them since, Mr. Laing's enthusiasm for the plants is as great as ever. But though we had seen sufficient seedling Begonias one would think for almost any purpose, these were not all, and upon entering another of the low span- roofed houses that abut on to the potting-shed, there were half-a-dozen or more boys engaged in " pricking off." As this work is done as soon as the first leaves appear, it is a very delicate operation. There must be no undue hurryiug, nor do the boys touch the tender seedlings with the hand. Under the eyes of a foreman they sit down, and each takes a box filled with a suitable compost. In the left hand he holds a tiny wooden dibber, and in the right a forked stick, and with these he transfors the plants March 13, 1897,] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 179 from the seed-bed (also a box) into the fresh compost. If there has been too great a liberality in the sowing of the seed?, this becomes evident at the present and subsequent stages, and there will ba all the more need to hasten the work of transplantation. But constant practico in this and similar work prevents such mistakes from being frequent ia a nursery. In another department, work has been occasioned by the Caladiums, moat of which are now commencing to grow freely. If nurserymen were always to tell their own secrets, we should probably hear that the Temple Show being held so early in the year as May, obliges them to make the very most of every bright spring day that occurs. This season, ho.vever, February has been a mild month, and such plants as Begonias, Caladiums, and many others that have to make their entire growth after Christmas will have a comparative opportunity. That the season is by no means late may be observed in the Cliveia-house, for here the plants are already partially in bloom, and in a week at least there will undoubtedly be a good ahow. These crosses of Cliveia are quite worthy of recommendation, as greenhouse plants, they afford good quantities of bloom with very little trouble, and require but a small amount of heat. Indeed, a little frost does not appear to kill them ; but if secure from this they are happy, and there are few more suitable plants for an ordinary dwelling-house window. The latest novelty Messrs. Laing have amongst the Cliveias is the variegated one. Several plants of this variety were in bloom, and seeing that throughout the year the variety has some merit as an ornamental-leaved phnt, and that it will flower also each year, it may in time become popular. There were some of the varie- ties in flower, including Patrick Davidson, Princess May, and Stanstead Beauty. Lady Wolverton, and Advance, too, both of them good ones, would open their flowers soon ; and Glow, one of the highest-coloured. Prince of Wales, Mrs. Jno. Laing, and Jno. Laing, are cipital varieties, but flower a little later. Then there is a new one, named after the Right Hon. Joseph Cbamberlain, M.P. This is said to be of much merit, and will be in flower shortly. In the stove is being effected the propagation of such plants as Crotcns, Dracaenas, Sonerilas, and a host of species, including the pretty Saxifraga sarmentosa tricolor variegata. In another house are batches of Cine- rarias and Primulas in bloom. Dahlias and Cannas, Carnations and other plants, are in various stages in pits and frames ; and spring-work of drvtere nature in each department is observable. American Notes. THE WINTER MEETINGS OF HORTICUL- TURAL SOCIETIES. Almost every State in the Union, and each of the southern provinces in the Dominion, has its own horticultural society. The principal meeting of each society is usually held in the winter, continuing two to four days. The attendance at these several meet- ings is most thoroughly representative of the best horticultural interests in the land, aud the topics discussed are the be3t possible index of general thought and progress. Most of the meetiugs for this year have now been held. In spite of discouraging, and sometimes disastrous, markets, the attendance and the interest in these meetings has been larger than ever. Two new societies of some promise have been organize 1 in the eastern states ; one in Vermont, organised December 3, with Mr. T. L. Kinney as president and Professor F. A. Waugh as secretary ; and the Hudson Valley Horticultural Society, to embrace eighteen counties iu eastern New York, organised at Poughkeepsie, February 3, with Mr. James Wood as president and Mr. E. Van Alestynue as secretary. Both these societies have the room and the opportunity for success. Probably the strongest of tho fruit - growers* organisations is the Western New York Horticul- tural Society, which held its fortynjecood annual meeting at Rochester this year. One of the most interesting subjects presented on that occasion •was that of thinning Apples. tThe 1896 Apple crop was extremely heavy. Mr. S. A. Beach, of the Geneva (New York) Experiment Station, in cooperation with neighbouring fruit-growers, made several tests to determine the value of thiuning the fruit. For instance, Baldwins thinned to 4 inches apart gave 22 per cent, more of No. 1 fruit than trees not so treated, though the total crop was reduced 26 per cent. One tree of Rhode Island Greening, from which only the inferior fruits were removed early in the season, showed an increase of b" per cent, in the total crop, and of 10 per cent, in quantity of No. 1 fruit. Hubbardson's Nonsuch, thinned to 6 inches apart, bore 25 per cent, less fruit, but 17 per cent, more of No. 1 fruit. At the same time other advantages were secured, such as improved colour, better quality in the fruit, and bet- ter health in the trees. Some of the trees on which the thinning was practised have formed many fruit-buds, and promise a crop for this year. Mr. Beach and the co- operating orchardists think tho method practicable iu commercial orchards under most circumstances. Another important meeting was that of the Michigan Horticultural Society at Grand Rapids ; at this meet- ing Mr. John Craig, horticulturist at the Central Experimental Farms, Ottawa, Ontario, reported very interesting experiments with cover crops in orchards. Most of the commercial Apple orchards in America are cultivated several times in the spring. By sowing some cover crop at thejast cultivation, the deleterious action of the sun and air on the soil is avoided, alternate freezing and thawing are prevented, and, when turned under, they supply some quantity of plant food and increase the organic matter in the soil. They also keep down weeds. Leguminous crops are especially desir- able. Mr. Craig tested Crimson, White,Red, Alsike,and Mammoth Clovers, Alfalfa, Peas, orchard Grass (Dactylus glomerata),and some mixtures. The Mam- moth Clover gave best results. Peas were second best. The Crimson Clover sown Julj 13, gave a crop of 22,234 lb. green miterial per acre, containing 17 per cent, dry matter. Mammoth Clover gave 13,210 lb. of green material per acre, containing 21 per cent, dry matter. These and similar reports at the various horticul- tural meetings emphasise the refinement of methods now developing in all American horticultural indus- tries— a refinement which has received special impetus by reason of the recent heavy crops and glutted markets. Elkotro- Germim ation. Mr. Asa S. Kinney has just reported through the Hatch Experiment Station (Massachusetts) some interesting experiments in the use of electric currents upon germinating-seeds. These experiments indicate that the useful strength of an electric current acting on seedB, lies within very narrow limits ; that such currents do not lose their effect, but may act as a constant stimulation to growth and development ; and that, in some cases, an actually larger percentage of germination may be gained. In seeds receiving a strong current, there was an increase of 30 per cent, in the length of the radicles at the end of seventy-two hours ; though at the end of ninety-six hours, the difference in favour of treated seeds was reduced to 15 per cent. The gain in growth of hypocotylB by use of an " optimum " current, was only 13 per cent. F. A. Waugh, Burlington, Vt. New York Botanic Garden. Mr. Samuel^ Henshaw has been appointed head gardener to the recently-established New York Botanic Gardens. Mr. Henshaw is a native of Manchester, and was for a time in the service of the botanic garden of that city. He migrated to the States iu 1868, and devoted much of his attention to landscape gardening. Our Own Correspondent. American Forest Reserves. We learn that one of the last acts of President Cleveland was the establishment of a number of foreBt reserves in the Western States and territories. They embraco a total of 21,000,000 acres, and com- prise all the important timber-growing areas in the West belonging to the Government. This step is the result of the persistent work aud unfl igging insistence of Professor Sargent. Its importance to the States can har Jly be over-estimated. ©fcttuacjn CHARLES SHARPE.— The death occurred some- what suddenly, at Sleaford, of Mr. Charles Sharpe, a well-known seed merchant and agriculturist. Mr. Sharpe was a magistrate and alderman for the Kesteven Division of Lincolnshire, and also President of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society for the present year. He had twice unsuccessfully con- tested constituencies in the county. In agricultural and horticultural circles he will be well remembered for the active part he took in 1869 in promoting the passing of the Adulteration of Seeds Act, and its Amendment in 1878. [The term " accumulated temperature" Indicates the aggre- gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of temperature above or below 42° Fahr. for the period named : and this combined result is expressed in Day- degrees — a "Day-degree" signifying 1° continued for twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for an inversely proportional number of hours.] Temperature. Rainfall Bright Sun. Jjj M ACCUMULATED. 3 s Is 1 » ■ J'i'- JJ ■3m a 1 S < 3 - 3 t-> g | s I1" 5 11 is-" ll '■ XI ±1 a Total Fall since Jan. 3, Percentage of possible tion for the Week Percentage of possible tion since Jan. 3, 18 Day. Day. Day- Day. lOths cleg. deg. deg. deg. Inch. Ins 0 1 - 2 3 2 - 7 + 27 1 - 42 6-6 17 16 l •2 - 1 38 - 9 + 32 1 + 35 3-4 IS 19 s 1 - 7 80 + 7 - 18 3 + 40 43 21 19 s 1 + 13 20 - 1 - 48 7 + 42 5-3 39 20 4 0 aver 12 33 Oaver - 3Sj S + 3S 5-7 27 17 6 1 + 1(3 23 0 aver - 7213 + 37 67 29 19 ti 1 - 6 S9 - 23 + 20 5 + 35 6-4 33 20 7 Oaver 10 25 - 3 - 20 7 + 41 5-2 28 17 8 1 - 14 24 - 4 - 56 12 + 42 90 27 21 !> 2 - 8 32 - 26 + 15 9 + 42 5-9 32 23 10 2 - 14 27 - 3 - Ill + SO 7'3 :i2 25 * 1 - 21 7 + 36 - 9 14 + 49 S'l 20 20 The districts indicated by number In the first column are the following : — 0, Seotland N. Principal Wheat-producing Districts — 1, Scotland, B. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, E. ; 4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London, S. Principal Grazing, die, Districts — 6, Scotland, W. ; 7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, 3.W. ; 9, Ireland, N. ; 10, Ireland, S. ; "Channel Islands. THE PAST WKEK. The following summary record of the weather throughout the British Islands for the week ending March 0, is furnished from the Meteorological Office : — "The weather during this period was verv unsettled and stormy, with considerable falls of rain during the greater part of tho week, and heavy showers of hail, sleet, or wet snow towards its close. Thunder and lightning occurred at times In many parts of the kingdom. " Tho temperature was rather below the mean in most districts, but just equalled it in the ' Midland Counties ' and ■ England, N.W.,' and slightly exceeded it in ' England. 8.. and E.' Tho highest of the maxima were registered on some- what irregular dates, and ranged from 52° in 'England, 3.,' to 48° in * England, N.E.' Tho lowest of tho minima were rooordod, as a rule, about the middle of tho wock, when they ranged from 1:1° in 'Scotland, E.,' and 24° in ' Scotland, N.,' to H2° in ' England, S..' and to 3Jg in tho ' Channel Islands." "TliQ rainfall exceeded tho mean in all districts excepting 180 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Maboh 13, 189T. 'Scotland, N-' Over Ireland and the greater part of Eng- land, the fall was very heavy, amounting to about tour times as much as the mean over the central and southern districts. In ' Scotland, E ,' the excess was very slight. "The bright sunshine was deficient in most parts of Great Britain, but exceeded the normal over Ireland, and also in 'England, E, and N.W.,' and 'Scotland, W.' Ths percentage of the possible duration ranged from 30 in ' England, E.,' and from 33 in ' Scotland, W.,' and 32 in 'Ireland,' to 18 in ' Scotland, E.,' and 17 in < Scotland, N.' " A R K E T 8. CO VENT GARDEN, MARCH 11 Cut Plow Anemone, doz. bun. 16-1 0 Arums,p.l2blooms 2 0-40 Buuvanlias, perbn. 0 6-09 Carnations, pr. doz. blooms 2 0-30 Eui.'hciris, per dozen 3 0-40 Hyacinths( Roman), doz. sprays Lilac, wh. (French), per bunch Lilium Harris!, per doz. biooms lily of the VaUoy, ,1,.7, Maidenhair Fern, per 12 bunches... Marguerites, per 12 bunches Mignonette, per doz. bunches ... Mimosa (French), per bunch Narcissus, various, per doz. bunches 16-30 Oattleya, 12blms. 9 0-12 i Orchid-bloom Average Wholesale Prices. 3. d. S. d. Orchids :— Odontoglossum crispum,12bm. 2 0-60 Pelargoniums, scar. let, per 12 bun. 4 0-60 — per 12 sprays... 0 6-09 Pyrethrums, 12 bn. 2 0-40 Roses (French), per doz. blooms ... 16-30 — Tea, per doz. ... 10-16 — yellow (Mare- chal), per doz. 4 0-60 — red, per dozen 4 0-60 — pink, per doz. 3 0-40 Sairano, p. doz. 2 0-26 0 6-10 3 6-40 : 0- 4 0 0 6-10 4 0-80 2 0-40 4 0-60 10-16 doz. bunches 10-16 Tuberoses, 12 blms. 10-16 Tulips, per doz. ... 0 6-13 Violets (Fr.)Parme, per bunch 2 6-36 — — Czar, bun. 2 0-30 — — doz. bun. 1 0- 1 G — (Eng.), per doz. bun. 16-26 ety. SEEDS. London: March 10. — Messrs. John Shaw & Sons, Seed Merchants, of Great 'Maize Pond, Borough, London, S.E , write that there is now naturally more business passing iu seeds ; nevertheless, when the land recovers from its present seriously sod ien cuiidition, an increasing number of orders will come to hand. Prices all round continue at the low level characteristic of the present season. Tares realise former terms. There is no change in either Lucerne or Sanfoin, Some American Lima boiling Peas just landed, being good and cheap, attract attention. Canary seed is steady. Hemp and Millet unaltered. Peas and Haricots, and Linseed strong. FRUIT AND VEGETABLES. Liverpool: March 10.— Prices current to-day at the follow- ing market* :— St. John's: Potatos, Sd. to 107. per peck ; Asparagus, 6s. per 100 ; Cucumbers, Is. each ; Grapes, English, 3s. 6rf. per lb.; do., foreign, Sd. to Is. do.; Pines, English, 4s. to Ss. each ; Mushrooms, Is. 3d. per lb. Birkenhead :— Potatos, Sd. to lOi. per peck; do., new, id. per lb. ; Cucumbers, %-J. to Is. each ; Grapes, foreign, 8d. to lOrf.Tper lb. ; Pines, English, 2s. to 5s. each ; Mush- rooms, Is. par lb. North Hay :— Potatos : Imperators, Is. 6d. to Is. lOd. ■ Giants, Is. 6d. to Is. \0d. ; Main Crop, 25. Sd. to 2s. Gd. ; Champions, Is. Sd. to Is. lOd. ; Bruces, Is. lOd. to 2s. 3d. per cwt.; Turnips, lOd. to Is. per 12 bunches; Swedes, Is. to Is. 3d. per cwt. ; Carrots, 3s. to 3s. 3d. do. ; Onijn^, English, 4s. to 4s. ,Qd. do. ; do., foreign, 2s. 9d. to 3s. 31. do. ; Cauliflowers, Is. Gd. to 2s. 6d per dozen; Cabbages, Gd. to Is. Gd. do. ; Celery, Gd. to U. id. do. * Plants in Pots. — Average Wholesale Prices. Adiantum, per doz. 4 0-12 0 Aspidistras, perdoz. 12 0-30 0 — specimen, each 5 0-15 0 Azaleas, per doz. ... 18 0-36 0 OinenrUs, per doz. 6 0-10 0 Cyclamens, pcrdoz. 9 C-15 0 Daffodils, per doz. 6 0-90 Ferns, small, doz. ... 10-20 — various, doz. 5 0-12 0 Ficus elastica, each 10-76 Foliage plants, per 12 0-36 0 Genistas, per doz... 8 0-12 0 Hyacinths, per doz. 6 0-12 0 , each ... 10-76 Hydrangea, per plant 2 (-30 a, p. doz. 12 0-24 0 Marguerites, p. doz. 8 0-12 0 Evergreen Shrubs, j Mignonette, jper doz. S 0-10 0 in variety, doz.... 6 0-24 0 Palms, various, ea. 2 0-10 0 Ericas, per doz. ... 10 0-12 0 j — specimens, ea. 10 6-84 0 Ericas, hyemalis, Spinea, per doz. ... 6 C- 9 0 doz 10 0-15 0 Fruit.— Average Wholesale Prices. Apples, French Crab, per bush.... 3 6-40 — Wellingtons, p. sieve ... 6 0 — Figs, per doz. ... 24 0-30 0 Grapes, Alicante, 1st quality, per lb. ... 2 6-29 — Alicante, 2nd quality, per lb. 2 0 — — Capo, Black, lb. 0 9- 10 — Cape Muscat, per lb 0 9- 10 — Gros Colman, selected, p. lb, — Gros Colmar, 2nd quality, lb. 2 9- : Nuts, Cob, per 1001b C Peaches, Cape, per box containing 20 Pears, Cape, p. case containing 20 . — Easter Beurre* (California)lge. cases, 8 to 9 doz, per case ... 1 — Do. do., small cases, 4 to 4J doz., per case Pine-apples, St. Mi- chael, each Strawberries, p. o'z. 2 3-26 Vegetables.— Average Wholesale Price Artichokes, Globe, — Chinese (Sta- chystuberifora), per lb Asparagus, Paris Giant, p. bun. — English, per bundle Beans, French, Channel Is., — Madeira Kid- ney, per bkt. of 8 to 10 lb. ... Cauliflowers, Cher- bourg, per doz lS's s. d. s. d. . Mint, per bunch ... 0 0- 0 S 2 0 — I Mushrooms (Indoor) per lb 0 e- 0 S I Onions, English, p. 0 3— cwt 56-60 — Foreign, p. cwt. 3 0-60 !0 0-30 0 Peas. ordinary (Channel 1s- 6 0- 7 0 ! lands), per lb. . 2 0 — | Peas, Telephones (Channel Is 16 — lands \ per lb. . 2 6 — i Potatos, New Kid- neys, Channel 2 6-30 Islands, per lb. 0 5- 0 6 I — Kidney Pota- to9.Frenchp.lb. 0 2-03 1 3- 1 9 I Radishes, Chanoel Is., per dozen bunches ... 10-13 4 0-46 Rhubarb (Forced), per doz. ... 0 fir 10 9 0-10 0 j Salad, small, per doz. punnets... 1 f> — Sea Kale, per pun- net, 3J to 4 lb. weight 0 9-10 Tomatos, Canaryls- lands, per case, about 12 lb. 4 0-50 5 0-60 Cauliflowers, Corn- wall, per crate Cucumbers, home- grown, select., per doz. — 2nds, per dozen 2 0-30 Horseradish, Eng- lish, pr. bundle 2 6 — Horseradish, For- eign, p. bundle 16 — Potatos. Supplies very heavy, and prices still drooping. It is < cult to get orders for infeviur samples. Dunbar Mainci 8ns. to 85s. ; do., Saxons, G'ns. to 70s. ; others, 30s. to John Bath, Wellington Street, Covent Garden. CORN. Average Prices of British Corn (per imperial qr.), for the week ending March 0, and for the corresponding period of 1896, together with the difference in the quotations. These figures are based on the Official Weekly Return :— Description. 1896. 1S97. Difference. Wheat J. d. 25 4 s. d. 28 3 s. d. + 3 1 Barley 21 5 23 0 + 1 T Oats 13 8 16 3 + 2 torrcjpondenw^:^^ Addendum — Germinating Apparatus. The designer of the germinating-seed -apparatus which appeared in our pages on Feb. 27, is Dr. II. F. Jonhnan, of Utrecht. Arum : W. W. S. As you say, the spathe has not decided whether to retain its leafy condition or to become white, like a petal. As it is, it is half one half the other. The flower looks as if it had experienced a check at some early stage of growth. Black Orchio from Malaya: Goodinjns. We are quite unable to say what thia is. It may be a Bol- bophyllnm. It will want considerable heat, and abundance of water when growing. Books : The Pifielum, by G. Gordon, published by H. G. Bohn, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, 1880. The Forester, by J. Brown, revised by J. Nisbet ; published by W. Blackwood & Sons, Ediuburgh and London. Chrysanthemums eor Flowering in the Open:, W. II. A. See the calendarial article for the Flower Garden in our issue for March 6, 1897. Insects : J. L. The soil is swarming with Daddy- long-legs grubs ("Leather Jackets"). You will never be able to grow Iceland Poppies nor anything else in it. Carefully remove it all and burn it, and replace with clean stuff. R. McL.—F. A. True weevil*, very destructive. Trap them with slices of Carrot or Potato, and catch them at night. Japanese Chrysanthemum: A. W. Very remark- able, but perhips hardly so appreciable in March as in January. Names of Fruits: E. J. Wheeler. Apples: 1, ap- pears to be a well-kept Blenheim Orange ; 2, Striped Bee6ng.— /. B. T. Dutch Migaonne. Names of Plants : Correspondents not answered in, this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number. — S. C, Japan. We are pleased to be able to render assistance to one at such a distance, but specimens sent loose in a letter were smashed so as to render denti&cation diffi- cult. No. 1, which you say you have as Cypri- pedium Hookerse, is the much rarer C. purpu- ratuni ; No. 2, C. javanicum , No. 3, a very fine variety of C. insigne. — J. S. 31. Daphne laureola. — R. 31., Southampton. 1, Goldfussia isophylla ; 2, Epimedium pinnatum ; 3, Elaeagnus pungens aureo-variegatus ; 4, Ilex crenata, a small Japanese Holly. — Brighton Court Hort. Co. Avery fine form of Dendrobium nobile, large and very brightly-coloured, a good feature being thecolouring at the backs of the petals. — L. L. Cattleya Tri- anrei delicata. — W. E. The white one is Odonto- glossum crispum ; the spotted a very pretty form of O. Andersoniauum. — A. P. 1, Cymbidium pen- dulum, illustrated in the Botanical Magazine, t. 3S7, as Epidendrum aloides ; 2, Alousoa incisi- folia. — E. A. T., Brighton. A very pretty variety of Dendrobium nobile. —J. 31. Juuiperus sabina, very poisonous. C. W. D. 1, Dentaria glandu- losa; 2, Scopolia viridifolia. Plants for West of Scotland : W. H. M. Enki- anthus japonicus, Rhus vernicifera, Nandina domes- tica, and Cleyera japonica, are sufficiently hardy if afforded protection against the winds that blow from the colder "airts." Tern?trocmeria indivisa, and Lagerstrremeria indica are too tender. Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund. We have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of the sum of 7s. from Mr. G. Garner, Cadland Park Gardens, Southampton, in aid of this charity. Sea-kale Running to Flower when 3 Inches High and Forced : Perplexed. You omitted to cut over every crown at the ground level last spring when the forcing was over. It is tough, and takes a long time to cook because the warmth with which you force it— 60° to 65° — is nearly 20° too low, it therefore grows very slowly. By -and- by it will grow at that degree of warmth and less, but out of season more heat must be employed. Stachys toberifera : A. C. Plant at any time during the present month iu shallow drills, cover- ing the tubers with about an inch of soil. Let the drills be about 10 inches apart, and the sets 6 to 8 inches. Nothing more is needed during the season but to keep the ground clean. The tubers are fit for use in late autumn and winter, and they Bhould not be long exposed to the air before cooking, or the colour will be bad. Twelve Varieties of Chrysanthemums for Market Purposes. — Precocite* Delaux, Mdlle. Thdrese Key, Viviand Morel, Chas. Davis. Louis Boehmer, Florence Davis, W. H. Lincoln, Canary Yellow, very late ; Source d'Or, Bouquet Fait, Cullingfordi, liyecroft Glory. If you like incurved varieties, choose any of the Queen and Empress section, John Salter, Barbara, Jardin des Plantes, &c. Vines after Ten Years' Cropping : Perplexed. We imagined that the mistaken practice of afford- ing Vines the carcases of animals as plant-food was long since exploded, it is far too strong a food for the Vine, or, indeed, any kind of plant ; and doubtless if you will examine the border where the csrrion lies buried, no roots of the Vines will be discoverable. Clear out the border entirely, covering the soil with quick-lime, and then with 2 feet of sweet mould— it will make in a few years a dressing for your lawn, or a quarter of the kitchen garden that is in need of manure and deep trenchiog. Vines for early forcing should be in vigorous health, a state not consistent with the absence of roots in the inside border. The whole of the arrangements seem to require overhauling. It may, indeed, be found necessary to plaut new Vines, as well as make new borders. Couuonications Rkceived.— W. 13.— U. D., Berlin.— Prof. Kriiazlin, Berlin.— W. N. B.— W. J. J.— G. J. I.-H. D. 3. -H. M. — R. L. H.— J. J. W.— E J.— W. W.— F. L.— —Agri-Horticultural Society of India.— Captain Walker and W. C, next week— B. S. Williams— J. Carter & Co. — G. H. M.— H. C. P. CONTINUED LAR1E INCREASE in the CIRCULATION OF THE "GARDENERS' CSRONICLE. Important to Advertisers. — The Publisher has the satis^ faction, of announcing that the circulation, of the " Gardeners' Chronicle" has, since the reduction in the price of the paper t Increased to the extent of more than 90 per cent., and that it continues to increase weekly. Advertisers are reminded that the " Chronicle" drcidatcs among March 20, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 181 SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 1897. SOWING AND TRANSPLANTING. THE season has arrived, and this year somewhat earlier than usual, when the cultivator must take advantage of every occasion when (or if?) the dry state of the surface-soil permits, to prepare it for the recep- tion of seeds of many kinds of garden crops, and of plants and tubers. This prepara- tion consists of pulverising the clods left by the winter, digging by means of the digging- fork, mattock (the three-tined mattock used in Kentish Hop-gardens — a very handy tool), and heavy hoe. The idea is to bring every particle of the tilth, or " till," into contact with the air, not a difficult matter after a frosty winter, and when the usually drying winds of March have acted on the purposely rough surface left at the winter digging or trenching. The amount of labour spent in the operation varies a great deal, it being usually a light job on light loams and peaty soil, and heavy on clayey, tenacious loams, or those in which the water- lovel is at but a small depth ; and in the case of the latter, it is seldom that one operation is sufficient to provide the needful fine tilth that small seeds and plants must be provided with if success is to reward the cultivator's efforts. In the case of land, which when dug was laid in ridges, the latter have to be levelled and spread about, not a difficult matter even with the stiffest soils if the frosts have been severe, but one that requires much labour if the winter has been wet and mild. If the ridges run north and south, the sides are equally dry and amenable to the pulverisators, but it is otherwise when these run east and west, the sunless slope being usually wet at an early part of the spring ; and in the case of stiff soils, it must be levelled and allowed to lay exposed to sun and air for a week or longer time, ere it can be incorporated with the rest of the sur- face-soil. Hence, to form ridges in this direc- tion is a mistaken practice on almost any kind of soil that would be bettor replaced by flat- digging or trenching; it is also inimical to early growth if Potatos are set in furrows run- ning eastward. Some of the seeds sown on land thus early prepared, consist of transitory crops in the sense that for convenience sake in somo cases, and for ease of protection from birds or frost in others, the seeds are sown somewhat thickly broadcast, or in drills in beds, the seedlings being transplanted when of sufficient size to be readily handled. In this manner, Cabbages, Kales, Brussels Sprouts, Savoys, and Cauliflowers, are raised, but there are no other reasons than those named, why in gardons with sufficient fallow land, and whore very close cropping is not called for, these seeds should not be sown where the crops are intended to mature, thus saving the labour of transplanting and watering, and ensuring stronger and more vigorous plants. Transplanting is by no means essential, and is frequently the direct cause of sundry ills. The gardener seldom transplants the Turnip, the Beetroot, the Parsnip ; and rarely does he transplant Parsley, Scorzonera, or Rhubarb, and he finds it better practice to sow Summer Lettuce where it will stand to mature, avoiding transplantation in this case because it favours bolting or running to seed. The suc- cessful transplanting of these plants, which have taper roots, involves the complete preservation of the tip of the root, an essential matter, by the way, with Ten-week and other Stocks. It is especially necessary with Beet, Parsnips, Parsley, and similar plants. But transplanting means an expenditure of labour both before and subsequently. Might we not avoid this and sow our Cabbages, Savoys, Kales, Cauliflowers, &c, in little groups of three or five seeds in line, and thinning to the strongest one in each patch '? We should require to purchase seeds, perhaps, rather more freely, but their cost would be recouped by the lessened expenditure on labour, or rather, by the ability to employ the workman at jobs which otherwise must be let alone, or done very perfunctorily. How many gardeners see in the check caused by lifting and trimming Celery when trans- planting it from the seed to the nurse-bed, a reason for its untimely bolting ? The plant is a biennial — that is, if it be sown one year, it will bloom the next ; why, therefore, should it, in garden parlance, " bolt" in rudi- ment, unless it be, that by reason of the loss of its roots, nature makes an effort to multiply its kind in anticipation of oarly extinction r The bolting of Cabbages may be traceable to the same cause. Sowing in the trenches, or in the case of early Celery in small pots, would remove one of the causes of the partial loss of crop from bolting at an early stage of growth. A few seeds only need be sown in each pot, the weaker plants being removed, as it becomes apparent which is the strongest, transplantation takin» place in June without disturbance of the roots. The same kind of treatment would suit the Leek, although this plant has such a wealth of roots, and is not tap-rooted, that the check inflicted by transplanting is but little felt, at any rate, it is not a cause of premature flowering. So much, as indicating the direc- tions in which departures and innovations are called for in kitchen garden practice. When we come to deal with the plants of the flower- garden, wo find none of those hard-and-fast rules prevailing so commonly followed in the former. Seeds are sown where the plants are to bloom, and thinniug, more or less — unfor- tunately, it is commonly less — is carried out with results commensurate with the intelligent care oxercised by the gardener in his treatment of them. But the rough troatmont accorded — say, to a Broccoli or Cabbage plant in the stress of high summer, when it is dragged up by main force, it may be from] a hard, dry soil, and set out in the blazing suuahino in a shadeless quarter or a field, is never meted out to an Aster, a Ton-week Stock, a Carnation, or even the well-rooted Marigold, most gardeners knowing full well that failure awaits that kind of treatment of theso plants. Pricking-oil' whilst still quite young, into pots and boxes, and early transplantation with a suitable ball of soil to each, is tho usual practice ; with tho result that thoro is no premature flowering, and, barring tho effects of tho season, tho plants ilowor at their lonked-for season. Reverting to the sowing of seeds of culinary vegetables, it is necessary, as formerly, to have an annual rotation or change of crop. Long- continued experience had taught the cultivator ages ago that a plant abstracts something from the soil, of which there is, comparatively speak- ing, but a limited amount — it maj' be nitrogen, phosphoric acid, potash, &c. ; and that to con- tinue to crop tho land with the same species resulted in light crops and deteriorated produce. Science ha9, however, ascertained by an- alysis of many of the plants the gardener and farmer grows, the chief constituents of these, and indicated those substances or those manures which present the greatest amount of the elements of which the plant consists. Does his plant show a large proportion of nitrogen, he can purchase nitrate of soda, or make use of rich manure from the fatting oxen-sheds (not cow-manure, that being notoriously deficient in nitrogenous matter). Is it lime of which the plant-analysis shows considerable quan- tity ? he has then crude lime, or the more easily assimilable super-phosphates — either bone or mineral. Is a plant rich in potash as, say, the Strawberry and the Potato ? he can apply that substance direct to the crop in one or more top-dressings afforded during the grow- ing season. Having all these and other readily-applied aids to field and garden culture, the reason for rotation has become less urgent ; and the gar- dener, for example, who has a limited area of " south border, " and yet is desiring to have early Strawberries, Potatos, Tomatos, andCaultlowers, may rest assured that he may crop this land for many years without changing the position of any one of them, and without the land becoming " sick," if he will only afford each kind of plant its proper food, and carry, out the proper methods of cultivation which experience shows the plant requires. Only in the case of Peas can continued cropping of one quarter in a garden be overdone, the amount of nitrogen left in tho soil by the roots ren- dering it at least unfitted to maintain a crop of leguminous plants of any kind. To restore such land to its normal condition it is prudent to grow upon it such plants as will make large demands on tho nitrogen stored up in it, and such are Cabbages, Cauliflowers, Onions, and Celery, among the commoner vegetables. New or Noteworthy Plants. MICHAUXIA TCHIHATCHEWIL* Thk technical description below given, together with the illustration {fig. 53), will suffice to indicate what a noblo plant is hero offered to the cultivatois of hardy plants. The plant grows at an elevation of about 5000 feet in the Cicilian Taurus, so that it may be presumed to bo hardy. It is described as a biennial. The photograph, from which our illustra- " Mic/ftuxiii Tchihatcheibii, Fischer et Meyer, Ann. Sciences, Nat. sor., 4, i., p. B2. " Plant covered with spreading hairs, stem tall, setoso-hispid, simple, leafy at tho base, above 0OH> tinned in a loug, subraoexnoae spike; leaves dontate, the lower ones broadly oblong, undivided or lobed at tlie b.use, narrowing into a short potiolo; caullne leaves oblong and ovate, amplexicaul; (lowers two to four (white), subsessUe, fascicled, lower fascicles shortly stalked, upper ones sessile, clustered; bracts broadly cordate, triangular, i>v;itc. .uti minute, calyx ■■segment and appendages bread, and shortly lanceolate, very strigoso, the appendages twice shorter than the sepals ; corolla short, glabrous, setose along the nerves, divided to t lie middle into oblong, linear, ultimately spreading segments. "Habitat among rocks In the mounlalnous part of the Ciltcian Taurus, .v.'. "Plant 6 to 7 foot high, with a colutnriftr spike 2 fool and upwards in height . radical leave*. With the potlulo often (iiMmt i Coot long." Tr.tufi.it,,! and aetajXsd from " B Flora Oi'ttntalis,* iii. (1ST.'.). P- 802, 182 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 20, 1897. tion was taken, was sent us by Dr. Damraer, and was, we believe, taken on the flpot by Heir Siehe, by whom seeds were introduced to the Erfurt firm of J. C. Schmidb. EoLoraiELLA Pketersiana, n. sp.t Krzl.* This is indeed a great novelty—great in two eensefl — as a plant, and as a charming novelty. The size is about the same as that of a large Graiiimato- phyllum, which this plant also resembles by some other characters. The rhizome produces many roots which creep over the trees. The creeping stem is 2 to 6 cm. thick (three-quarters of an inch to 2£ inches) ; the bulbs reach the enormous size of 28 cm. in length ; they are a little compressed, and liito the stems, are covered by the remnants of decayed leaves. The flower-stalk is said to be 100 cm. high (about 40 inches) ; it bears in a close raceme twenty to twenty-five very beautiful flowers of the size of 7 cm. (2| inches). The dorsal sepals and the petals are obovate, and rounded at the top ; the lateral sepals are broadly -linear or oblong, with nearly parallel borders ; the lip is large, the side-lobee broadly-oblong, the middle one divided into two little ones ; the disc bears at the very base a three-lobed callosity ; the radiating nerves are thickened throughout the whole lip, and deve- loped— especially the middle ones — into sharp- angled triangular lamelhe. The colour is cer- tainly a very beautiful rose-purple ; the lip has a great golden-yellow blotch in the middle. Twenty or more flowers of such a size and such a bright colour must produce a very lovely Bight. About five years ago I learned from the late Johannes Braun — who died afterwards at Antana- narivo—that he had discovered a giant Orchid not belonging to the Angnecoids. He sent only two (huge) leaves of about 60 cm. in length. To judge from the bases of leaves of my specimens, 1 believe he saw the plant in question ; the bases of the latter agreeing well with the leaves I have in memory. The plant was now found by Mr. Mocoris, sent to Mons. Peeters at St. Giles, near Bruxelles. I have received materials from Mr. P. Sander and Mons. Peeters. F, Kriinzlin. heavily tinted with blush ; their breadth 3 inches, and having a broad margiu of white, which stops each individual petal If inch by about ^ in width. short at the yellow Hues. At the base are two eriiu* The lip is broadly and roundly ovate, two thirds of son dots, and at the extremity of the limb is a pink- its surface of a yellowish shade rather than au orange, coloured blotch. J. A. Orchid Notes and Gleanings. — t — DENDROBIUM x SCHNEIDERIANUM. This is one of the choicest of all the Dendrobe crosses, viz., D. Findlayanum x D. aureum, and is getting somewhat widely distributed. The raiser, Mr. Wm. Holmes, who was gardener at the time to Mr. Schneider, Fallowfield, and subsequently to the late Georgo Hardy, of Pickering Lodge, Timperley, tells me that he has not been able to get up any seedlings since his first success at Fallowfield, although he has had capsules and even embryos in an infant state, but these all died. The first capsule produced a variety of forms, all more or less beautiful, but some of the varieties bring much larger prices when dis- posed of than others, particularly those possessing the deep orange tint so admirably seen in D. aurea, and which carry flowers of good size. Mo one flower is considered tirst-rate by an expert unless it is 3 inches in breadth, and has sepals, petals, and lip of a nice form and good su bstance. One of the most strik- ing is in the collection of R. Ashworth, Esq., the Ashlands, Newchurch, Lancashire (gr., Mr. Pidsley). This plant has the habit of D. Findlayanum, and approaches it in sizo; only it has not the rich orange ot D. aureum, which is noticeable in some varieties, neither is its lip puckered-in or "pinched," like that of D. aureum. The plant iu question bore about a dozen flowers, and is in fine health. The position of the sepals is singular, the centre one standing erect, the inferior ones instead stand- ing at a depressed angle, as is frequent in Dendrobes, and sweeps round to a right angle. The flower shows a nice flushing, in which white and pink commingle ; petals obovate, nearly white, unless at the extremity " Sulophiella Peeteniana, n. sp., Krzl.— Caulc longe pro- repente, infra radicbius crebiis arboribus affixo, crasso 2— (J cm. dium., .ipice in bulbnm maximum transiunte. omuino cataphyllia ct supra fuliis vestito ; bulbo longo (ail 28 cm.) futufutmi Kiibt.-uiiiprcti.su vestiyiia fuliurum umnino annulato ; fuliis f ecrtissimu inaxhnis ; m.\ipo 1 m.altu valido ; racenio pbirilluru ('JO —'J,'.) bnictei.s ; Huribus magma roaeo- purpureis 7 cm. diam. sepalu dursali pctulis'inc subsimili- bua sublatioribns e basi satis lata obuvati* ant ice rutundatis, sepalis luteralibua basi ipsa par Mm eunnatis late ligulati-i apice obtusis ; labclli lutissimi lubis latcialilurs late ublungis ubtusiB, intermedio multo minuro bilobo, callo basilori carnoiso tripartito, lineis per discum omnibus ineraMs.iUs antice in lamellas triangulas auctis, tainellia mediants maximis antice acu'angulis; gynosfcemio if sepali doraalis btquante. F. Kriinzlin. / Flu. 53.— MICHAUXIA TOIIIIIATCHEWII : HARDY BIENNIAL; HEIGHT 6 TO 7 FEET; FLOWERS WHITE. (SEE P. 181.) (Prom a photograph taken by Mr. Siehe in the Cilician Taurus.) Maboh 20, 1897.J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 183 A WELL-FLOWERED DeNDROBIDM NOBILE. We learn from the Bradford Observer, that at the residence of Mrs. Knowles, liollin Hall, Moorhead, Shipley, there is a plant of Dendrobium nobile bearing at the present time 1134 blooms. The plant, which is a very fine one, secured a Certificate of Merit of the Bradford Paxton Society last year, but it is in infinitely finer condition now. It is practically circular in form, with a diameter of 5 feet. The correspondent who furnished the paragraph states of the lip. During the winter other nearly white forms have flowered, including V. teres aurora, which has very large flowers, but rile of its soil removed to the depth at which the base of the bulbs is require! to be buried, a sprinkling of bDne-meal is given, and the bull's set out in rows on the surface. This bed is then filled in fro.m bed^No. 2, and so on through the series. T^is method can be followed only in such loose sandy soils as are easily haudled, on others the bulbs must be either trenched or dibbled in. My own collection — a very large one — is always planted with a dibber of about 7 or 8 inches insertion, the bulbs being first stood iu lines drawn 9 inches apart, and the narrow way of the beds, for convenience in hoeing. The bulbs need not be more than 2 or 3 inches apart in the rows. With practice, there need be no fear of their being "hung," and they can in this way be planted very rapidly. On my own soil I find it beneficial in dry weather to consolidate the ground by treading after planting. The subsequent cultivation consists of hand-weeding, surface-manuring if necessary, and frequent hoeings after the plants appear. G. H. BngleJteart, CULTIVATION OF ALPINE PLANTS ON WALLS. Manv tender alpines which are difficult to grow here will only succeed in chinks of walls or crevices of rocks. In England, thanks to a damper atmosphere, plants from alpine pastures or glacial moraines do well, while a great number from high altitudes damp off, and cannot withstand the winter. Especially is this so with species bearing dense rosettes, which rot easily ; for instance, Androsace helvetica, glacialis, pubescens, pyrenaica, cylindrici, Charpentieri, Heeri, Draba tomentosa, Eritrichium nanum, Campanula pauciflora, Saxifraga ciesia, squarrosa, aphylla/steno- petala. and certain species of Sempervivum, as well a* plants which cannot stand damp, as Campanula petrau and Tchihatehewi i isatidea. Those are all pretty, and such as all would like to bloom. Many English growers try to keep alpines through severe winters. They cover them with a sheet of glass, or even put them in a cold frame to protect them. For years I have advocated the plan of growing delicate plants on walls, and I know that in England, where tried, it has been found more or less successful. A verticil position is not always so suitable for plants as it seems. Many of the more tender plauts will grow upon rocks ; for instance, Ramondia, Haberlea rhodopensis, Omphalodes Lucilise, and many other pretty species grow mturally in such habitats. Saxi- fraga longifolia, < 'otyledon, cesia, squarrosa, calyci- flora, and many neighbouring species, grow naturally in rock fissures. Also Tehihatchewia isatidea, a beautiful Crucifer, with scented rose-coloured flowers ; Matthiola valesiaca, saxatile Campanulas, and many other pretty species from mountain rocks, succeed here at Geneva on walls, where the sun is powerful, and the winter less damp than in Englaud. The well-kuown and rare Saxifraga floruleuta cau also be grown thus. It grows on the outer wa'l of the Boissier garden at Valleyressous-Uames (Vaud), it has been there since 1ST 7, and seems to be quite estab- lished. Many plants of it bloom and seed (the plant is an annual, and dies aftor fruiting). Those who know the difficulty of growing S. floruleuta will appre- ciate this. Other species might be cultivated in this way, such as Eritrichium nanum, which likes a dry aud su nny place, dry iu winter, moist iu summer On the high Alps, on steep rocks and dry nooks, this plant growa iu light, sandy, pebbly soil, poor in humus. It does well in the sinds of glacial moraines or the rocky debris of sharp slopes. It is found plen- tifully on dry peaks of the granitic Alps, but only in poor aud arid soils. It dies, with us, not only from damp, but from a too rich soil, which produces too robust a growth. Ten years ago I recommended an English friend to plant the species in the chinks of a wall, in full sun and a dry place, with very little soil about its roots ; this he did, and some years ago I found he had a nice lot of the plant in full bloom. Unfortunately, I can only get the plant to seed when grown iu sphagnum, but at Bourg St. Pierre, in the Valaisian Alps, it seids an 1 propagites itself freely. Possibly in England it would fruit better, the air being more favourable. Among, other plauts which under these circum" stances might thrive in England are the saxatile Androsaces and Campanulas, Antirrhinum azirina, and glntinosum, Sempervivum, and other species, which dislike damp. There is no need, when placing plants in a wall, to insert soil; water, air, aud the erosion of the stone by the roots, with the necessary amount of moisture, provide all the nutritive ingre- dients necessary for saxatile species, many of which are certainly killed by too abundant nourishment. H. Correvon, Jardin Alpin d* Acclimatation, Geneva. Forestry. TREATMENT OF PLANTATIONS WITHOUT REGULAR THINNING. The 20-feet openings mentioned in my former paper, 1894, were cut in May, 1S95, in the line of the rows of trees as planted, leaving 80 feet of the plantation untouched between eacli pair of openings. The only trees taken were Larch. In August the dead branches that were not worth faggoting were raked into the middle of each opening, and burned by a careful workman. He then made three rows of pits 6* feet apart in each opening with a rooting tool, and picked out the roots of'the trees which had been cut down. Early iu November he and I planted Sil er Firs at 12 feet apart in the centre row of pits, and Beech in the others. A few Silver were planted in parts where there were fortst trees. The total number of trees planted was 200 Silver Firs and 540 Beech. In June, 1896, I only found four trees dead out of 740. This is partly owing to the earth in the pits being moist with the autumn rains, partly owiug to shade from the trees on each side, though fie weather continued very dry for a period of four months. My workman missed clearing up one of the openings, and in thU one the young trees did not do so well, as the dead branches were not burned, nor pits made in the summer. It is an expensive way of working, but I think it is worth the expense to get good growth. I also hauled the poles down in an expensive manner. Four men, with two ropes round the head and foot of each pole, dragged them down to the roadside, without injuring the bark on any of the trees that were left standing. Some of the trees by the side of the road through the plantation had the bark torn off in strips more than 2 feet long by the haulers who removed the poles after the sale. The following is a statement of the cost of cutting, burning, holing, &c, and details of receipts for material sold: — Labour, cutting, and lotting polca £6 6 G Advertising sale 4 0 6 Burning dead sticks and making pits 0 13 S 740 trees 1 1 « Planting 1 5 9 Faggoting 1 9 i Received for Poles, 20 dozen and \ Faggots Net receipts for about : 38 years planted ... 15 11 A miserable return from an out of-the-way planta- tion, with a steep hill on both sides. Callington is the nearest town, about four miles distant. Ucnry Rogers. TYPES OF BU1TISH WOODLAND. (Continued from p. 39.) Oak Woods and Copses. — Of all British forest trees, the Oak is probably the best known by the public at large, if not by sight, at least by rcputo. '• Hents of Oak," " The Haunted Oak," and numerous other terun aud expressions found iu poetry and lietiou, testify to the familiarity which exists between March 20, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 185 this tree and those who know next to nothiug of treca in general. The Oak has always been regarded as an emblem of British character, and perhaps many regard it as something as peculiarly British as our roast beef or our fox-hunting, unmindful or ignorant of the fact that the Oak might be quite as appro- priately termed French or German as British. But in spite of this, it cannot be denied that Oak woods, or at least woods in which Oaks predominate, are the most typical of what may be termed the more natural or indigenous woods of England and Wales ; for all our surviving fragments of old forests, whether parks or woodlands, consist largely, if not entirely, of this tree, and it makes little difference whether the site of the forest is located in the rich soil of the Midlands, or ou a poor and exposed hill- side in Wales. No soil or situation comes amiss to the Oak, for although it requires a deep and good soil to bring it to that size and ma- turity with which its name is usually associated, yet it will live and assume a healthy appearance on the thinnest soil, or in the crevice of a bare rock. As a timber tree, however, it is only on the better soils that we meet with it to any extent, and ou clays and heavy loams in most parts of the country it prevails in all the older and middle-aged woods. It seems very probable that the mode of raising the majority of Oak woods in olden times was that of sowing the acorns ou the spot, although many woods doubtless date back to the old natural forest which existed at one time in every diatrict, being simply fenced off from the grazed or cultivated laud as occasion arose. Many of the latter are practically iu the same condi- tion at the present day as when enclosed, renewing themselves from acorns, and mixed with Hazel, thorns, brambles, and various other shrubs indige- nous to the soil. The presence in many of them of old pollarded stumps, confirms this view of their origin, although in the majority, modern views and methods of treatment have brought them from their unsophisticated wildness into closer resemblance to planted woods. To the naturalist and lover of Nature unadorned, this kind of woodland is regarded with great favour, while it makes the best possible game-cover. But it seoms a pity that good fertile land, as many of these woods stand on, should not be made more profitable for the owner, and add something to tho national wealth, which with more economical treatment, they might easily do. The planted or sown woods are generally fairly-well Btocked ; with a sprinkling, or in some cases, fair crop of Hazel underwood, the latter being regularly cut over for hurdle wood, &c. Like most British-grown timber, however, the trees are usually too knotty and branched from unrestricted growth, an evil which at one time had its compensating advantages in the Bhape of knees for ship-building and bough-hark for tanning ; but the demand for the former has almost dis- appeared, and the value of the latter greatly decreased of late years. Oak timber, like that of most other trees, is now of most value when straight and clean, and a little drawing up when young is as necessary as with other species if good results are to bo obtained. Owing to its compara- tively slow growth, Oak has been little planted of late years, as a glance at our young plantations throughout the country will prove. To those look- ing for quick returns, Oak is not an attractive species, perhaps, but its timber is never likely to want a ready market when of good quality ; and those who plant, as most planters do, for a coming generation, would do well to give the Oak a place in the soils which suit it. Ou lighter soils, Q. sessili- llora is considered the best adapted for producing good timber, although in certain districts it is rarely if ever seen. In the New Forest, we believe, it is the prevailing species; but Q. pedunculata in most districts is most common, and succeeds best ou heavy ground. The practice of barking Oak continues, for the low price obtained still pays for tho felling of the trees, and this is a consideration where a large quantity i3 iu question, although the seasoning of barked timber is rarely so well done as when tho trees are winter- felled. A . C. Forbes. (To be continued.) ENGLISH ORCHARDS. (Continued from p. 174.) Fom eiinkt, &c. — Much of tho Panic state of things exists in the orchards of Somerset, whieh ranks next to Hereford in the aroa under fruit trees, and with reference to these it is stilted, " Somerset, all things considered, is ono of the most fertile counties I have yet passed through, and in the matter of climate there is also little room for complaint. Yet, curiously enough, several kinds of hardy fruit have to be imported— Plums and Damsons chiefly from Worcestershire, and Cherries from Kent." Also " great areas are devoted to cider Apples, which produce heavy crop3 ; but they are of little value, and not until the™ is an immense improvement in the manufacture and increase in the consumption of the beverage can there be any profit from cider." Worcestershire has the next largest acreage of fruit, and with regard to tho farm orchards we are.told— and this is the lash extract from the reports that I sha'U trouble you with—" In no case did I find the average tenant-farmer abreast of the times in the matter of orchard management These men's ideas aro immovable, as thoir actions aro generally cuiifined to the practice of sticking in a tree in the position occupied by ono that has fallen into decay. Pruning appears to be quits neglected by then, and the trees in tho majority of cases are in such an unsatisfactory condition that no possible system now pursued will so restore the fertility of the orchards as to ensure fruit of such quality as c.n compete in the open market with foreign productions." 1 should like to speak in some detail of the condhVon of the orchards of Beds, Berks ISucks, Essex, Cambridgeshire. Leicestershire, Notts, Norfolk, and other counties; but time presses, and I have already said sufficient to show that tho English orchards are, in the majority of cases, iu a con- dition that renders it impossible for the trees to produce rtby of the purchaser's se enough to com-ign it fruit worth sending to market c attention, should the owner be -■ to a salesman. Prospects of REMUNRiuTivB.Cuptinr. It might well be asked at this point whether the possi- bilities of profitable. frut culture m England are such as tit justify a serious attempt to renovate the orchards capable of being brought into a productive state, and replace those where renovation is praeMcally impossible with new ones. In case this question should bo in the mind of any member of the audience I will at once give an answer, and this must be iu the affirm itive. Assuming fruit to be an important article of food, and a plentiful supply over the longest possible period desirable, it will bo readily admitted that it would be very much better for the farm-orchard to be in a condition to supply tho household with an abundance of fruit during nine months of the year than for tho farmer to have on his holding a latgo number of unproductive trees, and have to purchase at the nearest town or village foreign fruit, cither fresh, dried, or iu tins. This is not tho principal aspect of fruit growing, but it is one that deserves tho in- stant attention of both the tenant and his landlord, and also of tho several bodies which exist for the oncouragomont and improvement of rural industries. Tho most important aspect of' orchard management is unquestionably tho production of fruit for profit, and with roforence to it I have no hositation in stiting that, carried o.it on proper lines, it will give a good return. In making this assertion, I must not be understood as being in sympathy with thoso who would have us believe tint it is possible In make a fortune in a short time from a few acres of fruit trees, \\hai I submit is, that under proper management, orchards will boat least as profitable iu proportion to their area as any other crop that can be grown. Thoy should give a far greater profit than the host of the farm crops, and add materially to the value of the holding ; but it will Bufflce for tho purpose of my argument to submit that while worthless orchards are unprofitable, those in good condition give an ample return for tho initial outlay aud tho expenditure incurred in their management. Thero are, of course, a largo number of both tenants and landowners who are everready t.> contend that there is no profit in orchards, and to declare " that you cannot restore the prosperity of agriculture with a few pots of jam." But these will also tell you that "the farmers cannot be made rich with a few pats of butter or a few fowls," and such catchy phrises may appear to those who have bestowed no thought upon the subject to dispose of the question. Let us see whether the culture of fruit, the making of jam, and the keeping of poultry ^ould, if properly carried out, help the farmer to contend with the dim ; ilties ins-sparable from the low prices of his staple crop'?. I shall not trouble you *dtha large array of figures, but shall confine myself to those found in last year's official returns, as thoy are quite sufficient for my purpose. These show that the value ot imported fruit was £5,540,060; of poultry, £605,458; of eggs, £4,lt>4,5(i7; and of butter, £15,344,033, making the respectable total of £27, 25G.64S. I do not suggest that the whole of this sum could have been retained in this country, but I submit that a very large proportion would have been, had those concerned fully informed themselves in past years as to the possibilities of the demand for these so-called minor products, and tho best means of supplying them io abund- ance, of good quality, and iu tho most attractive and conve- nient form. I am now only concerned with the amount wo pay the foreign growers for fruit, for the greater part of the supply might, and, indeed, should bo, produced in our own orchards and plantations. With regard to Apples, we imported last year 6,l77,lti2 bushels, of the declared value of £1, 5S2.471, and I submit that a very small proportion of this enormous quantity should have been required from the foreign and colonial orchards. In case anyone may be inclined to question this assertion, I will at once state that iu no other country are the conditions more favourable to the production of Apples of tho finest quality than are those which obtain in England. For proof of this, it will suffice to point to the splendid Apples that are produced in gardens where the trees receive proper attention, even in districts that are not particularly favourable to hardy fruits. It is not the soil or the climato that makes us so largely dependent upon the foreign growers for our fruit supplies, but the apathy and iguorance of our cultivators. The lamentable state of our orchards is' oho proof of this, and tho wretched manner in which the prin- cipal part of our fruit isplaeed upon the market is another. Not only is there a want of care in gathering and packing, but fruit is sent to market without regard as to the season, and, in consequence, the late Apples that may be had in per- fection until March or April, are sent to market in the autumn, with the result that the prices of the early varieties aro unduly depressed, and the markets are almost wholly dependent upon foreign supplies after Christmas. In formulating a scheme for the improvement of English orchards it will be convenient to divide them into three g.oups. The first to comprise those consisting of trees so old and exhausted that their restoration to vigorous health and productiveness is impossible; the second, orchards in which the trees arc in robust health hut represent inferior varieties; and the third, those orchards which contain raodo- rately young trees of good varictie that have been allowed to become unproductive through neglect. There is but one way of dealing with the orchards belonging to the first cate- gory, and that is to sweep them wholly away and replace them with new orchards formed on some other part of the farm. To attempt to renew worn out orchards by planting young, trees in tbe positions that were occupied by those whieh have died out, as is so generally done, is worse than useless, for it is a rare occurrence for trees so planted to be of any value as fruit producers. In dealing with orchards containing healthy trees of inferior v rieties, the obvious remedy is to graft them with varieties that are well known for their productiveness and the high quality and good appearance of their fruit. In the western counties, where Pears cau he most successfully cultivated in orchards, as proved by the remarkable develop- ment of trees of perry varieties, I would suggest that a considerable proportion of the healthy trees now hearing fruit only suitable for tho perry press, should be grafted with such excellent varieties as Louise Bonno of Jersey, Beurre Clairgeau, Williams" Bon Chretien, Pitmaston Duchess, Beurr6 Hardy, Doyenne du Cornice, Marie Louise, Marie Loui^o d'Uccle, and Josephine do Malines, care being first takon to ascertain by inquiries made in gardens which of the varieties will succeed in the district. Stewing Pears aro nut loss profitable than dessert varieties, for Catilluc. I vedale's St. Germains, and Vorulani, which are tho beBt of thorn, are goodboarers, and the fruit is available for tho market during a poriod of six months, commencing with October, and can be sent long distances without special difficulty. From the Apple orchards the hundreds of inferior varie- ties, whether belonging to the tablo, cooking, or cider sec- tions, should be swept away, and replaced with others that are sure bearers, and produeo fruit of good appearance d high quality, and of these there is an abundance. 1 w,ml adviso, also, that tho urea of many cider orchards, whieh, I : tho western counties, form, it is computed, about four-fifth1* of tho whole, bo reduced by grafting tho trees occupying manj thousand acres with doesorl or cooking varieties. Cider i-< ni excellent beverage when properly made, but v.. aro now concerned witli making the orchards as profitabl as possible, and it is obvious that Apple* worth from tl" t £20 per ton aro more profitable to grow than those whlol] will not realise more than from Cl to £5 per fcoa H is also evil-nt that to obtain a full return from their orchards. 186 THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE. [March 20, 1897. farmers must grow both la to and early vnriotios, and ado.'t Borne inexpensive method of storing the fruit of the former until after the early supplies have become exhausted. The most profitable of the cooking varieties are Bismarck, dcklinville, Dutnclow's Seedling, Gascoyne's Scarlet, Golden Spire, Lane's Frince Albert, Lord Sufficld, Newton Wonder, Pott's Seedling, Tower of Glamis, and Warner's King. Then of the dessert varieties I would recommend Blenheim Pippin, which is slow in coming into bearing when planted as an orchard standard, but grafted on large trees it quickly becomes pro- ductive, an! the fruit, by reason of its handsome appearance and high quality, invariably commands a good price. Cox's Orange Pippin, one of the most profitable of dessert Apples in districts favourable to it, and when the fruit is properly marketed ; Duchess of Oldenburg, an early variety which has a short season ; Devonshire Quarrendeu, useful for planting within a short distance of the market ; King of the Pippins, and Worcester Pearmain. These form but a small proportion of the Apples in the catalogues, but before we nan make our orchards profitable, we must follow the example of the American growers, and instead of planting two or three trees each of a hundred varieties we must plant a hundred trees each of a few varieties, and these of the very best, (To be continued,) Nursery Notes. MESSRS. D. & \V. CROLL, BROUGHTY FERRY. Those who have had the pleasure of seeing their Roses in the first rank at our horticultural shows are uaturally desirous of seeing the plants at home ; hence, towards the end of the month of January last, I accepted the cordial invitation of Mr. James Simpson, the managing director of Messrs. D. & W. Croll, the famous Rose growers of Broughty Ferry, Dundee. I have seen their Roses on various occasions, and heard of medals, cups, &c, won by them at New- castle, Oban, Aberdeen, winning over fifty 1st prizes from some half a dozen acres of ground situated within sound of the sea or the mouth of the river Tay, which is probably rougher and more generous with its distribution of salt spray than the ocean itself. It so happens that my last day among the Roses was in that unrivalled Rose-growing centre, Col- chester, at the famous Colchester Rose Show, with the two Cants — unole and nephew, and Mr. Prior. With fragrant memories of those wonderful Roses in the east, I turned to Broughty Ferry Rosary with considerable misgiving. My first ques- tion to Mr. Simpson was as to what Teas he found able to withstand the salt spray, and such storms as wrecked the Tay Bridge only a short way off ? Before he had time to answer, we were walking up the rosary, and past a brake of Mare*chal Niels already pruned, the long shoots pegged down within an inch or two of the ground, and the spaces between top-dressed with rich half-rotted manure. The date of these proceedings was, January 27, 1897. What protection do you give the tops of your Rosea, Teas or others ? The answer was emphatic— none. I have tried once or twice, with the result that those protected either were injured or killed outright, while those unpro- tected took no harm. I have, therefore, entirely ceased to cover or coddle, and truly not a handful of bracken or bough or any other litter was visible. I remark in the weather reports that Aberdeen, which is about seventy mileB further north- east from Broughty Ferry, has had the thermometer at zero since my visit. It would be interesting to know whether the Messrs. Cocker, the Rose growers near the granite city, oover their Roses or not, and if not, how the Teas, and especially Mare'chal Niel, withstood the extreme temperature. Mr. Simpson is also a strong believer in early pruning ; in fact, they were busy with pruning and top-dressing the Roses towards the end of January. He anticipates no harm from early pruning, nor early growth ; the chief danger arose from copious bleeding when pruning was at all late. I have often contended that the time to prune as well as the mode or measure of it is largely a matter of locality. But I confess it was quite a surprise to me to find the pruning of Tea and other Roses in full swing on January 27, 1897. The Roses, however, looked pictures of health and full of promise of beauty and fragrance. The seedling Briar is alone used as a stock for Teas, and young or yearling stocks are preferred. These take the buds on more readily and surely than stocks of larger calibre and greater age. Nothing could exceed the robust health and vigour of this fine stock of Tea Roses. The perpetuals looked equally healthy and vigorous. I understood that not a few of the finest blooms were cut from maiden buds worked a few months previonsly, that is during the current season. In many cases, when buds broke into shoots and potential blooms, soon after insertion, the shoots of the stocks were pegged down close to the ground, thus throwing the force of the whole plant into young shoots of the bud, a plan that seems to answer better for the prompt development of truly maiden blooms than the entire removal of the Briar or stock shoots close to its union with the stock. Hence, in some quarters in these nurseries a twofold process of pruning was proceeding simultaneously, the removal of the wildling stocks, and the pruning back of the maiden shoots which had already maiden blooms of superb quality. The process of planting seedling Briars and stocks was also proceeding briskly iu various directions, one break alone containing some 10,000 stocks ; and others equally large, as well as large quarters, some of which were sown with seeds, and all of them finished with all the care of a choice Onion-bed. From the few plants left unsold that were observed, two facts were manifest, viz., that the Broughty Ferry Roses are equal to those coming from some 400 or 500 miles further south ; and that with all the efforts of Rose-growers, the demand for good Roses in the North, as in the South, still exceeds the supply. Practically the varieties from North and South are identical, as will appear from the few examples cited from standards and yellow Roses grown here :— I.a Belle Lyonuaise. Catherine Mermet, Gloire de Dijon, Jean Ducher, Madame Cusin, Marie van Houtte, Niphetos, Perle des Jardius, Rubens, Souvenir d'un Ami, and The Bride. Of yellow Roses I may name P»elle Lyonuaise, Madame Welch, Celine Forestier, Mare'chal Niel, Etoile de Lyon, Marie van Houtte, Gloire de Dijon, Perle de Lyon, Jean Ducher, Perle des Jardins, La Boule d'Or. Reve d'Or, Madame Berard, Madame Caroline Kuster, Triomphe de Rennes, and Madame Margottin. Mr. Simpson thinks if there is any difference in hardiness between Teas and hybrid perpetuals, the Teas are the hardier. Like most of our more famous rosarians, the Messrs. Croll also believe in a change of land for Roses. The veteran rosarian of East Anglia was one of the first to rest his Rose-land with crops of Barley or Oats ; and it was a special pleasure to find part of the rotation crops in the Broughty Ferry rosary consisted of Narcissus and other bulbous plants, all of which seemed to thrive admirably in the sandy loam which, with the aid of manure, grows many of the finest RoBes in the country, as well as plants of the most promising quality. />. 71 F, The Week's Work. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Burford, Dorking. Cattteya-housc. — Cattleya gigas, C. Warneri, and C. Rex, although they may be in active growth, should be kept in a moderately moist condition at the root till the flower-sheaths are perceived, when a gradual increase of heat and moisture are needed by the plants. There should not be a disturbance of the roots by repotting, the best time for this being at the season when the flowers fade and growth is finished, as then these Orchids send out roots from the base of the new pseudo-bulb. It is of importance to afford them every ray of light in order to bloom them satis- factorily ; but all the same, if scorching of the leaves is feared, then some thin material must be used to shade the plants. C. Dowktna, and its variety C. D. aurea, now starting to grow, may be afforded similar treatment, but a few degrees more warmth during their season of growth do good. Plants of Cattleya Percivalliana, which having recently passed out of bloom, will be emitting'fresh roots, and then is the time to repot any plant in need of greater space, not delaying till the roots have grown much, or many of them will get injured. Most of the C. Trianae. are approaching the end of the flowering season, rendering more care necessary in affording water to the roots, as too wet a compost will rot the older roots. Till growth begins, it is safer to lean toward the dry side. Those plants of C. Mendeli, C. Mossue, and C. Law- renceana, on which the flower-buds in the sheath are prominent, should bo afforded rather more watei at the root till the blooms expand. At this season Cattleyas should be examined every day for the destructive Cattleya-fly, careful watching at this period probably saving the life of some valuable plants, The fly almost always pierces the young growths when these are a few inches high, producing an abnormal swelling at the base of the growth, and a tapering to the apex. When thus affected the growths make no further progress, and the only course to take is to cut off the entire growth and forthwith burn it, cure there being none. Thunias. — Thuoia Bensonice, T. Marshalli, T. pulchra, T. Veitchiana x , T. alba, and T. candi- dissima, may uow be shaken out of the old compost and repotted. In general, these plants are cultivated seven or eight together, in an S or 9-inch pot, which is a convenient method where space is limited. The pots should be almost half-filled with crocks, then a layer of turfy-loam, the rest of the space being filled with peat and moss in equal proportions. The advantage of having turfy-loam below the compost, is that the roots find their way into it just previously to the appearance of the flower-spikes, and derive benefit from it, and it affords vigour to the growth. To be successful in blooming these plants, they should be firmly potted, and afforded as much sun- light as possible ; it is therefore proper to place them with the tips of the bulbs nearly touching the roof- glass of the stove 07 East Indian-house. The young growths revel in the sunshine. When the repotting is finished, let each bulb be secured to a neat stick ; and for the next few weeks, or till growth is starter and the bulbs are making roots, water should be sparingly afforded, but afterwards it may be freely supplied, and quite re-established plants are bene- fitted if diluted cowshed drainings bo occasionally given instead of clear water. In the earlier stage?, the young breaks are apt to get infested with thrips and a species of yellow -coloured fly, both of which must be sought for daily and destroyed, or much damage will be caused. PLANTS UNDER GLASS By G H. Mavcock, Gardener, Luton Hoo, Luton. The Treatment of Plants after Forcing. — Plants of Deutzia gracilis should have the shoots that have carried bloom severely pruned back, each shoot being taken separately and cut back more or less according to its strength, the weak shoots being the more severely pruned ; weak flowerlesa spray at the base of the best shoots should be cut off at the ground level. After pruning, stand the plants in a forcings house, syringing them abundantly every day ; and when the weather gets milder turn them out into cold frames to continue their growth, with the help of mild manure- water occasionally, and a daily syringing. In June the plants should be plunged to the rims of the pots in beds of tanners' bark or coal-ashes, and sufficiently wide apart for the sun to shine on all sides of the plants, where the growths will be fully made and matured. If any of the plants need repotting, or the drainage put in good order, a suitable time is when the shoots begin to break after the pruning. Azalea mollis and A. rustica (Ghent), — Both of these species, in their numerous varieties, will produce good heads of bloom, if not quite equal to imported plants, if the plants after being forced are taken proper care of. When the bloom is over, they should be re-potted in a mixture of peat and leaf- mould, with plenty of sharp sand mixed with these, and encouraged to make growth by placing them in a warm, moist forcing-house, syringing them well daily. When the growth for the season is finished, they should be removed to a cooler house, and gradually hardened off, finally treating them in tin manner of Deutzias. Plants so treated may be forced late the next seaBon, if required. Solomon's Seal and Dichjtra spectabUis. — When the flowering is over, these plants should have the protec- tion of a cold frame for a few weeks, and then be planted out in well-prepared beds in April, where, if they are left undisturbed for two years, they will force again. By having successions of these plants, good forcing material may be obtained with a small outlay. Lilac, Crataegus, Rhododendron, — Any of these which may have been forced into bloom may, after due hardening, be planted out in the Bhrubbery, &c, in order to recover which they will do in two years, and again become fit for forcing. Such plants, if large, are invaluable if cut' flowers are much in demand. Double-flowered Plums, Cherries, Almonds, the Staphylea are amenable to the same sort of culture as that described above. The Stove. — As soon as it is remarked that roots show through the moss which is tied round the tongued Dracaenas and Crotous— which, in fact, are layers, the tops should be cut off and potted, using quite small pots, and a light sort of soil at thii Mabch 20, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 187 potting, viz., ono that consists of one-half peat and one-half loam, with a small quantity of decayed leaf- mould and sand to make it more porous. The potted plants should go into a gentle bottomdieat for about ten days, being shaded for that space of tiino from strong sunshine, and the air about them kept moist. A temperature of 70°, with a rise of 5° by day, will suit them. General Remarks.— Potfuls of Lilium lougifloruin and the variety Harrisi may receive a top-dressing of leaf-mould and decayed dry cow-dung, and not allowed to lack water at the roots. Plants of Freosia rf fracta alba for flowering in the months of May and June should have the flower-stems supported before they fall over the side of the pot*. Introduce large or small batches of them into heat according to the demand. The thorough cleansing and the limewashing of all plant-structures should be under- taken without delay, and roof-blinds of every descrip- tion put into good order, as they will soon be required. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By P. Harris, Gardener, Bistnor Castlo, Ledbury. The Fig. — The fruits on the earliest trees will bo in most cases ripening fist, and the syringing of the trees will have been discontinued. In favourable weather the colour of the Bkin and flavour of the fruits will be much improved by affording the house as much ventilation as the weather will permit. In some gardens the fruits of the Fig exude drops of juice all over, which, if not stopped, causes decay. Ours are subject to this exudation, and I find that the best preventative is to increase the heat a little, and keep the atmosphere somewhat dryer. Liquid- manure may be freely afforded during the last swell- ing, and till ripening has actually commenced, when clear water only must be used. Succession Figs. — If the growth of shoots is very strong, the points should be stopped at an early date nt the fifth or sixth leaf, reckoning from the base, doing this allowing the shoots full time to form fruit for next year. I much prefer to check Fig-trees at the roots rather than to pinch the points of the shoots ; and having tried both methods, I find the former the better one. In thinning the shoots, remove first of all the lateral and weak shoots, by which air and light are more freely ad- mitted to the fruit, giving colour and flavour. If the trees in the late Fig-house are not yet started, no time should be lost in doing this, commencing at a temperature of 50° by night, and 563 to 60° by day. Let the borders or tubs, as the case may be, receive a copious application of tepid water at starting, and afterwards as often as may be required ; and in warm weather syringe the trees twice daily, and damp the paths, walls, &c,, several times a day. Melons. — Plants which are in flower should have the air about them kept a little dryer than hitherto, and the female flowers pollinated tvery day at noon, about which time fresh flowers are expanding, and in suitable condition for setting. When half-a-dozen fruits are seen to be swelling, remove flowers as they form, reduce the number off such to four or five, stopping the fruiting-shoots one leaf beyond the fruit, then, if there is space, permit one or two of the laterals to fill up the trellis, avoiding, however, any crowding together of the growths or foliage. All laterals not bearing fruit should be closely stopped at one joiut. Afford slight top- dressings of fine loam mixed with bone-meal occa- sionally, wh:ch is better than richer manure either mixed with the 6oil or applied as a top-dressiug. Keep up a succession of plauts by sowing a few seeds in a brisk heat once in ten dayB, growing the seed- lings on a shelf in the Pine-stove or other warm house. If kept near the glass, the plants will be Bbort jointed and sturdy. time. If placod outside now, the resulting Igrowth will be short and sturdy, but mats or other covering will have to be used in the event of frosts occurring. Seeds of the single-flowered and Cactus Dahlias may be sown at the present time. Roses. — The pruning of standard and dwarf Roses may now be undertaken, with a reasonable chance of the young shoots escaping from injury by frost. Newly-planted Roses should be pruned back to two or three buds, and the rule— an old one— is applicable for H. P. Roses, namely, to prune hard for quality, and the reverse if quantity be wanted. Where not grown for exhibition, many of the strong-growing varieties, grown as dwarfs, may have the best shoots shortened to 2 or 3 feet in length, and then pegged down to the soil, and these will furnish a large number of blossoms. Tea Roses should have the weakest growths cut back closely, and the stronger ones shortened, but not to the same extent as the hybrid perpetuals. The Rockery. — Any re-arrangement of plants neces- sary in the rockery should now be carried out. Where trailing plants are encroaching on their neigh- bours, a portion should be removed. A slight top- drossing of soil may be afforded where space allows, and all dead leaves, &c, may now with sifety to the plants be cleared away, and the rockery made tidy. Iris reticulata has hero flowered well planted between large stones ; and Chiouodoxa LucilliiB and other bulbous plants are floweriug pro- fusely. The Chiouodoxa is a plant that seeds freely, and seedlings of various shades of colour are appearing in all directions. Omphalodcs verna is also in bloom, and many other subjects are comiug on rapidly. The Hardy Fernery will require somewhat similar treatment to that detailed above for rock plants. Dead fronds should be cleared away, and a top- dressing of peaty or other light soil placed around the plants. Various. —The necessary pruning of trees and shrubs should be carried out. This work may ofteu be done when work upon the ground may not be advisable. Laurel hedges require a good deal of cutting to keep them in perfect form, and they are better if cut with a knife ; while those made of Holly, Box, and Cypress may be clipped with the shears. Ivy on walls or buildings may now have the old leaves cut away cither with the hedge-shears or a reaping-hook, and be afterwards brushed over with a besom to remove the dirt and rubbish. Lawns should be swept and well rolled before they are niawn, and grass verges cut with the edging-iron after having rolled the turf. Tuberous Begonias intended for bedding should be placed in pots of a suitable size, and grown on sturdily to tue end of May. The potting of bedding Pelargoniums should now be completed, the plants being kept rather closs uniil somewhat re-established. If desired, the tops of the shoots may be struck, and they root quickly if placed in heat., and not kept very mois*. The propagation of Heliotropes, I re sine?, Me3eaibryauthe- mums, Colens, Ageratums, and such like, should be carried on as fast as cuttings can be obtained. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By Charles Hkrrim, G winner, Dropmore, Miidjnhaad. Dahlias. —Roots of D.ihlUs may now bo taken from the stovo and transferred to a sheltered portion out- side, and covered with a coating of half-rotten leives or other light material ; and in any case it will be advisable to placa thesa o it-^ide or in cold pits or fra nes before growth commences, as this soon becomes drawn if the rwts remain where stored under p.>t'ing benches. Fur general use, cuttings ta'ioo from old roots answer admirably, and if the UVcr ard of large siz^, they miy be cut up into pieces of two or three shoots each at pUntiug-out rather poor and dry soil, and a fresh supply of plants should bo raised each year or two from seed. Sweet and Bush Basil must be sown thinly iu pots or boxes under glass, and pricked off when large enough. Grow them for a time under the same conditions, but they may be put outside about the end of May or beginning of June. Seeds of any other annual or perennial herb may now be sown thinly in boxes, or in frames. Lettuce.— The first sowing of Lettuce may be made now on a sheltered border, and an additional sowing every fortnight or three weeks during the spring and n irly summer months. One of the most useful varie- ties for early sowings is Tom Thumb, or Commodore Nutt. If these be thinned slightly in the seed-bed when large enough to haudle, and the thinnings planted 3 or 4 inches apart, they will provide a useful succession before other varieties are ready. Plants that have been raised under glass, when thoroughly hardened, should be planted a foot apart each way on a sheltered border, taking care to remove a good ball of soil with each root. If this system be fol- lowed successfully, the plants will be fully as early and generally more satisfactory than autumn-sown produoe. Red Cabbage, ifrc— If there are plants still in the autumn-sown seed-bed, plant out a few of these at once in rich retentive soil. A pinch of seed may also be sown now, and the plauts will provide useful little hearts in the autumn of better quality generally than those from older plants. A little seed should also be sown of Veitch's Self-protecting Autumn and Sutton's Michaelmas White Broccoli, and Chou de Burghley THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By W. Pope, Gardener, Highclere Castle, Newbury. Globe Artichokes. — The mulching thatwasusel to protect the roots during winter should be removed without delay. The new growths that are beginning to push should be thinned to three or four of the strongest on each. It is good practice to plant a fresh row or two each year, on rich, deeply-worked soil. Strong suckers with a portion of root attached should be used to mike these plantations. Plant them in clumps of three, about a foot distant from each other, and 4 or 5 feet between each clump. Plant firmly, and afterwards give a light mulching of short manure or leaf-mould. A good dressing of rich manure should be applied on the old plantation, and then lightly forked in. Where old plants are scarce, seed may now be sown in heat ; and if the seedlings be pricked off or potted as soon as they can be handled, and afterwards, when hardened off, are planted in single rows, they will produce heads during the autumn, and the best may be selected for stock. Herbs in borders or beds should be carefully looked over and put in order. Old beds of Mint should be cleaned, and then a top-dressing of short, well-rotted manure npplie I. If fresh bods a*e to be made, it must be done at once. Lift the roots care- fully, a-id plant them thinly in rows a foot apart iu fairly rich soil, mulching them afterwards with short manure or leaf-mou'd. Thyme is best grown on THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. EyH. W. Ward, Rayleigh, Essex. Transplanting \ Young' Gooseberry and Currant Bushes. — The rooted cuttings of Gooseberries and Currants of the autumn of 1895, in order to aff.rd more space for branch development, may at this season be dug up and planted at wide distances apart, taking care that their labels do not get detached in doing the work. Before proceeding to plant them, remove any roots which proceed from the stems, preserving only those at the bottom, which should be cut back 1 or 2 inches of the point from which they start. This shortening of the root? will result in the growth of numerous fibrous roots. If the piece of ground to which the plants are going to be removed is in need of enrichment, a good dressiug of decayed manure from a spent hot-bed or the rubbish-heap should be dug in. Plant in rows at 15 inches asunder each way, the planting and digging being carried on simultaneously, the workman keeping a good wide trench open all the time. In planting, the workman should take hold of the stem and shako the plant iu an upward direction, so that the soil may trickle among the roots, the latter being brought within about 3 inch s of the surface after the soil has been trodden a little and levelled. Thus treated, and assuming that the buds on the lower half of the cuttings were rubbed off when the cutting was made, nice short-stemmed bushes not liable to throw up suckers will be easily secured. If standards— that is, bushes having clean straight stems of 2 to 4 feet in height— are desired, those of the young plants with the most promising central shoots should be chosen, and the shoot tied to a stick of sufficient strength and length to maintain it, and the subsequent growth of shoots in position till the desired height is reached, when the shoot should be topped. The treatment consists of cutting out all other shoots, so as to throw the energies of the plant into the lengthened stems, and with that object all buds should be rubbed off for the entire length of the s*em, with the exception of four towards the top. These buds, following tho beheading of tho several p hoots, will speedily push into growth, and the young shoots thus made should not be interfered with before pruning-timo next spriug, when they should be cut back to within three buds of their baees. The umbrella-headed speci- mens, planted by the side of walks between the ordinary bushes, at 10 to 12 feet apart, have a telling effect, and afford examples of the ornamental and the useful combined. Each standard should be afforde I a stako for support. [Theso standard.*, being more liablo to bo acted upon by the wind than the short- stemmed bushes, will in the course of a few season* require the support of a stout fencing wire linnn. tt. which their chief branches may be secured, the hoop or hoops being kept in place by fastening them to throe or four neat s'akes. ED.] THE GABDENEBS1 CHRONICLE. [Maboh 20, 1897. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER. Local News.— Cor respondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists. Illustrations.— The Editor will thankfully receive and select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction in these pages, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flo-wcrs, trees, £c. ; but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. TUESDAY, Mak. 23- Royal Hort. Soc. Corns. SATURDAY, Mae. 27— Royal Botanic Soc Meet. SALES. 1 Tuberoses, Jannas, Spiraeas, Green- house Plants, Carnations, Roses, &c. , at Prothcroe & Morris' Rooms. Speciitl Sale of Hardy Perennials and Bulbs, Roses, Lilies, Shrubs, &c., at Stevtns' Rooms. WEDNESDAY, Mar. 24 ( THURSDAY, Ma Japanese Lilies, Palms Seeds, Her- baceous Plants, Azaleas, Bego- nias, &e, at Protheroo &■ Morris' Rooms. A splendid Collection of about .'OOO Roses, Shrubs, Palms, Azaleas, Border Plants, Ac, at Stevens' Bolder Plants, Roses, Bulbs, Shrubs, Liliums, &c, at Stevens' Rooms. ted and 3 & Morris' Rooms. Average Temperature for the ensuing w«ok. deduced from Observations of Forty -three years, at Chiswick. — 43 9°. Actual Temperatures : — London.— March 17 : Max., 53° ; Min.. 44° Provinces. — March 17 (6 P.M.) Mai., 51*, York, London; Mio., 42°., Sumburgh Head. — — ■■■J— m~* mm It is not easy to write when a Tbol^OBERT friend and associate of thirty years' standing is taken from us, but on this occasion we feel that the whole hor- ticultural fraternity shares in our regrets. The author of the encyclopfedic ' ' Fruit Manual " has left a claim which posterity will not be slow to recognise. But to us, writing in the present, it is the personal element which is most pro- minent; and, in our case, that takes dato from the ever-memorable year, 1866. In that year was held the greatest and most notable of the International Horticultural Exhibitions and Botanical Congresses ; and Dr. Hooo was one of the foremost in the organisation of that great undertaking. But Dr. Hogg's earlier history is very interesting from its associations, on which account we may take the opportunity to reprint, with a few necessary modifications, what we said on a former occasion : — ' ' To most horticulturists at all conversant with the doings of the Royal Horticultural Society, the main facts of Dr. Hogg's later career are tolerably well known. As one of the Editors of the " Journal of Horticulture," in conjunction with the late Mr. Johnson, the veteran historian of British gardening; and latterly as sole editor; as the author of the standard descriptive work on pomology ("The Fruit Manual,") and of numerous other serviceable publications, he became known to a wider circle. From his connection with the Pomo- logical Society, as well as with the Royal Horticultural Society, and specially with its Fruit Committee, Dr. Hogg was brought into contact more or less directly with the great body of British horticulturists, and his sterling qualities of head and heart secured for him the cordial esteem and good will of his fellow workers. He was born in 1818, his father having been the head of the well-known firm of Hogg & Wood, of Coldstream. At an early age. Dr. Hogg exhibited a taste for the study of natural science, and especially of botany. Tho love of these studies induced him first of all to direct his attention to the medical profession, but his short experience of the dissecting-room, and the prospective drudgery of the general practitioner, operated as a deterrent to any great progress in that direction; still, those branches of science which were not strictly medical continued to be the subjects which more immediately engrossed his attention, botany being always the means by which he hoped to attain dis- tinction. After pursuing his " humanities " at the University of Edinburgh, Dr. Hogg acquired a knowledge of practical horticulture at the establishment of Messrs. Lawson, of that city, and subsequently at that of Mr. Ronalds, of Brentford. Here the taste for pomology showed itself, and here, in particular, Were the foundations laid of that interest in, and knowledge of, the subject which afterwards proved to be the most important features in Dr. Hogg's public career. Tho intercourse with Ronalds, at that time engaged in the publication of the magnificent " Pvrus Malus Brentfordiensis," gave tho impetus to that study which may be said to have become the most absorbing pursuit of his Life. After remaining for dome time at Brentford, Dr. Hogg proceeded to France, stopping for a short time at Rouen, where tho fruit garden was then under the management of the well- known Dubreull, and which still remains a monument of that pomologist's skill and sagacity. From Rouen, the subject of our notice made his way to Paris, where he com- pleted his botanical studies under A. L. De Jussieu, Mirbel, and other celebrities of the Jardin des Plautes. Remaining in Paris for some time, he afterwards proceeded to Germany, and passed some time at Bonn. On his return to this country, finding that science held out but little encouragement in the shape of sub- stantial reward, Dr. Hogg turned his attention more particularly to the more remunerative field of practical horticulture, on which he brought to bear the knowledge of botany and vegetable physiology which ho had acquiroddur- ing his pupilage. It was about this period that he became associated with the management of what, a century and a half previously, Evelyn had termed " that great undertaking of Brompton Park." This was an immense fruit tree nursery at Brompton, extonding from Brompton Church almost to Gloucester Road, Kensington, on the one side, and from Kensing- ton Road to Brompton on tho other, thus including the site of the former garden of the Royal Horticultural Society, at what is now called South Konsington. This nursery was founded in 1681 byLuKAR, Field, Cooke, and London ; and it may interest many of our readers to know that LuKAR was gardener to the Queen Dowager at Somerset House in the Strand ; Field acted in the same capacity to the Earl of Bedford at Bedford House, also in the Strand ; Cooke held a similar situation with the Earl of Essex of Cashiobury ; and London was the fitting servant and friend of Bishop Common at Fulham Palace, while he was also the grand- father of the first Lord Selsey. The fortunes of the " great undertaking of Brompton Park," after flourishing for a century aud a half, were howevor, when Dr. Hogg joined the copartner, ship, in 1845, of Gray, Adams & Hogg, on tho wane. Those with whom he was associated were either enfeebled by age or by want of means, or both, and he soon found himself saddled with responsibilities he had no inclina- tion to sustain, and consequently he retired after a few years, and from that time to the present has devoted himself to the literature of horti- culture. The advantages of a practical kind which he derived from his connection with "the great undertaking" were, however, of great value. It was during that time that the first form of the " Fruit Manual " appeared. It still remains the text-book of pomologists and nurserymen, and it was not till after its publica- tion that nurserymen adopted tho plan of issuing descriptive catalogues of fruits. The " Fruit Manual," the last edition of which was published in 1884, is the best and the most generally known of Dr. Hogg's separate publi- cations ; but it was not the first in order of time of his literary productions, for while still a youth he published in Edinburgh a ' ' Treatise on Annuals," with descriptions of those culti- vated at that time, and he subsequently issued a ' ' Treatise on tho Dahlia, its History aud Cultivation," and retained to the last a liking for florists' flowers, especially Tulips. About 1844 Dr. Hogg commenced a work entitled "British Pomology," but the only portion ever published was tho first volume, treating on the Apple. At the time this was published tho present rage for the study and cultivation of fruits did not exist. No book- seller would take the responsibility of its publi- cation, and he had to undertake it himself. As a remunerative speculation it was a failure, and, like Lindley's " Guide to the Orchard and Kitchen Garden," published twenty years previously, it was still in advance of the time. Now, we believe, the work is entirely out of print. Not discouraged by the failure of this attempt to excite public interest in pomo- logy, Dr. Hogg adopted other means of keeping the subject before the public mind. Early in 1 8,53 we find him writing as follows : — There U, perhaps, no country in the world where the study, and consequently the culti- vation, of fruits is more neglected than in our own. In America, they have in various States pomological 'societies' and 'institutes,' which meet as regularly as our Royal and Linneau Societies, and discuss pomological subjects. Several excellent works have issued from the press of that country, and are justly popular, and it is to America that we are indebted for some of our 6nest varieties of fruits. In Germany, too, it is a very popular Btudy, of which the numerous pomological societies and publications furnish ample evidence. In France it has a great measure of support, although perhaps not so great as in those countries already mentioned, but certainly far greater than in our own ; and in Belgium it is found not un- worthy of Government patronage and support. Need it be wondered, then, thatso little is known when solittle interest is manifested on the subject in this country ? We trust the time is coming when the same vitality and energy will he exhibited as there was at the time when Mr. Knight and Mr. Saimne devoted so much of their attention to it. And the time speedily came, for in little more than twelve months after this was written, the British Pomological Society was instituted (in 1854), with Sir Joseph Paxton as president, and Dr. Hogg and Mr. Spencer as joint secertaries, the initiative having been taken by Mr. Spencer of Bowood, Mr. Rivers of Sawbridgeworth, and Dr. Hogg, After several years of useful- Supplement to the "Gardeners Chronicle," March 20, 1897. March 20, 1897/ TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 189 ness, and after passing through the vicissitudes which appear to be normal phenomena in the career of societies as well as in that of most individuals, the British Pornological Society was merged in the Fruit Committee of the Horticultural Society, the first meeting of which body was held at the rooms of the Horticultural Society at 21, Regent Street, on July 5, 1858. Subsequently, Dr. Hogg was secretary to the Fruit Committee, and afterwards he took an active part in the practical business of the Royal Horticultural Society, acting as one of the directors (in conjunction with Rev. Mr. Berkeley and Mr. Moore) of the Society's garden at Chiswick. In this latter capacity it fell to Dr. Hogg's lot to superintend the replanting of tho fruit garden, and to select the varieties to be retained in the diminished spaco then availablo for the purpose. Dr. Hogg's name must also be honourably associated with those who by their zeal and energy promoted the success of the London International Horticultural Exhibition and Botanical Congress of 1S66. The management of the great banquet at the Guildhall, which has had few if any rivals since, falling to his share ; while to the last he remained ono of tho trustees of the Lindley Library itself, a tangible memorial of the Botanical Congress. It was, therefore, a happy coincidence that Dr. Hogg should have been one of those who represented this country at the International Horticultural Exhibition at St. Petersburg, on which occasion he became the recipient of a handsome slab of malachite as a mark of the Emperor's recognition of British Horticulture and of courtesy towards its repre- sentatives. Dr. Hogg and the present writer represented this country at the Florence Con- gress in 1874. Latterly it became obvious that the labourer's work was done. He resigned the editorship of the Journal to his son, his attendances at the Royal Horticultural Society's meetings became less regular, and on the Hth inst. the end came quietly and peacefully. Royal Horticultural Society.— The next Fruit and Floral Meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society will be hold ou Tuesday, March 2;i, in the Drill Hall, James Street, Victoria Street, Westminster, 1 to 5 p.m. A lecture on " Bud Transference and its Effects on Fruit " will be given at 3 o'clock by the Rev. Gordon Salmon, M.A. Robbery at the Offices of the Royal Horticultural Society. — An impudent robbery was perpetrated at the Royal Horticultural Society ou Thursday, March 11. Tbe precincts of the Royal Horticultural Society's Council Room were invaded by a thief, who quietly and expeditiously appropriated the overcoat of the Assistant-Secretary, Mr. J. Weathers. The latter was on the other side of the dividing- curtain, but heard nothing. Tbe thief was con- siderate enough to leave behind a bundle of papers which be took from one of the pockets. In view of the possibility of a thief making off with somo of tho most valuable books from the Lindley Library, which finds a homo in the Council Room, and tho loss of which, unlike that of Mr. Weathers' coat, might be tiinply irreparable, some means ought forthwith to be found to render tbe access of a thief to this room much more difficult of accomplishment than it is. Rose Show Fixtures for 1897.— Tbe follow- ing dates of RoBe shows are kindly furnished by Mr. E. Maw ley, viz., June 17, Thursday, Colchoster and Ryde ; June 23, Wednesday, Portsmouth (N.R.S) ; June 26, Saturday, Windsor ; June 29, Tuesday, Can- terbury, Sutton, and Westminster (R.H.S.J ; June 30, Wednesday, Croydon ; July 2, Friday, Crystal Palace (N.R.S.) ; July 7, Wednesday, Glasgow and Reigate . July 8, Thursday, Bath, Gloucester, and Woodbridge ; July 15, Thursday, Norwich (N.R.S.), and Helensburgh July 22, Thursday, Halifax aud Trentham July 27, Tuesday, Tibshelf. Our correspondent states that these aro tho only dates definitely fixed that have as yet reached him, but others will reach him about the middle of tbe month of April, which will be published iu due courso in theso columns. Horticultural Club.— The usual monthly dinner aud conversazione took place at tbe rooms of tbe Club, Hotel Windsor, Victoria Street, West- miuster, S.W., ou Tuesday evening March 9. The chair was to have been taken by Sir J. D. T. Llewellyn, Bart., but business at the Houso of Commons prevented him from attending. Mr. Salmond, Clerk of the Gardeners' Company, was requested to take his place, aud in a few appropriate words he thanked tho members for the honour they had done him, the youngest member of the Club, in placing him in so honourable a position. There were also present Messrs. Geo. Paul, F. Rochford, James Walker, J. Assbee, T. Francis Rivers, F. Rivers, jun , C. E. Reassou, G. Bunyard, James H. Veitch, and the Secretary. A paper was read by Mr. T. Francis Rivers, entitled " Notes on Fruit," which displayed an intimate knowledge of the whole subject, espe- cially tho raising of new varieties of fruit. This paper we hope to give in a future issue. It was followed by a very interesting discussion, in which most of the members present took part. Mr. G. Mount, of Canterbury, contributed to the decora- tion of tbe table with some of the magnificent Roses which he exhibited at the Drill Hal!, aud which won &uch general admiration, and for which a vote of thanks was recorded to him by the committee. Botanic Garden. St. Petersburg. — Dr. Fischer von Waldheim has been appointed successor to the late Professor Batalin in the Directorate of the Imperial Botanic Garden. GEORGES VlLLE, the eminent chemist, attached to the Museum d'Histoire Naturelle, died on the 22nd ult. in his 74 th year. Hunts County Council.— Mr. D. T. Fish has just completed a course of lectures on " Cottage and Allotment Gardening " in various districts of Hun- tingdonshire. Tho subjects of the lectures were as follows : — First lecture, " How to make Dead Soils Live and Grow Good Crops. The Draining, Trench- ing, Digging, Enriching, aud Cleaning of the Earth." Second lecture, "Potatos for the Home, the Market, the Million ; Onions and other Root-crops." Third lecture, " Apples, Bush-fruits, and Strawberries, &c." The Executive Committee of the Inter- national Horticultural Exhibition of 1866. — The death of Dr. Hogg, on the Hth inst, lessens by one the surviving members of the Executive Committee of the International Horticultural Exhi- bition and Botanical Congress of 1S66 — perhaps the chief horticultural event in Her Majesty's long reign. Looking at Heath's photograph of the Executive Committee taken in 1866, we note that the survivors now form a comparatively small minority. They are Sir Daniel Cooper, Bart., Treasurer ; Messrs. W. Bull, Edward Easton, John Lee, W. Paul, H. J. Veitch, Dr. Masters, Congress Secretary, and Richard Dean, the Assistant-Secretary. The Executive Com- mittee originally consisted of twenty-ono persons, including Mr. Dean, twenty-two. Dr. Berthold Seemanu, the original Congress Secretary, wout abroad, resigning the secretaryship, and was suc- ceeded by Dr. M. T. Masters, but his uame was retained on the committee. The Deputy-Chairman, Mr. J. J. Blandy, never, it is believed, saw the exhi- bition, and he died before the report was issued. Those who went down to The Star aud Garter Hotel at Richmond to dine at the conclusion of the labours of the committeo were twenty-one in number, including Mr. Charles Lee. who rendered valuable services in laying out the exhibition ground iu con- junction with Mr. John Gibsou, Mr. George Eyles, and Mr. Harry J. Veitch. The absentees were Mr. J. J. Blandy, Mr. J. Fleming, and Dr. See mann. To the best of our knowledge, Mr. Edw ard Easton, the civil engineer, still survives. Of the 110 jurors who made the awards on that occasion, probably not more than twenty survive. Of the speakers at the banquet at the Guildhall of the city of London, which was presided over by the father of the present Lord Mayor, only Sir Daniel Cooper remains ; and of the six members of the Common Council of the City, who had so much to do with the arrangement of the banquet, not one survives. The Surveyors' Institution.— The next ordinary general meeting will be held ou Monday, March 22, when a paper will be read by Mr. C. H. Hooper (Fellow), entitled " Fruit-growing as an Auxiliary to Agriculture." The chair to be taken at 8 o'clock. Society of Jersey Gardeners.— A monthly meetingwas held in the Lyric Hall, Jersey ,on Thursday evening, March 11, there being a large attendance of members preseut. Mr. H. J. Skinoley, gardener to Chas. Godfray, Esq., read a paper upon " Ferns," in which he offered valuable remarks upon tho propa- gation aud treatment of Ferns in general. Mr. P. Bois made a few remarks on variation in Ferns, aud a good discussion followed. Various Certificates and other awards were made to interesting exhibits. CAPE FRUIT.— The ss. Tantatton Castle has arrived from the Cape with 728 cases of fruit, con- signed as follows : — 202 cases of Grapes, to Mr. Hudson ; 195 cases do., to the Colonial Consign- ments and Distributing Company (Ltd.) ; 5 cases to W. R. Sutton & Co. ; 86 do., and 20 cases of Pears, to Messrs. Woodhead, Plant & Co. ; 120 cases of Grapes to Mr. E. Hudson ; aud 100 cases do., to Mr. Nathan. This entire consignment arrived iu very good condition. Renfreashire Gardeners' Society.— The concluding fortnightly meeting for this session was held on the 10th inst. Mr. Morton Rosshall read an excellent paper on the " Rock Garden," in which he described the principal effects to be secured in the formation of such a garden, and a list of plants most suitable for planting was included. Mr. Maxwell Ralston afterwards gave a paper on " The Rose : its history and culture." The part of this paper dealing with the history of the Rose was much appreciated, and the cultural details iu connection with both papers were discussed by the members present. Reading Gardeners' Mutual Improvement ASSOCIATION. - Au interesting paper upon "Table Decorations" was read by Mr. Powell, of Park Place Gardens. Heuley-ou-Thames, before tbe mem- bers of this body on Monday evening, March 15, in the Club Room, British Workman. Mr. C. B. Ste- vens, the President, presided over a large gathering of member's. A very interesting discussion took place, in which Messrs. Neve. Turton, Stanton, Martin, Woolford Lees, Dearlove, Tunbridge, Chamber- lain and Fry took part. Cardiff Gardeners' Association. — The usual fortnightly meeting was held in the Reference Room of the Cardiff Free Library, on the 9th inst. The Society met by the invitation of Mr. Ballanger, the librarian, to examine tho collection of books on gardeuing and allied subjects contained in the reference library. Iu giving his welcome to tho association, Mr. Ballanger intimated his willingness to add any work on horticulture which the Society might proposo as desirable to make the collection a more complete one. A short address was given on gardening literature by tho vice-president, aftor which the books were examined by tho members. A Flower Show in India.— The anuual Flower Show of the Agri-Horticultural Society of India was held iu the society's gardon at Alipore, a suburb of Calcutta, on Feb. 19 ami 20. Considering the defi- cient rainfall, there was a much better display of fruit and vegetables than had boon anticipated. It provod that tho sod of tho plains of India is capable of pro- ducing much more than is gcuerally believed, even in 190 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 20, 1897. a bad season, providing water can be obtainod, and good cultivation is given. The plant classes were contested by some of the leading Calcutta nursery- men, and the groups staged for effect wore very good. The feature of the show was the flowering annuals, which made a very Hue display, the best being Asters, Petunias, Verbenas, and Phlox Drummondi. Some fiue plants of Cliauthus Dampieri were shown, in 10 and 12-inch pots. They appeared to be potted very lightly, in a compost of leaf mould, cow-manure, and a little loam. Honorary exhibits were sent from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Seebpore, from Baboo Lalea Dhulli Chund ; and from tho Maharajah's garden, Durbungah. the two first exhibits contained some rare and valuable plants, and the Durbungah exhibit was an excellent miscellaneous collection of fruit*, flowers, and vegetables. Newcastle and District Horticultural Improvement Society. — The monthly meeting was held on Tuesday, March 9, when Mr. John Bollock presided over a good attendance of mem- bers. Among the flowers exhibited were Orchids aud Hyacinths by Mr. Lawson, gardener at Heath- dale, Gosforth ; and a collection of Dendrobiums by Mr. Muiihay, the gardener at Oakwood. Mr. \V. H. I. Leonard read a paper on the " Chemical Compe- tition of Hoots, Vegetables, Seeds and Fruits." The paper included tables showing the constituents of each of the different parts cf plants. A lively discussion was afterwards engaged in. PRESENTATION. — On the occasion of his leaving the gardens of Lord Falmouth, at Moreworth Castle, after thirteen yeirs' service, Mr. H. Markhsm wai the recipient of a beautiful iukstand, with suitable iuscription engraved thereon, presented by the young men employed in the garden, and a silver-mounted biscuit-box from his lordship's servauts. Mr. Mark- ham had to leave Mereworth owing to the continued ill-health of himself, his wife, and family, induced by the damp, relaxing air of the place. We hope that ho will soon meet with an appointment com- mensurate with his abilities as a gardener. Shirley and Surrounding District Gar deners' and Amateurs' Mutual Improvement ASSOCIATION. -The annual general meeting was hold at the Parish Room, Shirley, Southampton, on the 15th iust., there being a good attendance, the chair being occupied by the Vice-President, W. F. Mayoss, Ksq. The report showed the Society to have 140 members, to havo held thirteen meetings during the year, at which the average attendance was forty two. The statement of accounts showed a small balance in favour of the association. The President, W. F. G. Sprangek, Esq., C.C., and the Hon. Sec, H. J. Hobby, were re-elected, and also an enlarged com- mittee of fifteen, instead of nine, as formeily. Mr. A. Dean, Lecturer in Horticulture to the Surrey County Council, gave a brief but interesting address on " Horticultural Progress during the Victorian Era." Devon and Exeter Gardeners' Asso- ciation : Cinerarias and Primulas. — At the fortnightly meeting on March 3, Mr. J. Weeks, gardener to Mr. E. A. Sanders, Stoke House, Exeter, read an instructive and carefully - pre - pared paper on Cinerarias and Primulas. Mr. H. Webber occupied the chair. The papers dealt pretty fully with the history of tho plants, and tho cultural details furnished were very good. In the case of the Cineraria, both Bj'ngle-flowered and double- flowered varieties were dealt with ; the same also as regarded the Primula, although in the case of this plant hardy species were reviewed, and their culture touched upon. M. G Bonnier has been elected a member of the Botanical section of the Acadomie des Sciences (Institut de France). Stock - taking : February.— As was to be expected, the very unsettled political outlook has been one means of raising the imports of the past month from £35,476,736 in February, 1896, to £37,215,164 for the month just ended— an increase amounting to £1,768,423. From the "summary" table of the Returns for February we tike the following figures : — ■ IMTORTS. 1896. 1897. Difference. Total value ... 35,476,736 11,400,923 £ 37,245,164 £ + 1,76S,428 ( A ) Articles of food and drink, duty 11,860,734 4459,811 (B.) Articles of food aud drink, dutiable 1,749,032 2,127,045 -t S7S.013 Raw materials for textile mamific- 7,317,791 8,091,585 + 773,791 Raw materials fur sundry industries and manufactures 2,746,428 2,795,651 ■\ 49,223 (A.) Miscellaneous articlos 1,125,915 1,130,623 + 4,708 (B.) Parcel Post. .. ! 3,433 98,243 + 4,810 We may note here that the increase on the two months, as compared with January and February of last year, amounts to £5, 270,240. As for food imports in the month just closed, Wheat shows an increase of 1,393,080 cwt. ; in Wheat-meal and flour, 128,360 cwt. ; Barley has decreased by 329,100 cwt ; Oats ha?e gone down by 190,680 cwt. ; Indian corn, however, has gone up 440,080 cwt. ; Indian corn - meal having an increase of 36,600 cwt ; Tea shows the large increase of 3,098,212 pounds ; unmanufactured tobacco has gone up by 1,529,709 lb. ; while manufactured shows a falling off to the amount of 75,688 lb. Sugar shows a falling off in both refined and candied, to the extent of 397,875 cwt. ; unrefiued having gone down by 1.070,842 cwt.— all as compared with February, 1896. There is a great increase in the supply of raw materials for textile manufactures, the whole increase being £773,791. The figures relating to the imports of fruit, &c, are given in the subjoined table : — iMrORTS. 1896. 1897. Difference. Fruits, raw : — Apples ... bushel. 303.864 623,265 4 .".19,401 Chcrrios , Plums 719 363 —359 Pears , 1,399 .1,117 + 1,718 Grapes ,, 1.416 1,405 —41 Unennmerated 80,975 39,307 +8,332 Onions „ 481.9S6 552,119 +70,133 Putatos cwt. 39,980 40,790 + 810 Vegetables, raw, uaenu- merated value £72,713 £63,514 —4,199 Fron the Cape, with other products, have come splendid looking samples of Oranges — beautiful with- out, but (judging from those purchased by the writer at id. apiece), very deceitful as to flesh and flavour. To come to— Exports, but little surprise need be felt at the falling off shown in the total — £1,839,413. Considering the state of things in the near East, and in India — famine and disease, but little wonder need be expressed. The loss for the two months of the year now belonging to the past is place 1 in the Board of Trade Returns at £3,199,668 ; but it is eatisfactory to note that matters in the United States look promising, and point to a further and not far distant revival of trade in several branches— a consummation devoutly to be wished, Isle of Wight Horticultural Improve- ment ASSOCIATION.— The monthly meeting of this Association was held at Warburton'a Hotel, Newport, o:i Saturday, March 6, when there was a good gather- i ng of members, who were present to hear a paper read oa Winter Vegetables, by Mr. W. Tribbick.F.K.H.S., gardener to Sir Charles Seeley, Bart., Brooke House. Dr. J. Groves, B.A., J.P., chairman of the Association, presided, and made a few appropriate rem irks expressing regret that the essayist, through ill-health, was not able to read his paper. A dish of excellent tubers of Stachys tuberifera was shown by Mr. W. E. Wickexs, gardener to It. It. Pittis, Esq., J.P., C.C., Lugby House, Newport. Mr. J. J. Lining- ton obtained a Certificate for a collection of Cyclamen Charming Bride, two-year old corms. Several new mombers were elected. An Institute for the Teaching of BOTANY. — Mr. Martindale is advocating the estab- lishment, in the Royal Botanic Garden, Regent's Park, of an institute for botanical teaching in London. Since botany ceased to be a necessiry subject in the curriculum in the medical schools, there has been a deficiency in our teaching establish- ments, those few that do exist turning their attention almost exclusively to biological and physiological botany. Years ago we used to lament the too exclusive attention paid to morphology and the systematic botany of flowering plants ; but now all that is changed, the pendulum has swung in the opposite direction, and the highly trained micro- scopists often come up for examination very poorly equipped with a knowledge of plants and their natural orders. This is a distinct misfortuue to medical men, travellers, horticulturists, and others connected with economic botany. If the Royal Botanic can justify its title by the establishment of a school for educational purposes, and for research, we shall be disposed to look the more leniently on its extraneous frivolities. Anthurium Scherzerianum— A Fir&tciass Certificate has been awarded by the Societe Natiomile u'Horticulteur d'France to a variety called Le Geant, aud a First-class Award for a group of seedlings, till raised by M. A. de la Devansate of Angers. These are all variations from one species. Kew. — His Majesty the King of the Belgians paid a visit to the Royal Gardens during the past week. TULIP FROM CHITRAL.— We understand that the Tulip which we recently figured (January 30) was collected at Chitral by Surgeon- L:eutenant A. F. Stevens, I. M.S., and was presented by him to the Agricultural and Horticultural Society of India. Lapageria Rosea in the Open Air.— A Devonshire correspondent, writing in reference to the paragraph on this subject, which appeared in our last issue, p. 174, Fays that Mr. Robmn's gardeu lies in a coombe eouth of the Ha'don Hills, and quite two miles from the sea. The plants are growing on a western aspect. Both L. r.,and its variety alba, are not uncommon in Devonshire and Cornwall, flower- ing with merely slight protection against severe weather. Miniature Chrysanthemums. ~M. Anatolb Cordonmer contributes to the Revue Horticole for March 1 the following letter on these dwarf plants : — "The miniature Chrysanthemums which I showed last year in Paris at the Exhibition of the French National Horticultural Society were growing in pots from 2 to 3 inches in size at most, and bore each a single flower from 5 to 6 inches across. They were raised in the following way : — About August 15, cuttings with a crown-bud "taken " a few days pre- viously from plints in pots or in the open air were placed in pots of 3 cent, (about I in.) across. The pots were filled with compost mixed with ' Papillon ' manure during the winter, to which a largj proportion (about a third) of sand was added. These p >ts were sunk in an old hot-bed, and kept shided for three weeks under a clou led gla=s. At the end of the time the little plants showed roots ; they were then repotted into 2 to 3-inch pots, an! the plants kept iu a cool- house, where they flowered naturally. These litt'e plants in small ornamental pots, and mixed with Ferus, make a charming an i lasting decoration, requiring no other care than occasional watering." Publications Received.— Country Life (20, Tavistock Street), a weekly journal, profusely illus- trated, and interesting to all fond of rural work, pports, or recreation. — The Navy and Army (Hudson G. Kearns, London. S.E, and George Newnes, 10, Southampton Street), a fortnightly publication, edited March 20, 1897-1 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 191 by Commander Cbas. N. Robinson, U.N. The letter- press deals with such subjects as the title of the newspaper suggests, and the illustrations are good ami numerous. — Nature Notes (London : John Ball & Sons), edited by James Britten, F.L.S., continues its valuable work in connection with the Selborue Society. — The European Mail (Imperial Buildings, Ludgate Circus, E.C.). A useful paper to pend to absent friends. — BulUtino delta R. Socicta Toscana di Orticuttura, Febraio. — Pharmaceutical Journal, March 6. — Favourite Flowers of Garden and Green- house, vol. iii., No. 29. — The Summary of a Meteoro- logical Journal kept by C. L. Prince, at his Observa- tory, Crowborough Hill, Sussex. — Schedules of Prizes, National Rose Society, for Exhibitions at Portsmouth, June 23 ; at the Crystal Palace, Sydenham, July 2 , and at Carrow Priory, Norwich, July 15. — The Botanical Gazette (Chicago), February. — Garden and Forest (New York), February 24 and March 3. — The Florists' Exchange (New York), February 27. — ■ The National Nurseryman (Rochester, N. Y.), March. — The American Florist (Chicago and New York), February 27. — Medians Monthly, March. — The Cana- dian Horticulturist, published by the Ontario Fruit Growers' Association, February. — Catalogue of Dupli- cate Specimens in the Biltmore Herbarium (N. Caro- lina, U.S.A.). — T/te Botanical Magazine (Tokyo), January 20.— MUllers Deutsche Gartner - Zcitung, March 10. — Botanischc Jahrbiicher fiir Systematic, PJlanzcngeschichte und Pjlanzcngcographie, von A. Engler (Leipzig), February 23. — Illustrirte Flora (Wien), March 1. — Botanisches Centralblatt, Band lxix.. No. 10. — ■ Gartenjlora (Berlin), March 1. — Wiener I/lustrlrle Garten- Zcitung, February. — Le Jardin, March 5. — Annates Agronomiques, February 25. — L'Amylotrogus, un nouveau genre de Myxomv- cetes, par E. Roze (Extrait du Journal de Botanique, December 16, 1896). — Nouvclks Observations sur les Bactcriacees de la Pomme de Terre, par M. E. Roze, and La Maladie de la Gate de la Pomme de Terre, par M. E. Roze (Extraits du Bulletin de la Socie*te~ Mycologique de France). — Revue Diplomatique el Coloniale, lrc Annee, No. 1, March 1 (Paris). — Asso- elation Francalse pour I'Avancement des Sciences (Paris), M. E. Roze, sur deux plantes tunisiennes du XVI. Sic*cle. — Le Chrysanthime, Journal de la Socie'te' Francaise des Chrysanthemistes , '(Lyon), March 5. — The Dahlia, by various writers (Macmillan & Co.) — W. Wesley, Catalogue of Botanical Books, 28, Essex Street, Strand ; 3000 numbers, comprehensive, accu- rate, and well arranged. — Monlteur Horticole Beige. — Nord Horticole, — Ferns and Fern Culture (J. Birken- head, Sale). the perianth segments are cut to the base ; in structure it comes near to Scilla bifolia. Geo. Nichol' son, Royal Gardens, Kcw. CHIONOSCILLA ALLENI. The first mention of this name I can find is in a letter from Mr. James Allen, Park House, Shepton Mallet, to Mr. J. G. Baker. The latter gentleman has kindly allowed me to copy the following extracts : — " I think I mentioned to you a year or two since that I have found a good many natural hybrids of Scilla bifolia and Chionodoxa Luciliae come up in my garden. Both of these species seed very freely with me, and are getting quite a nuisance, as they crowd everything out. These hybrids I have named Chiono- scilla, and when they get into strong plants, I think the best of them will be great favourites. ... I send you flowers of some of these, and I think you will at once see that they are intermediate in their character. These Beedlings bear seed freely, and the seedlings of the second generation are apt to revert to one or other of the original parents." The letter from which I have quoted, is dated March 2, 1893 ; a previous one, dated April 3, 1889, gives particulars of these accidental crosses. There are dried specimens in the Kew Herbarium from Mr. Allen, and also from Rev. Wolley Dod. The specimen hero figured flowered in the Koi-kery at Kew, amougst a lot of Chionodoxas received from Mr. Whittall, Smyrna ; and in all pro- bability we received the bulb from him. A glance at the illustration (fig. 57) will show what a hand- some garden plant it is. The colour and general aspect are that of a good Chionodoxa Lucilise, but Scotland. species is wortliy of cultivation. Tho lorato foliage is stiff and notched at the apex ; the flower raceme3 are erect, and carry a number of pale yellow flowers, the great attraction being the purple-coloured crest of tho lip which gives them a distinct character. The species is plentifully distributed in India and Ceylon, and it is usually grown in this country under the name of Aerides Wightianum. The plant is figured in the Botanical Magaziw, t. 5138. Saccolabium bcllinum. — Plants of this free flower- ing species are to be seeD in the Orchid-house. It is a small plant of compact habit, with small leaves, 6 inches or more in length, and cirrying short peduncles furnished with a few of the pretty blooms, the petals and sepals of which are of a pale yellow colour with deep brown blotches, which almost cover the ground colour. The labellum is white with a hairy look, and has a blotch of yellow iu the centre. This is an early flowerer, introduced through Messrs. Low k Co., from Burmah, in 1384. /,'. L. II. Home Correspondence. NOTES FROM EDINBURGH ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDEN. Vanda parviflora. — Although it can hardly be called a showy Orchid, yet, on accouDt ot its remark- able colouring, and the time at which it flowers, this ENDIVE. — That Endive is an old inhabitant of our gardens there can be no doubt. A native of the Eas-t Iodies, it has found its way into many countries, and in France it is largely grown and eaten, boiled, and in various ways as salading. Iu this country, as Mr. Henri de Vilmorin has pointed out, we make no such good use of Endive as a boiled vegetable, aa the French do. The precise time when it was intro- duced to this country is not exactly known. Suffice it to say, that it formed one of the items of a bill-of- fare in the reign of Queen Elizabeth ; and Gerarde's instructions as to its management does not mate- rially differ from the practice of modern cultivators of the plant. Its ancient popularity was doubt- less enhanced by its being esteemed one of the best antidotes to scurvy. This at the time the plant was introduced to this country was, no doubt, a more formidable disease than now, and from coming into use in winter, when salt meat formed a much greater proportion of tho general food than it does at present, Endive, no doubt, as well aB other plants of its class, speedily became a favourite ; at all events, we may reasonably infer that its property of checking a disease so much dreaded at the time led to the plant being welcomed to the gardens of all who had the means of cultivating it. Two distinct types are cultivated in gardens in this country, dis- tinct enough in appearance to be regarded as species, but yet doubtless derived from a common origin— one is the curled form, the ether the broad, flat leaved, known as the Batavian ; and there are various forms of both, but more of the curled than the broad- leaved is probably the normal form. The curled varieties are selections from it, and in taking on their curled and handsome cut-leaved cha- racter, they have, it is likely, lost some of their original hardihood of character. Thus it is that the curled varieties form the autumn and early winter, and the varieties of the Batavian type for general autumn and early winter work. A fact supporting the view of a common origin is, that the seeds are alike in all respects. Except in market gardens and those of the wealthy, Endive is rarely found ; it has never held the popular taste as the Lettuce has. Endive can be found but in very few allotments and cottage gardens, though a good deal of attention is given to summer salading ; yet a dish of well-blanched Endive, set round with slices of highly-coloured Beet, ia an ornament to the table, to say the least of it. Some of the French selections of the green curled are extremely handsome ; the leaves, in some cases deli- cately and exquisitely cut, and lines of some of these alternating with those of the green and white Bata- vian types, would prove attractive, and furnish borders usually empty in wintor. It. D. [For how loug? Ed.] THE CARDOON AS A DECORATIVE PLANT.— Several kinds of vegeta'olo are utilised for decora- tion, whether in beds during the summer, iu vases or baskets ; such are red folUged Beetroots, curled Kales, &0. The flavour of the Cardoon does not please everybody, and in this case it would be preferable to grow the plant as a garden orna- ment. I have seen this done, and the effect was excellent, indeed as good as that obtained from Ferdioanda eminens, Aralia papyrifera. Wigandia caracassana, or other foliage plants employed in the 192 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Mabch 20, 1897. garden. Cardoons planted singly on the grass or in groups, especially tho variety with prickly foliage (al60 the best for culinary purposes) have a picturesque effect. Seeds of the de Tours variety should be sowu in a hotbed-frame in February or March, and the seeds should be new in order that the seed- lings may be vigorous, and not inclined to throw flowers. The seeds may be sown on the soil in the frame or three in a thumb-pot ; the latter method being preferred, Cardoons not liking to bo " pricked out" owing to their possessing a tap-root. When the three young plants arc well developed tho strongest should be chosen, and the others destroyed. Until tho middle of May they should be carefully repotted, and special attention paid to affording water in order to prevent any check to growth. A large hole is made and filled with well-manured soil, and as soon as the weather permits it the plants are transplanted to the spot. A mulch of farmyard-manure should be placed around each plant, and copious waterings afforded to aid development, remembering that the more luxuriant the growth the less likelihood that they will flower and thus spoil their decorative asprct. "Well protected against frost with straw coverings, or removed bodily to a cellar, such plants are quite tender and fit for cooking. Louis Gentil, Kcw. FARFUGIUM GRANDE.— In a cottage window iu Ryde I noticed a grand specimen of the old neglected Farfugium grande, a good old plant for decora- tive purposes. In the same window a plant of Primula obconica seemed to be quite at home, the same was caged up with sticks and string ; this attracted my attention, and I was bold enough to make inquiries. This was the information gained of the lady who evidently looked after the window decoration, "Law bless me, air, it is a beautiful plant, but don't you know, sir, it is an awful poisonous plaut ; my sons say it gives you a rash if you are not careful, so I protect my children from it in the way you see." Rusticus. A SIMPLE FUNERAL-WREATH.— I wanted a wreath to place on a lamented friend's grave, and I desired it made of his favourite flowers, combined with some leaves |which, it seemed to me, would, together, convey to those who knew him and me, and were aware of our long-time friendship, something like the thoughts I wished to express. I wrote to my friend, Mr. W. Spinks (Messrs. Hewitt & Co.'s Nur- sery, Solihull), stating what I desired. This is what I received : a wreath of very moderate size, composed of bunches of home-grown Lilies of the Valley, and deliciously-perfumed purple Violets in alternation ; the leaves of the Lilies and (here and there) small sprays of Bay leaves being the only greenery used. The bunches of flowers were tied very loosely, so as to avoid any appearance of formality ; and the result Was so charmingly effective, that I venture to pen these lines in the hope that they may not be without their use. The flowers chosen were, as indicated above, my departed friend's espe- cial favourites ; and the combination was intended to convey in the language of flowers suggestions of (symbolically) the sweetness of disposition and vernal character of the departed one, and my own affectionate regard for him ; while, by the bay leaves. I sought to typify my friend's chief characteristic— the conscien- tious doing of everything he undertook throughout the thirty years I lived in daily intercourse with him, and. the victory he won in the battle of life. Edward W. Badger, Birmingham. PLANTING POTATOS. — In many gardens it is a common practice to plant Potatos at a given date regardless of the situation or nature of the soil. In low lying places, or on stiff soil, it is prudent to plant late, late frosts being moro injurious in such than on highor ground. With properly prepared sets the shoots soon show through the soil, and if very early planted on stiff land, the latter becomes hard before the shoots find their way through it, the consequence being spiudly growth. Better by far allow the sets to remain implanted till the middle or end of the month of April, wheu the elements will have reduced the crust to a good tilth. Tho depth at which the sets should be placed depends on the variety, and the space required by the tops. When Potatos are grown as a field-crop, 27 iuches is the usual distance for all varieties between the rows, though some would give better crops if more space was allowed. With close rows, there is less soil available for earthing-up, and many tubers get exposed, whereas, when the rows are wider apart, there is more soil. In gardens the rows should be wider than 27 inches, and the sets in the rows more apart. The smaller dis- tance suits Ashleaf, Walnut-leaf, and other small- haulmed varieties ; but mid and late- season varieties should have much more. On stiff land, shallow planting is best. Blanks are frequently seen in Potato-fields owing to the sets failing to grow, and sometimes the haulm is very weak. This misfortune is due largely to lack of care in selecting the sets, or from planting sets that are quite dormant; but if planting be done in the middle of April, unsuit- able sets would be detected, and cast on one side. Fotato sets that are allowed to sprout to a great length in the clamps, and the longer sprouts are removed at planting time cannot make a second strong growth, hence a comparative failure of the crop in some instances. The gardener with his small area to plant, should be enabled to have well- prepared sets of all the varieties he grows, and failure, except from the ravages of disease, should be unknown to him. Some gardeners inter-crop, but it is not a practice to be encouraged, it being better to have one good crop than two poor ones, but want of space compels many a mau to adopt it. Those Potatos which readily admit of inter-cropping are the short- topped ones. When Broccoli, Kales, Savoys, &c, are planted between rows of Potatos, the space between the rows ought not to be lees than 3 feet. Tubers of mid and late season varieties intended solely for planting purposes in the garden should be grown, if possible, in a field, thisaflording the necessary change of soil ; moreover, they can remain in the soil till perfectly mature, which could scarcely be carried out if the Potatu-land were interlined with other plants that might need moulding up before tho crop was ripe for lifting. II. '_'. Prinscp. DIFFERENCES IN PRUNING ROSES.- 1 have lately been enabled to inspect Roses in places situated 200 to 300 miles apart. Two points greatly attracted my notice. The first was the present promising state of the plants everywhere, and the second their semi- uniform ttate of growth. Taking the last first, it is surprising how slightly distance modifies times and seasons of growth between widely-separated localities. The whole of tho wide area of Scotland and England, as represented by actual growths, made up to tho middle of March, 1897, may be found between one inch and two of growth made. And the most puzzling part of the problem lies in the fact, that the longest growths are by no means always found furthest south. Doubt- less local circumstances of shelter, soil, &c, largely determines the inception and progress of growth. But then the environments of Roses are conspicuously local, almost erratic, rather than geographical, or affairs of altitude, latitude, and longitude. Hence the latest Roses I have seen this March have been those growing in or near London. But every now and again we are surprised by sudden development of growth, and equally abnormal conditions of dor- mancy within short distance of their opposites. Doubt- less many of these departures as to times and con- ditions ot growth are the results of soil, site, cultuie, and specially seasons of planting and pruning, and ratio of vitality. The whole subject is of especial interest to the rosarian, as well as of great importance to the gardener, inasmuch as the later the spring growths of Roses, in reason, the safer the buds, and the more perfect the blossoms. We owe the promising state of our Roses this March to the mildness of the winter. So far, hardly a Rose anywhere has been crippled by the severity of the winter. Even searching March winds, unless at the time of the late severe storm, which was destructive through its sheer force rather than its cold, have always been wholly absent ; and unless March, which hardly came in like a lamb, goes out like a very fierce lion indeed, it is not likely to deal very harshly with our Roses. In that hope, pruning and pegging- down are operations which are proceeding in all directions. Earlier pruning than there used to be is also another prominent sign of the times. In the choice between a loss of force and sap through the conversion of both into food for late frosts, and the sacrifice of force through bleeding resultiug from late pruning, more rosarians now prefer the former to tho latter risk. The wholesale peggiug- down of perpetuals and Teas is also becoming more popular, and deservedly so, day by day. /'. T. F. HYBRID FUCHSIA. — I send some flowering shoots of a Fuchsia raised from seed obtained by crossing an ordinary greenhouse variety with F. splendens, the latter being the seed parent. The plaut has been continuously in flower since August last, although only growing in a 6-inch pot, and now carries 147 blooms in various stages of development. During the shortest days of winter it was very beautiful. South Devon. [A very fine flowering and elegant form ; quite an acquisition. The flowers are pen- dulous, their colour is rosy-red, the tips of the sepals greenish. Ed.] FIUTIT NOTES FEOM BARHAM COURT. An hour spent iu the fruit-room at Barham Court in company with Mr. Woodward affords an amount of interest seldom enjoyed elsewhere. The number of little-known varieties of Apples and Pears that are remarked is noteworthy. On the occasion of a visit, several good varieties of Pears and Apples were noted which had kept in first-rate condition. One of these was Pear Passe Crassane, a variety which was never very good at Mereworth Castle. In some places this Pear is only fit to eat after an unusually warm season, but at Barham it is seldom that it is not good. Tho fruit noticed were large, some of thorn weighing 1 2 to 14 oz., and flesh melting and flavour excellent. Dr. Hogg, in his Fruit Manwd, remarks that at Tedding- ton the variety was useless, as is also the case in many other places. Olivier de Serres is another first/rate late Pear, which is in season after that nice fruit Josephine de Maliues is past its best. The variety keeps sound when carefully stored in a suitable fruit-room— say, one having an average temperature of 40°, and in which the air is slightly moist ; a common fault of fruit-rooms, especially those built above the ground, is that they are too dry. In a dry room the fruit, instead of keeping plump and fresh-looking, fhrivels. Those persons who like a somewhat crisp, piquant- flavoured Pear, should grow this variety, affording the tree a good positiou, and keeping tho roots near the surface of tho ground, so that the fruits may mature well. Nouvelle Fulvie is a Pear which has very juicy pulp, fine in texture, and sweet. The fruit keeps Bound till February, and in some years rather later. Like most good Pears, the tree should be planted in a warm position, and i the land is heavy and cold, and the latitude northerly, it should be given a good place on an east or west wall. Josephine de Malincs is one of our best Pears, and the fruits are of good dessert size. When properly ripeucd iu a warm room, the flesh, which is of a salmon colour, becomes very melting. It is at its best in January, although it will keep till the end of February. //. Markham. Berlin. A general horticultural exhibition will be held here from April '1% to May 9, to celebrate the 75th anniver- sary of the Horticultural Society of Prussia. This exhibition will be still larger than the noted one held in 1890. Over 11,000 square metres are already occupied, that is 4000 metres more than in 1890. The large chemistry -hall in the park of Treptow, in which the Industrial Exhibition took place last year, will be transformed into a large Rose-garden, where more than 900 metres of Roses will be seen. Artificial rocks will be decorated with Rhododendrons, kc. ; and a waterfall will be illuminated by electric light in various colours. The building in which last year the Fisheries Exhibition was held will contain instead of the aquariums seven dioramas, and also rocks and grottos ; in short, all will be enlarged. But strange to say, up till now there are not many Orchids entered, although the 1st prize for 100 plants is 1000 marks (£50), offered by the city of Berlin. English Orchid-growers would probably bo successful if they would send their plants ; cut- flowers would also be welcome. As to Cyclamens and other plantB there will be great competition, and it would be highly interesting to German gardeners to compare the English strains with their own. Address for the Programme and Schedule to the Secretary- General, Berlin, N., Invalidenstrasse 42. March 20, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 193 Cultural Memoranda. ADIANTUM CUNEATUM. It is time to make preparations for the repotting of Adiantuuis, and at the same time the stock may be increased by the division of any plants that have become larger in size than is convenient^ Prepare, in the first instance, a sufficient quantity of compost, takiug care that it is sweet, porous, and moderately dry. la preference to the use of a great quantity of peat, I recommend a freer use of light fibrous loam, some sweet half-decayed leaves, also peat broken roughly, and sufficient charcoal and sand to prevent stagnation and sourness. A water-logged or sour soil is inimical to most Ferns. The soil should be made moderately warm before potting, and all the necessary pots made scrupulously clean, and carefully drained by potsherds. Shake a good portion of the old soil from the roots and repot firmly, just slightly covering the young crowns. For some time afterwards the greatest care will be necessary in watering the plants, it being most easy to give more than is required. When the- roots have penetrated the new soil, the supply of water may be gradually increased with advantage. Neglect in regard to the immediate application of water when necessary is sure to be attended by failure. Subsequently a little soot or liquid-manure may be added to the water occasionally, but soot-water should be clear. The common species , as A. cuneatum, will btart freely in a temperature of 55° by night, and such a degree of heat is most con- ducive to a sturdy useful growth. Slugs and various insects are very injurious to the young and tender fronds, and must be sought for and destroyed. Young plants may be raised easily from spores, and in private gardens there are usually plenty of seed- lings from self-sown spores. If these be taken up carefully and potted, and placed in a warm corner near the glass, they will quickly grow into nice serviceable plants. II. Marhkam. Euphorbia (Poinsettta) fulcheriuma. As this plaut seems to be creatiug some interest lately, I venture to mention a simple method of culture which answers well in the southern counties. The method aho has the advantage of saving labour, as the plants practically require little or no attention for several months of the year. (See fig. 58.) After flowering, the plants are kept dry until about May, and then cut back. When they have started into growth, say about June, they arc planted out in the beds in the pits, which previously had done duty for forcing Potatos, &c. After the Euphorbias have taken root in the bed, they are frequently exposed to the elements. I find that by the middle of August they hive made fine strong cuttings, which, when rooted and grown on, frequently give bracts quite 18 inches across. Euphorbia jacquinleflora. This is a lovely winter-blooming plant to grow in pots to furnish sprays for decorative purposes. The cuttings may be taken at the end of June or the beginning of July. Pretty good plants can be had by striking as late as the beginning of August. The cuttings may be placed in a hotbed, and after rooting, potted off, with a subsequent shift into 4 or 5-inch pots, and grown on in an intermediate temperature with plenty of light, especially towards the flowering period. With the above treatment we have measured sprays of flowers 19 inches in length, and I have no doubt larger sprays could be had with better tieat- ment than ours usually have. After the flowers have expanded they will stand for a couple of months in a conservatory with an average temperature of 45° to Tj0°. The sprays have a very pleasing effect amongst other plants. Of course, anyone requiring a larger quantity of smaller sprays for cutting would be inclined to start earlier in the season, and planh, out, besides pinching tho shoots occasionally. [In order to secure fiue effects with plants in pots, some gardeners strike oight to ten cuttings in a 4S-size, and repot without separating them. Ed.] James Baxter^ Boldre Grange Gardens, Lymingtmi, Gesnera zebrina. This lovely old Gesnera is one of the most useful plants I know of for winter-stove decoration, but it has the good property of blooming at almost any desired season. The present month is a very suit- able time to shake the tubers out of the spent soil, and start them for coming into ilowcr in the winter. Place the tubers rather thickly on the surface of well-drained pots or pans, filled to within 3 iuches of the rim with any light kind of peaty soil and sand, from which it will be easy to separate the roots with- out injury later on, and cover them to the depth of about 2 iuches. Afford a gentle watering, and place the pans in a temperature of 6o° or 70°. No more water must be afforded than will preserve the soil in a moist state ; and as soon as the plants are 1 to 2 inches high, they should be separated and potted, the number of plants going in a pot being a matter of choice and convenience. If fine specimens are wanted, one tuber in a pot only should be set. The plants should be stopped when about 4 inches high, or let alone in this respect. Gardeners usually put five plants in a flower-pot of 8 inches diameter, which suffice to make an effective mass. After potting, keep the atmosphere close and moist, but afford very littlo water until the roots start into growth. When potted off from tlie pans, they should be placed at least 1 inch deeper than before ; for the reason, that they throw out the greater part of their true roots near the surface, and 1400 of them in this one volume, and it is intended that every plant mentioned shall be thus illustrated. Of course, the woodcuts are small, but they are clear, and, what is of great importance, the proportionate size is given, so that although the illustrations are in almost all cases considerably reduced, yet the actual size of the plant can be easily ascertained. As in "Bentham,"' tabular keys are given which are useful, but often not free from pitfalls for the unwary. The system of nomenclature adopted is what may be termed the Neo-American, in which an exaggerated respect for certain so called "laws," but which are merely arbitrary devices to secure the greatest facilities to the student in his speaking or writing of particular plants, occasionally leads to great confusion, and breaks the very important rule that forbids us to attribute to auy author anything that he has not said. As the synonymy is duly attended to, and a full index given, the inconvenience from these changes in nomenclature is lessened, but still in such matters we prefer equity to law. The book is a very valuable addition to the garden library it is by means of these roots that nourishment is chiefly obtained. The plants should be kept close to the glass during the summer months, but it will be necessary to shade them during bright sunshine, and the atmosphere should be maintained in a thoroughly moist state ; but this must not be effected by exclud- ing air or using heavy shading, otherwise the plants will assume a sickly and drawn -appearance, and the foliage lose its colour and mottled beauty ; more- over, they must not be syringed, as to do so spoils the beauty and freshness of the leaves. The chief enemy to this Gesnera is the mealy-bug. If there is one about the place, it is sure to get on this plant. Edward Bennett, Queen's Road, Ef/hain. Le Chrysantheme A la Grande Fleur. By Anatole Cordonnier. (Published by the Author, Bailleul, Nord, France.) We noticed this work about a year ago, when it was first published, and are not surprised to find that a second edition has been called for. In stylo and get-up generally the new itsue, considering the low price at which it is published (2fr. 50c), leaves little or nothing to be desired ; and, in addition to the cultural matter contained in the work as originally noticed, we find that the author has increased the size to about 200 pages, and added further explana- tory illustrations. So comprehensive is the scope, that M. Cordon- nier's book must be pronounced at once one of the most entertaining and useful manuals that have appoarcd on the tubject of Chrysanthemum cultiva- tion. It is divided into four parts, the first of which deals with cultivation in its various phases, from the cutting to the blooming plant ; the second is devoted to a useful list of selected varieties for various pur- poses, with descriptions and a note as to the best bud to be taken ; the third part deals with a variety of subjects interesting to his readers ; and the concluding portion is in the form of a monthly cultural calendar. M. Cordonnier is an able exponent of the art winch he teaches, and a prominent exhibitor at most of the leading continental shows ; he is also secretary of the Northern French Chrysanthemum Society, and therefore writes with authority. English readers who understand French will find Le Ghrysanthkme A la Grande Fleur worthy of perusal, and should not fail to place it on their shelves for future reference, although, of course, it must be understood that it is intended primarily for conti- nental growers. An important feature of the book is the indication of the proper bud to be taken in tho case of many of the varieties described in the selected lists. Notices of Books. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States, Canada, and the British Possessions. ... by N. L. Britton, Ph.i), and Hon. Addison Brown. . . . Three Vola. Vol. I. (New York: Charles Scribner*s Sous. Imp. 8vo, pp. 612.) This is the first instalment of a work that will be valuable to botanists, and to growers of hardy herbaceous plants and shrub*, so many of which came originally from the area comprehended in this volume. It is a book on tho plan of Beu- tham's (illustrated) Handbook to tht British Flora, The arrangement of tho orders is in conformity with that of Engler. Liudley'a proposal to end all ordinal names in aaca is followed, for which we may be thankful. The descriptions arc accurate, concise, and clear, tho illustrations helpful ; there are moro than ORCHID NOTES FROM KEW. EuLOPBTKLLi Elizabeths. — An example of this i Irchid, which has thriven unusually since its intro- duction from Madagascar in 1893, is now in flower nt Kew. Last year the plant matured two new pseudo- bulbs, which are Onion-like, purplish, about 1 inch in diameter, and bear four leaves each, the terminal one of which is 3 feet 9 inches long and 2 iuches wide. The flower-spikes grow out at right angles, two from the base of each new pseudo-bulb, and from opposito points. The spikes aro 1 foot long, aud boar in the aggregate sixty-four flowers and buds, the BfcrODgeat spike showing twenty-three. A second plant lias developed three spikes, one of which bears about thirty flowers au.l buds. The plants arc grown in pure sphagnum in 8 inch teak-baskets suspended from tho roof ovor a water-tank in a hot, moist hoiuo. Whilst growing they are kept saturated at the root. In the same house is a plant of the newly imported, and most remarkable looking E. Peetersiaoa, which seems 194 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Makoh 20, 1897. to be in a state of suspended animation. Has anyone succeeded in getting a plant of this Orchid to start ? Aeridea Vandarmn is no* in flower in the cool Orchid-house, where it has grown vigorously since its removal, some five years ago, from the tropical-house to a shaded position along with Odontoglossums. It now covers a large slab of tree-fern slem covered with sphagnum-moss, in which its thick, wrinkled, grey roots evidently like to ramble. The subulate leaves are fully S inches long, and of a healthy dark-green hue. Theie are eight flowers open upon the plant, all excepting two being solitary, on short slender stalks ; they are pure white, 2 inches in width, and the segments are waved and toothed in the most extraordinary manner. This species first flowered in this country in 1857, when it was figured in the Botanical Magazine as A. cyliudricum (t. 4982). It is a native of the Sikkim Himalaya and Khasia at 5000 feet elevation, " hence it is a sub-tropical plant, a circumstance of which cultivators should take Lote." (Veitch.) Phalanopsis Boxalli. - A plant of this rare little species, receivedfrom the Calcutta Botanic Gardens two years ago as P. Parishii, is now in flower. On the plant flowering, Mr. Rolfe at once recognised it as P. Bosalli. When described by Reichenbach in the Gardeners' Chronicle, 1S83, xix., 274, from specimens introduced by Messrs. H. Low & Co., it was said to be a native of the Philippines ; but this is now known to be a mistake, this species having since been several times collected in Burma. It has ovate oblong green leaves, a short stoutiah peduncle, bearing when strong as many as twelve flowers ; the Kew plant, being small, has, however, only three flowers. The sepals are lanceolate, 1 inch long ; the petals shorter, bright yellow, barred and blotched with dull brown ; the lip is whitish, short, curiously bent back, with a pair of car-like lubes, and an irect purple bristle on the crest. Its nearest ally is P. cornu-cervi. A figure of it has been prepared for the Botanical Magazine. Cycnoches Loddigesil— Two p'ants of this handsome Orchid, both males, are now in flower in the Kew collection. They were received last year from Deme- rara, where this spicies is indigenous, and they have growa vigorously all the winter in a hot, moist house. The strongest of the new pseudo-bulbs, which average eight inches in length, carries a spike of flowers, each four inches across, in colour dull yellowish green, heavily mottled with brownish- purple ; the narrow, oblong, fleshy lip is white and yellow, with a few consj icuous red spots. The column is 3 inches long, slender, very gracefully curved, and of a purple colour, except at the apex, where it is thicker and mottled with green. The raceme springs from the axil of a leaf near the apex of the pseudo-bulb, and is horizontal rather than pendulous. The leaves are falcate, plicate, 9 inches long, 1 \ inch broad, and six or eight grow on each pseudo-bulb. During the growth of the flower buds there is a copious secretion of nectar at the base of the pedicels, and behind the brown linear bracts which subtend each pedicel. Arpophifltam medium is a Reichenbachian species discovered in Guatemala by Herr Weudland, to whom Kew is indebted for the example now flowering in the cool Orchid-house. It is similar to A. giganteum in habit, and has a dense erect spike of flowers 6 inches long, the colour being two shades of bright rose- purple. Lcelia i/lauca, better known perhaps as Brassavola, is now common in collections, but we do not often see so good a variety of it as is now in flower at Kew. It has four flowers, each 4 inches across, with broad regular segments, and a large well-formed lip, coloured creamy-white with a conspicuous blotch of purple on the disc. There is also a plant in flower of the common form. Bulbophijllam barbir/erum is now in flower, the plant has increased fourfold Bince Sir Trevor Law- rence shared with Kew his only example five years ago. It now has pseudo-bulbs 1 inch in diameter, leaves 2 inches long, with two flower-spikes each 6 inches long, and bearing a dozen of its singular hairy versatile flowers. IP. W. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Scientific Committee. March 9.— Present : Dr. M. T. Masters (in the chair) ; Mr. McLachlan, Mr. Michael, Rev. W. Wilks, Prof. M. Ward, Dr. Miiller, Mr. J. T. Bennet-Poe, Mr. Douglas, and Rev. G. Henslow (Hon. Sec). Beetles toitk Qrapes. — Mr. McLachlan had received some Bmall beetles found about the roots of Vines, about a quarter of an inch long, with a blunt thorax and rather sluggish in manner. They proved to be Trox sabulosus, and were introduced in the crushed bones used for mixture. Not being vegetable feelers they do no harm to the Vines. The best trap would be a dried rabbit skin with the inner aide downwards. Larvae of Daddy Longletjs.—lle also received a sample of propagating soil in which Iceland Poppies were grown, abounding with the caterpillars of this fly. Disulphide of carbon, cyanide of potassium (£ to 1 per cent, solution in water), or to remove the soil and burn it, were methods recommended in such cases. Apple Kuut talk jSdumtULoas Bads. — Dr. H. Miiller exhibited a specimen, thickly coverel in places with in- numerable buds, usually known as "Burr Knot." The original cause is obscure, but Dr. Masters observed that such roots are ofcen cut up and used for propagating. Hi/achitks, etc., xoith Root Failure.— A collection of bulbous plants were received from Mr. W. C. Atkinson of Aigburth, Liverpool, in which the roots had been very imperfectly de- veloped, but then arrested and decayed. Mr. Douglas undertook to investigate the case, Dr. Masters observing that the bulbs might not have been properly ripened before lifting. Drift Wood from Arctic Seas.— Dr. M. T. Masters exhibited specimens of fcwood obtained by Mr. Fisher. They had apparently travelled from Siberia to Franz Joseph Land, and consisted probably of the Siberian Pinus Cembra (dwarf form), Willow, Elm, '7° on the 26th ; lowest 2:V2° on the 12th ; frost occurred un three days. Radiation thermometers: highest in sun 1010° on the 23rd ; lowest on grass 17'0° on the 12th ; frost occurred on grass on eight days. Sunshine : total for month 42'8 hours ; sunniest day the 27th, with 56 hours, being 51'4 per cent, of the possible amount ; sunless days 10. Rainfall : total for month 1T90 inch, being 0 781 inch below tho average ; greatest fall in twenty-four hours 0 5 15 inch on 25th ; raiuy days, fourteen. TRURO DAFFODIL. March 16, 17.— The exhibition of Daffodils and other spring riowers held at Truro on the above dates must have filled Cornishman with enthusiasm for these early- flowering plants. It was certainly one of the best collections of Daffo- dils that has been staged by any society in England for some time, and great credit is due to the officers for the zeal they have manifested. The principal winner in Barr's competition was Miss Currev, of Lismore, Ireland, who had a collection of fifty varieties consisting of some remarkably showy and dis- tinct flowers. Lady M. Boscawen was a good 2nd. In all, there were about fifty to sixty entries for Daffodils only. Rev. G. H. Enoi.eheart, of Appleshaw Vicarage, Andover, acted as judge, and ho had difficult work, as the specimens were exceptionally uniform in quality. In the classes for spring bulbs and hardy herbaceous plants there was also good competition. Rhododendrons weio a special fe.ture, and an attractive exhibit came from D. H. Shilson, Esq., Truro, who was 1st ; T. Hitch-ens Esq., was 2nd. They were all grown out doors, und showed how much earlier these plants bloom in Cornwall MANCHESTER ROYAL BOTANIC. March 16, 17. — Under rather favourable auspices as regarded weather, tbeshuw in the Town Hall, Manchester, presented a trilliant aspect. The Uippeastrums from Messrs. Ker, Livorpool, were gorgeous, and the Orchids, both for quantity, and in the quality of the plants, greatly excelled any previous spring show. The earlier breeds of Cattleyas were splendidly in evidence, and with Masdcvallias, Odonto- glossums, and Cypripediums, formed an interesting display. Many novelties were presented, but the judges, takihj a leaf out of the Instructions of the Council of the Royal Horticul- tural Society, were inexorable in keeping down the number of the awards, so that those made at this show, whicli counts for something, particularly in regard to the cultivation of Orchids, may be loo'-ed upon as well bestowed. The chief honours, wita Gold Modal, fell to Elijah Ash- worth, Esq., Harefield House, Wilnislow, and we do not know, if we take the twenty-five faet of frontage table which two gardeners— the brothers Hulbruuit— put up, if ever Mr. Ashwurth exhibited from his rich store a batter lot. His Cattlcyas formed a particularly rich group. His Cattleya Trianau Normanni was a marvel of brilliancy, quite equal- ling Mr. Hall's C. labiata, of similar colour, that took a First- class Certificate at the Royal Ho ticultural Society's meeting at the Dlill Hall latt autumn. Another with amethyst- coloured segments and of close full fo mation, with a lip forming a great circle with the lower lobe of intense crimson, backed up with prominent or„nge to fill up under the column was noted. Thero were one nr two others which received an Award of Merit, but really, there wore so many select varieties here, that it must have been difficult to pass them by. The varieties of C. Triana-i alba were fine flowers. Among Dendrobes, a plant of the still unequalled D. splendidissimum grandiflorum with numerous spikes of very high coloured flowers, was remarked D. s. Leeanum was also noteworthy. ana D. nubile nobilius (but nit the giant Mr. Ashworth used to show) was prominent What a pretty, chaste looking Deudrobium nubile Sanders' is! of exquisite form, the whiteness very pronounced, and pos- sessing a deep roseate coloured eye. D. Wardianum and D. crassinode were fine flowers ; and there was a fairly guod D. x Scl.neidcrianum. The pretty Oduntoglossom nievinm majus was in fine flower -it is a plant too seldom seen nowadays ; and there were several goud O. crispuiu and O. Andersonianum. Cypripediums were represented in numbers, C. Rothschildianum being very fine ; an I one t' at still holds its own as a distinct and much valued species, viz., C. X Olenus with its fine ruby • coloured lines on the dorsal sepal, and it. pouch resembling that of C bellatulum, is one of the noteworthy gems obtained by the cross- breeder. The whole of the plants were nicely put up among a variety of greenery. A. Warbdrton, Esq., Vine Houss, naslinjden (Mr. Jno Lofthouse, (jr.), made his first effort as an Orchid exhibitor, at Manchester, and his collection was in select as it was valuable. The three Odontuglossum crispum which have been so much in evideuco here and at Ghent were here again, vis. Ami Charles, a full square (lower, of exquisite spot- ting of a ruby tint, and with segments almost overlapping, received a First-class Certificate. This variety is sure to improve as the plant grows stronger. O. Kegcljani, which received an Award of Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society, was passed over ; and Victoria Regina, a very hand- somely spotted variety, and a fine plant, received an Award of Merit, as did also O. Warburtonianum. Mr. Warburton showed what is probably the finest Cattleya Warscewiczi delicata that has ever been exhibited- -the flowers of exqui- site form, white segments, and a large, well-expanded lip, furnished with a circular spot uf orange, resting on a flesh- coloured lower extremity. This should have received an award. There was also a bright-coloured Dendrobium nubile nobilius, and several other good things. Thomas Statter, Esq., Stand Hall (Mr. R. Johnsou, gr.), obtained a First-class Certificate for Cypripcdium X rubens (bellatulum X callosum). The colours here are very vivid, and so is the spotting. The same gentleman also obtained an Award of Merit for C. X Rolfii = C. bellatulum >. C. lioth- schildianum. The petaliferous segments here arc twisted nut unlike the mould-board of a plough, and although the colouring is not so rich, the formation is singularly attrac- tive. Thero wore Dendrobes in some variety, and a finely- grown pieco of Ccelogync cristata alba. W Thompson, Esq., Walton Grange (Mr. Stevens, gr.). bad some particularly line < Idontoglossuma. The Bowers ul Odon- tuglossum excellens were as large and as full as the finest O. Pescatorei, the yollowish shading on the limbs being very captivating, the (lower justifying tho award of Certificate. All the rarest and best of the nev. First-class Odontoglots March 20, 1897.] THE GAB BE NEBS' CHRONICLE. 195 were represented ia this bxhibit, including 0. Wilckeaaum, au O. Fescatorei of odd formation, its panduriform tip all but disappearing ; O. triumptaans, and O. luteo-purpureum, the latter with two spikes, each with twenty flowers, being singled-uut as meriting a Cultural Commendation. 3. Hixchlipfe, Esq , Hale, had a fine group of well culti- vated plants— nothing very rare amongst them, but casting a dasli of colour all ovor. An example of Dendrobium Wardianum, which received a Cultural Commendation, was loaded with hundreds of flowers, aud bad one individual growth of about 7 feet high. Bis specimen of D. nubile was also crowded with flowers, and a most effective specimen plant. There was also a capital specimen of the beautiful white-lipped Miltonia cuneat i, and many other good things. W. A. Gent, Esq., Brooklands, showed a fine piece of Den- drobium raelanodiscum, a rather showy D. Owenianum, a very rich-coloured D. nobilo nobilius ; the new Dendrobium x Broadhurstianum, said to be a cross between D. nobile and D. Wardianum, but showing traces of D. splendidissimum grandihorum. Archdeacon Rawstorne, Baldcrstnne Grange, exhibited a well-flowered plant of Dendiobium Hildebrandti, which received a Cultural Commendation. E. F. Muohe, Esq., Bourton-on the-Ware, receivce a Cultural Commendation for D. macropbyllum superbum loaded with flowers. The nurserymen's exhibits were upon the whole very good, Mr. Cypher, Cheltenham, keeping well to the fore, and being rewarded for his pains with the Society's Gold Medal. We have seen Mr. Cypher stronger in Dendrohes than on this occasion, still he showed a grand lot of well cultivated plants ; Dendrobium Cypheri was very well sliown. It is a fine light form of great substance ; D. crassinode album and D. aureum were loaded with blooms. There were several seed li g Dendrobes, but there are si many now of the D. nobile and D. Ainswonhianum section that one tires of looking at them. D.xCheltenhamenseisagoodbreakoftheD. tuteohim type, and its singular suuuii-shapud lip makes it different from most others. There are always some good Epiden drums of the rhizophoro us- order exhibited by this firm, the bright orange-scarlet and prolific- flowered O'Brlen- imum being one of the best. The Odontoglossums were well represented, and Miltonias of the Roezli order; also O. Halli leucoglossum were bright and beautiful. Cypripediums were represented in quantity, in regard to C. Rothschild- ianum and C. Elliotianum. C. ciliolare, one of the best both for show and breeding, was finely shown in this group. An Award of Merit was voted this group. Mr. John Ro&SON, Bowdoii, decoratod tho orolustra with the best lot of Orchids he has yet shown. It was brilliant with lots of Dendrobes, one of which, named Robson's nobile giganteum, received an Award of Merit. There were several good Lyeastc Skinneri here, well grown and flowered ; and the group of Cymbidium cburneum was particularly notice- able. Other Cymbidiums of the Lowi section were pro- minent ; one or two good plants of the Godalming variety of splendidissimum nicely in flower, and quantities of the white Cotdugyne funned a fringe to the whole. Messrs. Ciiarlesworth & (Jo., Biadford, had some choieo plants ; and a Fiist-class Certificate was awarded them for Hophro-L:clia Morreliana, which represents a Loalu flava and Sophronitcs combined, bringing out a singular mixture of orange and bronze, a thorough amalgamation of the two species which is probably more scientifically than commer- cially useful. The Award of Merit was given to Cattleya Triansi, with the ]>erfectly-lormcd segment i of flamed blush, and an unusually large inflated lip of a rich ruby colour, with an orange blotch towards the column, was well merited. Flowering plants of Cymbidium Lowianurn in fine variety, and the pretty Oyprijiediums Druryi and Euryalus, as well as the handsome C. selligerum ; OJontoglosaum sceptum s-iperbuiij (Award of Merit) of large size and flowers of good substance ; and some excellent 0. crispums were observed. Messrs. Heath & Son, Cheltenham, had a bright lot of Dendrobiums, Cypripodiums, aud Odontoglossums, but they were far too crowded to be efl'ective. We noticed some O. crlspurn of fine quality, and an extra fine O. luteo-purpu- reum, Cypripediurn caudatum, and C niveum, as well as C. Fairo-Lawrenceanum, and a particularly nch-flowcrcd C. villosum. Messrs. B. S. Williams & Son had a miscellaneous lot of spring- flowering plants. Tho Orchids were choice, and the singular Cirrhopetaluin pieturatum commanded attention — the lip oi this flower is like a canoe, and tho flowers are set in a semi-circle. Masdevallia Hchrodera,* is one of the brightest novelties wo have seen. An Award of Merit was given to O. erispum purpureum, for colour only wo presume, also an Award of Merit for a nankin oloured O. erispum — Messrs. Lewis & Co., Soutligate, had several good hybrid Cypripediums. Odontoglossum mulus superbum received an Award of Merit ; the flower was of fine form, tho spotting and blotching being bright, and the plant was well culti- vated. An extra fine O. Vuscitorei, with fine flushing and some spots, was exhibited; also the rather pretty Cattleya dolosa lilacina. Messrs. R. P. Keii & Sons had a grand collection of Amaryllis, conspicuous among them being a solf Scarlet King, and Sappho, a very good match ; Luna and Niobe arc great improvements in the margin da conspicua colour typo ; and Eurydicc, and, in fact, many others, arc clear in colour, good in substance and in form. Messrs. Dickson, Brown & Tait had a fine collection o( bulbs. Messrs. Dicksonh. ltd., Chester, had excellent Daffodil j nd bhowy cut border flowers. Thos. Broome, Esq., Llandudno, sent charming boxfuls of cut Orchids and cut border flowers. Mr. P. Weathers sent a very fine Odontoglossum trium- phans from the garden, with aspike IS inches long, and full of rich flowers. Law Notes, ASSESSMENT OF GLASS-HOUSES AND GARDEN LAND. The assessment of glasshouses aud garden laud in the Brentford Union is still giving a great deal of dissatisfaction to market gardeners aud fruit and flower growers, an I recently quite a long list of appeals were disposed of by the Assessment Com- mittee of the Union, with very slight reductions made iu a few cases. The valuation list was prepared last year by Mr. C. F. Jones, professional valuer to the guardians, and in September lafct several appeals were made without avail. This year the appellants were fortified by the txpert evidence of Messrs. Protheroe & Morris, a member of whose firm stoutly contested each assessment. Nearly all, however, were governed by one point — hoar the land should be assessed — as building-land, or as it stood from year to year. Iu the chief case taken, that of a florist at Cbiswiek, the land was situated close to the main road, and iu extent it was 2i acres ; theappellaut paid £3500 for it, and upon it he erected a handsome show conservatory, costing between £000 and £700, aud there were other houses of smaller character, the total spent on che buildings being£lG75, the outlay forsite and buildings beiug £5175. Upon this the Assessment Commilt e placed an assessment of £223 gross, £175 ratable. For the appellant it was contended that the piice given for the land was excessive, but inasmuch as appellant's father and grandfather had held it, there was some sentiment in tho matter, and moreover it was near appellant's shop. The rent it was really worth was £10 an acre, or £25 in all. The sh »w- house was an extravagant structure, and worth only a value of £425, and the other houses could be erected at 4 d, per cubic foot, which equalled £550. There were some more houses valued at £709 12s. Id. Upon these figures, appellant contended that he was entitled a deduction of 33 per cent, upou the build- ings ; upon the show-house the value should be 5 per cent, only with a fifth deduction, and the other buildings should be dealt with in the same way. The gross should be £117, and ratable £92. It was further contended that it was contrary to the Act of Parliaiueut to rate the land as building laud. If it were so taken, all the buildings should be taken oil' it; aud withuut them.no person of the appellant's trade conld carry on his business, lie obtained the land for tho purposes of his trade, not as a building site. The real way to deal with the question of th-i land would be to take it at what it would let for from year to year after making the necessary deductions for outgoings and repairs. Replying to theso various arguments, the committee urged, that on appellant's own figures, he brought the total up to £5175, and upon that, ho would surely not be content with less than 4 per cent, profit. They looked at it from a common-sense point of view, that if he did not make that at tho least, tho site was so valuable for building that he could sell it in building plots. Obviously, appellant derived a great advantage from having his houses at that particular spot, or he would go outside the London area, where he could get laud at 30*. au aero good enough to put glass-houses upon. He would not have thrown £3500 capital away over the land — evou from sentiment— if he did not see that ho was going to get some good value from it as a return. They declined toentertaiiTthe view that they were bound to put a value upon the land irrespectively of the price paid for it. It was nearappellaut's shop, near his customers, the rail and the main road. If a man had what was good building land, which iu Chiswick fetched 10*. per foot frontage, and chose to use it in any other way, the committee was in no way bound to rate it as if it were out in tho middle of tho country. They confirmed tho assessment, and left the appellant to go to Quarter Sessious if ho were still dissatisfied. In the course of another case which came from Twickenham, the committee urged as a ground in support of raising an apscs-ment on houses, that next year half the rates would be allowed under the Agri- cultural Rating Act. Mr. Morris, in reply, urged that this had nothing whatever to do with the matter of local assessment. That was a matter for the Imperial Exchequer solely. Tho rejoinder of the committee was that it enhanced tho value of land in the rental, because a large part of the deductions iu the nature of outgoings was taken off. If part of a man's rates were re-paid htm, ha must reap a benefit, and this should be taken into account in considering the letable value of the land. Mr. Morris demurred to this view. The Act was passed to benefit the tenants ; here was the assessment com- mittee making a tenant suffer for it, and obviously using it as a lever to get more out of him. It was deliberately attempting to take away all the benefit which the Act conferred. The Act might only be in force for five years, and at the en 1 of that tine was it reasonable to suppose that assessments would be granted any reduction in consequence '. The committee iu this case granted a small abatement. Changes for Garden-water. Judge Bagshawe, of th-3 Brentford County Court, sat in his private-room at the Middle Temple on Saturday last, for the purpose of concluding the case of the "Grand Junction Waterworks Company v. Cowley." In this case, Mr. Victor Cowley, of Ealing, Secretary to the Ealing Water Consumers' Protection Committee, was sued by the company for £1 Is. for water used by the defendant for other thaa domestic purposes —namely, for garden purposes during the season of 1896 ; or, alternatively, for £1 Is. damages for the use by defendant of water of the pUiutinV for such purposes during such period. The case was defended lor the purpose of obtaining a decision from his Honour on the legality of the company's insist- ence upon the minimum payment of a guinea a season for water supplied for garden purposes irrespective of the size of the garden. It was admitted that water was used in defendant's garden during the season of 1896, and that the company had a right to make a special charge for it ; the defendant had, therefore, pail 5v. into Court, ami denied further liability. Judge Bag-hawe, iu giving judgment, said that he found the offer to supply water to gardens by means of a hose for the sum of 1 guinea was reasonable, and the use of the water was au implied acceptance of the terms imposed by thecojipiny. In fixing the charge, the company were bound to take iuto account not merely tho miuimum amount of water used, or even tho amount used by the reasonably- minded consumer, but also that taken by the numerous body of consumers who construed their rights with the utmost liberality towards themselves. Considering all this, he held the charge of 1 guinea to be fair. He give judgment for the company for the amount claimed, with costs upon the highest scale. He also cenified, for tho purposes of an appea1, that the question litigated was of import nice, and of general and public interest. ®b(tUtU*»* Mr. J. Cruickshank, Frogmore House GARDENS.— To the numerous gardeners who, as young men, have, duriug the last fifty years, passed through the Royal Gardens, Windsor, the news of the sudden death of James Cruickshank will be received with much regret. Although seventy-two years of age, ho enjoyed good health, aud died practically in harn-ss, as he was attending to his duties on the day of his death, March 4. He camo to the Royal Gardens from Castle Eraser, Aberdeen- shire, in July, 1347 ; consequently, had he lived till July next, deceased would have completed fifty years in tho Royal service. After serving as journeyman in the various departments for seven years, ho was appointed foreman in the Castle Gardens and Slopes, where he remained another sev^n years; and when th« Crown took over Frogmore House on the death of H.lt.H. the Duchess of Kent, in 1861, he was appointed foreman of Frogmore House Gardens. He was a gardeuer of the old schojl, with a good knowledge of hardy plants and shrubs, also wild flowers, and could tell many a good tale of the rambles he took m Scotland, in search of new and rare species, during his bothy life. Being of a happy aud jovial disposition ho was very popular, and never happier than when quoting " Bobby Burns," whoso poems he seemed to have learned by heart. The funeral tojk place at Windsor Cemetery on the 9th inst., and was largely attended, the remains being followed to the grave by Mr. O. Thomas, tho Queeu's hoad-gardener ; Mr. \V. Tait, bailiff; all the foremen at tho Royal gardens, deceased's men, relatives, &c. Among the many handsome wreaths sent to his funeral as tokens of sympathy and respect, by numerous relatives and friends, was a beautiful one of immortelles, having on a card attached — "From Queen Victoria." 196 THE GABDENEBS' CHRONICLE. [March 20, 1897. Enquiry. Out Flowers. — Average Wholesale Prices. " He that questioncth much shall learn much." — Bacon. HirPEASTRUMs in Jadoo. — Will some of our correspondents inform "Amateur" if Jadoo is a suitable material for Hippeastrums. He planted some in it, but the old roots look shrivelled and inclined to rot. What kind of treatment would be suitable ? m "accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre- amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of temperature above or below 42" Fahr. for the period named : and this combined result is expressed in Day- degrees — a "Day-degree" signifying 1° continued for twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for an invorsely proportional number of hours.] «. d. 8. d. Anemones, per doz. bunches ... 16-26 Arums,p.l2blooms 2 0-40 Azalea, doz. sprays 0 6-09 Bouvardias, perbn. 0 6-09 Carnations, pr. doz. blooms Eucharis, per dozen Hyacinth, 12 sprays Lilac, wh. (French), per bunch Lilium Harrisi, per doz. blooms Lily of the Valloy, dozen sprays Maidenhair Fern, per 12 bunches ... Marguerites, per 12 bunches Mignonette, per doz. bunches ... Mimosa (French), per bunch Narcissus, various, per doz. bunches 16-30 Orchid-bloom Tkmperaturk. Rainfall. Brioht SUH. •S a ACCOMOLATED. a 0-10 0 Cyclamens, per doz. 9 f-12 0 Daffodils, per doz. 6 0-90 Dracaenas, each ... 10-76 — various, p. doz. 12 0-24 0 Evergreen Shrubs, in variety, doz.... 6 0-24 0 Rricas, per doz. ... 10 0-12 0 Ericas, hyenialis, doz 10 0-15 0 Ri.ni: Forns, small, doz. ... 10-20 — various, doz. 5 0-12 0 Ficus elastica, each 10-76 Foliage plants, per doz 12 0-36 0 Genistas, per doz... 8 0-12 0 Hyacinths, per doz. 0 0-12 0 Hydrangeas, per plant 2 f- 3 0 Marguerites, p. doz. 8 0-12 0 Mignonette, p. doz. S 0-10 0 Palms, various, ea. 2 0-10 0 — specimens, ea. 10 6-84 0 Spirwas, per doz,... 6 0-90 i variety coming very good. Fruit.— Average Wholesale Prioks. AppI French Crab, per bush.... — Wellingtons, p. Figs, per doz. Grapes, Alicante, 1st quality, por lb. . — Alicante, — Alicante, 2nd quality, per lb. 2 0 — — Cape, Black, lb. 0 9- 10 — Cape Muscat, por lb 0 0- 10 — Gros Colman, selected, p. lb. 2 9- 3 3 2 0-30 3 0-40 2 0-30 2 0-40 0 6-10 4 0-80 2 0-40 4 0-60 10-16 s.d. s.d. Grapes, Gros Col- mar, 2nd qual., per lb 2 3-2 6 Nuts, Cob, per 100 lb 60 0-70 0 Pears, Cape, p. case containing 20 . 7 0-80 — Easter Beurre" ( California) Igc. cases, S to 9 doz, per case ... 14 0-16 0 Pine-apples, St. Mi- chael, eaeh ... 4 0- 7 C Strawberries, per lb 12 0-16 0 $. d. s. d. Orchids :— Cattleya, 12blms. 9 0-12 0 O dontoglossum crispum,12bm. 2 0-60 Pelargoniums, sear- let, per 12 bun. — per 12 sprays... Primroses, 12 bun. Pyrethrums, 12 bu. Roses (French), per doz. blooms ... 16-30 — Tea, per doz. ... 10-16 — yellow (Mare- chal), per doz. 4 0-60 — red, per dozen 4 0-60 — pink, per doz. 3 0-40 — Safrano, p. doz. 2 0-26 Tuberoses, 12 blms. 10-16 Tulips, per doz. ... 0 6-10 Violets (Fr.)Parme, per bunch — — Czar.bun. 1 0- — — doz. bun. 10-16 ), per 4 0-60 0 6-09 0 6-16 2 0-40 0-3 0 Vegetables. — A v e doz.;bun. in variety. Wholesale Prices 0 9- 1 6 Artichokes, Globe, per doz. — Chinese (3ta- chys tuberifera), per lb 0 3 — Asparagus, Paris Giant, p. bun. 20 0-30 i — English, per bundle Beans, French, — Madeira Kid- nev, per bkt. of 8 to 10 lb. ... Cauliflowers, Cher- bourg, per doz. lS'a Mint, por bunch ... 0 6-07 3 0 Mushrooms (Indoor) per lb 0 5- 0 0 : Onions, English, p. cwt 5 6-60 Peas. ordinary (Channel Is- lands), per lb. . 2 0 — 6 0-701 Peas, Telephones (Channel Is- lands!, per lb. . 2 6-30 Potatos, New Kid- neys, Channel Islands, per lb. 0 7- 0 S — Kidney Pota- tos, French per 10-1! 2 0-20 13-10 lb. 4 0 Radishes, Channel Is., por dozen bunches Rhubarb (Forced), 0-10 0 per doz. 0 2-03 Cauliflowers, Corn- wall, per crate Cucumbers, home- grown, select., per doz. ... 4 0-50 — 2nds, per dozen 2 0-30 Horseradish, Eng- lish, pr. bundle 26 - Horseradish, For- eign, p. bundle 16 — Potatos. Fresh arrivals have sold rather more freely the last lew days, but there are no signs of any improvement in prices. Dunbar Maincrops, 80s. to S'js. ; do., Saxons, 6"'s. to 70s. ; Lincoln Saxons, 30*. to 60s. ; do., Maincrops, S5g, to 70a John Bath, Wellington Street, Coveut Garden. Salad, small, per doz. punnets... 16 — Sea Kale, per pun- net, 3J to 4 lb. weight 0 9-10 Tomatos, Canary Is- lands, per case, about 12 lb. 4 0-50 \ Books : C. 0. L. Select Ferns and Lycopods, by B. S. Williams & Son, Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, Upper Holloway, N. — Tree Fern. Bullions Histoirc ties Plantcs, in several volumes. Coal Ashes: A. F. We agree with you that coal- ashes are of little or no valuo as manure, and not worth the cost of cartage. Wood-ashes with liquid manure are much moro valuable. We thank you for your communication on tho Potato disease, but there can no longer be the lea*t doubt that it is caused by the growth of a fungous mould which produces tho effects you so graphically describe. The spores, or seeds, are in the air, and fall on the plant. When the weather is favourable to the fungus, it grows and destroys the Potato-plant, but if the weather is unfavourable to the growth uf the fungus, then, of course, the Potato-plant does not suffer. Crocus for Planting in the Turf : Crocus. If you require Crocus to flower in the autumu, you should plant C. nudiQorus, C. speeiosus, C. odorus, C. sativus, C. serotinus, C. Pallasiana, &c. Spring- flowering Crocus, which are more numerous, might include C. vermis (var. versicolor) the common variegated spring Crocus, of which the bulb- growers have many varieties ; C. Susianus, small and deep yellow — there is a purple variety of this species ; C. aureus, C. nivalis, C. Adamicus in many varieties. The beat practice in regard to Crocuses planted in tho grass, is to group them in compact patches — not scattering them all over the surface — which answers well enough for Snowdrops, whose foliage matures earlier, and therefore need not hinder a lawn being mown in April. The turf of these patches should remain unmown till May or later, according to the character of tho season. Grafting-wax : B. G. S. Bees'-wax, and as much beef-suet or tallow as will make it workable. Melt the bees'-wax iu a glue-pot or similar arrangement over a fire, and add the fat by degrees, occasionally testing the consistency of the mass. When cold, it should set somewhat hard, with a shining surface, but should not crack in cooling. This kind of graft- ing-wax should be used warm. There are other recipes, tut this one is simple and good. Insects : M. B.t Dorset. We have carefully examined the Cucumber soil aud the specimen in the match- box, and caa find no worms whatever. From your letter we suspect that it is wireworms that are causing the mischief. —W. X. W. We were unable to discover the insect. Nothing was in the bottle but a fragment of a growth of Cattleya. Lotos : R. If. We do not advise you to grow them in pots, but in the tanks. Moles and " Hogmice " : W. C. If trapping does not lessen their numbers, we are unable to suggest a remedy. By "hogmice" you probably mean tho short tailed field-mouse or vole, which some cats will kill aud oat, all but the incisor teeth and feet. We should suppose that the balance of Nature has been disturbed by the gamekeepers of the locality, killing off the carnivorous birds and small quadrupeds. Everything is sacrificed in some places to the reariug of pheasants, master and man being equally culpable. Names of Plants : Correspondents not anstocrcd in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number. — /. L. 1, Cirrhopetalum pic- turatura ; 2, Dendrobium aggregation. — A. Q. The small form of Brassia verrucosa. — R. T. Every spring we get a number of fine forms of Den- drobium Wardianum from fresh-imported plants, but our experience is that, although the plants which bore them may again produce good flowers, they never come so good again as the flowers (often only one or two on a plant) which first appeared under cultivation. Your No. 3 is a grand flower. No. 2 would be a good form of D. W. candidum, but for the rose flush on tho petals. It is how- ever, a very pretty variety, and will always be distinct. No. '2 is above the average. — It. G. A very fine form of Dendrobium Wardianum. Seo reply to "R. T."— E. P. Phaius maculatus.— C. W. K. The yellow-tinted flower is a very good form of Odonto^lossum Andersonianum. Tho other a blotched variety of Odont?glossuui crispum, with a slight suggestion of O. Wilckeanum alliens about it. It is difficult to say how many of these variable Orchids are of hybrid origin. — C. B. W. Your plant is Asparagus plumosus of gardens ; and A. p. . nanus is the same, its dwarf habit being the result of cultivating the plant in small pots or confined spaces. Afford it good rich soil, and plenty of space for its roots, and the climbing robust hibit soon shows itself. — Amicus. The Cedar of Lebanon. Notice to Quit Employment: Q. A. P. The customary period of notice for a gardener to quit his situation, iu the absence of any written agree- ment or wilful wrong-doing, is one month. Perfume Shrubs. Primrose. You must please be more explicit, perfumers use so many shrubs for their purposes. Perhaps you mean Lavender. Violets and Primula: G. Bcatriss. The Violets show good cultivation ; and the winter having been generally of a mild character has favoured the flowering of your plants. The Primula is one of the so-called blue-flowered varieties, of which there are many, varying but little iu their colouring. What distance Trees mat be Planted from Dividing Lines of Property : R. Maitrc. Neio Orleans. We have no law which determines the distance at which trees. &c., may be planted, and the matter resolves itself into an arrangement between tho parties interested ; or an aggrieved party can bring an action iu the courts against tbe owner of the offending trees, kc, for deprivation of light, injury to his land, &c. Dr. Wittmick, Berlin.— C. S- J. G., Versailles. —A. O.— C. U. P.— U. J. II — F. E.— R. E.— W. Cutbush & Son.— Capt. Walter.— B. 8. Williams Ai Son.— J. C. P.— H. Mar- shall Ward.— W. E. B., Grenada.— Dr. M., British Guiana. —A. G. — Messrs. Cutbush.— F. V. D.— D. It. — U. H.— 11. L. II.— J.-A. M. O.— W. J. B.— Scion.— R. V. T.— F. T. LciRhton, Elmore— D. W. T.— S. W.— J. C. P.— A. S.— A. B. — D. It— L. G. SrKflMKNS. PltOLYt MIATIIS, &C. , RKCEIVKD WITH TllANKS.— M. D.--W. H. March 27, 1897.] THE GABDENERS' CHRONICLE. 197 SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 1897. JUAN FERNANDEZ. f I^HE appearance of a new " flora " * of theso -*- beautiful and highly interesting islands is perhaps sufficient justification for giving some particulars of their history and vegetation in this place, especially as the original is in Spanish, and therefore not likely to come under the notice of many of the readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle. To save the reader the trouble of looking them up, I will give some par- ticulars from my own account of the islands in the Botany of the " Challenger" Expedition, merely premising that the figures relating to distances, etc. are approximations. Originally, the name Juan Fernandez was applied to a group of three volcanic islands, of which the two principal were called Masatierra (meaning nearer the mainland) and Masafuera, indicating their respective positions with regard to the mainland. In this country, the name Juan Fernandez is ordinarily applied to Masatierra only. This island, which is much the larger of the two, lies in about 33° 45' S. latitude and SO" W. longitude, or about 400 statute miles from the coast of Chili. The area is about 20 square miles, and tho greatest altitude 3000 feet. A mile to the south is a small island called Santa Clara, or Goat Island. Masafuera is some ninety miles westward of Juan Fer- nandez. It is a rocky mass, having precipitous coasts, extremely difficult to land on. Juan Fernandez t was a favourite resort of the buccaneers in their expeditions against the Spanish possessions in South America, and the scene of many strange, exciting, and even romantic events ; not the least of which was Alexander Selkirk's solitary existence in the island during a period of four years and four months. It is almost superfluous to mention that it is gonerally believed that the events of Selkirk's life in Juan Fernandez formed the foundation of Defoe's famous and familiar novel, Robinson Crusoe j though, from motives of his own, tho author transferred the scene to an island off the mouth of the Orinoco river in the Wost Indian seas. But those who read the narratives of the early voyagers in the Pacific know that they contain materials for many a story. As a matter of fact, Defoe's inspiration may have been derived from the adventures of an earlier sojourner iu the island than Selkirk, as set forth in Captain William Dampier's account of his first voyage round the world, in a privateer ship, as he himself desig- nated it. They arrived at "John Fernando" in March, 1684, and they went ashore, as • TlMudios aire la Flora dc Uu Man th Juan Ftrnandiz, by Fedcrico Johow. A ospciisas .let Gobierno de Chilo. San tigo '!<-• Chile : Corvantes, I B90, it", pp. 290, with is platosK 2 maps, and .soiiiQ figures in tho toxt. t Where not otherwise explained, or evident from the context, J niii i Fernandez is here use j mil,, restricted sense, and is equal to Masatierra. Dampier relates, to seek " a Moskito Indian," whom they had left on tho island when they were chased hence by three Spanish ships in the year 1081. I venture to extract the para- graph in Dampier's narrative relating to this man's captivity in the island, although it is neither horticultural nor botanical : — " This Indian lived here alone above three years, and although he was Eeveral times sought after by the Spaniards, who knew he was left on the island, yet they could never find him. He was in the woods hunting for goats when Captain Watlin drew off his men, and the ship was tinder sail before he came back to shore. He had with him his gun and a knife, with a small horn of powdtr, and a few shot, which being spent, he contrived a way, by notching his knife, to saw the barrel of his gun into small pieces, wherewith he made harpoons, lances, hooks, and a loDg knife ; heating the pieces first in the fire, which he struck with his gun-flint and a piece of the barrel of his gun, which he hardened — having learnt to do that among the English. The hot pieces of iron he would hammer out and bend as he pleased with stones, and saw them u ith a jagged knife, or grind them to au edge by long labour, and harden them to a good temper as there was occasion. AU this may seem strange to those that are not acquainted with the sagacity of the Indians ; but it is no more than these Moskito men aro accustomed to in their own country, where they make their own fishing and striking instruments, without either forge or anvil, though they spend a great deal of time about them. .... With such instruments as he made in that manner he got such provision as the island afforded, either goats or fish. He told us that at first he was forced to eat seal, which is very ordinary meat, before he had made hooks ; but afterwards he never killed any seals but to make lines, cutting their skins into thongs. He had a little house or hut half a mile from the sea, which was lined with goats' skin ; his couch cr barbecu of sticks lying along about 2 feet distant from the ground, was spread with the same, and was all his bedding. He had no cloaths left, having worn out those he brought from Watlin'sship, but only a skin about his waste. He saw our ship the day before we came to an anchor, and did believe we were English, and therefore kill'd three goats in the morning, before we came to an anchor, and drest them with Cabbage, to treat us when we came ashore. He came then to the sea-side to congratulate our safe arrival." I will conclude these allusions to the probable original, or originals, for he may have drawn something from both, of Defoe's hero by adding that Alexander Selkirk joined a privateering expedition organised by Dampier, which sailed from Kinsale in 1703 ; and he was left on the island at his own request in October, 1704. The first edition of Robinsori Crusoe was pub- lished in 1710. Dampier was unfortunate in his expedition, but ho accompanied Captain Woodes Rogers on a later one, and was with him when Selkirk was rescued in 1700. Dr. Johow's Flora contains very few in- digenous plants not included in my enumeration in tho Botany of the " Challenger". 'Expedition. His is altogether a much more compre- hensive work than mine ; yet I am gratified to say that he gives me full credit for what I was able to accomplish under less favourable conditions. He has spent several months in the islands, and from actual observation and study of the plants in their homes has been ablo to correct some of the errors of previous writers ; and, although ho describes half-a-dozen new spocios, his lotal is rather less than mine, in consequence of the reduction of a number of spurious spi eies. All travellers agioo in describing tho \egcta- tionof Juan Fernandez as very beautiful, which the admirably execute! views in Dr. Johow's attractive book fully confirm. As in most remote islands, the number of species, as com- pared with the nearest continental areas of the same extent, is small, whilst the number of genera and orders represented is relatively large. Dr. Johow's numbers are : — 143 species belong- ing to eighty-seven genera and forty-three natural orders. These numbers include only the flowering plants and Ferns, almost half of which are peculiar to tho island, and forty-two out of the total are Ferns. Singular to say, not a single Lycopodium, nor a Selaginella, has been found; yet filmy Ferns abound, there being upwards of a dozen different species. Noteworthy among the Juan Fernandez Ferns are Dicksonia Berteroaua and Thyrsopteris elegans, the latter an endemic genus of one Apart from Ferns, few of the plants peculiar to the island are in cultivation ; and, indeed, few of them are particularly suitable for cultivation. Here, as in many other islands — St. Helena, the Chatham group, and tho Galapagos, for example — small arboreous Composite, many of them resiniferous, form a noteworthy feature in the indigenous vegetation. The genus most numerous in species is Eobinsonia, so named by l)e Candolle in commemoration of Defoe's hero ; but Dendroseris, belonging to the same group as the Sow-Thistle, Sonchus, some species of which attain the form and dimen- sions of miniature trees in Madeira and the Canaries, is still more remarkable, on account of the size and showy character of the flower- heads. Dr, Johow describes a new species, D. gigantea, from 15 to 20 feet high, " with a trunk as thick as a man's thigh;" and about twenty years ago Messrs. Yeitch imported and flowered D. macrophylla, a species of somewhat smaller dimensions, having deep yellow flower- heads nearly 3 inches across. There is a coloured figure of this iu the Botanical Maga- zine, pi. 63,53. It was sent home by Mr. Down- ton, collector for Messrs. yeitch, who also dis- covered, in the same island, the beautiful Wahlenbergia tuberosa, Botanical Magazine, pi. 6155. Another composite was named Vendredia (from vendredi, French for Friday) by the late Dr. Baillon, after Crusoe's man Friday, but this name has to give way to the earlier Bhetinodendron. I, myself, when drawing up my account of the flora of Juan Fernandez, having to deal with a shrubby plant of the Boragiuea?, which had been erroneously referred to Cynoglossum, named it Selkirkia, on the ground that Selkirk deserved this kind of dis- tinction quite as much as Defoo's imaginary hero. Iu addition to some charming landscape views, Dr. Johow figures a number of the more remarkable plants ; among them Dendroseris micrantha, Blantago fernandeziana, Myrccu- genia fernandeziana, Guunera poltata, Sau- talum fernandezianum, Juania australis, and Dicksonia Berteroaua. Tho 1'lantago is remark- able in having a stem from 3 to 6 feet high, in which character it is only equalled by tho Sandwich Island P. princeps. Myrceugi ni.i fer- nandeziana is tho commonest and tallest tree in the island, growing from 60 to SO feet high ; and it furnishes a valuable ami durable timber. It is a member of the Myrtaoete. 'lunnora poltata forms a trunk sometimes as much as 20 feet. long, tho lower pari of which is hori- zontal, and the upper obliqu 'o (. Its large peltate leaves are sometimes more than G feet anus-. 1 believe ii is the only arborcscont species, From a geographical stand-point, THE GABDENEliS' CHRONICLE. [Maboh 27, 1897. the Sandalwood— Santalum fernandezianum — is, perhaps, the most interesting element in the flora. Until recently, its existence was little more than traditional, though dead wood found in the main island had been declared by experts to belong to the genus Santalum. Bertero in 1830, and Gay in 1849, mention a Sandalwood as having been abun- dant, and the latter refers it to Santalum album, and states that it all perished, or was destoyed, in one year, though by what agency he does not inform us. Its recent history is this : — In 1868 branches of a pleasant-smelling wood, bearing a few leaves, were found amongst some fuel purchased for one of the ships of the Chilian navy. This was microscopically examined, and identified as Sandalwood. In 1888 Mr. F. Philippi succeeded in obtaining a small bundle of twigs bearing leaves, and one of them a few flower-buds ; but it was not till 1892 that he ventured to publish it under the name given above. Still, no living example of the tree had been seen by a botanist. As Dr. Johow says, the reader will understand his joy, after five weeks' fruitless searching, and the offer of a substantial reward, on being shown a tree of respectable dimensions by a colonist, Pedro Arredondo. This tree was about 30 feet high, with a trunk 4 feet 6 inches in girth, and it was situated in the middle of a wood in Masatierra. Fortunately, too, it was in flower, so that Dr. Johow was able to complete the description of the species, which is closely allied to S. Freycinetianum , a native of the Sandwich, Marquesas, and Society Islands. The interest attaching to the discovery of a true Sandalwood in Juan Fer- nandez may be realised from the facts that no species inhabits the mainland of America, and the nearest habitat of any other species of the genus is in the Marquesas Islands, some 3500 miles distant from Juan Fernandez. From Dr. Johow's researches, there is now no doubt that Sandalwood was formerly abundant, both in Masatierra and Masafuera. The lucra- tive nature of the Sandalwood trade led to the almost total extinction of the trees, not only in Juan Fernandez, but also in the Sandwich and other islands in the Pacific. Seemann (Flora Vitiensis, pp. 209—215), gives a brief history of the Sandalwood trade in the Pacific, from which it is evident that it was carried on in the most reckless manner, and at an appalling loss of human life, both among the ferocious natives and the unprincipled traders of various nationalities. The Chonta, or Palm of Juan Fernandez, Juania australis, is endemic in Masatierra, where, contrary to Moseley's impression, it is still abundant, being spread all over the wooded part. It is described as very slender and graceful ; the trunk, though rarely exceeding 8 inches in diameter, rises high above all the other trees of the forests, where its head of waving feathery leaves is very effective, and when adorned with festoons of its scarlet fruit it is very striking and attractive. It is now in cultivation at Kew and elsewhere, and likely to become as great a favourite among half-hardy Palms as Howea Belmoreana, from Lord Howe Island. The tree Ferns, three in number, Alsophila piuinata, Dicksonia Berteroana, and Thyrsop- teris elegans, constitute a beautiful and graceful feature almost everywhere in the woods, or forests as they are generally designated. Dr. Johow gives a view in which tree Ferns form a lovely foreground, aud he also gives the por- trait of a plant of Dicksonia Berteroana, having several stout lateral branches. This Fern, he says, attains truly gigantic dimensions in Masafuera. All three of these Ferns are in cultivation in this country. In conclusion, I can only add, that Dr. Johow's book does great credit to him and the Chilian Government, at whose expense it was published, and will perpetuate some of the beauties of the historically and botanically interesting Juan Fernandez. IT. Bottinq Hemsley. Orchid Notes and Gleanings. DENDROBIUM NOBILE NOBILIUS. In the language of the astute advertiser, "Imita- tion is the beat evidence of Merit," but where applied to very fine and totally distinct varieties of showy but variable species of Orchids, it gives a lot of trouble to those who wish to be accurate in their names. Few plants have had their names appro- priated more than Dendrobium nobile nobilius, the true stock of which can only proceed from the weak- ling picked up by Mr, James at Stevens' Rooms some twenty years ago, and which, after being nearly killed by being exhibited by Messrs. Rollisson at the great quinquennial exhibition at Ghent in 1878, found its way back to its original owner, who from the pseudobulbs (for the leading growths were dead) succeeded in raising half-a-dozen plants, from which all the plants that are true to name have come. D. nobile nobilius is not an ordinary case of variation, for to one who knows its stout, tall growth, aud its richly coloured flowers, there is nothing like it. And yet scarcely an importation of D. nobile arrives which does not produce varieties which in the eyes of their affectionate owners are either the true thing, or better. On the continent it is even more badly represented than in England, and it is re-assuring to get flowers of the right thiDg, taken from a plant of the original stock, from Messrs. Linden, of Brussels. They are a little over 4 inches across, and the sepals and petals are of that deep rich amethyst purple so peculiar to the variety. There are plenty of good and finely- coloured D. nobile, but there is but one D. nobile nobilius, and the only chance of confusing it with another is to get a badly-grown specimen of it to compare a well-grown example of another dark form with. J, 0yB. ECLOPHIELLA ELISABETHJE. Few Orchids of recent introduction have been bo well received as Eulophiella Elisabethee when offered in quantity by Messrs. Protheroe & Morris for Messrs. F. Sander & Co., in June and July, 1893. The plants then sold were good and sound, and there seemed to be nothing to prevent the plant becoming a useful subject, and a general favourite. But when cultivators began to compare notes of its behaviour in their handB it soon acquired the reputation of being "a bad doer ; " a character it seems to have deserved, for probably but a small percentage of the importation now exists. But as with most other plants of bad repute an occasional specimen is met with growing in the most vigorous manner, giving no trouble to the grower, flowering regularly and profusely, and thus demonstrating that it is from no peculiarity in the plant itself that failure arises, but from a want of knowledge of how to treat it, or a lack of the neces- sary convenience. A case in point is the specimen of Eulophiella Elisabetha?, purchased by Geo. C. Raphael, Esq., Castle Hill, Englefield Green, Surrey (gr., Mr. H. Adams), at the first sale in 1893, and which has flowered grandly every year. At present the plant bears three stout spikes, averaging thirty- five wax-like white flowers, tinged with purplish-rose on the reverse side. The plant is grown in a warm, rather moist house, and is kept well supplied with water at the roots, especially while in active growth. Cattleta Wabneri grows to a height of about 16 inches, the leaves being about 3 inches across, of a thick leathery texture, dark green in colour. The flowers are large and showy ; they are sametimes produced with as many as five on a spike, but this is an unusual number. It should be grown in a pot or a basket suspended from the roof of the house, in a compost of peat and sphagnum -moss. It requires a good amount of heat during the growing season, which is in the winter and spring months ; the flowers are pro- duced from the uncompleted bulb. This is matured soon after the flowering time is over. The plant requires a good season of rest, and during this period water should be withheld, only just sufficient being given to prevent the shrivelling of the bulbs. Orchid Album, vol. xi., part 131, pi. 521. Dendrobium transparens album requires the same treatment as that given by us for D. tranBparens in vol. ix. of this work, plate 396. Like the type, it is well adapted for growing in small teak-wood baskets, or in shallow pans, so that they may be suspended near the roof-glass, fully exposed to the sun and light ; some shading, however, will be necessary when the sun is very powerful. An abundant supply of moisture to the roots as well as in the atmosphere, and a judicious admissiou of air, are conditions essential to the welfare of the plant. During the growing season especially, the supply of water must be liberal, but during the resting period it may be reduced to a minimum, just sufficient water being required to prevent the pseudo-bulbs becoming shrivelled. As the species flowers after the resting period, the plant requires a moderate amount of water at its roots as soon as the flower-buds begin to show to enable the plant to develop the flowers, which will last much longer in beauty when properly nourished. Orchid Album, vol. xi., part 131, pi. 522. Ctmbidium ttgrinum was discovered by the Rev. C. S. Parish in the moun- tains of Tenasserim, at an elevation of 6000 feet, as far back as 1863 ; it is, however, far from common in collections, as importations are neither large nor March 27, 1897.] THE OAR DENE US' CHRONICLE. 199 numerous. The cool end of the Cattleya-house will be found most suitable for thia plant. It should be potted in a compost of good rough fibrous peat and loam, the latter material predominating, with ample drainage. Plenty of pot-room should be given, as the plant produces thick, fleshy roots freely. During the growing period a copious supply of water will be found essential, which afterwards may be gradually diminished. Propagation may be effected by divid- ing the pseudo-bulbs. The plant which forms the subject of our plate, flowered in the collection of H. 8. Leon, Esq., of Bletchley Park, Bucks, where so many choice specimens of Orchids bear testimony to the able management of Mr. Hislop, the gardener. Orchid Album, vol. xi., part 131, pi. 523. CVPRIPEDIUM GRATItlXIANUM. To succeed well in growing this plant, it should be potted in a mixture of brown peat fibre and living sphagnum-moss ; ample drainage should be given, as otherwise the peat is apt to become sour, which counties, from my instructions, and has proved a success during the last three years, a vigorous growth having always followed. It can be employed upon stocks varying in sizo from half an-inch to an inch-and- a-half in diameter, and scions may be made from wood one or two years old in the case of fruit-trees. Fig, 59 represents an old mode of rind-grafting, the detects of which can be seen at the place of union. Figs. t>0, 61, illustrate the preparation of stock and scion for the method that I advocate— in the one case upon a small stock, and in the other upon a larger one. In fig. 62 the graft is shown when com- pleted and waxed, and in fig. 63 is illustrated the effect of one year's growth after the grafting has been done. It will be seen to offer more than ordinary resistance against the wind. For the living specimens I send you I am indebted to Mr. Crawford, gardener, Severn House, Ironbridge, and to his employer, as showing the use made of my instructions in the gardens there two years ago. Robert Smith, Horticultural Instructor, Shropshire County Council. cultivation — the truth being that not one of these bulbs out of every hundred outlives its second season in tho open air. The same statement is true of the pretty cream-coloured forms of Trumpet- Daffodil known as pallidus prcecox, which collectors have done their best to obliterate from its head quarters in the Basses Pyrenees, At the time of its first in- troduction in quantity, a dozen years ago, one or two of the largest growers of Narcissus for cut bloom invested considerable sums in bulbs of this last plant, but it speedily showed its resentment of cultivation, and disappeared. On some soils it will live for a few years if planted in turf, but I know no other way of keeping it alive. Of tho beautiful little pure white pseudo - Narcissus, N. moschatus of the High Pyrenees, even this much cannot be said, for except in a very few localities of quite exceptional soil and climate, it is ungrowable. My advice to those who admire the small wild species of Narcissus mentioned, is to grow them in successive generations from seed, sowing it in pots plunged in ashes in a cold-frame. Fig. 60. — large branches : grafted according to the method rkchmmended. showing the graft in position before it is covered with wax. Fig. 61. — small branches grafted, and ready for waxing. Would bo fatal to the well-being of the plant. It will be found to do well in the East Indian-house, and during the growing season it requires a liberal supply of water. Duriug the dark and dull days of winter a smaller quantity will suffice, although the plants should never be allowed to become dry ; great care and circumspection is therefore required in this respect. The atmosphere also should be kept iu a moist state, as otherwise thrips will undoubtedly commit ravages which will permanently disfigure the plants. The subject of our illustration flowered in the collection of S. Gratrix, Esq., of West Point, Whalley Range, Manchester, to whom we have much pleasure in dedicating it. The Orchid collection at West Point is confided to the charge of Mr. McLeod, and bids fair to become one of the finest in tho kingdom. Orchid Album, vol. xL, part 131, pi. 524. SMITH'S IMPROVED METHOD OF GRAFTING. This method of grafting is recommended for fruit or other trees, in the orchard and garden, and especially in exposed situations. Tho scion has a threefold grip of tho stock or branch it is placed upon, and this is covered during tho first year by the union. The method has been tested in Shropshire and neighbouring ng N. viridiflorus and ind tho extreme South uly in a warm green- The dainty little N. NOTES ON THE NARCISSUS. {Oontinued from p. 184.) Kinds Requiring Special Cultivation. — The geographical extent of the Narcissus is sufficiently wide for some few kinds to como from a low elevation in latitudes which indicate their tenderness in Englaud. The autumn-fiowei serotinus, from North Africa of Europe, can be flowered i house, and that not easily, monophyllus or white Corbularia demands the un- English conditions of dry sun-heat in summer and shelter iu winter, and is altogether too frail for our average spring weather. N. triandrus and tho European Corbularias, or Hoop-petticoats, though somo degrees hardier, and grown with fair success iu a few exceptionally favoured English gardens, must be reckoned cold-frame plants. They should be dried off and sun-roasted in their pots or pans from May to September, and freely supplied with water whilst growing. The same treatment suits N. cyclamineus, a most difficult subject in most gardens. Tens of thousands of N. Corbularia, triandrus, and cyclamineus are imported annually, almost, it is to be feared, to their extermination in somo of their native places abroad, and are advertised aud bought as though amenable to ordinary outdoor The young plants grow healthily enough up to the timo of flowering, after which they die out like the imported bulbs. The larger forms of pseudo Narcissus of the High Pyronees, N. variiformis and abscissus (muticus), succeed fairly well, but by no means everywhere, under cultivation. To these there ia little doubt that our garden bicolor Daffodils, aud such vigorous forms as Emperor, owe a part, at least, of their parentage, but iu their pure form they are fastidious as to soil, like nearly all wild Narcissi, and dislike nitrogenous stimulants. Indeed, the only clear exception to this rule which has come under my notice is the group of yellow trumpet Daflbdils, classed as N. major, 'the best known of these, N. maximus, is an unmodified wild pluut from tho Landes, yet thrives in rich kitchen -garden soil. Thero are, however, difficulties in its cultiva- tion : it is iu some years, for no apparent reasons of weather, almost floworlcss, and has the porphxing character of keeping its foliage green and unwithsred for weeks after all other Narcissi have gone to rest, and thus gives no indication of the proper season for lifting its bulbs. My own experience is that little injury is done by lifting it at the end of .June while still green, but that in deep, moist soils it may advan- tagooualy be left for some three seasons undisturbed. It is a curious fact that while the garden forms of 200 TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 27, 1897. N. poeticus, aa already noted, will flourish in ground made too rich for other Narcissi, yet its wild counter- parts, e.g., the Pyrenean and Italian N. poeticus, invariably die out in my garden and elsewhere when cultivated, and will live only in grass. The well-known N. poeticus ornatus, for instance, will grow almost like a weed in any garden ; but a wild plant which closely resembles it, collected by myself in northern Italy, has defeated all my devices to keep it alive elsewhere than in grass. I may here venture an opinion that the suitability of grass-land for some Narcissi and other bulbs is not only chemical but mechanical. Certainly, when the turf is broken up (I speak of my own ground), they will not nourish in it as before, though no manure of any kind be added to it. It is not impossible that the turf affords some protection in winter, especially against the alter- nate freezing and thawing of the surface-soil, which Narcissi greatly dislike. It must not be forgotten that many of the wild kinds under discussion are covered, in their homes, by a thick blanket of snow for some months. The drawback to relegating troublesome sorts to the grass is that their f owers are necessarily smaller than when cultivated. The white garden Trumpets, N. cernuus, albicans, &c, inherit much of the fastidiousness of the wild N. moschatus, from which they are almost certainly descended. Where they fail, as they do over a largo part of England, they should be planted in grass ; no other kind of treatment by artificial soil or position being permanently beneficial. The late-flowering double or Gardenia - flowered poeticus, most valuable for cut bloom in May, requires ihe very opposite sort of treatment. On poor, and especially on dry ground, a largo proportion of its flowers come " blind " or abortive. It should be planted rather deeply, on ground well dug and enriched, and the beds if possible flooded with water if April be dry. This plant, like N. maximus, should be moved only every third year, but should be surfaced every February with old stable-manure or a littlo dissolved bone-manure. There is an important section of early-flowering and attractive yellow Trumpet Daffodils which has proved very vexatious to the market gardener, namely, that of N. spurius, including such fine varieties as Ard Rigb, Henry Irving, Golden Spur, and some others. The popular little Tenby Daffodil, one of the first to bloom, presents the same difficulty in most districts. Of theso kinds the bulbs become rootless and rusty, and the entire plant dwindles away when grown for a few seasons on the same ground. That very handsome Daffodil, Golden Spur, tends to die out on the Dutch farms in its second season, and is maintained only by a constant inter- change of stocks with tho English growers. Fresh stock,;rotatiou of crops, aud annual lifting, are the only availing expedients. The larger forms of N. polyanthus, or Tazetta, are of great beauty, and in mild localities, auch as the Scilly Islands, of extreme value as being almost winter-flowering. But tho finest of them, such as Bazelman major, and orientalis (Muzart), are of southern origin, and liable to destruction in winters of unusual severity. In the average English garden they require deep, rich soil on a south border, and may be left unmoved for two or three years. G. II. Engleheart. {To be continued). Dr. Ramann's researches were confined, however, to the three principal ash -constituents (lime, potash, and phosphoric acid) of the respective stems, and the proportion existing between the weight of needles, and the increase of wood resulting from their assimilative activity, thus furnishing confirmatory evidence on this question. Dr. Ramann dealt with the Scots Pine growing on the diluvial sand of the North German plains, the selected trees blunging to the " thicket " and 11 pole " stages, theso being twenty and thirty years of age respectively. Three trees out of each stage were taken, one for each of the'classes named above. The point Dr. Ramann set himself to unravel was the real cause of the falling- off in growth which occurs in suppressed trees. Two probable causes suggest themselves : 1st, insufficient light ; 2nd, in- sufficient nutriment from the soil. We can only give the more important data from which the doctor arrives at his conclusions, as figures alone occupy several pages. To decide^the effect of light upon the increase of stem-volume, the needles from each tree were weighed, and the increase in volume during the previous five years measured. From these data the relation between needle-weight and wood-production is seen to be — Forestry. THE MINERAL-FOOD OF CONIFERS. In the Gardeners' Chronicle of February 13, Mr. J. J. Willis mentions tho researches of Prof. Schultz regarding the proportion of phosphoric acid in different classes of soil for Pines. In 1892, Dr. Ramann of Eberswalde published {Zeitschrift fur Font uml Jagdwescn, Jan. 1892) the result of some investigations he had made upon the food-supply of the three classes of plantation trees known in sylvicultural lauguage as the "predominant," "dominant,*1 aud "suppressed " stems, which constitute the stock of a crowded wood. Stem 1—100 gn i produced or on an average — Stems 1—3 produced 1SI ccm. „ 4—6 ,, ... 180 „ „ 1—6 „ 1S3 „ for each 100 grammes of needles, thus demonstrating that the same quantity (approximately) of dry sub- stance was produced by the same weight of needles, in spite of the different development of individual trees. Dr. Rainann therefore concludes that "the influence of light cannot have caused tho condition of the suppressed, and still less that of the dominant trees alone. One must conclude that sufficient light exists in normal Scots Pine plantations for the needles of suppressed trees to assimilate in a degree corre- sponding to their numbers." The nourishment of the stems with mineral food is then gone into, and the relation between the mineral-food obtained from the soil and the production of wood in the stem compared. The trees belonging to the "pole" stage contained the following percentage of ash : — With Needles. Without Needles. 1. Predominant ... '639 per cent. *540 per cent. 2. Dominant ... *505 „ -464 3. Suppressed ... -643 „ "593 ,, Those of the " thicket " stage : — 4. Predominant ... '711 per cent. '612 per cent. 5. Dominant ... 'S2G „ '7<)6 6. Suppressed ... '700 „ '697 „ From the above figures it appears that no important differences exist in the mineral-food taken up by the various trees (the constituent elements being in pro- portion to the total ash). The figures also show the difference between the ash of the twenty years old and that of the thirty years old trees, and the stem analyses indicated that the development of the latter up to the twentieth year closely approached that of the former. This facilitates the question being auswered, What quantity of mineral-food was taken up by the tree between the twentieth and thirtieth years, and how much organic substance was formed with its aid ? Only the proportion of wood by volume can be considered, as the necessary conditions for estimating its weight were wanting. It is therefore assumed that the ash contents of the thirty-years old treeB, when these had completed their twentieth year, boro the same proportion to the volume of wood then formed as the total ash bears to the total volume at the thirtieth year. According to this assumption, tables are given showing the quantities of lime, potash, phosphoric acid, and total ash in the three stems of the 'pole " wood at the twentieth year, and also the quantities of these substances taken up between the twentieth and thirtieth years, both with and without needles. According to these tables, the greatest increase or quantity of mineral constituents taken up was in the predominant tree, which doubled its ash during the ten years. The ash of the domi- nant tree increased by about 30 per cent., while that of the suppressed tree showed an actual reduction in ash-constituents, which is accounted for by loss of needles and branches during the period, proving that the quantity taken up must have been very small. Upon comparing the quantities gained by the first two stems, it is seen that 1 gramme of the different constituents is contained in the following quantities of wood : — 1 gramme of potash, in the predominant stem to each ... 2,300 ccm. „ dominant ,, ,, ... 1,32) ,, 1 gramme of lime, „ predominant stem to each ... 877 „ ,, dominant ,, „ .. 2,S00 ,, 1 gramme of phosphoric acid, ,, predominant stem to each ... 8,110 „ ,, dominant ,, ,, ... 9.7S1 „ 1 gramme of ash, „ predominant stem to each ... 470 ,, ,, dominant „ „ ... 692 ,, With the exception of potash, the ash-constituents show a considerable falling off in the dominant stem. The fact that potash forms an exception is partly accounted for by the relatively high proportion of this substance in the soil of the district. Lime, on the other hand, is deficient, and the falling off in this substance is very marked. The conclusions to which Dr. Ramann comes are : 1st, the quantity of needles on a suppressed tree produce, in proportion to their weight, the same quantity of wood as that produced by a tree in full possession of light ; 2nd, the diminished growth of single stems is to bo attributed in the first place to an insufficient absortion of mineral food. The cause of these varied degrees of development may lie in the concurrence of vigorous growth, in individual capacity for food absorption, or in favourable or unfavourable influences to which the individual tree was exposed ; and in Nature probably all three factors operate, sometimes one, sometimes another prevailing. If the above conclusions are correct, it may modify the theory, but scarcely the practice of thinning, which is always directed towards ensuring the survival of the strongest individuals. If a full supply of light has hitherto been regarded as the cause instead of the effect of the develop- ment of the latter, it cannot be regarded as of great practical importance, although of scientific interest. We know from practical experience that all species bear more shade on good than on poor soils, and this partly confirms the above conclusions, although investigations with other species may show different results. A. O. Forbes. Nursery Notes. MESSRS. \V. CUTBUSH AND SONS. For some years past it has been evident that the florists have well-nigh exhausted the capabilities of the Hyacinth for further improvement. During this time there has been a considerable number of novelties introduced into our collections, but although the growers have succeeded in creating a wonderful multiplicity of named varieties, and in some instances they have added flowers with novel tints, there has been little progress manifested in respect to the size of scape and flower, or in the refinement of them. In Messrs. Cutbush & Sons' collection, which a few days ago was very fresh aud beautiful in the nursery at High Barnet, we found but one novelty included, and this notwithstanding (as Mr. W. Cutbush informed us) that most of the collec- tions on the Continent were visited and examined last spring, with a view to securiug any that were of surpassing merit. New ones there wore, of course, but they are no better than existing varieties. Tho new one is named Isabella, and is a double flower, white, or in some instances inclined to assume the palest tint. The " bells " are extremely large, and wo were dii- posed to admiro it, for considering that the bulbs were young and of moderate size only, they had thrown very commendable spikes indeed. Still, it is Marcb 27, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 201 well known that double-flowering Hyacinths are now-a-days less popular than Bingle ones, which are generally more reliable and more showy. The double flowers, nevertheless, are useful to the florist, aud especially so in the case of such large '* bells " as this new one has. The best of the older sorts were repre- sented among the plants, and some of the best known are so perfect when well cultivated that it is not surprising that they are found difficult to excel. In the whites the more noticeable were La Grandesse, Lady of the Lake, Madame Van der Hoop, albus maximus, Mont Blanc ; and of shaded or tinted varieties there are Grandeur a Merveille, Anna Maria, Voltaire, &c. Several yellow flowering varieties were noticed of the type of Ida, King of Yellows, Van Vondel,&c. Among the blue-flowered ones it is still difficulttoselectanythat are better than King of the Blues, Chas. Dickens, Grand Maitre, Duke of Clarence, Czar Peter, Lord Derby, Queen of the Blues, Crelestina, Lord Byron and Hegulus. Of the softer pink or rose-coloured flowers, La Belle is a very desirable variety. It usually and large size. Proserpine no doubt remains one of the best of the rosy-carmine varieties ; and Keizers- kroon with its yellow and scarlet flowers, is one of most showy of all ; Joost Van Vondel is a name that Btands for a pure white flower, and for a crimson one with white base. Unfortunately, there are many instances among Hyacinths and Tulips where one name has been given to several varieties. At Barnet one is very strongly reminded of the neglect that at the present day is shown to the beautiful hardy-wooded Cape plants that used to form handsome features in most greenhouses. Messrs. Cutbush were among the last of the growers to give up the culture of these plants, which had been for years one of their specialties. However, as Mr. Cutbush remarked, "a nurseryman must grow what he can sell ; " and in a great measure, the houses that were once filled with fine hard-wooded heaths, Epacris, Pimelias, and such like plauts. are now devoted to other purposes. The soft-wooded Heaths and many of the Acacias, including A. armata, FORCED ASPARA.GUS. I am aware that little new can be said in regard to the forcing of Asparagus, and the folio wiug remarks mostly apply to forcing as carried oub in permauent beds — an old plan, ' saw advise I in these pages many years ago. To force lifted roots is not a profit- able business — indeed, m ny owners of gardens have not sufficient laud to grow it, ani do not care to purchase the roots of the nurseryman to furnish a winter supply. It may be urged that a difficulty is found in obtaining Asparagus in useful quantity from permanent beds from the month of November. At that early period, however, it is advisable to begin to force Asparagus in period-beds in the open, unless flues or ho" water pipes can be used. To force this plant in the manner indicated, the beds must be specially made, and the plants receive special treat- ment, otherwise the returns in the shape of heads will bo po-ir. My present remarks apply to the Fj-inch pots they are in at present, into others of 8 or 9 inchis. Turner's Crimson Rambler, the climbing Teas and Noisettes, aud others, are all successfully treated by this method of winter grafting. The Cinerarias aud Cyclamens, especially tho latter, will soon have passed, and the propagation of Dahlias aud other plants is being effected. Messrs. Cutbushs' extremely 6ne collection of Carnations, which includes a large number of plants of the Mal- maison varieties, is at Highgato, and tho Palms and other decorative plants also. At Barnet considerable Bpace is devoted to hardy trees and shrubs. period from January onward till the beds in the open afford supplies ; and at this period forcing may be carried out at a small cost in labour and time, and tho produce will be but little inferior to that of unforced roots. To supply a few early dishes of Asparagus, the roots are lifted and forced indoors, as our per- manent beds are not heated by flues or hot-water pipes, and as lifting is not a profitable proceeding, The value to the gardener of permanent beds for what may be termed a full, or at least a good supply, consists in being able to cut heads from the beds three or four times a week at a trifling outlay. For heating I use tree leaves, aud in. many gardens these can bo obtained if diligently raked up as they fa'I, before thoy get blown into inaccessible places, and these leaves furnish a quantity of leaf-mould in the course of two yenra or thereabouts. At Sion there exiatsa series of Asparagus-beds me i suring 40 to f>0 feet in length, and I feet in width, raised '_' feet from the level, with alleys of 3 feel in width between them. These alleys are I feet deep, and tho bodsaro enclosed with I', inches thick brick- walls, pigeon-holed. In November these alleys have the half-decayed loaves cleared out, fresh leaves bring 202 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 27, 1897. substituted for them ; the latter are placed in a large heap to get compacted by fermentation before putting them in the alleys. It is necessary to make several additions, the first filling soon sinking, and each fresh lot is well trodden down and rammed as well, in order to make the whole as compact as pos- sible. The alleys are filled towards the middle of De- cember, the leaves then over-topping the beds a few inches. The fermenting loaves afford a mild, moist heat that does not unduly hasten the growth of the shoots, and these are succulent, and of greater edible length than shoots from hard-forced roots in hot-beds. The beds must be covered, and formerly 1 made use of wooden-shutters covered with litter, but shutters are not really ueeded in mild weather, a thickness of a few inches of litter sufficing to keep the beds warm. In frosty weather the shutters are of much use, and ours are made of boards 15 inches wide, which are laid on the tops of the walls with cross pieces laid on to keep them in place, and bracken or litter, and garden- mats over all. The alleys are always kept quite filled with warm leaves, so that heat is communicated to the space above the soil of the bed. Cutting begins towards the end of the first month, that is about six weeks from the date when the beds are covered over completely, aud it finishes when the beds in the open come into bearing. The beds at Sion have been forced for the last twenty years, and their productiveness is still very great, a fact that is due probably to the roots of the plants finding access to the decaying masses of leaves left in the alleys the summer through. The management of the beds after cutting leaves, includes the supply of an abundant quantity of water, the beds having, by their formation, perfect drainage, which have to be flooded with water in very hot, dry weather ; first affording the land a good dressing of fish-manure or guano, and occasionally of salt. The soil of the garden being of a very light description needs a great deal of water, but heavy soils would require much less. If the leaves sink excessively in summer timo, the beds are mulched with litter, but it is seldom needed if some of the soil is raked from the beds into the alleys when cutting has ceased ; at that time a dressing of decayed cow-dung is applied. When Asparagus is forced overy year, the roots begin to furnish heads with great regularity. I would advise the ire of tree-loaves in preference to stable dung, the heat being milder and more lasting. With fire-heat in any form the beds are liable to get too dry, and the application of water during the forcing is a necessity J that cannot be avoided, whereas the use of leaves has no disadvantage unless it be its slowness as compared with other methods. O. Wythes. The Week's Work. THE HARDY FRTJIT GARDEN. By H. W. Ward, Rayleigh Essex. Disbudding Wall-trees. — Continue to disbud wall and other trees at short intervals of time, as recom- mended by me in the issue for March 13, and do this till all of the surplus buds have been rubbed off. By removing only a small percentage of the buds from trees at each operation, no check to growth is inflicted. The shape aud fruitfulness of young trees are brought about by careful disbudding, by pinching the tips of over-vigorous shoots and foreriglits, and by arranging the shoots early in point of time, not wasting the energies of a tree by letting shoots attain a length of 3 or 4 inches before removing them, as is too often the case at this busy season. Orchard-trees, — An examination should be made of all staked trees, making loose ones firm in the ground and all ties secure, especial care being taken to placing a pad of leather, straw or cloth between the bark and the Btake, yet not making the ligature ed tight that it will cut into the bark before it will want renewing. The same remarks apply to the securing of the branches of espalier-trees. Raspberry Canes. — If the operation of tying the canes has been bo long delayed, no time should now be lost in getting it done. Allow a distance of 6 inches between the canes in tying them to the wires with bands of raffia, in the case of canes of autumn-bearing ltaspberries, which were cut down to the ground early in February. The young growths resulting from the cutting down of last year's canes will now require to be thinned to 5 or 6 inches from one auother in the rows, in order to secure strong canes for fruiting from July onwards till cut down by frosts. As the young canes grow they should be tied to two stout strings twisted round a series of stiffish sticks stuck into the ground at short intervals in the rows. Protecting Materials. — The various blinds, &c, in use for the protection of the fruit blossom from frost should be let down over the trees when frost is apprehended, not otherwise, as if let down during fairly warm nights, when the thermometer registers several degrees above the freezing-point, aphis is sure to effect a lodgment on the trees. Vines on Walls. — If these Vines have been treated as recommended in the Gardeners' Chronicle, on p. 123, February 20, all the buds excepting one should be rubbed off each spur or eye to which last year's shoots were pruned back, retaining, as a matter of course, the one that is the most promising. This will produce this year's fruit. When the bunches show, leave, so far as can then be judged, the largest- framed aud best-formed on each shoot. Later on, when the bunches have set their berries, and the best to constitute the crop can be definitely determined, it will be necessary to make a further reduction in the number of the bunches. In Vine-culture, the size and strength of the Vine, as well as the kind of soil, situation, and climate, have all to bo considered. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By Charles Herrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead. Rliododcndrons and other American Plants. — These plants may be moved with almost perfect safety now or during the next few weeks. Late planting is not advisable, but I have transplanted Rhododendrons from one part of an estate to another until the middle of May. The recent rains will have thoroughly soaked the soil about the roots, aud thus the con- ditions necessary for transplanting now exist. Where the natural soil consists of a heavy clay, or contains much lime, made-up beds become a necessity. These need not be composed of peat, as both Rhodo- dendrons and Azaleas will grow and flower freely in a compost of sandy loam and leaf-soil ; and if peat be not available, sandy loam aud half-rotten leaves in equal proportions wdl prove a good substitute. Tbese plants root chiefly near the surface, and the bods of prepared soil need be but shallow, say, 1 or 5 inches, but the subsoil should be porous, for they require an abundance of moisture, and if this does not drain away quickly the plants do not succeed. Make the plants quite firm in the soil, and then afford a good mulching of leaf-mould, aud one thorough soaking of water to settle] the soil about the root-*. A sheltered site should be selected for hybrids of the Nobleanum type, and other early- flowering varieties. If these bo partially sheltered by deciduous trees, and screened by evergreen shrubs, they will afford valuable blossoms in most years. Should frost threaten when the plants are about to flower, cut any with buds just showing colour, aud thoy will open in a few days if placed in water in a warm room. Hardy Azaleas of the Ghent and pontica sections are excel- lent companions to Rhododendrons, and require similar treatment. Besides possessing pink, crimson, and yellow flowers in many shades, they are also decidedly sweet scented. Ledum latifolium, Per- nettyas, Kalmias, and Vacciniums may also be trans- planted now. Water Lilies. — The introduction of the fine varieties of Nyniplnea raised by M. Latour-Marliac has caused more attention to be directed to this style of water gardening. They should be planted from the present time throughout April, or until growth commences. The mo*t suitable situation is a lak e, or pond, where the water is from 2 to 4 feet deep, with 6 inches or more of mud at the bottom, but 1 have seen them doing well where there were only 18 inches, or even less of water. The best method of cultivation is to plant the tubers in shallow baskets that will hold about a buahel of soil, and use good fibrous loam, broken moderately fine, and leaf-soil in nearly equal proportions. When planted, tie them down to the basket to prevent the plants beiug pulled out or disturbed by swans, or other means ; and before sinking the basket in the pond, lay a few stones on the surface of the soil. Where the water is shallow, small baskets or large punnets may be used in which to plant the Lily- tubers. The following are good varieties to plant : — N. Marliacea carnea, N, M. rosea, N. M. albida, N. M. chrornatella, N. Leydekeri rosea (of more slender growth than the other varieties), N. L. purpurata, N. odorata Bulphurea. The common white Water Lily, N. alba, is also worth planting, and will grow almost anywhere. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By W. Pope, Gardener, Higliclero Castle, Newbury. Kidney Beans. — Seed maynow be sown in quantity either in pots or cutting-boxes, if these are 6 to 8 inches in depth, for the production of pods in the months of May and early June, This sowing will not need to be grown in a hot-house after germina- tion, which should take place in heat of 60° to 65°, but they may be placed in any cold-pit or frame that may be available about the eud of next month, advantage being taken to forward growth by closing the lights soon after midday, by allowing the warmth in the frame, with air given, to reach 70% and by covering the glass at night more or less, according to the outside temperature. As fast as the frames are cleared of the early Potatos, &c, the soil should be levelled, aud Kidney Beans sown, Ne Plus Ultra being one of the best for the purpose, being of dwarf, compact growth, and a heavy cropper. Plants now in bearing should receive copious supplies of weak liquid-manure twice a week, and be syringed daily with clear soft-water. The soil for Beans in pots should be rich, light, and be warmed before being used in potting them. No Kidney Bean should be grown in a fruit-house, if it can be avoided, or remain in any house after a crop is gathered, or red- spider will soon spread from the plants to others in the house. Peas under Class, &c. — Peas which are being for- warded under glass should be afforded weak liquid manure occasionally, and ventilated freely in the warm part of the day ; closing the lights in good time, and if standing in frames covering the lights on cold nights. Plants being forwarded under glass for planting outside should be planted without further delay, or they will be no earlier than the first outdoor sowings. If the land be heavy, leaf- soil should be worked in round about the roots in planting them. As soon as planted, dust the plants with fresh soot, and put the sticks to them. The early sowings now coming up must be protected from the ravages of birds and mice. Against the birds use black thread stretched in intercrossed lines just above the soil, and for the latter use traps ; and let the rows be moulded-up when the plants are a few inches high. When sowing the main-crop Peas, it is advisable to wet the seeds and roll them in red lead powder. Scakale. — Seakale may at this season be easily blanched where it grows, by placing sifted coal-ashes over the crowns about 9 inches or 1 foot deep, so as to shut out the light. Shoots obtaiued in this manner are of excellent quality. Vegetable Marrows. — If Vegetable Marrows are to be forced under glass, soed should be sown forthwith on a mild hot-bed, and preferably where the plants are to grow and fruit. When up, allow the plants all the light possible ; afford air freely from the first on all favour- able occasions, taking care, however, to protect the plants from cold winds at all times, shutting up the frames early in the afternoon, and covering them securely at night for the present. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By G, II. Mavcock, Gardoner, Luton Hoo Park, Luton. Bouvarclias. — The young plants that were Btruck from cuttings taken from selected old plants which were dried off" in October, and then pruned back so a* to furnish suitable shoots for the purpose in the winter, will now, if they are kept fairly moist, move freely. It will be necessary to nip the points of the shoots to induce bushiuess ; and to keep the plants in active growth, a warmth of 65° to 70° by night, and 10° more by day, should be maintained, affording them a slight amount of shade during the hottest hours of the day. Slips with a heel, and small pieces of the roots, will strike at the present season when placed in bottom-heat of 76° to 80°; but late autumn or winter -struck plants give the better results, and make finer plants in the shortest period of time. Cyclamens from Seed, if pricked off into pans, will probably now require to be potted into thumbs, taking care in doing so to place the corni to only- half its depth in the soil. Place the potted seedlings on a bed or solid stage (not shelves) near the glass, in a moist warm-house or pit The Tuberose (Polyanthes titberosa).— Some of the best should now be potted in a mixture of three parts partially-decayed turfy loam and one of leaf- mould, with a small amount of sharp sand. I prefer to put the bulbs into the flowering-pots at the first, which need not be bigger than large IS's. If any of tho bulbs exhibit signs of decay, the affected parts should be cut clean away, and the bulbs strewed March 27, 1897-1 THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE. 203 with or rolled in charcoal powder aud lime, In potting, the bulbs should be buried to one-half their depth, and firmly potted. One bulb in a pot is enough ; and the soil should neither be too wet or too dry. Plunge the pots in a bed of coal-ashes, with a cold frame over it, introducing them to the forcing-house as may be required. The forcing must be very gradual, no water should be afforded before the flower-spike pushes up, unless the soil Bhould get very dry, but afterwards water when necessary, as with other plants, aflordiug liquid-manure if the spikes appear weakly, and syringing frequently in order to prevent infestation of the leaves by red-spider. By followiug out this course, a coutinuous supply of flowers can be obtained from the month of August until the end of the year. Agathca cdestis. — A good stock of cuttings of this plaut may now be struck iu a cool-house under a hand-light or bell-glass, the rooted cuttings being potted without delay. It is a plant that flowers best when the roots are somewhat pot-bound. The potting soil should consist chiefly of fibrous loam, and 48's are sufficiently large pots to flower them in. Grow them in a cold frame during the summer, removing them in the autumn to a house with a temperature of 50° by night and 55° by day. The plants will require stopping once or twice in the early stages, but beyond keeping green-fly in check, it is an easily cultivated subject. For supplying a pro- fusion of blue flowers during the autumn and winter mouths, when blue flowers are scarce, this Agathea should not be neglected. General Remarks. — See that Marguerites do not get over-run with the maggot, and any of the grubs that are seen to be mining in the leaves should be nipped with the thumb-nail. Sow seed of Mignonette in pots in loam which has been stacked for not less time than nine months. Plants of ReinwaHtia (Linum) trigynum and Libonia floribunda which have flowered should now have their shoots cut in severely, and be placed in such a position that strong, healthy growth be made. Cuttings may be taken when the shoots have grown to a few inches in length. THE ORCHID HOTJSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Burford, Dorking. Deciduous Calanthes. — The species and hybrids of this genus are exceedingly beautiful, and useful for decorative purposes. Unfortunately, near large towns there are usually fogs prevalent at the season when the plauts commence to bloom, which sometimes destroy the inflorescence. To commence the culti- vation of these Calanthes, the following hybrids would form a useful and pleasing collection :— C. Veitcbi, C. V. alba, C. Sedeni, C. Bella, C. Harrisii, C. Halli, C. Victoria Reginse, C. Burford- iense, C. Bryan, C. William Murray, C. versicolor, C. porphyrea ; and the varieties of C. vestita, as C. Turneri, C. T. nivalis, C. rubro oculata, and C. luteo-oculata. Calanthe (Limatodes) rosea is a distinct and charming species, well worth growing. Deciduous Calanthes should be re-potted before new roots are made. Shake out the exhausted soil, and shorten the roots to about 1 inch. The part left is necessary to keep the pseudo-bulbs firm until they are established. The soil should consist of one-half turfy yellow loam, one-fourth dry cow-dung, or well- decayed leaf -soil, and one-fourth finely chopped sphag- num-moss, small crocks, and coarse silver-sand. Half-fill the pots with drainage, and over this place a thin layer of loamy turf, with the grassy-side down- wards. When potting, shake the soil down mode- rately firmly around the base of the pseudo-bulbs to within half an inch of the rim of the pot, this will leave sufficient space for a top-dressing of fibrous loam when the pla-its are in active growth. The usual practice is to plant the pseudo-bulbs singly, but where house-room is limited, several may advan- tageously be planted together in pots of a suitable size. The plants require the lightest and best position in the East Indian-house, or they may be successfully cultivated in the plant-stove, Pine-pit, or Cucumber- house. Give no water at the root until the plants have been potted two or three weeks, but merely syringe between the pots several times a day, accord- ing to the state of the weather. When the new growths have begun to grow freely, slightly sprinkle the soil with water by means of a fine rose watering- can, but even then the beginner must use much dis- cretion ; for if the soil be made too wet by dipping or watering, the tips of the young roots decay, and the health of the plaut becomes impaired. When the roots liavo a firm hold of the sides of the pot, water may be given less hesitatingly, and when thoroughly well established an abundance of water should be alternated with weak liquid cow-manure. The stock of any particular variety may be increased by taking off the old back bulbs previous to there potting, and inserting them close together in pots or shallow pans filled with sphagnum-moss, but affording no water. Place them in a light position, and when the bulbs commence to grow, re-pot them singly, as previously advised. Seedlings from last spring may be potted off now. The best method is to place several around the edge of the smallest-sized pots, and suspend them from the roof of the house. They will require the same kind of treatment as the older plants. Any of the latter that are bearing seed-c ipsules should not now be disturbed by repotting ; but be placed iu full sun- shine to mature and ripen the seed. Immediately the pods burst, carefully wrap a piece of tissue-paper arouud them to prevent loss of seed, aud when the old stems commence to die down, cut them off. By that time the plants we are now potting will have made many roots, and upon those which have the greatest number of roots the seed should be sown. It usually germinates in a few months, and until this takes place those plants must be carefully watered. When the seedlings are up, and have made some roots, they should be kept moist, but they must not be disturbed before next spring. Calanthe Regnieri, and its varieties Sauderiana, Williamsii, and Stevensii will now be in bloom ; these also will require repotting after the spikes are cut and growth has recommenced. This section of the Calanthes is more serviceable to those who, for reasons stated above, fail to grow the early winter-flowering varieties satisfactorily. Etdophia guineen&is and E. congoensis have started to grow, and may be repotted. Give them the same treatment as the Calanthes in regard to potting, watering, and resting, but when growing they should have rather more shade. THE APIARY. By Expert. Weather and the Bees. — While not exceptionally unseasonable, the weather keeps dull and cloudy, cold winds confining bees within doors, except on the odd days whensunshine warms them into activity and eager- ness to get a fly abroad. One can easily understand the great amount of good dono to a full colony of bees when a real "flying day" occurs for the first time in spring after several months of inactivity. Essentially an outdoor worker, the open air and sun- shine is life to the bee in far more senses than to the majority of insects. Nor does anything afford more genuine enjoyment to the true bee-mau than to see the "turn-out" of strong stocks when they do get their first real flying day in spring, and show him that they have not forgotten how to scent pollen, and bring it home. Contracting the Hives. — Although we advise no stimulating this month, the weather may be quite warm enough towards its close to warrant a full examination of the brood-nest, and a consequent crowding of the bees on fewer combs for the sake of warmth. Empty space below the combs may now be dispensed with. Uniting Qacenless Sees. — Where stocks are ascer- tained beyond doubt to be queenless, the bees should be added to the next stock as follows : Bring the two hives as close together as they can conveniently be placed by gradually lessening the distance between them a yard or so daily. Smoke the bees slightly, and Bprinkle both lots with thin syrup, then remove an outside frame from the hive which is to receive the queenless bees, and substitute one from the last- named with the adhering bees in its stead ; pour a little syrup in between the combs, and give more smoke as the frames are placed together, and proceed as before till the bees of both stocks are joined to- gether iu one hive. Examine carefully to see that no frames containing brood or eggs are removed from the hive where the queen is. If the space has been properly contracted by division boards, the removal of these give the required room for added frames. Stimulating. — This is often started nearly a month too early, and much mischief has been caused thereby. When the bees are well off fur food, they are best left alone until plenty of natural pollen can be had. Of course the resources of the neighbourhood will be taken into account ; but where a natural supply exists, we do not like to forestall that supply by artificial means, it is wisest to let nature and the season guide us. Stimulating is useful enough if judiciously begun and carefully continued, but it has been misunderstood and terribly abused in times past, principally, as we think, by beginning too early, and iu some cases by carelessness and neglect afterwards. Many also imagine that syrup alone will causoquoeus egg laying — this is a mistake ; unless pollen be already iu the hive, or is obtainable in other ways, stimulating is only half accomplished, and no start is made. Whenever brood is being raised, pollen will invariably be seen in the cells of the opposite comb ready for the nurse-bees' use, we thus know for certain that the larvpe require nitrogenous food as well as honey ; and in localities where pollen is scarce, it becomes necessary to fall back upon such substitutes as we know of. The time to begin stimulating must be regulated by two things : — first, the earliness of the district in which bees are kept; and second, by the season. In plain words, when bees are carrying in pollen freely, supplement this by giving syrup slowly and regularly (uot by fits and Btarts), or by uncapping sealed food at intervals of a few days, but do not expose brood or uncover hives oftener than is absolutely necessary. It must not be supposed that stocks which are working vigorously may be left to take care of themselves henceforward, their very prosperity now may be the cause of disaster later on, if the rapidly increasing populatiou should exhaust the stock of food in store, and the bee-keeper does not take care of the "cupboard" by guarding against famine. FRTJITS UNDER GLASS. By P. Harris, Gardener, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury. Cucumbers. — Those recently planted now making rapid progress should have the lateral shoots con- stantly nipped at the points, and the main shoots, as well as the longer laterals, evenly distributed with- out crowding them, and be tied loosely to the trellis, supposing the plants are grown in houses. In ordi- nary pits and frames the same kind of treatment is required, but instead of tying the bine, it must be kept in place by means of wooden hooks, or bits of brick or stone. The laterals should be stopped one leaf in advance of a fruit. Top-dress with fibrous loam, old mortar, some fresh horse-droppings, and one handful of soot per bushel of soil, affording a tem- perature of 85°. Plants in bearing should occasionally be afforded liquid-manure. Do not preserve old plants whose best time is over, but clear them out, whitewash the pit, and clean the glass, put in new hillocks of soil, and start with vigorous young plants. If old, and they must be retained for a short time, thin out the old leave?, taking in preference all of those which are mildewed, or infested with thrips or red-spider, syringing those that are left with soap-suds and flowers of-sulphur ; top-dress the bed, and apply manure- water. New growth will soon push in suffi- cient quantity to cover the trellis anew, and furnish Cucumbers till the young plants come into bearing. Sow Cucumber-seeds occasionally. Strawberries. — Plants which have fruited, if required for planting out, should be placed in a col J -frame, aud gradually inured to the outside air ; when planted out on a warm border good fruits are obtaiued from such plants late in the autumn. When removing them from the forcing-house, see that the soil is thoroughly moistened. Strawberry plants carrying ripe fruit should be afforded air freely, and if the fruit is not wanted for a few days, remove the plants to a cool, dry house, and shade from strong sunshine. The fruit will not keep for a longer period than one week. Succesional plants must be kept gently moving, affording weak stimulants to those growing in small pots, which have set twelvo to eighteen fruits each. When thinning the fruits on late successions, remove more than is the rule with the earlier batches. As soon as thinned, put little crutches under the fruits to prevent the stalks from bending over. Tomatos. — Those plants which are carrying fruit now swelling fast should be afforded liquid-man ureonce or twice a week, but plants that have not set much fruit will be the better for being kept rather dry at the root, and not stimulated with manure. When Tomatos are planted in large pots, or their roots have the run of a Urge mass of soil, the growth is very strong, and as a consequence they set badly ; but if the plants are firmly potted iu smallish pots and kept a little dryer, this tendency is overcome. The lateral shoots should be pinched out, and the tips of the leaves removed if very luxuriant. Afford the plants more air as the sun-heat increases, which will have the effect of facilitating fruit-sotting. Succession plants should be repotted before the roots get pot-bound, ^iviug two or more shifts till they come into their frui ting-pots I prepare the plants by getting them into their fruiting sizes as fast as may be, standing them in light places in vineries and other forcing-houses. See that the plants for oudoor fruiting are potted, staked, aud kept iu good condition, and nol starved in small pots. 204 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Maboh 27, 1897. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLI8HER. Local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it i& desirabU to bring under the notice of horticulturists. Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be careful to mark (hepceragraphs they wish the Editor to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. SATURDAY, Mar. 27— Royal Botanic Soc. Meet. WEDNESDAY, Mae. 31— Royal Bot Soc, Spring Exhibition. fLirmean Society. THURSDAY, April 1-J Royal Hort. Soc. of Ireland : Spring I. Show. SALES. /Tuberoses, Cannas, _Carnations, ^9-! Begonias, &c, \ Morris' Rooms, f Asters, Anemones, Tigridias. \ Roses, Imported and Established 0," Orchids. &c, at Frolheroe «fc i Morris' Rooms. I Border Plants, Roses, Shrubs, ' Bulbs, Lilies, at Stevens' Rooms. Japanese Lilies. Carnations, Aza- leas, Roses, Herbaceous Plants. WEDNESDAY, Mar. 31 THURSDAY, Ac , at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms. Great Sale of Roses, Palms, Fruit Trees, Ornamental Shrubs, Lilies, &c, at Stevens* Rooms. ! Special Sale of Border Plants, Lilies, Bulbs, Roses, &c, at Stevens' Rooms. Milligan Hoou, the only son and the present editor of the Journal of Horticulture. To him it will come as a pious souvenir of the past, and a great encouragement for the future. And now we make way for another old friend, whose proposal we doubt not will be warmly received: — " GraDd as the exhibitions of fruit often are at the present time, the Royal Horticultural Society has no special medal to offer as the highest award for fruit. It has its Flora, its Bauksiau, Veitch, &c, but no spechl fruit medal. May I, therefore, suggest this. Is there not now unusual aud highly fitting opportunity to have such medal, and let it be in the honour of the one whom to know was to love, and to associate with was indeed a privilege. " Let, then, a subscription Ust be opened that we, by giving, may thus testify our regard and high estimation and deep sense of our appreciation of the valuable contributions to all that appertains to the better understanding of our fruits, our fruit trees, and their varieties. Let the fund thus raised be to found a modal or medals to be annually awarded or otherwiso for fruit excellence in exhibition only, and and that such medal be entitled ' The Hubert Hogg Fruit Medal.' If this can be done, as indeed it should, I for one shall be most willing to give my mite, though but a poor tokeu of a lifelong admiration of the man and Lis work. Harrison Weir, Sevenoaks." Our readers will find on p. 210 in the report of the Eoyal Horticultural Society's meeting of Tuesday last, an eulogistic estimate of the late E. Hogg, addressed by the Rev. W. Wilks to the assembled members of the Fruit Committee. iaoe Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from Observations of Forty-three years, at Chiswick. — 453°. al Temperatures :— Lonoon. —March 24 : Max., 63° ; Min., 49°. Provinces. — March 24 : Max., &5", Yarmouth ; Min., 44°., Suraburgh Head. Testimonials are now often A Fruit Medal gu(jn matters 0f course, got up in Meiuonam. „ i_i for every conceivable purpose, with little or no discrimination, that many of them are looked on by subscribing victims as a species of blackmail, and the whole system is apt to inspire loathing. Of course, we are alluding to some and not all public testi- monials. For some there is ample justifica- tion ; while in the case of those which are kept private we have, of course, no right to raise any objection at all. In the case of our late friend Dr. Hogg, it may be known to some of our readers that an attempt was made, shortly before his death, to collect together in a handsome Album a series of portraits of his old associates and colleagues. About a hundred portraits were thus received (comprising most of the representative men), and the number might doubtless have been much increased, but for the system of selection adopted. Unfortunately, the delays in the preparation of the Album were such, that the finished volume only appeared on our table shortly after the decease of the great pomologist. The secret was well kept till nearly the end, when, foreseeing the probable issue of the case, the nature of the proposed gift was made known to the intended recipient. There is at least reason to believe that some of our friend's last anxious hours were rendered pleasant by the intelligence conveyed to him. It is impossible not to feel sorry at the par- tial frustration of a plan which excited universal sympathy, but we could not have done other- wise under the circumstances. For the future, we have the satisfaction of knowing that the Album now becomes the property of Mr. E. We have already alludod to the ,.0I?b,s° . 10 successful results consequent on United States. . . . l . ,. . a Commission ot inquiry, ot which Prof. Sargent was a member. We have now before us the full text of the letter of the Secre- tary of the Interior to the President (Cleve- land), transmitting a report by the National Forestry Commission to the National Academy of Sciences, rocommending the establishment of additional forest reservations. We have not space to outer into detail, but we may say that in addition to previous reserves, the President has now sanctioned the reserve of no fewer than 21,379,840 acres, mostly in the Central and Western States. Thus the conservation of forests of untold value, till now in danger of extirpation, has been secured, to the enormous advantage of the oountry, economically and climatically :— "The total area of the reservations hereby pro- posed," says the secretary, " exceeds that of all thoso heretofore established by about 1,000,000 acres, but as our public forests are being rapidly denuded, and the loss resulting therefrom is incalculable, I do not think this apparently large area should militate in any degree against the recommendation of the commission. "I respectfully suggest that the one hundred and sixty-fifth anniversary (February 22, 1897) of the birth of the father of our country could be no more appropriately commemorated than by the promulga- tion by yourself of proclamations establishing these grand forest reservations." Of each of the thirteen Eeserves a short account is given, from which we take the fol- lowing by way of illustration : — " 3. The Teton Forest Reserve. "This proposed reserve embraces 829,410 acres, and is south of and adjacent to the Yellowstone Park Timber Land Keservo. The forests which cover it are similar in character to those in the Yellowstone National Park ; they are capable of supplying all local demauds that will probably ever be made on them, but have little commercial value. This pro- posed reserve contains the Teton Range of mountains and Jackson Lake, and some of the grandest and most picturesque scenery of the Rocky Mountains. Within its borders are many streams flowing west, south, and north, and as a reservoir of moisture it is important. Incidentally, it may be mentioned that the proposed reserve is a favourite home of the elk and other large game, and that as a game reserve it would well supplement the Yellowstone National Park and the Yellowstone Park Timber Land Reserve. " 9. The Olympic Forest Reserve. " This proposed reserve occupies the high and broken Olympic Mountain region hi north-western Washing- ton, and contains an estimated area of 2,188,S00 acres. This is a region of steep and jagged mountains, their highest peaks clothed with glaciers and with perpetual snow. The forests here, watered by more copious rains than fall on any other part of the United States, are composed of enormous Spruces, Firs, and Cedars, and in productiveness are surpassed in the world only by the Red-wood forests of the Californian coast region. Few explorers have penetrated far into this region, which from the denseness of its forest- covering, offers exceptional difficulties to travel ; and there is no record that it has been crossed in a north to south direction. This propoted reserve, no doubt, contains for its area the largest and most valuable body of timber belonging to the nation ; aud here is probably the only part of the United States where the forest, unmarked by fire or the axe, still exists over a great area in its primeval splendour. "The character of its forests, which can be made to yield permanently vast quantities of timber, its wildness, the picturesqueness of its surface, and its remoteness, make the proposed Olympic reserve one of the most valuable of all the foreBt reserves which have been made or proposed." " The commission is now engaged iu perfecting a scheme of forest management which it bolieves will make the administration of the reserves possible, aud which in due time will be submitted to you. It believes that the solutiou of this difficult problem will, however, bo made easier if reserved areas are now increased, as the greater the number of people interested in drawing supplies from the reserved territory, or io mining in them, the greater will be the pressure on Congress to euact Jaws permitting their proper administration. For this reason it is the unanimous opinion of the commission that the establishment, by proclamation, of the reserves described above is now a matter of the utmost importance to the development and welfare of the whole country." The attainment of this end has been one of the main objects of Professor Sargent's labours for many years. He may be congratulated on his success, for greater service to his country it would be difficult to render. Tree Ferns at Menabilly. -This well-known Cornish garden, belouging to John Rashlbioh, Esq., has frequently furnished materials illustrating the successful cultivation of plants coming from warmer regions than our own, especially those of New Zealand, South Australia, and Japan. Our illustration (fig. 64), taken from a photograph by Mr. Rashleigh himself, represents a group of Tree Ferns growing in a sheltered spot in the pleasure grounds at Menabilly. The largest, 8 feet high, came from Kew about five years ago, at which time its weight was 1 4 cwt., and height of stem S feet. The seven others came from Sydney rather more than two years ago, and they are 8 feet high. These plants, Mr. Rashleigh tells us, are kept in good condition by daily syringing the trunks in dry weather. Iu rainy or dull weather they take care of themselves. LlNNEAN SOCIETY.— On the occasion of the meeting ou Thursday, April 1, 1897, at S p.m., papers will be read : — I. " On the Evolution of Oxygen from Coloured Bacteria," by A. J. Ewakt, B.Sc, Ph.D. II. " On the Germination of Spores of Agariciorese," by Miss Helen Beatrix Potter. March 27, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 205 GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITU- TION.— We understand that the net proceeds from the performance of the oomedy-opera "Dorothy," recently given iu aid of the Victorian Era Fund, amounted to £60 2s. 2d., and a cheque for that sum has been forwarded to the Secretary of the In .titutiuu by Mr. H. Morgan Veitch. The Hamburg Exhibition.— One of the attrac- tions will be a work by M. Schuringe, for which a special position will be chosen, and which will take the form of a teries of representations by means of plants and paintings of the various floras of the globe. of £150 in one series, exclusive of gold and silver medals, are open to gardeners and amateurs only. Other liberal prizes are offered to the trade. CAPE FRUIT. — The Union Company's steamer, Tartar, has arrived from the Cape of Good Hope with the following consignment of fruit, viz. : — To Mr. G. E. Hudson, 280 cases of Grape3 ; 150 do., to Mr. Nathan ; 34 cases of Grapes and 12 of Pears to Messrs. Woodheap, Plant k Co. ; and 100 cases of Grapes to the Colonial Consignment and Distributing Co. (Ltd.) ; and most of the fruit turned out in excellent condition. RELIQUI>£ MUELLERIAN/E. — It seems that Mr. J. G. Luehmann, who rendered so much valu- able service to the Baron, has taken upon himself to continue the publication of leaflets descriptive of new plants, in the same way as that carried on by the indefatigable von Mueller. Mr. Henry Stevens as a Photographer. — The proprietors of the Graphic have recently con- ducted an amateur photographic competition. Ex- hibits from all parts of the world have been received, and the competitors, it is said, numbered several thousands each of them being permitted to send six Fin. 64. — TREK FERNS AT MENABILLY, CORNWALL. (SEE P. 204/ Thus, a moor, a Norwegian fiord, with alpine (Scan- dinavian) plants, and a Mexican view, with gigantic Cacti, are already completed, and other soqucs are in preparation. Coming Events casting their Shadows BEFORE. — One of the greatest of these promises to bo that of the Edinburgh Chrysanthemum Society's show. It has already launched its Diamond Jubilee Schedule for November 18, 19, and *JU, and offers prizes as follows : — 1st, of £50 and a Gold Victorian Medal ; 2nd, of £30 and a Silver Medal ; 3rd, of £15 ; 4th, of £10 ; 5th, of £8 ; 6th, of £4. For twenty vases of twenty varieties of three blooms each, Chrysanthemum foliage only to be Used, these special Diamond Jubilee prizes amounting t) a sum The Recent Gale.— It has boon ascertained (remarks the Daily Chronicle of the 16th inst.) that during the recent gales on the south coast immense damage was done to the timber on the neighbouring estates of the Duke of NORFOLK and the Duke of Richmond. It is estimated that the former lost quite 1000 trees, involving a great expense for clearing ; whilst the Goodwood demesne suffered to a not less extent. Tho Duke of Richmond was specially grieved at tho uprooting of eleven of his fine Codars of Lebanon, part of the remuaut of tho loo J of those trees planted in and around Goodwood Park by Charles, the third duke, iu 1760. There is to be an extensive planting of Cedars in the park and pleasure-grounds in commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee year. pbutographs. The result has just been made known, and horticulturists will be interested to note that the first prize of £20 has been awarded to Mr. 11. Stevens, the well-known auctioneer. His photograph was entitled " Worn Out," and represents an aged woman in a worn-out donkey-cart. Mr. Stevens is a fre- quent exhibitor of photographs, for which ho has won many medals, but his latest success ho is most proud of. The Penetration of Frost into the Ground. According to the researches of a French savant into the subject of earth-penetration by frost, it makes a difference whether the earth bo bare or covered with turf ; in the former case, the penetration of the frost is much easier, quicker, 206 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 27, 1897. and deeper than in the latter, the layer of turf makiug an average difference of 50 centimetres in the amount of penetration. During the hardest frosts of 1896 it was observed that the frost penetrated the bare earth to a depth of 75 cm., whilst under turf the depth was about 30 cm. In tho case of the former the frost in the first two or three days reached to a depth of 18 cm., whereas in earth covered with turf nineteen days of an average amount of frost of — 4° Eeau. (9° Fahr.) were required to show a trace of penetration at 5 cm. The continuous penetration of frost by night, and of suuheat by day, was like- wise closely observed. It would be interesting to ascertain, in view of these statements, whether the protective layer of turf above the root of trees and shrubs retards or hastens growth. WOOLTON GARDENERS' SOCIETY.— The last meeting of the session was held on the 18th inst., the Rev. George Beaumont presiding. There was an exhibition of plants an} flowers, together with social amusements. Several groups of plants of a high character were staged. The attendance was most satisfactory, and a balance of £3 is to be given to the Victorian Bra Fund. The Culture of Vegetables.— Mr. E. Kemp Toogood of Southampton has published a small pamphlet on this subject. It is intended for practical gardeners, and for them will be of much value ; but we suggest to the reader that the preface be skipped, and that attention be paid simply to the practical directions, which are excellent. HOOKER'S " ICONES PLANTARUM." — The February part (constituting the last part of the twenty-sixth volume), contains numerous descriptions and illustrations of plants of botanic interest con- tained in the Kew herbarium. A large series of species of Eryngium is figured and described by Mr. W. B. Hemsley. Echinops bromelircfolius, with linear leaves closely beset with spines at the margin, and furnished with cylindrical racemes of flowers, is a very extraordinary plant found in East Tropical Africa by Mr. Scott Elliot. THE DOUGLAS FlR. — In the February number of the JSrtjthea, Mr. J. G. Lemmon has revived an old name of Rafinesque's, namely, Abies mucronata. Tho name was given in 1832, but was never taken up, and as the plant is not an Abies, it would have been better to have consigned it to oblivion. Mr. Lemmon, however, thinks otherwise, and calls the tree Fseudo-tsuga mucronata, Sudwortb. Mr. Sud- worth haviDg, as we suppose, had nothing whatever to do either with the genus or the species ! The result is a list of nine synonyms, the latest dating from 1895, besides others from European literature which are passed over. The gardener who speaks of the ' Douglas Fir " is much happier ! Apple Culture and Cider-Making.— With a view of obtaining accurate information, some of our Kentish friends are proposing to map out the fruit-growing portions of the county, parish by parish, and to report on the condition of the orchards. Prof. Hall, of Wye Agricultural College, is grafting his stocks with cider sorts from the West, and is arranging the holding of a cider conference in May. Cider-making involves considerable extra outlay, and is, except in two or three favoured localities, still in the experimental stage. Still, we can see no reason why, if made on scientific principles, and not ' ' any- how," it should not become remunerative, and a great boon to those consumers to whom malt liquor is objectionable. There is also no reason why the more modern bush culture of select Apples, cultivated jud marketed on business principles, should not be combined with cider-making. Pleasant for the British Farmer i— The steamboat called the Rvby has been lately put on the service between Antwerp and London, aud is to be followed by the Topaz and the SwppMre. Any package of poultry, fruit, eggs, vegetables, &c, con- signed to a Belgian station before 8 a.m. is delivered the next morning in the London markets at 5 a.m. The British Moss-Flora.— By R. Braitu- waite, M.D.,&c. The November part (xvii.) of this valuable publication treats of Fam. xix., Hypnaceas i. Having on previous occasions called attention to the excellence of this work, it only remains to add that the quality of tho letterpress and tho accuracy of the illustrations are quite up to the usual standard. Poison in Spinach. — Under the name of atriplicism, or intoxication from Spinach (Atriplex), M. Matignon, physician to the French Legation at Pekin, describes the ill effects which he has frequently observed among Chinese of the poorest class, par- ticularly among beggars, and especially among the women. These ill effects are consequent upon the ingestion of young shoots of a certain variety of Atriplex, and are characterised by general swelling of the face, hands, and forearms, by sensitiveness, difficulties of movement, and circulation ; and, par- ticularly, by cutaneous disturbances, often compli- cated by ulcers more or less spreading over the swollen parts. M. Laveran has remarked upon this theory that, if these ill effects are attributable to feeding on the young shoots of a variety of Spinach, there is but a small number affected of those who eat it. The Chinese doctors think that it arises from irritation produced by a poison secreted by small greonish-yellow mites often found on Spinach. M. Matignon agrees with this opinion, which seems confirmed by the fact that ill effects are not felt when the Spinach shoots are carefully washed, or only eaten when cooked. Other hypotheses are admissible. It is possible, for instance, that these local troubles are produced directly by the mites. M. Laveran was impressed to see, in reading M. Matignon's work, that only exposed surfaces are affected, that the right hand is more often injured than the left, aud that the eruption is sometimes confined to the thumb and index finger of the right hand ; that is to say, to the parts most exposed when gathering Spinach. It is comprehensible that fingers soiled with an irritant substance would easily infect the face, or that the mites would be sprinkled on the face, as on the hands and forearms. No gastric symptom is observable, the appetite is maintained throughout the course of the illness ; this does not favour tho idea of poison from any ingested matter. The mito mentioned as frequent upon Spinach shoots is perhaps one of those common in tropical America, which live in vegetation, and give rise, in human beings, whom they voluntarily attack, to intolerable itohing, such as in our country is caused by the harvest-mite, a larval form of a mite of tho Trombidium genus. The question should be studied from an etiological point of view, and the result of these com- plementary researches collated before the evil can be named ; tho title atriplexism should apparently be discarded, as it is not the Atriplex which causes the mischief, licvue Scicnlifique. women, which was also a successful undertaking, bringing in considerable financial gains. The third successful aud novel venture was the aforesaid Orchid Show, which affords a splendid example to ladies in oth er countries. H. DANEMARK. Orchid Exhibition at Copenhagen. — A committee of Danish ladies arranged this month at Copenhagen a very interesting flower-show, partly consisting of Orchids brought home from London by the nursery- man and Orchid grower, Mr. 0. Trier, at Copenhagen. Other Danish exhibitors sent a great many different species of Orchids in flower. Illustrations were fur- nished of Danish Orchid literature ; also splendid paintings of the thirty-three species of Orchids indigenous to the country, and some of exotic species. The plants were nicely arranged in fine Danish ceramic ware, aud the ladies had shown much taste aud labour, haviug presented it all in a really de- lightful manner. The exhibition was visited by the entire Royal family, and had many admirers. Tho aim of this undertaking was to obtain funds for the Woman's Building at Copenhagen. At Chicago the Danish ladies exhibited very beautiful and useful objects. The success attending this exhibition encouraged them to hold a grand exhibition during the whole of the summer of 1895 of objects entirely made by A GIGANTIC CYCLAMEN. Very muck has been said aud written of late about Cyclamens, and various modifications of existing types have been observed, that are likely hereafter to result in much greater variety in regird to the shape and form of the flowers. At the same time, there has been continued advance made in perfecting the well-known type, by obtaining increased Bize of flower with more substance, greater variety of colour, aud better habit. In fig. 65 is presented a bloom taken from one of a few plants exhibited at the Drill Hall on the 9th inst. by the St. George's Nursery Company, Hanwell, when the strain obtained an Award of Merit. The segments of the flower were a trifle under 3 inches in length, of good substance, and the stems unusually stout. They were the finest Cycla- mens we have seen. THE INFLUENCE OF THE GRAFT ON THE FRUIT. At whatever age in the history of horticulture the utility of the graft may first have become recognised, there is no doubt that a vast amount of information on the subject has gradually accumulated during an in- definitely long period of observation, and subsequently of methodical investigation. Extensive and important as the actual knowledge of the theory and art of grafting may be, there is also no doubt that much remains to be learnt, more particularly, perhaps, from a scientific standpoint. For although the most recent and authoritative wurks on hor- ticulture indicate, for instance, nearly fifty diffe- rent methods of grafting, the list is not infrequently extended by other new methods. Similaily, but to a much greater extent, is the knowledge increasing as regards the theory of grafting, the reason of course being that horticulturists were able to observe the apparent effects of the graft long before the physiology of plants was understood, even if con- sidered. And even at the present day, not every man who cau "graft" is in a position to investigate the effect of his work from a scientific poiut of view. To give the names of the men who have worked in this direction would be to mention uiauy of the most eminent botanists of the century which is now at its close, and even a r£sum6 of their interesting and useful results would extend much beyond the limits of a short article. It is therefore now intended to refer to one aspect of the case only, viz., as regards the influence of the graft on the fruit of the Pear-tree, and in connection with a communication which has recently been made to the French Acaddmie des Sciences, indicating the results obtaiued from observations made during three years by M. Gustave Riviere, the Director of the Versailles School of Horticulture, and M. G. Bailhache. On the general subject of grafting, it may be men- tioned in parenthesis, and in the words of M. Charles Jialtet, one at least of whose classical works on horticulture has been translated into the English language, that whilst unifying their existence the scion and the stock individually retain their original qualities, their characteristic properties, and each their proper constitution ; their woody and cortical tissues continuing their development without any intermingling of their respective vessels or fibres. M. Baltet also employs a very graphic phrase, borrowed from the political world, which is, moreover, very applicable in this connection when he states that "grafting is a form of federative union wherein the interested parties retain their autonomy." But whilst it is generally supposed and usually taught that the graft does not modify the specific character of the scion or of the stock, the above-men- tioned explanation is not to be regarded as an abso- lute law, as has been shown by M. Daniel, whose researches on this subject have already been noticed '- March 27, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 207 I,) in this journal (Gardeners' Chronicle, 189;">, part i., p. 140). Daniel was enabled to show that an altera- tion of taste in the scion and in the stock was obtain- able by means of the graft, the most marked instance being that of the Savoy Cabbage grafted on the Turnip, whereby the former acquired to a consider- able extent the very characteristic taste of the- latter plant. The phenomenon was, moreover, proved to be more than temporary and fortuitous, inasmuch as the seeds obtained from the scions so grafted repro- duced plants bearing the same "abnormal" charac- teristics of taste, and thereby indicating a real commencement of hybridity. This change of taste resulting from the graft, as demonstrated by Daniel, nevertheless referred to herbaceous plants only, and the phenomenon would be all the more important if it also obtained as regards fruit-trees and Vines. Happily, said Pro- fessor Gouiraud less than two years ago in the Rente dc Viticulture, experience has hitherto shown that nothing similar occurs; and although, when the Phylloxera necessitated the recoustitution of many that it has been observed for a considerable period that fruit trees in general, and some varieties of Pear- trees in particular, undergo certain characteristic changes according to the nature of the stock on which the grafts are placed. And if the essential peculiarities of the varieties are not altered, certain notable modi- fications obtain as regards the vigour and early maturity of the trees, and the weight, colour, and taste of the fruit when the scion is grafted on Pear- stock, and when it is grafted on the Quince. No precise scientific investigations would, more- over, appear to have been previously made on this particular subject, and Riviere and Bail- hache conducted their researches during three years on absolutely identical conditions in connection with a variety of Pear known as the Triomphe de Jodoigne. The two trees selected for experiment were of the same age, viz, fifteen years old, their growth had always been normal, they were trained on the same system, they grew side by side, and their roots were consequently nourished by the same soil. But one tree was grafted on the Tear stock, aud the other on the Fir:. 65. — a gigantic cyclamen of a strain shown by the st. George's NURSERY CO., HAKWELL. (See p. 206.) French vineyards by the Americau Vitis riparia, it was stated by many growers that the native Vines were losing their qualities and becoming " riparia-ised.'' For experiments conducted on an extensive scale afterwards indicated the supposition to be ill-founded, aud that as excellent Grapes for the table are obtain- able on tho native as on the American stock. Simi- larly with fruit trees, says M, Gouiraud, Pears true to taste being obtained from grafts on the wild stock, with its bitter fruit ; and the Sweet Almond may be grafted on the Bitter Almond without any modifica- tion of flavour. The same observer also stated that the only apparent < ffect of the graft, at any rate as regards the Vino, consists in a difference of vigour which is generally less marked, and of fructification, which is generally more abundant, consequent on the natural results of a greater or less affinity between the scion and the stock. This opinion would not, however, appear to be applicable, without modification, to the fruit of the grafted Pear-tree, in consequence of the recently reported experiments of MM. Riviere and Bailhache, to which reference has already been made, and of which a full account is to be found in tho Comptcs fiend us (tome exxiv., p. 477). These gentlemen state Quince, and the following table shows certain varia- tions in the nature of the fruit as indicated by analysis made in 1S94, 1895, aud 1896 :— Nature of Fruit. On Pear Stock : Green. On Quince Stock : Golden- Yellow, Ituso - tinted to- wards the Sun. Grammar. Grammes. Average weight (of 10 Pears) 2S0 ■100 Density of fruit 0-993 0 9987 „ of juice (at 15" C.) ... 1-046 1-051 Acidity of juice (per litre) ... 1070 1-190 Grape sugar, perlitrj of juice 00-066 85-406 Total sugar (13-400 10S 1 Ash, „ „ ■2 10 J 2-46S These figures, as above indicated, aro rather intended for comparative purposes ; and for this reason, as well as for the sake of simplicity, it has not been considered necessary to convert them into English equivalents. It will be obsorved that these results show, as regards tho fruit obtained from the Triomphe do Jodoigno, grafted on Quince stock, a superiority in respect of, inter alia — (a) Average weight ; (1) density ; (c) proportion of free acid (expressed in terms of sulphuric acid) ; and (il) the total amount of sugar contained in the juice, a factor which, although the last-mentioned is not the least important. The difference, in fact, amounts to nearly nine grammes per litre of juice in favour of the fruit grown on the Quince stock. If the crop gathered from each tree be Uken to consist of ::0n Pears, each weighing 280 and 406 grammes respectively, the total amount of contained sugar would be represented by 7 kilos, (say 15 lb.) as regards the fruit grown on the Pear stock, and by 11 kilos, (say 24 lb.) as regards the tree grafted on the Quince. MM. Riviere and Bailhache, moreover, record that certain analogous experiments conducted by them in 1886 and 1887 in relation to the Doyenne" d'Hiver had given similar results as follows : — Pear ... Average Weight Percentage of Sugar Grammes. 11-50 Tlie final conclusions drawn from these obser- vations i°, therefore, stated to bo that the stock exercises a notable influence on the scion, inasmuch as it apppreutly has the property of increasing or diminishing most of the physiological phenomena which take place through the agency of the scion, in the formation of the fruit. Scion. Home Correspondence. GESNERA ZEBRINA. — This species and G. cin- nabarina, known also under the name of Nrcgelia, are among the most useful and showy of the easily-grown, old-fashioned stove plants. Leaves and flowers are almost equally showy. Mr. Edward Bennett writes with the ease aud authority of a master (p. 193) on the culture of these fine Gesueras, aud yet he gets on very doubtful ground when coun- selling that the plants should be stopped when 4 inches high. On the contrary, any stopping of these seiui- tuborous-rooted Gesneras is a mistake. It is a waste of time, as well as a sacrifice of beauty ; and as the roots multiply fast enough, there is no excuse for stopping them to induce denser masses of fine foliage or of bloom. The natural stature or habit of these Gesneras is as periect and pleasing as can be imagined, spikes and foliage being admirably balanced and blended. For general furnishing pur- poses these Gesneras are most useful when grown in 6-inch pots, and larger masses may readily be had, true to character, by planting from three to a dozen or a score of roots in a pan, vase, or wire bask -t 1). T. Fish. CHIONOSCILLA ALlENI.— Kindly note that the name I gave to the natural hybrid between Scilla bifolia and Chknodoxa Lucilire was Chionsc lis. aud not Cbionoseilla, as spolt by Mr. Nicholson at p. 191 of your last week's issuo. These plants vary very much in the size, colour, aud gtneral charac:er of the flowers, but so far I have no white variety to record. Some of them are very beautiful, and one form I have is larger thau any Chionodoxa I have seen. James Allen. [The spelling adopted by our correspondent is not consistent with the grammatical requirements of tho caso. — En.] EUPHORBIA JACQUIN/EFLORA.— I was glad to read Mr. Baxter's note in favour of this brilliant winter-flowering plant. We have few, I had almost written no plants to equal it for decorative purpose in the dead season. The Euphorbia (Poiusettia) may almost match it in brilliance, but it is heavy aud coarse in contrast with the grace and lightness of this queen of the genus. I have little to add tj the cultural notes of Mr. Baxter, supplemented as it is by the editor's suggestion of growing-ou eight or ten cuttings without potting them off singly. This secures a bush of brilliant flowers, without tho temptation to stop tho plants ; and if tho cul- tivator docs stop the Euphorbia jacquinajuora, be gains nothing by it he simply sacrifices vital force, and loses time. Tin- shoots stopped after a time seldom breaks into more than om- shoot. I have nevei succeeded, nor have I ov.-r s«n, this brilliant Euphor- bia stopped, pruned, or trained, iuto living masses of 208 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, [Makoh 27, 1897. brilliancy. The nearest approach to thia has been reached by clothing walls, rafters, roofs, with vigorous young plants from 6 to 9 inches or less apart, and letting them run, grow, and bloom unchecked and unhindered. The well-ripened wood of the previous year will also at times break freely, when it has grown near to the glass in a blaze of light. D. T. F. VICTORIAN ERA FUND. — No one appears to take up the suggestion put forward by Mr. Harris, of asking young gardeners to subscribe this year to the above Fund. As one of the young men, I should be very pleased to contribute ; and 1 am sure if head- gardeners would bring the matter before the young men serving under them, the response would be a very liberal one. I should like to remind your cor- respondent " LifeMember and Annual Subscriber," that the young men are not any the less gardeners, and it is to us the committee will look for new members and annual subscriptions a few years hence. I hope the sum mentioned by Mr. Harris may be reached, and feel sure the young gardeners only need to be asked, and they would subscribe freely ; for what project could be more worthy and deserving of support than a fund to help our brother gardeners in distress ? J. C. P. THE EUCHARIS MITE. — Some few years since I experienced considerable trouble with the mite. The affected plants were possessed of a few leaves only, and these had a sickly appearance. New aud appa- rently healthy stock was procured, which in a short time assumed the unhealthy appearance of the in- fested plants. Various means were adopted to eradicate the pest, such as cutting away the diseased portion of tho bulbs and washing them in strong solutions, and afterwards potting them in fresh compost. Tho plants recuvered a little strength after such kind of treatment, but in the course of a few weeks they returned to their previous condition. Ultimately, after several ineffec- tual trials to restore them, it was decided to place them in a lower temperature. With this object in view, they wire moved to the north side of a three- quarter-span house, in which Ferns, chiefly Adiantums, were grown, aud in which an intermediate tempera- ture was maintained. No attempt whatever was made at this time to eradicate the mite, as it was con- sidered hopeless without destroying the plants. The plants were removed early in J line, and in a few weeks afterwards there was a marked improvement. Six monthsafterwards, some of those growingin 8-inch pots, measured nearly 4 feet in diameter. Two conclusions were drawn from this unlooked-for and most welcome change, namely, that the plants had been subjected to too much heat and light, which was the cause of their unhealthy condition, and that the mito was the result, and not the cause of the dec.»y of the bulbs and their roots. There were several reasons for coming to these conclusions, one of which was that when they were grown along with other plants requiring a stove temperature, they were invariably in their worst condition in the summer. Upon the approach of winter, with its dull dark days aud a lower temperature, they showed a slight improve- ment. While in their now quarters it was observed that they could not bear as much light and sunshine as the Adiantums without injury. During hot weather an abundant supply of fresh air was admitted both day and night with evident advantage to the plants. In a few months the mite had com- pletely disappeared, during which time no insecticide or mite-killer had been applied to them. All that they received besides water was an occasional appli- cation of liquid-manure. I am fully convinced that in this instance the unhealthiness was brought about by tin ploying too high a temperature, and affording the plants too much sunshine. W. Neild, Cheshire Agricultural and Horticultural School. A RAID OF VOLES ON THE SCOTS FIRS. — Just after the last brief spell of frost and snow was disappearing at the end of last month, on examining a large break of two-year transplanted Scots Fir grow- ing in our nurseries, we were surprised to find that the points of the plants were completely eaten away. Knowing that this damage could not have been caused by squirrels, as none of these bushy-toiled denizens of the forest haunt this neighbourhood, we were somewhat puzzled to know the right cause. The suspicion that any kind of game could have dono the damage was very remote, as the land on which the Firs are growing is far from any game resort, aud iB close to a public and much-frequented highway. In our dilemma we sought counsel from Mr. Malcolm Dunn. With his usual courtesy and promptitude, Mr. Dunn replied to our enquiries as follows : — Dalkeith Gardens, February 27, 1897. "Dear Sirs, — I have examined the specimens care- fully, and I believe it is the work of field mice or ' voles,' as it is exactly like what I have seen done by them on one or two occasions. On one of these I watched and saw scores of voles nibbling the buds out of the points of young Scots Fir, three years planted out, and about 4 feet high. They quite ruined an acre or two of the plantation, which had been formed on rough grass land. About a quarter of a mile from the plantation there was a small home nursery enclosed with hedges, and a hedge ran from one corner of it direct to the Scots Fir plantation (it was a ' mixed ' plantation, but Scots F.r were three to one of all the others), and the Scots Fir, as well as some other trees, were attacked, and their buds badly eaten out one winter by the voles. It was at first thought to be the work of squirrels, but none was ever seen in the nursery, and there was no wood with large trees near to harbour them. On examining the hedge that ran across the grass field to the infested plantation, it was found to be full of vole " runs " amongst the coarse herbige at the bottom. We cleaned out the hedge bottom, destroy- ing the cover for the mice, and also their runs, and the voles troubled the nursery stock no more. This happened in Worcestershire in the early "sixties." I have only once seen a similar attack, about fourteen years ago in Nottinghamshire, but the forester in charge of the plantation had no doubt about the cause of the injury, as he had seen the ' mice,* as ho called them, sitting on the trees nibbling the buds. If black game (muirfowl) were plentiful near Kelso, suspicion might rest on them, or on capercailzie, but neither is, I believe, seen in your neighbour- hood. Moreover, I am quite sure it is not their work, which is much more roughly done — the leaves as well as the buds being pecked off by them. Have you any rough grass or similar cover near the Scots Fir in which the voles cin harbour ? Dirty bottoms of hedges are good shelter, also rough grass and weeds. "Malcolm Ddnn." On receiving Mr. Dunn's diagnosis, we proceeded to act upon it by setting mousetraps among the Scots Firs, and on tin very first morning thereafter we secured a big ' big ' of voles, which, without doubt, had been the depredators. An old hedge banked up in front with loose stones, and here aud there an old Ash tree with inimenso spreading roots, had provided a good harbour for the voles. In all our experi- ence, however, we never had any Scots Fir —or, in fact, any other young trees attacked by voles, and it would be interesting to know whether any other nurserymen have Buffered any damage this winter from these destructive vermin. Of course, the damaged Scots Firs were burned at once ; and, as the traps have been kept set ever since, the plague has been stayed, though not before a large number of voles had been captured. To all appearance, however, the pest has now been effectually stumped out. Laiiuj tt Mather. THE LATE DR. HOGG.— To some of us it only seems a few years since he, in connection with Mr. Johnson, was launching the Journal of Horticul- ture under its new name, and enlisting Donald Beaton, Robert Fish, Mr. Errington, and other eminent horticulturists on the staff of the journal. And now, scarcely any of the veterans are left, and the founder and zealous promoter of the journal has fallen. I look upon the Fruit Manual as the greatest of Dr. Hogg's publications Aftor the death of Mr. Robert Thomson of Chiswick, Dr. Hogg filled the highest place of honour and usefulness in British pomology ; and his life-work was chiefly devoted to the raising of British fruit-growing to high rank among our national industries. Had Dr. Hogg gone abroad aud annexed thousands of acres of someone else's land, or killed a few thousand savages, he would doubtless have been honoured by the bestowal of a title. But as he devoted his life to teaching how more and better fruit might be grown for the masses, aud making life more worth living for all, he passed away without state honours or state favours. But his work will eudure, and there are few cultivators among us who are not grateful for the services Dr. Hogg rendered to them throughout his laborious and honourable life. Feace and honour to his memory. We are not likely to look on his like again. D. T. Pish. The death of Dr. Hogg is another reminder of the dropping of links of the chain of dis- tinguished horticulturists since I went to Meadow- bank in 1854. I was drawn first as a writer to the Cottage Gardener and the Journal of Horticulture, a few years after that time. I recollect in my first visit to Loudon after leaving Hugh Low's nursery — where, by the way, there was not a siugle Orchid potted, although the son in Borneo sent home lots of plants which were disposed of at Stevens' Rooms— of dining with the Doctor and his coadjutor, Johnson, who was very deaf, at one of the best hotels, along with the late William Thomson, when we had a most happy evening. Dr. Hogg and myself, always intimate, but barred a little from each other by our different studies, met occasionally, especially after the marriage of his daughter to a Glasgow gentleman. Alas ! what of our compeers ? The gaps that are occurring year by year make me begin to think I am getting old, although physically I am as well as ever. How changed Orchid culture now is ! Many will remember my beating 6oundly all comers for two years in suc- c^ssion from Scotland — little Scotland. Now you could not, if you were trying to live by selling Orchids in that country, make as much as would buy seed to feed aeanary. This town is now the great centre of Orchid wealth. In a circuit of 30 miles from Man- chester there is more money spent in Orchid-buying than in all England and Scotland lumped together. Yorkshire doeB not count for much, large as the county is, and if trade were bettering, the growers of Orchids would double in number in a short time. After reading your touching notice of our old friend, I could not resist penning you these fe.v words. J. Anderson, Manchester. ENGLISH ORCHARDS. (Concluded from p. 183.) Br 7er selections of Plums are much needed, and owners of orchards will be wise in making an endeavour tu extend the season as far as it is possible to do so by growing more early and late varieties. A goo J sclectfun for orchards would comprise Rivers' Eirly Prolific, The GKar, Green Gage, Pond's Seedling, Victoria, aud Monarch. I do not propose discussing the details of grafting, but I would strongly advise, that instead of the trees being headed hack to the trunk or to the base of branches with a diameter o" ti or 7 inches, in accordance with tho practice that Urgely obtains, they should he simply cut back to the smaller branches not exceeding 2 or 3 inches in diameter, and a graft placed on each shoot. Not only will the union be more perfect when the smaller branches are grafted, but there will be a con- siderable saving in time, as fruitful heads will he obtaine I in two or three years. In the renovation o' orchards that have become unproduc- tive through bad usage, attention should first he directed to the restoration of the vigour of the tree.?. The he ids shoul 1 be thinned by the removal of useless spuri, and the cutting- back of weakly branches; and when this has been done, spray tho trees with warm water, in which iias been dis- s lved caustic soda and commercial potash at the rate of 2J lb. each to 25 gallons. This mixture, applied in the form of a spray during the winter season when the trees are dor- mant, will clear them from moss and lichen, and destroy the eggs and larva; of some of tha insect pests. If the trees are infested with American-blight, as, unhappily, many of them are, means must be adopted for the eradication of the pest, and there is not a better method thaa to dress the infested parts with a mixture prepared by dissolving J lb. of carb< .lie s. tft-si up in a gallon of hot water, and then adding 1 pint of petroleum, and well incorporating it whilo hot. As the starved condition of the trees is noeessirily due to the impoverished state of the soil, it follows as a matter of course that the soil be enriched, and that the admission of air to the roots be in- creased for the purpose of stimulating them into activity. There is no better course of procedure than to break up the surface of the soil to a depth of 3 or 4 inches in the autumn, and dress with lime ; and early in the spring apply a liberal dressing of natural or artificial manure. Farm- yard or stable manure should be used where available, and if this it not at command, use artificials. An excellent mixture of these would be one consisting of three parts by weight of muriate of potash to five parts of superphosphate of lime, and S cwt. per acre will be a gjod rate at which to use it. A liberal dressing of soot will be also beueficial, as would a dressing of nitrate of soda at the rate of 1 cwt. per acre, after the trees have commenced to make new growth. The breaking up of the surface soil, as here advised, will have a highly beneficial effect upon the trees ; and I would mention thit while cxcolieat crops m ly be obtained from grass orchards, it is only by cultivating the spaces between the trees that the finest fruit can bo obtained. I might speak at length on grading, packing, and market- ing, for the owners of oichards have much to learn before they can achievo success in carrying out these important details, but I am anxious to avoid unduly taxing your tinio. Tho question of storage is also of pressing importance, and I would strongly advise that in connection with all orchards of any considerable extent there should be a spacious store-room. This need not be elaborate in detail, or costly in construction, but it should be substantial, and so designed that a low and uniformtempcraturecanbe maintained I hroughout the whiter. It ought* in fact, to be heat proof aud frost-projf. A span March 27, 1897.J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 209 roof structure about 12 feet in width and 10 feet or so in height, and fitted with open shelves on either side, will perhaps be the best form of structure, and if it be pro- vided with double walls, double windows, and double doors, and a thick roof of thatch, the fruit will have the advantage of a cuol and equable temperature. It is not without considerable regret that I have to dismiss the ques- tion of storage thus brietly, for it has an important bearing upon the profitableness of our orchards. In conclusion, then, the owners of orchards have, generally speakiog, not only to learn how to restore their orch irds to fruitfulness and main- tain them in that condition, but they must learn also to storo the produce until su.h times as they can place it upon the market with most profit to themselves. The owners of English orchards have certainly much to learn and much to accomplish before the 212,000 acres devoted to fruit can be brought into so fertile a condition as to enable them to com- pete successfully in their own market with foreign and colonial produce, as they should assuredly be able to do, for in no other part of the world do growers of similar kinds of fruit to those discussed, viz., Apples, Pears, and Plums, enjoy greater natural advantages. New Invention. THE VAN RF.YPER GLAZIERS' POINTS. In fig. 66 is illustrated a patented glazier's point that has been in use in America for a considerable time past. The Van Eeyper's perfect glaziers' points are said to never work out after being properly driven in, which is an easy operation with a square- headed hammer. It is a convenience also that thero are no rights and lefts, and they may, therefore, be used on either side of the sash-bar. If the glass should get broken, the points can be forced out in perfect condition by the use of a chisel. For pre- venting the glass from sliding, they are recommended as the best means possible. Messrs. Barr & Sons, Covent Garden, W.C.. are tho agents for the sale of the articles in this country. SOCIETIES. HORTICULTURAL CLUB. VARIATIONS OF SEEDLING FRUITS. The folluwing remarks were made by Mr. T. Francis Rivers on the occasion of the meeting of the Horticultural Club, held at the Hotel Windsor, Victoria Street, S.W., on March 9, as notified in our last issue : — "No doubt raising seedling fruits has for many years been a matter of great interest to those who have entered all forms of fruit-culture, and pomologists have attempted, with more or less success, to secure improved varieties of fruit with racher less than more success. One name, that of Andrew Knight, has achieved a lasting reputation in England, and the name of Van Mens in Belgium is equally well known as the raiser of numorous Peart:, the greater part of which have not retained the position he claimed for them. The Pear known by his name, the "Van Mons " (Leon le Clerc), was not his seedling, but was named by the raiser (Leon le Clerc) as a compliment, the compliment being returned by a Pear named Leon le Clerc (Van Mons), which is a very inferior fruit, and fit only for the kitchen. The number of Pears described by Andre Leroy and Dr. Hogg testify to the persistent attempts of seedling fruit- raisers to obtain Pejrs of superior quality. It is natural to suppose that for th's purpose the fruit selected for sowing would be of the best quality, and yet how disappointing are the results. New fruits appear and disappear in regular order, for whether the failure is caused by soil or climate, it is seldom indeed that varieties carefully cherished by tho raiser fulfil the description given of their qualities. The eccentric differences observable in Pears alone, are exasperating. Crossing with sorts possessing superior qualities does not appear to give any special results; thero is always the element of chance, and the careful experi- menter is beaten by a chance-grown seedling. The Duehesse d'Angoiili me, a most popular Pear in France, the climate bdhlg better suited for its development than in England, was found in a farm-garden near Angers; Ileum': de Ranee also being derived from a small village garden in Flanders. There is a strange adherence to the prototype in some Pears the Jargonelle fur instance. This Pear is a standard of excellence of some. Under the name of Epargnc it is said by Andre Leroy to have been a popular Poar in France in tho year 1580. During this long period there does nut appear to have been an exact reproducti m by seed. Synonyms there are in plenty— Leroy gives twenty-two— but thoro is not a single hint of any of these synonyms being seedlings. One of the oldest known Pears in England, the Autumn Bergamot, said to have been introduced by the Roman*, has seedlings in plenty, and a long list of synonyms, but appa- rently no exact reproduction. Tho seedlings are earlier and later, larger an-1 smaller, but none arc exactly liko the pro- totype. Another popular Pear, tho Mario Louise, persists in keeping the place it has gained ; numerous synonyms, but no seedlings, which exactly reproduce the original. This Pear, from its excellent quality, must have been a source of many experiments. < H other typical Pears which have not been reproduced, the following will be familiar examples :— Williams' Bon Chretien, Louise Bonne of Jersey, GIou Morcea-i, Doyenne" du Cornice, Passe Colmar, and Easter Beurre, though they have been in existence long enough to have produced many seedlings. I have raised seedlings from these varieties, and have not gained a single fruit like the parent, and, in fact, all have been more or less worthless. As with Pears so with Apples. The llibston Pippin has not, to my knowledge, been reproduced; it is said to have been raised from a chance seedling. The Wyken Pippin, a very old and esteemed variety, lias not been reproduced, or the King of the Pippins, and Golden Pippin. Old Nonpareil, of which the seedlings arc nearer the prototype than most of the old varieties, is not exactly reproduced. The Pca_'h is perhaps the fruit which approaches more nea'ly reproduction than most, but it does not differ much from the apparent rule of diversity. The Grosse Mignonne, Bcllegarde, and Madeleine have numerous seedlings which approach the originals in quality, but differ in the Mowers and glands. The catalogue of the Royal Horticultural Society enumerates forty synonyms of the Grosse Mignonne. These do not appear to be seedlings, but the nimes seem to have been given by those who have grown the sorts, but lost the original names. Nectarines are subject to the same law. The Elruge and Violetto Hative Eeemtohave kept to their types. The Plum has also an apparent fixity of tenure. The Green Gage, which was introduced into Europe many centuries since, seems to have adhered to its prototype, although it is said to be raised from seed, with the result of perfect reproduction. The number of synonyms points rather to the fact that seed- lings vary, as do tho seedlin s of other classes. The Early , sash-bar. , b', sheets of glass. , o', the points at which the gli , a and b, the rabbet. Prolific, of which I have raised many seedlings, does not reproduce itself, ami the fruits differ essentially from the parent. It is the same in the case of Cherries. The numbers of synonyms accorded to the May Duke, Bigarreau, and Reine Ilortense, seem to show that exact reproduction has failed. The subject is interesting, and is capable of much extention. In our uncertain climate the aid of glass is almost absolutely necessary, and the experiments, if a man wishes to sec the results, should lie begun at an early age." ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. March 23. — There was another largo display on Tuesday last, when the usual fortnightly meeting of the committees was held in the Drill Hall, James Street, Westminster. The hall was not crowded, however, to the same degree as at the previous meeting, when the number of exhibits was quite exceptional. The Orchids now form a very important feature, as there are many species in bloom, and on Tuesday some excellent examples of cultivation were shown, particularly a plant of Phaius Cooksoni from N. C. Cookson, Esq., which excelled any we have before seen. Spring Mowers, such as Ilyacinths, Tidips, Narcissus, Cyclamens, border and Alpine plants, occupied much of the space, and good collections of oach were shown. Hippeastrums t< 10 were staged in several instances, including a lar^e group from Liverpo il. The rest of tho exhibits included miscellaneous plants staged for certificates ; also Roso blooms, Camellias, and groups of ornamental plants. There was hut little fruit contributed, and in the competition for flavour in Pears, tho display made was exceedingly weak. Tho attendance throughout (he day was good. Floral Committee. Present: W. Marshall, Esq., in the chair; and Messrs. II. II. May, R. Dean, H. Hcrhst, Geo. Stevens, .1. Jennings, Jas. Hudson, Chas. Jeffries, Geo. Nicholson, J. Eraser, J. 1). Pawlo, W. Bain, Thos. Peed, Chas. E. Pearson, C. E. Shea, H. J. Jones, Ed. Mawlcy, II. J. Cutbush, Mil. Beckett, I). I!. Crano, T. W. Sanders, 0. Uli.lt. II Turner, Geo. Paul, Owen Thomas, and .las. Walker. An exceedingly pretty collection of fibrous-rooted Begonias was staged by Messrs. 11. Canneu, Sl Sou, Swanley. Several varieties of the roanicata type were observed, and one of the best of other varieties shown was Paul Bruant, rosy-pink, an unusually Auriferous variety. There was considerable variety of tint among the Bowers, and all orthem are desir- able (Silver Iianksiau Medal). Roses were again magni ficently shown by Mr. G eo. Mount "I Canterbury. A good number of Tea varieties were included in this collection, and a dozen and a half blooms of Catherine Mermet. All of them were very well shown (Silver Flora Medal). From Mr. Fvee, Lockingc Gardens, Wantage, came a dozen line blooms of Camellia reticulata, and a grand lot of booms and a spray of blooms of the Rose Fortune's Yellow, a capital old.varety of exquisite colour and fragrance (Urnnze Binksian Medal). Mr. Whillans, gr. to the Duke of Marlborough, Blen- heim, exhibited blooms of Carnation La Valetta. and a plant in flower of Carnation Mrs. Wynn. The former is a large rose-coloured flower with white edges, the latter a bronzy- yellow colour. Messrs. Likdex, Brussels, were recommended an Award of Merit for a variety of Anthurium Srherzcrianum, named Geant Sanglant. It has an extra wide spathe, being almost round. A flue clump of Disporum Leschenaultianum, shown by Messrs. Jas. Veitcii & Sons, represented a plant that will be very useful for decorative work. In appearance it is like a variegated Solomon's Seal, but is branched, and has moro leaves. It is perfectly hardy, and possibly of use for forcing (Award of Merit). Two plants of Rrododendron in flower were shown from the same establishment : they have been raised from seeds brought from China (Yunan), and are said to represent new species. In both eases the flowers were small, and the inflorescence short. Messrs. Veitch also exhibited some very fine Hippeastrums, and an Award i f Merit was recommended to Pera, a large flower of fairly good form, excellent substance, aud in colour velvety-scarlet marked with white. There were a few other varieties of nippeastrums contri- buted by Captain Holford, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucester, in which the colours were dark and good. Hippeastrums ai e seldom contributed to the Drill Hall from the Liverpool district, but upon this occasion thero was a large group of those plants in flower from Messrs. R. P. Keu & Sons, Aigburtb Nursery, Liverpool. It contained some very meritorious varieties, among which we may instance Cynthia, a self-coloured scarlet ; Ajax, crimson; Scarlet Gem, Lothair, Imperial, Melpomene, a light-coloured flower; Titania &c (Silver-gilt Flora Medal). Hyacinths and Tulips in pots from Messrs. Wm Cur bush iS Son, Highgate, Loudon, N., made a grand display. These are noticed on p. 200. Messrs. ■Coral u had also a few Cliveias in flower, and Magnolia All xandrina in bud, Calla Ellii.ttiana, Wistaria sinensis, Pruuus, Corasius avium fl. -pi, Laburnum, &c. (Silver ^tlt Ploral Mi d ib. An excellent Clivoia, named Chas. Vermirre, shown by Messrs. W. Balcuin St Sons, Biighton, wa. deservedly recommended an Award of Mciit. It produces a ltrge compact truss of line flowers. Messrs. Jno. Lainu & S..ss, Pores'; Mill, S.E , exhibited a deep-coloured Clivcia, named Sanguinca; and a plant in flower of Itiehardia Pcntlandi maeulata, with spotted foliage. From Messrs. R. Si G. Ccthbert, Southgate, was exhibited a collection of named Tulips suitable for forcing, which w.13 awarded a Bronze Ranksian Medal. An uncommonly praiseworthy display of Narcissus and Tulips in pots was made by II. Tate, Esq , Park Hall, Btreatham Common. The collection rather crowdcdly till, ,i the table that runs across the hall near the entrance dour, and contained numerous varieties of each genus (Silver Banksian Medal). Groups of miscellaneous plants were well shown by Messrs. .In... Lais.. ,v Son , Forest Hill, I. „i,l,,,,, s.E. (Silver Flora Medal); and )k-r- .1. I'l 1 D A BOX, Roupell Park Nurseries, Norwood Road, Loud >n, >.i; Surer Banksian .Medal). Tulips Kaui'm aimi.ina shown by Hears. Wau.a. e & Co., Colchester, and Messrs. Barr it Sons, Covent Garden, was awarded a First-class Certificate. It is a new Bpecios sad to come from Turkestan. The segments are large mid braid yellow from tho base toab out half wayup, and white over the remainder ; some of the segments were reddish on the exterior, but this colour did not appear in all of the aowors. It is a showy species. Erythronium Nuttalianum, exhibited by the two firms Just mentioned, was re immended an Award of Merit. The Hovers are yellow, two being produced usually upon a spike ; a di tiuct and pretty speciof. A Botanical Celtilicale was awarded to liitilluii alpiiis, exhibited by Messrs. BaRR A Sons It is one and two dowered; the bl as are purple outside, aud yellow in the interior. Messrs. Waiiv.i: a Co. exhibited several other Erythroniums. includin Hi odi n ini, ami liarlwcgif. Mesas. W. Cos oon A SONS, Coltbrld < Nursorles, Murray. field, Edinburgh, exhibited a ooUootlon el 1 ivdj Prl las in a boskoi ; also b iSaxilra .- a, white Qowcn d variety of Primula cashincri mi, and m .![ auricula with rariogated foliage, were Included (Vote il thanks), Messrs. Paul a: Son, Old Nursorles, Cheahunt, had a pretty group of hardy aud alpine plant-. Wo oh lino specimens ..t Puliuoii u 1.1 sacohamta, Anemone pulaa tilla, A. p. patens, Vndrosaco oarnoa, also \ Eefl ol Pi-tomls and Saxifrage in llower. A plant ,.! DouUla Lomoiuei was 210 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 27, 1897. shown, and blooms of Marechal Niel Rose, botU white and yellow blooms (Silver Banksian Medal). Messrs. Wm. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross Herts, exhibited a group of Camellias and some Roses, for which a Silver Banksian Medal was awarded. An Award of Merit was recommended to a line gold laced Polyanthus named Woodside Red, exhibited by Mr. R. Dean, Ranelagb Road, Ealing. Mr. C. Turner, Royal Nurseries, Slough, exhibited a few plants of H.-T. Rose Souvenir de Madame Eugene Verdier, with white, rather thin flowers ; also of H.-T. Rose Antoine Ri voire, a very fine rosy salmon-coloured variety (Award of Merit). Cyclamens were exhibited by the Church Road Nursery Co., Hanwell, W., who made a considerable display with plants of a commendable strain (Silver Flora Medal). Purnell Purnell, Esq., Woodlands, Streatham, showed a group of Primulas and early-flowering plants of the rockery, including alpine Auriculas, Draba/.uides, a few show Auriculas, Thalietrum adiantifulium, Saxifraga Burseriana, and Primula Wulfeniana, with lovely mauve-coloured flowers, a plant of very dwarf stature. The exhibitor received a Bronze Bank- sian Medal. Mrs. Abbot, South Villa, Regent's Park (gr., Mr. Keif), showed a great quantity of Dutch Tulips, chiefly or entirely BUJgle-flowored, growing in pots, and a large number of Hyacinths, and English-grown and other Lily of the Valley. The whole making a brilliant display Silver Flora Medal). Mi'. H. B. May, Dyson's Lane Nurseries, Upper Edmonton, exhibited a group of Roses and Clematis in puts, furnished with an edging of Ferns. The Rose was Turner's Crimson Rambler, and the Clematis, Fair Rosamond, a profuse- blooming variety, the flower white, with a suffusion of lilac in it (Silver Flora Medal). Narcissus Committee. Present: Rev. C. Wolley Dod, in the chair; Rev. G. H. Kngleheart ; Messrs. J. Walker, J. T. Bennet-Poe, A. Kings mill, C. B. Scrase-Dickins, and Miss Willmott. The Royal Horticultural Society's meetings this spring occur at unfortunate dates for the Narcissi The oxtremc earliiiess of the season has caused the flowers in Scilly and Cornwall to be already past, and so fast are they opening everywhere in the last week of March, that it is probable they will have waned before the next meeting on April 13. Tuesday's show caught only the first of the flowers in the London neighbourhood, and it so happened, that the two considerable trade exhibits consisted of varieties almost entirely opened under glass, or grown for the purpose further south; although, at tlie present rate of progress, most of them could have been gathered from the open ground within a very few days. Messrs. Bakr were, as always, well represented by a very large bank of Narcissi of all the better-known kinds, notice- able for freshness and clear colouring. We were struck with the brilliant orange of C. J. Backhouse among others. Some collected Spanish and Portuguese forms of N. Pseudo-Nar- cissus were distinct and pretty, e.g., Camocns, Santa Maria, and Cabccciras. The natural hybrid of N. Pseudo-Narcissus and triaudrus, Queen of Spain, a graceful form, was also shown in some quantity. Mr. T. S. Ware staged a Urge number of pot-Daffodils, somewhat drawn by over-forcing, interspersed with vases of flowers of much better quality. Of amateurs, H. Tate, Esq., Park Hill, Streatham Com- mon, sent an unusually comprehensive group of Narcissi ia pots, together with Tulips and other spring bulbs. The Narcissi were extremely well giown, aud we singled out Muximus and Golden Spur as especially fine samples. Mrs. Abbott, South Villa, Regent's Park, showed, as part of a very large group of spring Mowers, a choice collection of Polyanthus Narcissus in many varieties. The Rev. G. H. Englefieart, Appleshaw, Andover, had a small stand of his own hybrids and seedlings from tho open aSr. Chief among them was the magnificent new Ajax Ellen Willmot, five of its immenso and missive white and gold flowers being shown. Tbis was unanimously awarded a First-class Certificate. Southern Star, a flower with white divisions and a broadly expanded crown of vivid red colour, obtained tho samo award ; and Lettice Harmar, a trumpet Daffodil in tho way of Ilorsfieldi, an Award of Merit. Mr, Enoleheart's contribution contained many other seedlings of beauty and interest. Tho Rev. W. Wilks, Shirley Vicarage, Croydon, showed a curious hybrid between N. Cyclamineus and a garden form of Ajax. Mr. J. Walker, Ham Common, brought a large bunch of Lady Watkin, a form of the well-known Sir Walker with a cup of much deeper orange. Orchid Committee. Present : — Sydney Courtauld, Esq., in the chair ; and Messrs. Jas. O Brien (hon. sec), De B. Crawehay. Norman C. Cookson, G. W. Law-Boholield, W. H. White, W. H. Young, H. J. Chapman, T. Statter, W. Thompson, W. H. Protheroe, H. Williams, F. Mason, J. Douglas, H. Ballantine, H. M. Pollett, E. Hill, J. G Fowler, and T. B. Haywood. The fine show of Orchids included most of the species that flower at this season, and this, notwithstanding, few Certi- ficates were awarded. Considered as a single specimen the finest exhibit was a magnificent plant of the best original form of Phaius x Cooksoni, sent by the raiser, Norman C. Cookson, Esq., Oakwood, Wylam, Northumberland (gr., Mr. Wm. Murray), and for which ho was awarded a Silver gilt Flora Medal. The plant was In fine health, and bearing archiug bright green leaves, from among which ascended eighteen strong fluwer-spikes. The flowers, which varied in tint according to age, had a lip of rich claret-purple with an orange glow ; the sepals and petals being of a light rose colour on the face, and blush-white on the reverse side. Baron Sir H. Schroder, The Dell, Egham (gr., Mr. H. Bal- lantine), showed a pretty group of rare Odontoglossuma, for which a Silver Floral Medal was awarded. Among them were the original, and still unique, plant of Odontoglossum Leeanum, with a six-branched spike; some fine forms of OdontoglosBum ;-: Wilekeanum, O. Coradinei, and O. crispum, among the last-named being a very peculiar white form, with curiously fringe,], upturned petals. Other remarkable plants were a hybrid Odontoglossum, with cream-white flowers tinged with rose, and thickly spotted with purple ; another of a clear bright yellow, and the original plant of Ladia x vitellina, witli three large orange flowers— still the best hybrid of this colour. Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Dorking (gr., Mr. W. H. White), staged an interesting group, in which were several rare species, including Angnecuin Ellisianum, an old species, generally represented in gardens by A. articulatum (which also was shown) ; also A. Mooreanum (Botanical Cer- tificate), a pretty little species, with salmon-coloured flowers. In the centre was a fine plant of Ltelia rubescons, with eight fine spikes of pretty light rose flowers (Cultural Commenda- tion) ; Epidendrum x xantho-radicans, of which several examples were shown, varying in colour from yellow to pale red ; Miltonia X Bleuana, with four fine spikes, bearing together nineteen flowers ; the singular Cataseturn barbatum spinosum ; the cherry-red Masdevallia ignea Boddarti ; Dendrobium x Wiganhe, 0- 2 6 10-16 9 4-09 2 0-30 10-20 10-16 D 6- 1 n Obchid-bloom in Tarlety. 212 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 27, 1897 Plants in Pots.— Aver a.qk Wholesale Prices. i. d. s. d. Adiantum, perdoz. 4 0-12 0 A^pidistras.perdoz. 12 0-30 0 — specimen, each 5 0-15 0 Azaleas, per doz. ... IK 0-36 0 CinenrUs, per doz. 6 0-10 0 Cyclamens, perdoz. 9 C-12 0 Daffodils, per doz. 6 0-90 Dracaenas, each ... 10-76 — various, p. doz. 12 0-24 0 Evergreen Shrubs, in variety, doz.... 6 0-24 0 Ericas, per doz. ... 10 0-12 0 Apples, French Crab, per bush... 3 6-40 — Wellingtons, p. sieve ... 6 0 — Figs, perdoz. ... 12 0-15 0 Grapes, Alicante, 1st quality, per *. d. b. d. Ferns, small, doz.... 10-20 — various, doz. 5 0-12 0 Ficus elastica, each 10-76 Foliage plants, per doz 12 0-36 0 Genistas, perdoz... 6 0-10 0 Hyacinths, per doz. 6 0-12 0 Hydrangeas, per plant 2 <- 3 0 Marguerites, p. doz. 8 0-12 0 Mignonette, p. doz. S 0-10 0 Palms, various, ea. 2 0-10 0 — specimens, ea. 10 6-84 0 Spiraeas, perdoz.... 6 0-90 variety coming very good. The districts indicated by number in the first column are the following : — 0, Scotland N. Principal Wheat- producing Districts — 1, Scotland, E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, E. ; 4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London, S. Frincipal Grazing, dec, Districts — 6, Scotland, W. ; 7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, S.W. ; 9, Ireland, N. ; 10, Ireland, S. ; "Channel Islands. M,],, i 'lianm.'l . d. lb. Artichokes, Globe, perdoz. — Chinese (Sta- chystuberifura), per lb AspaiMgus, Paris Giant, p. bun. — English, per bundle Beans, French, p. lb. — Madeira Kid- nev, per bkt. of S to 10 lb. ... Caulillutt'ers, Corn- : o — Islands, each.. Nuts, Cob, per 1001b < Peui-HjvisturBeiirre' (Califomia)lge. cases, 8 to 9 doz., per case Pine-apples, St. Mi- chael, eat-h Strawberries, per 3. ordinary (Channel Is- lands), per lb. . — Telephones 0 3 — (Channel Is lands', per lb. . 20 0-30 0 Potatos, New Kid- neys, Channel 4 0-50 Islands, per lb. 10- 1 0 — Kidneys, Fr., per lb. Radishes, Channel Is., per dozen bunches 6-3 0 10-13 wall, per crate 8 0-90 Rhubarb (Forced), Cucumbers, home- grown, select., per doz. ... 3 0-40 — 2nds, per dozen 2 0-30 Horseradish, Eng- lish, pr. bundle 2 6 — — Foreign, per bundle ... 16 — Mint, per bunch ... 0 6-07 Mushrooms (Indoor) per lb 0 6-07 Onions, English, p. cwt 5 6-60 Tor,) per doz. Salad, small, per doz. punnets... Sea Kale, per pun- net, 3J to 4 lb. about 12 lb. 4 0-50 ewhat (.■hc-'ked demand, The milder weather ; has hence the tone is weaker. Dunbar Mainerops, 75s. to S5fi. ; do., Saxons, 60s. to 70s. ; Lincoln Saxons, 3u*. to 60s. ; do., Maincrops, 35s. to 70s. ; do., Giants, 40s. to -riQs. John Bath, Wellington Street, Covtnt Garden. The Weather. [The term "accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre- gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of temperature above or below 42° Fahr. for the period named : and this combined result is expressed in Day- degrees — a "Day-degree" signifying 1° continued for twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for an inversely proportional number of hours.] Tbmt-eraturi. Rainfall. Bright Son. If *-3d Accumulated. 1 ™ q . 5fe 1 Igjlg^ fr 2 ; g .-a & -a °f a tsT 1 « Above 42°, differ from Mean sin January 3, 18 Below 42°, differ from Mean sin January 3, 181 ±i 1 Total Fall since J Percentage of pos tion for the Percentage of po tion since Jan Day- Day- Day- Day- ! lOths deg. deg. deg. deg. Inch. ins. 0 1 + 5 23 - IS 4- 3 5 + 54 8-8 12 16 i 1 + 9 25 - 19 + 9 f. + 47 5-3 17 18 2 2 + 23 11 4- 12 - 39 4 + 50 55 21 21 3 4 + 32 8 + 8 - 74! 4 + 51 6-6 33 23 4 3 + 33 10 + w - 62 7 + 46 7-2 27 21 5 4 + 31 1 + o - 102 5 + 46 8-5 31 23 6 2 + IS 10 - 22 - 4 3 + 48 8-5 IS 20 7 2 + 25 7 + 6 - « 1 + 53 6-S 24 18 8 3 + 32 3 + 10 - 84 0 r 51 11: 34 24 0 1 + 24 13 - 24 + s 3 + 55 8'2 20 22 10 2 ■+ 33 5 + 9 - 15 3 + .1 9'S 27 26 3 + 4fi 0 + 60 - 56 2 + 61 in i 34 24 Qmfm to Lorvupondent Books: A. A., F. M. M. How to Decorate the Dwelling, by Annie Hassard, and published in 1875, is sometimes to be picked up at second-hand book- shops for a few pence. It has illustrations of a by- gone style of table decorations. A small book by B. C. Saward, price 2s., was published a good many years ago by Mr. Upcott Gill, Bazaar Office, Strand, VV.C. No book that we know of has been written solely on this subject in recent years. — F. B. R. Messrs. Blackie It, Sons, Glasgow and London, are the publishers of Thomson's Gardeners1 Assistant, and they are about to issue a new edition of the work, with additions of various kinds, bringing it up to date. Vou had better wait a short time before buying one. Commencement of the Spring Season: Anxious One. Astronomically, the season begins with the vernal equinox, March 21 ; but in this country the season may be said to begin on March 1. Cccumber Soil and Worms : M. B., Broadilonc. Again there are no worms discovered in box sent. Cyclamens: E. M. Your flowers are very good in size and colour. No. 2 is an excellent dark- coloured variety. Gardenia orandiflora : A. Parry. Exceedingly fine large blooms. Bottom-heat is not necessary in the cultivation of Gardenias, as you justly remark. Hyaointus : D. M. There is not the slightest sign of fungoid disease, and microscopic examination has not enabled, me to suggest any other cause. Q. Massee. Insect : Elmore. We have received from the highest authority in such matters the following note : — " It is an immature female Gamasu*', I think — G. crassipes ; the more your friend has of them the better for him, it is beneficial, not injurious. It is a predatory creature, which was probably feeding upon something that is injurious— it very likely has come from jour correspondent's hot-beds. A. D. M. Maize : A.M. 0. There are a few varieties of Maize which in good years ripen in the southern parts of this country, but not as field crops, rather as inhabitants of favoured spots in sheltered gardens ; but, as its ripening cannot be relied upon with certainty, the plant has no commercial value whatever. As an ornamental leaved plant it is of use in border and beds as a foil to flowering plants, and this seems to be its proper use in this country. In the kitchen as a cooked vegetable it does not seem to make any headway, although the " milky " cobs are very nice eating. It is, we suppose, because of the abundance of supeiior kinds of vegetables at the Beason when Maize is obtaiuablo that we have not " taken to it." We should be glad to know the results of Carters' trials in their seed grounds at Morllake. During last season there was much correspondence in these pages upon the subject. Names of Plants : Correspondents not answered in this issue arc requested to be so good as to consult the following number. — F. T. Leicjhton. A very fine variety of Dendrobium nobile of the large-flowered type, often seen among recent importations. The production of the flower-spikes on Oelogyne cris- tata in the manner described sometimes takes place in unusually well-grown plants.—*'. S. Catt- leya guttata Prinzii, more generally known in gardens as C. amethystoglossa. — O. 11., Barnet. The variety of Dendrobium nubile is a very fine one of the D. nobile elegans class. The D. Ward- ianum obtained from Messrs. John Cowan k Co., is a very large and distinct form, the rose-pink tips to each segment being a very distinct feature. — It. X. B. Oiuidium Marshallianum.— IV. T., Eslier. 1, Forsythia suspenea ; 2, Pulmouaria ollieiuarum. —Q. D., co. Wale rford . I, Pernettya niucronata ; 2, Buxus variegatus (variegated Box) : 3, Goldfussia isophylla ; 4, Anemone nemorosa ; 5, Corydalis cava ; 6, Sauguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot) ; 7, Berberis Darwini. — II. 0., Southampton. 1 , Sela- ginella denticulata ; 2 and 3, Campanulas— send in flower ; 4, Lachenalia tricolor ; 5, a Polygonum, for specific name, send in flower ; 6. Clematis indi- visa.— G. B. Alonsoa iucisifolia.— A. IV. Odonto- glossum triumphaus. — TV. Woodwardia radicans cristata. — /. P. Dendrobium fimbriatum. — IV. S. Narcissus Tazetta, Polyanthus Narcissus. — TV. O. A very fine variety of Cypripedium Boxalli ; the carrying of a twin-flowered inflorescence is more due to good culture than to anything uncommon in the plant ; your variety, however, is an exception- ally fine one. — J. W. Two species of Acacia (Mimosa of the trade) are grown in Southern Europe, viz., A. Farnesiana and A. Kiceaua. — TV. O. W., Ireland. 1, Pyrus japonic! ; 2, Crypto- meria japoniea ; 3, Juniperus excelsa ; 4, Daphne laureola (Spurge Laurel) ; 5, Cryptomeria elegans. Narcissus, Fern, &c. : /. H. Mason. The green - tinge seen in the petals is natural to the variety. The Fern is probably Pteris tremula ; but why send such a scrap ? Unless the dung be very well decayed, it is totally unsuitable to mix with soil used in potting Ferns, and then only in a small pro- portion to the other ingredients of the compost. Perfume Plants to Grow in this Country ; and Tomatos: S. II. W. Melissa officinalis (Balm), Carum Carui (Caraway), Sambucus Digra (Elder), for its flowers ; Acorus Calamus (Sweet Flag), Fcenieulum vulgare (Fennel), Pelargonium capi- tatum (Sweet-scented Geranium), Prunus Lauro- cerasus (common Laurel), Lavandula vera (Lavender), Origanum marjorana (Marjoram), Reseda odorata (Mignonette), Rosmarinus offici- nalis (Rosemary). For varieties of Tomatos, consult a seedsman's catalogue. Soil Constituents and Manures: II. J. J. It would take us too far to tell you what all of the plants you mention contain, or of which an analysis would tell us they consist. They are built up by what they fkd in the soil, aud to a greater degree of perfection when the particular elements needed are put within the reach of their roots. The soil, roughly speaking, contains lime, soda, nitric acid, magnesia, potash, phosphoric acid, and sulphuric acid. What the cultivator has to put into his land are potash, nitric acid, and phosphoric acid, because the available stores of these ingredients are soonest exhausted by continuous croppiug of the land ; and the only one of these three which is lost if his plants do not use it is nitric acid--the others remain in the soil. Sulphate of ammonia is used instead of nitrate of soda to supply nitrogen to the crops ; but it is dearer, and must be turned into nitric acid in the soil before it is a fit food for plants. None of these substances should be used alone, but a mauure rich in phosphates should be used also ; and in a small way you will find farm- yard or horse-manure from stables where the animals' bedding is not very frequently changed, and phosphate of lime and old mortar as good as anything that you can use for the plants you name, excepting the Beans, which should have no nitrate of soda, and not much dung ; and the Strawberries, which are plants that benefit greatly from applications of potash. Only an analysis of the soil of your garden will tell you what artificial manures it most stands in need of. Communications Bkceived.— T. G.— Abcle Fairan. (J. < , Chislehurst — G. C, Nowmarston.— W. H. B (next week). — 1\ A. Haagc, Eynsford.— J. M. H.— Doblne & Co.— H. M. — V. V. D. — G. A. B.— G. H. M.— A. P.— Messrs. Carter* Co.— Messrs. B. S. Williams & Sou.-W. T. B. CONTINUED LAROE INCREASE in. the CIRCULATION OF THE "GARDENERS' CHRONICLE:' Important to Advertisers. — The Publisher has the satis- faction o] announcing that the circulation of the "Gardeners' Chronicle" Ims, since the reduction, in the price o] the paper. Increased to the extent of more than 90 per cent., and that it continues to increase weekly. Advertisers are reminded that the " Chronicle" cimdales among country gentlemen, and all classes op gardeners and garden-lovers at home, that it has a specially large foreign and colonial circulation, aiKi that it is preserved tor rcjerence in all the prinripai Libraries. April 3, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 213 SATURDAY, APRIL 3, 1897. THE SPECIES OF THUYA. WE are all agreed as to the beauty and utility of the several species of Thuya. As isolated specimens, as shelters, as hedges, even in one case, as to their value as timber-trees, we are all pretty much of one mind. When we come to nomenclature — surgit illiquid amari, as usual. But the bitter is not in this case very intense, nor is there much of it, and we think we can get rid of some of it altogether. There are not many species, to begin with. In the eastern States of America and Canada, from Nova Seotia to Southern Virginia, according to Sargent, one — Thuya occidentalis — is found plentifully, frequently covering great areas of springy swamp-land, which it covers with nearly impenetrable forests, and occupying the rocky banks of streams, where its roots can obtain an abundant supply of moisture. The south does not suit it so well, the trees becom- ing less abundant and smaller in those regions. Its furthest north-west limit (we are taking these details from Sargent's Silru, just issued) is on the shores of Cedar-lake, near the mouth of the Saskatchewan, in lat. 53 30' (Cochrane, cited by Macoun). A second species is Thuya gigantea, so-called. This occurs on the Pacific side of the continent from the coast region of Alaska (Meehan), through British Colombia, Washington, Oregon, and the Californian coast region. Inland it pene- trates to the mountains of British Colombia, and to the western slopes of the rocky moun- tains in Montana. A third species is a native of the mountains of Japan, and is best known as Thuya Stan- dishii, being really T. japonica. A fourth form, for we dare not call it species, is that cultivated in British gardens as T. plicata, which is as we believe more correctly, T. occidentalis, variety plicata. A variety called T. Wareana is very like the last named, but is even more handsome ; other seedling variations are very numerous, but these, for our present purpose, we may pass by with mere incidental montiou, nor do we intend to say anything here about the eastern Arbor-vita) (or Biota) and its numerous variations. T. occidentalis. — Reverting to the first on our list, T. occidentalis, it is not neces- sary to give a detailed description. That may be found in almost all the text-books. It was the first, or one of the first, North American trees introduced into Europe, the first account of it having been published by Belon {Arb. Conif., 1558). Mr. Smith has drawn to scale, and with the greatest care, illustrations of the culti- vated forms, which will, wo hope, make the distinctions mere apparent (figs. 157, OK). Notice, for instanco, the regular way in which the branches divide into thoir ultimate flattish ramifications, nearly equal in length from the base to apex of the shoot ; the older leaves, especially the median pairs, are relatively flat and rounded, like so many little coins, and with a large blob or resin-gland beneath the apex. The cones are from 10 to 12 mill, long, ovate- oblong, some erect, others nodding ; the scales at least six, of which four are fertile, linear- oblong, with a minute hook- like process on the back below the apex. The seeds are about 2 mm. long, deeply winged. Our native specimens are from Niagara ; for cultivated ones we are indebted to the Botanic Gardens of Kew, Cambridge, Mr. Herrin, Mr. A. D. Webster, and many other friends. As we havo said, we do not propose to say anything at present about the very numerous fast, that we can but highly recommend it, not only for ornamental purposes, but for economic use. We have not as yet heard of any serious foe or malady to which it is subject, but there may be such ! and we shall have to chronicle them when they do come. " Considering the varied uses to which Thuya gigantea is put, it might well be styled " the Bamboo of the North-western Indians." The bark is woven into mats, embroidered into lozenge-shaped spaces and borders, with bark of a darker colour, stained by steeping it in a mixture of oil, charcoal, and water. These mats are used in a variety of aboriginal modes of existence, and the manufacture is a marked feature in their domestic economy. The bark teaBed out is woven into blankets and cloaks, and used for gun-wadding. The wood splits easily, and forms boards for their lodges, and the trunks are hollowed out into their beautiful canoes. The twigs are so tough as to be used as withes to sew together the FlC. 07.- THUYA OCCIDENTALIS. Ileal size ; foliage magnified twice. The Bection aero branchlet and two leaves is magnified four times. X 4- PlU. 6S.— T. OCCIDENTALIS. variations from the type, except in the case of that, known as plieata, and oven of that we shall defer further montiou till we have dealt with the next species. Thuya plicata is also too well known to need detailed description, as under the name of Thuya gigantea or Lobbiaua it is now widely distributed. The modo of branching is similar to that of T. occidentalis ; the leaves are less markedly glandular than in T. occidentalis, and are more brightly shining, oblong, rounded, markedly acuminate, or deltoid acuminate, and not so flattened and disc-like, but vary- ing in form according as they are placed on a fast or a slow-growing shoot. Tho cones are more generally pendulous, 15 mill, long (figs. 60, 70, 71, on p. 215). This is one of the loftiest and most useful of trees in N. America, although the wood is soft and light ; and it grows so well horo in most situations, is so handsome, and makes timber And this brings us back to the application of tl e name plicata. The history of this name is confused, but not uninteresting. A summary of it was given in our number for February 1 3, 1S97, so that ne need not he-re repeat the details. James Donn of Cam- 214 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 3, 1897, bridge, and David Don of the Lambertian Her- barium, bavo got very much confused over the plant. David Don, who published the first description of the plant in Lambert's Pinctum, folio edition (vol. ii., 1821), attributes the name T. plicata to James Donn, citing the sixth edition of Donn's Catalogue, p. 249. He might have gone back to tbe fourth edition, where the name occurs for the first time, not being present in the earlier editions. Being unaccompanied by any description, Donn's name is a nomcn nudum. On this account we need not cite James Donn, as the species plicata must be attributed to David Don. The original specimen, gathered by Nee, is in the British Museum. The history of Ne'e has been alluded to previously (February 13, 1897). To the specimen is attached an inscription, which Mr. Britten has been kind enough to identify for us as being in the hand- writing of David Don. It runs thus — " T. plicata, Nob." This then is the type-specimen of T. plicata, D. Don in Lambert's Pinus. The ascription of the species to New Spain seems to have been made in error, on the one hand no subsequent traveller has found the plant in Mexico ; whilst on the other hand, Menziea found the same plant about the same time in Nootka Sound, and. there are three or four specimens gathered by Menzies, Nelson, and Richardson in the herbarium of the British Museum. A comparison of these 'specimens with specimens of what is now known as T. gigantea, leaves no doubt whatever that they all belong to the same species, and that species, according to botanical usage, should be called T. plicata, D. Don. In gardens it may still be called T. gigantea, Hort., or Lobb's Thuya. One point remains to be cleared up : where are the cultivated specimens of T. plicata which apparently existed under that name in the early part of the century? David Don alludes to "cultivated'' samples, and James Donn includes them in his catalogue. The Cambridge Botanic Garden of those days exists no more, and Mr. Lynch tells me there ia no old tree of T. plicata in the present garden ; nor is there one at Kew. Somewhere one would think there mutt be such a specimen. If not, it was very soon lost, for we find Loudou iu his Arboretum, p. 2458, mentioning plants in the Horticultural Society's garden, at Messrs. Loddiges, and elsewhore about London, which plants had every appearance of being only varieties of T. occidentals. H. T. M. {To be continued). New or Noteworthy Plants. GALANTHUS CIMCICUS, Baker.* My description of this new Snowdrop was drawn up from living plants sent to me by Mr. T. S. Ware, on January 7 of the present year. It was supposed to be G. Fosteri, but differs from that species by its less robust habit, much narrower leaves, narrowed gradually from the middle to a very narrow base, and by the want of the large green blotch over the lower half of the back of the inner segments of the perianth, which Fosteri has, in common with Elwesii. I have just received dried specimens from Herr Karl Siegesmund, of Berlin, collected by Herr Walter Siebe on the Cilician Taurus in 1896, at an elevation of 560 mi'tres above sea-level, with a note that it flowers from November to March. G. Fosteri is a native of the province of Sirwas, in north-eastern Asia Minor. The absence or presence of a green blotch over the lower part uf the back of the inner segments of the perianth is, I believe, a constant characteristic, and it divides the spring Snowdrops in two groups, in one of which are nivalis and cilicicus, and in the other Elwesii and Fosteri. Bulb ovoid, Jf inch in diameter ; outer tunics brown ; basal spathe [reaching a length of 3 inches. Leaves 2 to 3, bright green, flat, narrowly linear, reaching a length of 5 to 6 inches at the flowering season, and a breadth of less than half an inch, narrowed gradually from the middle to a very narrow base ; edge not recurved ; back whitish. Peduncle as long as the leaves ; spathe-valves lanceo- late, under an inch long ; pedicel short, cernuous. Ovary turbinate, I to £ inch in diameter ; outer seg- ments of the perianth oblong, concave on the face, | inch long, \ to ^ inch broad ; inner segments of the perianth half as long as the outer, obovate-cuneate, emarginate, rather reflexed and crenulato at the apex, with ouly the apical horse-shoe shaped green blotch round the sinus. Anthers apiculate, reaching rather more than half-way up the inner segments. J. 0. Baker. WHY ORCHARD TREES STOP BEARING. One has but to examine the foliage of almost any of our fruit trees in midsummer to discover that something is really necessary to the welfare of fruit- producers. The leaves are the lungs of the plant, and without favourable facilities for breathing — so to speak — the growth and vigour of the tree will be retarded. It takes two seasons to produce the fruit of an Apple, a Pear, or a Plum. The first year the buds are formed and matured; the next year these buds after expanding into blossoms in the spring, are developed into fruit during the summer and autumn. A cer- tain amount of energy is required that the blossom- buds may be formed, and this, doubtless, often accounts for the alternate heavy and light crops of fruit on particular trees. The strength of the tree is required to mature the fruit, and the fruit-buds for another year are not formed, aud only a small growth of new wood is produced. The healthy tree when rest- ing a year regains its vigour, forms new buds, aud is prepared to raise a crop of fruit the following season, to say nothing of having matured a fair growth of wood. A tree that is buffering from the devastation caused by insects, or from starvation, can no more mature a full crop of healthy buds to bloom the succeeding spriug, than the tree that is loaded with a heavy crop of maturing fruit. In the first place, it may be remarked that fruit trees should not be planted so thickly that sunlight is excluded from any portion of the foliage or of the fruit. Trees are frequently starved both for available food and a sufficiency of sunlight. Sometimes heavy doses of farmyard manure or compost are applied to orchards, but it may be observed that an excess of nitrogenous manure, of whatever kind, causes a rank, soft, long-jointed wood growth ; while the trees, to produce fruit, should have short-jointed, solid, well- ripened wood. To improve our orchards for fruit-bearing, it would be advisable to carefully cultivate the soil both under aud around the trees, to apply chemical fertilisers supplying abundance of phosphoric acid and potash, and then to sow Clover. A crop of Clover would be obtained, which could be either fed off by sheep, or cut for hay ; the roots of the Clover and stubble should then be ploughed under, which would yield by its decomposition available plant-food that could not fail but ehow itself in the future fruit crops. J. J. Willis, Harpcmhn. THE FURNISHING CONSERVATORIES. OF be conveniently visited after dinner. It is necessary for the comfort of visitors that a warm temperature be maintained, and consequently plants that adapt themselves to this condition should be employed. Many of the Palms lend themselves to this purpose, and the Kentias in particular are exceedingly hand- some, K. Fo3teriaua and K. Belmoreana being the best, the latter is especially elegant, its fronds arch more, and are less spreading than those of the former. K. Macarthuri also makes a fine specimen, but is lees elegant in appearance. The same remarks apply also to Seaforthia elegans, Hyophorbe (ArecaJ Baueri, and H. Verschaffeltii. Hyophorbe lutescens is a graceful Palm, which thrives well when planted out, although it is somewhat impatient of a low temperature. Cocos plumosus and Calamus plumosus, the latter having its slender stems and the ribs of its fronds beset with strong spines, answer to this treatment equally well, as does Caryota urens (tbe Wine Palm), which possesses a distinct appearance to any of the foregoing Then, as a dense and rather dwarf -growing species, nothing is better than Raphis flabelliformis. Many others might be enumerated, but I prefer to confine these remarks to those that do well here. Such robust growers ai Sabal Blackburniana, Phoenix dactylifera, and Livistona chinensis are too large for houses of ordinary size ; while Cocos Weddelliana, Geonoma gracilis, and Euterpe edulis appear to be too delicate to succeed satisfactorily under this mode of culture. From amongst other suitable plants the Musas rnuBt not be omitted, as these are ornamental, and very distinct in character from most other plants. Several of these, however, on account of quickly reaching a great height, cannot be well ut ilised except iu lofty houses. M. Eosete, M. paradisiaca, M. superba, and M. zebrina are some of the best ; M. Cavendishii and M. coccinea being good dwarf species. Of Cordylines (Dracaenas) that may with advantage be employed in this way, Draco, rubra, congesta, stricta, indivisa, fragrans, and f. Lindeni Bhould be included, although the last-named loses much of its beautiful colour when thus treated. Aralia lepto- phylla forms a fine object, aud there are specimens here which when planted eight years ago were 3 feet high, but are now 20 feet in height, and have leaves 3 feet in diameter, with footstalks 4 feet long. Brexia chrysophylla grows equally free, but, 1 ike the Aralia, is not often cultivated in this manner. Ficus elastica and F. e. albo vari egata are also useful, although, owing to the robust nature of the former, more than ordinary care must be exercise 1 in finding a position for it. Coffea arabica is another desirable subject ; its glossy foliage affords variety, and its fruit creates interest. The following plants answer the purpose of filling open space* beneath the taller plants, and can be easily replaced where it is found to be necessary : — Curculigo recurvata, C. r. variegata, Aspidistra lurida variegata, Cordyline (Dracaena) norwoodiensis, termi- nals, &c. ; Monstera delicioea, Pandanus utilis, P. javanicus, P. Veitchii, Zebrina (Tradescantia) pendula, and some of the Begonias, Ferns, and Selaginellas. I cannot find Calamus plumosus iu any horticultural dictionary, but I believe it was introduced by Mr. Bull, of Chelsea, some twelve years ago ; at any rate, we have an elegant Palm, which we received under the above name from a leading nursery firm. Thos. Coomber, The Hcndre Gardens. * Galanthi's e'diciem, Baker.— Bulbo ovoideo, spatha basali elongate ; foliis 2—3 anguste linearibus planis viriclibus ; ov:uio turbinato ; psrianthii segmentis exterioribus oblongis maguitudiue mediocribus facie concivis, sogmentis iute- rioribus obovuto cuneatis etoarginatis apice parum reflexia ctcrenulatisdorso macula viriii ipicalihippocrepiformi solum prreditis, antiieris apiculatis. I was lately asked the following question, " Which is the best way to furnish a conservatory, by keeping the plants in pots, or by planting them out?" When the structure is of adequate dimensions to accom- molate large plants, I think there are decided advan- tages in the planting-out system. Not only can a more natural effect be secured than is the case when plants in pots are exclusively used, but the plants may be preserved in perfect health with less labour. The conservatory, or winter garden, is most valuable when attached to, or in close proximity to the mansion, where, if artificially lighted, it may METHODS OF PROPAGATION. (Continued from p. 152.) Ornamental and Forest Trees from Seeds. — Though, perhaps, more in the province of the forester than of the gardener, in small estates, the head -gardener has often the care of the woods and forests planta- tions ; therefore, "Experience" will have a few words to say about this very important matter. As most of the trees which adorn and add value to our forests and woods are indigenous, the accepted method of raising is from seed. In tho majority of cases, this requires no preparation previous to committing to the earth, but some are best prepared for this. Of the first, the most familiar is the Oak, which has Ai'Rft 3, 189?. J THE GARDENEBS* CHRONICLE. 215 three British varieties, the ped uncled -fruited being the most common, the sesBile-flowered the next, and the Durmast — Q. pubescens — the least common. This has peduncled fruit, and seems to be inter- mediate between the other two. All three kinds are included under the name of " Quercus robur," in many books simply treating of forestry. The most rapid grower, and the most widely distributed of the three, is Q. pedunculata, but the wood is paler in colour, and not so hard and durable as that of Q. sessiliflora, while Q. pubescens does not make a large timber-tree, and as it is generally found in damp boggy situations, may perhaps be the kind which furnishes the black wood used iu cabinet work, and known as Bog Oak. The Acorns should be col- lected when they begin to drop, but must be allowed to thoroughly dry before storing, or they are apt to germinate prematurely, and thus become spoiled. At the end of February, or early in March, draw drills in a sheltered piece of ground, about 4 inches other barks. The Oak, standing singly, makes a noble tree for park or paddock. The timber is most valuable ; while it may be grown in woods and cop- pices as an underwood stock, and will thrive in cold, clayey soils, where other trees but languish. Another useful and most beautiful indigenous tree is the Beech (Fagus sylvatica), and this ia raised in nurseries from its nuts or mast. In ancient times, when Britain was almost all covered with forest, the Beech-mast formed the food of the poor people, as well as innumerable swino, which roamed through the woodlands in an almost wild state, feeding on this fattening food, and also on acorns. On the Continent the poor peasantry collect the shed leaves of the Beech, and drying them carefully, stuff their palliasses with them, in lieu of straw. For this they are well adapted, bciug clean, elastic, and sweet smelling. The Beech-mast is collected when it falls in October, and is spread to dry in an airy place, and then keeps good and fresh till wanted. It ia crest in search of birds' nests, as though they had been brick walls. Mixed with Privet in the propor- tion of two to one, it forms a fine fence, but it is too shady for meadows or arable land. (To le continued.) BOTANICAL SURVEY OF THE CCEUR D'ALENE MOUNTAINS IN IDAHO. The Division of Botany of the United States Department of Agriculture has just issued a most instructive report on a Botanical Survey of the Cceur d'Alene Mountains in Idaho during the Bummer of 1895, by John B. Leiberg. As this region is heavily timbered, the economic part of the report necessarily deals largely with trees. Mr. Leiberg has lived in Northern Idaho for about ten years, and during this period has often visited the Cceur d'Ahmes, sometimes remaining there for several Fk:. 69.— thuya pucata (don, in lambert) = T. GIQANTEA (lluRT.). Leaves magn. two diam. ; cross-section four diam. (Seep. 213.) 9^: Fig. 70.— thuya plicata (ghjantea, hort.). To the left above, young female cones ; to the right above, inner surfae<: >>f scale with twoovules ; to the left below, seed magn. thirty diam. ; to the right, outer surface uf scale, and section through scale and ovhlea. (See p. 213.) deep and 9 inches apart, and sow the Acorns in this, leaving about 2 inches from nut to nut, cover ia lightly, and then tread along the top of the ridge, so as to make the soil firm around the seed. When the plumule pushes above the soil, rooks and field-mice will give a little trouble. The former must be scared away, and the latter trapped by methods which are well known to most gardeners. The young seedlings may be left in the bed till they are two years old, when they had better be shitted into the nursery quarters, where thoy may rest till they aro from 5 to G feet high, requiring only to be cultivated between to causo them to make plenty of fine root-fibres, and so not be injured by their removal when finally planted out in park or forest. Generally twice as many or more aro planted in a given area than aro intended to stand, half being after- wards felled, and called by timber merchants " Black- rinds," those furnishing small but useful timber for many purposes. If felled in April or May, the bark may be peeled off with facility, and is theu most valuable to the tauner, as at this period it is rich in tannin, the active and useful priuciplo in Oak and usually sown in broad drills, about the same time as the acorn, but may be sown more thickly, even broad- cast ; but drills are recommended, as the plan facili- tates cultivation, and keeping free from weeds. I recommend somewhat deep sowing in March, as the nuts then soon germinate, and consequently the young plants get away from their enemies, for in addition to those that attack the acorns, the whole of the Corvida;, from the raven to the jackdaw, and notably the handsome jay, as well as starlings, are very fend of Beech-mast, and the deep sowing is somewhat protective If tho soil of your seed-bed is light, the young seedlings will make plenty of root- fibre, and may be lifted and quartered out the year after raising. Beech, from the fact that the leaves are retained till pushed off by the coming young ones in the spring, make a capital sheltering hedge, where one is required to protect tender Conifera-, Rhododen- drons, or other half-hardy shrubs, and it is therefore used largely in nurseries, both here and on the con- tinent, to form shelter for stool-beds. I well re- member hedgos of this character which woro BO dense and rigid, that as a boy I have walked along their months at a time. His report, therefore, is the result of a large amount of observation and experience. The discussion of tho mineral resources of the region is pretty fully given, in order to show the Bcope and importance of the mining industries of this part of the country. Climate is dealt with in con- siderable detail, as in case of a future selection of any portion of this region for timber reservations, all possible knowledge of its climatic conditions will be valuable. The report shows that the region is one of ex- tremely heavy rainfall, compared witli that of other localities so far from the I'aoilie coast ; and that iu consequence of this rainfall, an extensive growth of timber covers moat of the region. The agrienlture of the country amounts to almost nothing, and ia confined chiefly to grazing. One of the principal practical leesona brought out in tho report is the extent to which forest destruc- tion may bo carried in the absence of nny efficient legnl or commercial check. The era of forest lires began in tho earlier period of immigration, followed 216 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 3, 1897. by the destruction incident to the building of the Northern Pacific Railroad, and in very recent times by the unparalleled devastation connected with the mining industry. The report closes with suggestions for a system of timber protection, drawn from the experience of Mr. Leiberg of the region, the people, and of the local industries. There is much valuable information for those of your readers interested in that country. J. J. Willis, Harpenden, Cultural Memoranda. CORREAS. ThE genus Correa was named after Jose Francesco Corre de Serra, 1750 — 1823, a learned Portuguese, who published several treatises on plant physiology, and consists of evergreen shrubs amenable to green- house culture in this country. A few of the best varieties are C. cardinalis. C. magnihca, C. rosea superba, C. virena, C. bicolor, and C. pulchella. If well managed, few plants flower more profusely or continuously than Correas, or are less subject to mildew. The plants may be struck from cuttings ; but by employing C. alba as a stock, plants are more quickly grown from grafts, and specimens for exhi- bition produced in less time than cutting* would require to reach the same size. If a few plants only are required, it is better to buy them from a nursery, choosing healthy plants, well furnished at the base with shoots. If procured in the spring, and they are standing in small pot*, repot them in the present month or in April, affording pots which are larger by 1 to 2 inches m diameter. The compost used in potting should consist of fibrous peat (not the hard kind), broken into pieces sufficiently small to drop between the ball and the side of the pots, adding silver-sand in sufficient quantities to make it porous. The repotted plants should be kept clo3e for a few days. Whilst growth is active, they should be kept well supplied with water at the roots, syringing them overhead on bright days in the afternoon, and the ventilators closed before the sun is off the glass, but affording a little air for the night late in the evening. Plants which have flowered should be kept mode- lately dry for two or three weeks ; and shoots which have borne flowers shortened somewhat, leaving a well-shapen plant. I always place the Correas in the winter season in a light greenhouse having a niyht temperature of 40°. J. H. 0. S., Cheshire. Asters, Stocks, and Zinnias. It is not prudent to sow the seeds of these plants too early, there being oftentimes a risk of the young plants being injuriously checked by being shifted from one place to another during the length of time that elapses before they are planted out of-doors in May and June. Once checked, the plants seldom grow with freedom or flower satisfactorily. In the south, the first or second week in April is quite soon enough to sow for bedding-out purposes, and the plants thrive more satisfactorily than when seed is sown earlier. If but a few plants are required, seed Bhould be sown in well-crocked pots or pans in a mixture of moderately light soil made firm by the hands, and brought to within half-an-inch of the rim. The seed should be scattered thinly, and very lightly covered with soil, which should be pressed smooth, and then afforded water. One of the worst foes to the young seedlings is damping, which must be avoided by affording water in the morning only, and then only to those seed-pots that really need it. When a few true leaves are made, then prick off the seedlings at 2 inches apart in boxes or frames. Keep them rather close and shaded till they have recovered the removal, when more air should be admitted. It is important not to coddle these plants, but to grow them on gently and sturdily ; and where a very large number is required, there is no better method than sowing in rows, thinly, on a mild hot- bed under a garden-frame. For later sowing, no bottom-heat is wanted, and disused Violet-frames answer well if the soil be lightly pricked up with a fork, moistened thoroughly, and then afforded a dressiag of suitable compost ; the frames should be kept close, and shaded from bright sunshine till the seed begins to grow. Air should then be sparingly admitted for a time, and in a manner not to injure the seedlings by draughts. In cold weather, such frames should be covered at night. If seeds be thinly sown on these beds, no prickiog-off is necessary, but they may g» direct from the bed to the open border in cloudy weather. The Zinnias require a rich and deeply- worked soil, and considerable quantities of water in dry weather, and occasionally an application of manure-water. If. Markkam. Forestry. THE VALUE OF WILLOW TIMBER. With the greatly increased interest that has of late years been taken in our national game of cricket, the demand for Willow timber suitable for bat- making has, in consequence, been correspondingly great — indeed, at the present time it far exceeds the supply. This should be welcome news to those who are troubled about the agricultural depression at present prevailing, as on almost every country estate there are tracts of dampish ground suitable for the growth of Willows, but which are of little value for agricultural purposes. When we consider, too, that good 4< maiden " (unpollarded) Willow timber fetches readily 2s. Qd. per foot, that young plants are com- paratively cheap, that the tree can be grown iu damp lands where few other species succeed, and that it arrives quicker at maturity than most other timbers, no excuse need be offered for bringing the planting of the Willow prominently under notice. Probably no other tree receives or has received so small a share of attention as the pollarded Willow ; while certainly no other can bear, without apparent injury, so much multilation. Tho most profitable species of Willow to plant to grow into timber is Salix alba (white or Huntingdon), although, for special purposes both the Red wood and Bedford Willo ws ( S. f ragilis and S. Russelliana) may be strongly recommended. Even the timber of the Goat Willow (S. caprea), which, however, rarely attains to the dimensions of the others, finds a ready market for certain purpose?, bein£ tough and elastic, with a considerable lateral adhesion. When favourably situated, the growth of these Willows is rapid, and many which I have measured in a plantation had produced folly 40 cubic feet of timber iu thirty years. But even this has been far exceeded, as will be seen by referring to the experiments conducted by the Duke of Bedford, where we find that H foot of timber had been pro- duced annually by the Willow for thirty year*. In planting the Willow for profitable purposes, close order should be followed ; and in one of the most valuable woods of this kind that J have examined, the original plants or cuttings had been placed at 3 feet apart, and not thinned before tho shape of the trees became pronounced. The trees took the form of clean, branchless boles with heads not too spread- ing. Too much subsequent crowding must, however, be avoided, otherwise the trees becomes unhealthy, rendering necessary a careful and systematic thinning. Regarding the yield of timber per acre, I give the following figures taken from a plantation of thirty- five years' growth, where the soil was a rich, unctuous yellow-loam — far too good to be put under such a crop. The plantation was rather gappy, due, I should say, to careless thinning done at irregular intervals of time, the average distance at which the trees stood apart being about 18 feet, 140 trees thus going to the acre. In order to compute the contents, five fair-sized trees were measured, the average amount of timber being found to be nearly 32 cubic feet ; at which rate an acre would produce 44S0 feet, which at the reasonable figure of Is. Gd. gives £336. It must be remembered that the plantation had received many thinnings, but for how much money the timber thus cut out had been sold, or what was the total quantity, no record had been kept. Let us, however, suppose that the value of the previous cuttings paid the estimated letting value and taxes, cost of planting, and general upholding of the wood- land, and we have then left a clear profit of £0 per acre per year — a handsome return from even good Wheat- laud. But not only for the best class of cricket-bats is Willow timber in demand, but. owiug to its teasing rather than splintering, it is largely used for the bottoms and sides of carts and barrows, for the floats of paddle steamers, for breaks on waggons and trucks, and largely for turnery purposes. It is very light for its bulk, tough, easily polished, and, comparatively speaking, incombustible. A. D. Webster. Trees and Shrubs. PHUNUS M U M E. CoNSlTtERlNi; that this is one of the most popular of flowering trees in Japan, it is strange that it has, until quite a recent date, been almost unknown in European gardens. It belongs to the Apricot section of Prunus, and the wood is very like that of the common Apricot. The leaves, too, plainly show the affinity with that species, but they can be recognised by the much longer, drawn-out point. The flowers began this year to open about the middle of February, but it is towards the end of March that the general crop appears. They aro produced on the leafless wood, much after the fashion of the Almond, each flower being about 1 inch across. The colour is rosy- pink, in some forms of so pale a shade as to be almost white, whilst in others it is quite rich and deep. The species has long been a favourite tree with the Japanese, and under their cultivation has varied con siderably. Besides the varieties in colour just men- tioned, there are others with double flowers, or a pendulous mode of growth. Iu this country it will be welcomed as an addition to the earliest of spriug- flowering, hardy trees — a group that can never become too plentiful. Prunus Davidiana. In this beautiful tree we have the forerunner of the great host of Peaches, Almonds, Cherries, &c. (now collectively known as Prunus), whose flowers during the next two or three months contribute so much to the beauty of English gardens and woodlands. A few of its flowers were open in the middle of January, but the great bulk of them were held back by the short spell of frost. Now, however, a few mild sunny days have brought it fully into bloom, and very lovely it is, especially the white-flowered variety (alba), which appears to flower more freely than the deep pink one (rubra). Its slender, rather erect branches aro now completely wreathed in pure white blossom. It is of Chinese origin, and was first sent to Europe by the Abbe David, a French missionary. It is common in the gardens and road- sides about Pekin, and at its flowering season is a most beautiful and conspicuous sight, holding there, apparently, a position in public favour analogous to that of the flowering Cherry (P. pseudocerasus) in Japau. In this country it ought in time to become as well known and popular as the Almond, belonging, as it does, to that small but welcome group of hardy trees and shrubs whose flowers appear soon after New Year's Day, and thus anticipate by several weeks the majority of spring-flowering trees and shrubs. W. J. B. Daphne laureola and I). Mezekeum, D. laureola is a native shrub, although somewhat rare in a wild state. It is desirable for shrubberies and similar positions owing to its delicate perfume, which closely resembles that of D. indica. The greenish-yellow flowers are freely produced, but are comparatively insignificant ; and on warm, moist evenings in February and March, a stranger would be puzzled to know from whence the delightful fragrance proceeded. It has a much more refined scent thau that of D. Mezereum, and I consider it more penetrating. The flowers are followed by an abundance of bright rod berries, which are said to be very poisonous ; and for this reason the plant should be kept out of the reach of children. April 3, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 217 It is described in Bentbam's British Flora, dated 1878, as having scentless flowers, and bluish-black berries ; this does not agree with my experience, but, as a rule, I find the scent is absent until an hour or two before dusk. It reproduces itself freely from seeds here, and in that respect differs much from D. Mezereurn, which hitherto has failed, although many plants of it were introduced by the late Mr. Ingram here, 40 feet long and 10 feet wide, the plants being about 2 feet high, and in full flower on Feb. 24. At such a period of the year it would be difficult to find any hardy plant to equal it for beiuty and fragraoce. Two distinct shades of red were noticed, one much darker than the other. There is said to be an autumn- flowering variety, but I do not know it. W. H. Divers, Bt'lvoir Castle Oarden3, Grantham. of soda is now £9 per ton. Commercial ammonium sulphate contains about 24*5 per cent, of ammonia, this is equal to '20-17 percent, of nitrogen; commer- cial nitrate of soda contains about 15'5 per cent, of nitrogen. From these figures, it will be seen that we can buy the same quantity of combined nitrogen in the form of ammonium sulphate for 7s. $d. as we can for lis. Id. in the form of nitrate of soda. Another point in favour of ammonium sulphate ia the ease with which any adulteration can he detected. Pure ammonium sulphate, if placed on a hot iron plate, will be more or less volatilised, the amount of residue left behind is an index of the amount of im- purity. The impurities occuriing in nitrate of Boda are not so readily detected. Both salts are easily soluble in cold water. The effects of each salt are nearly identical upon plants, because ammonium sulphate is changed into nitrate in the soil, and is then absorbed by the crop. Where great leaf-growth is needed, ammonium sulphate is moBt useful. It gives good ^results when applied to Cabbage, Leeks, Parsley, Lettuce, Endive, Celery, and Potatos. It should only bo used sparingly for Onions and Turnips, as the bulbs are not enlarged in proportion to the leaf -growth, and they do not keep so well if too liberally treated with ammonium sulphate. Am- monium sulphate is useless for Peas and Beans. No objection can be raised to the employment of a solution of ammonium sulphate for watering salad- plants, as it is a clean salt, whereas the use of filthy liquid- manures for salad-plants is to be condemned as dangerous and nasty. When applied to young plants with tender foliage, or to plants in pots, it is better to use it iu dilute solution about two ounces to a gallon of water. One ounce to a square yard is enough for one dressing on the open ground. For gardens smaller quantities are required than for farms ; but even if 9s. per cwt. is charged for this salt, it will be found profitable. Most gasworks now make ammonium sulphate instead of selling the ammoniacal gas liquor. The nitrogen iu bone- manures, in guano, in fish-meal, and in the much- advertiscd mixtures, costs very much more than that in ammonium sulphate. It must always be borne in mind, however, that it only supplies plants with one important substance, i.e., nitrogen ; further, its effects do not persist for more than one season — what the crop does not absoib is washed out of the soil in the f.irni of nitrate by the winter rains. All soils are rendered more fertile by its use. F. V. Button, University College, Bangor. TULIPA KAUFMANNIANA.* This Tulip was discovered by Albert Regel in the mountains of Turkestan, and was described and figured by his late father iu the Gartenjlora. Anyone who compares the original figure with that now given (fig. 72) will be surprised at the astonishing differ- ence which a few years of cultivation have made. The " potentialities " of a flower can indeed rarely be estimated from the wild plant. This Tulip belongs to the woolly-bulbed series, generally with two leaves. The flower-segments are oblong elliptic, or in the cultivated plant, oblong obovate obtuse, variable in colour from pale pink to pale rosy-purple. It was shown at the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, by Messrs. Wallace of Col- chester, and Messrs. Barr of Coveut Garden. TI'Ul'A K\ri-'M.\ Plant Notes. at various times. I am now experimenting with it in different soils and situations in order to arrive at the cause of failure, if possible. The figure of Mr. Marshall's fine plant on p. 1S3 almost mado me envious, and I well remember some large plants of the pink and white varieties when I was a boy in Kent. Occasionally, one sees small plants in the cottage gardens in Leicestershire ; and lately I Maw a bedjof seedlings in one of our home nurseries near AN ECONOMICAL TOP- DRESSING. Till' great fall in the price of ammonium sulphate makes tliis substance now the cheapest source of nitrogen. Twelve months ayu it was quoted at over £12 per ton ; to-day, it is offered at i'7 17s. 6d. per ton. When it was at the former price, it was more profitable to buy nitrate of soda ; the price of nitrate ASCLEPIAS CUKASSAVICA, turn. An attractive, soft-wooded plant, common about the coast districts of Grenada, aud a favourite food- plant of the caterpillar of a rather large brownish butterfly, which is known in the local vernacular as " Soldut Martinique," ; it is also much frequented by a prettily-marked plant-bug. The upper portions of the plant i stems, leaves, and flowering stems), discharge a white fluid when out. It flowers when a foot or two Tulipa Kavfli Kegel, Baritrrfora, 1S7T (t. 906). 2L8 THE GAJRDE NEBS' CHRONICLE. [April 3, 1897. high, and rarely attains many feet at any time of its existence. The orange-coloured flowers are admired by most people, especially by strangers to the West Indies, and the plant is often mistaken by the casual observer for Lantana Camara, Linn., because of the colouring of the flowers, and general habit when the latter-named plant i3 small. Both plants grow in similar localities, and, in fact, occasionally may be seen growing side by side. Our wild Lantanas enjoy with the wild Crotons of the colony the same name, i.e., "Wild Sage." In Dicotyledonous plants the natural order Asclepiadacese, to which Asclepias curassavica belongs, is the only one that possesses flowers with their stamens and pistils adhering, and such is the case with Orcbidacece, in Monocotyledons. The Asclepiad under notice would make a desirable bedding plant for tropical flower-beds. Its local name is " Ipecca," W. E, Broadway, Grenada, March 4. The Week's Work. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Burforu, Dorking. Odontoglossum-house. — In this house Maxillaria grandiflora, M. venusta, M. picta, M. lepidota, M. striata grandiflora, M. luteo-alba, M. tenuifolia, M. Amesiana, M. pnustans, &c, thrive admirably; and it is now the time when an examination of these plants should be made. If some of them require large pots, or the potting materials are decayed, the present is a suitable season to attend to these matters, The following species of Maxillaria, viz., M. Sanderiana, M. fucata, and M. Hubschii, are showing for bloom, and re-potting in their case will have to Btand over for the present. Maxillaria Turner! and M. nigrescens are species that succeed in a cool part of an intermediate-house. All species of Maxillaria mentioned above may be cultivated in pots or iu shallow pans, three parts filled with crocks, and in a compost consisting of three parts sphagnum-moss, and one part peat. Repotted plants must be shaded from strong sunshine, and afforded only just as mvich water as will keep life in the sphagnum moss, till such time as growth begins ; but when they get well rooted, plenty of water at the root and moisture in the air should be supplied. In the Cattle i fa- house, plants of Pleione maculata, P. m. alba, P. lagenaria, P. prrecox, P. Wallichiana, and P. concolor are growing vigorously, and will require plenty of water at the root, and their imme- diate surroundings kept decidedly moist. An occa- sional watering with weak liquid cow-manure will be of great assistance to them. These plants should occupy the coolest part of the house, and where air can be freely admitted, and scarcely any shade is necessary, unless the sun be very powerful. The cooler-growing varieties — P. humilis and P. Hook- eriana — may be repotted as soon as they pass out of flower. The Calauthe compost will suit them admirably. They should be suspended in a light position, close to the roof-glass in the Odonto- glossum-house. Temperatures, — The month of April is generally a very troublesome period to the Orchid cultivator, owing to the numerous changes in the weather, which make it difficult to maintain regular temperatures in the houses. Still, the most must be done by attention to the heating apparatus, and to shading and venti- lation, to avert excessive fluctuations. In such changeable weather it is best to keep the hot-water pipe3 a trifle warmer than usual, even during the middle of the day, and when the sun becomes sud- denly obscured by heavy clouds the ventilators may be closed and au extreme fall iu temperature pre- vented. No further fire-heat will be necessary in the cool-house, unless the temperature of the house is likely to fall below 50°. When the wind is chilly, the proper degree of warmth should be regulated by means of the ventilators. The temperatures of the various divisions as maintained by fire-heat should now be as follows — East Indian-house about 65° through the night. TheCattleyaaud Mexican-houses 60°; Intermediate-house 55° to G0° ; Odontoglossum- house a trifle above 50Q. During the daytime a rise of several degrees above these figures is advisable, and a further increase of 5° or 10° by sun-heat will do good. Shading. — Owing to the exceptionally dull autumn and winter the foliage of the plants is more tender than usual, and therefore more susceptible to injury from the sun's rays. For instance, we have a large plant of Dendrobium Dalhousieanum, which was exposed to plenty of full sunshine throughout the whole of last summer, but during the past week several of its leaves have been severely scorched. The plant is in the same position exactly as it was last year, which proves that the injury was not caused through any flaw in the glass. On that side of the East Indian-house where such plants as Cypripediums, Bolleas, Phalcenopsis, An- giTccums, Aerides, Saccolabium, Bulbophyllum, Cirrhopetalum, Phaius, Dendrobium Huttoni, D. McArtb.EC, D. O'Brienianum, D. rhodostoma x,D. triadenium, D. purpureum, Oncidium Krameri, 0. papilio, 0. ampliatum, &c, are grown, the blinds should be lowered immediately the sun has sufficient power to raise the temperature 6° or V. Where such species are arranged on the lighter side, as Den- drobiums, Catasetums, Cycnoches, Mormodes, Thu- nias, Schomburgkias, Cyrtopodium, Grammatophyl- lum, Brassavola, Renanthera, and the warmth-loving Epidendrums, it is also necessary to use considerable ciution. The blinds of theCattleyaand intermediate- houses should be let down before the sun has become strong enough to overheat the leaves of the plants. The] plants in the Mexican-house enjoy the early morning sunshine, but as the temperature rises by this means, ventilate freely, and when the foliage of the plants become extra warm to the touch, lightly shade them. When this is likely to produce a rapid fall in the temperature, the ventilation should be reduced. Now that the majority of these so-called Mexican plants are starting to grow, the house should be closed eirlyinthe afternoon, including plenty of sun-heat ; but thoroughly moisten the floors, stage, &c, at the eame time. Odontoglossums, Masdevallias, Maxillarias, Oncidiums, and the other occupants of the cool-house, should be shaded on bright mornings imme- diately the sun has raised the temperature to 5u°, and the blinds should not be removed so long as the sun is upon the roof. The lath roller-blinds that are now used for shading Orchids admit plenty of light, so tbat there is no necessity to keep taking them up and down at every trifling change in the weather, as was necessary when the ordinary canvas-blinds were in use. Therefore, when the weather is changeable, keep the blinds down. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By F. Harris, Gardener, Eastnor Castle. Ledbury. Strawberries. — British Queen will come on quite fast enough if the plants be put into a cold-frame thinly. Let the plants be afforded water early in the morning so as to get the leaves dry before nightfall. This variety sets freely in frames, and if the plants are placed later on a shelf in a cool orchard-house close to the ventilators, the fruit will come of great excellence, and before the early outdoor- varieties begin to ripen. If mildew be observed on any of the plants, dust the foliage with flowers-of-sulphur, and syringe it off" iu a day or two afterwards. Pines. — Plants which showed fruit very early in the year, and are now approaching maturity, will require considerable attention in tho matter of water at the root, and putting stakes to the fruit. Liquid-manure, at a temperature of 90°, should be afforded them so long as the fruits remain green ; afterwards manure- water should be withheld almost altogether, and clear water only afforded when the soil gets very destitute of moisture. The bottom-heat must be kept at 85° to 90° for fruiting plants, and top-heat at from 70° to 75° at night, rising 10" by day with fire-heat, closing the fruiting-house early, so as to husband solar-heat, allowing it to rise to 95" or 100°. Afford atmo- spheric moisture abundantly, damping paths, walls, and the bed between the pots twice or thrica daily. When the fruits begin to ripen, keep the air a little dryer. Later fruiters will require similar attention in staking, &c. The best method of sup- porting a fruit in an erect position is to place two strong stakes on either side, an inch or eo from the rim, and pass a strong piece of matting from one stake to the other, with the fruit in the centre, the matting coming round the base of the crown, as the tuft of leaves is called. Suckers, except one, or at the most two, that may be required for keeping up the stock, should be removed before they become large, as well as every growth appearing at the base of the fruit. In removing root suckers, do not give a straight upward pull, which might lift the plant out of the soil, but with a sharp twist detach the sucker without disturbing the plant in the least. Successions- If these plants were put into fruiting- pots in February, they will now be making growth. Let the bottom-heat touch SO'1, and no higher. Do not let them get crowded ; rather re-arrange the plants, and afford each the utmost amount of space possible, and in doing so keep them well up to the glass by the addition of a Uttle new or old bark, as the case may demand. When affording water, let it be thoroughly done, so as to wet every part of the soil, and let plenty of air into the house whenever the solar heat is powerful and admits of its being done, but avoid draughts — not an easy matter at this season of bright sun and cold winds. Hexagon netting several times folded and hung over openings and ventilators is of u-e at this season in breaking up volumes of cool air, and rendering it less objectionable to tender plants. It is just as good hung over the back openings of hotbed frames, as over the ventilator and window openings of pineries, peacheries, and vineries. It should be remembered that the ventilation of plants at this season wants the greatest degree of watchfulness on the part of the gardener and hi3 assistants, and that nothing can be left to chance, a few minutes neglect ruining perhaps the work of au entire year. In giving air, always do so gradually, so as not to lower the temperature of a structure all at once ; and the same rule should be observed in taking it off. Suckers.— The February-potted suckers are making roots, and should consequently be affoided water more freely than heretofore, and as they grow allow extra space, otherwise they will become drawn, a condition from which they never wholly recover. The tempe- rature of the pit should range from 00° to 65° at night, and that of the bed about 75°. On very bright days shading will be required by suckers and succes- sions, and a slight overhead sprinkling at closing time ; but in this matter the gardener should be guided by local conditions, for what is demanded iu one part of the country is uncalled for in another. If the stock of any variety is deemed insufficient and suckers are available, these may be twisted off the parent plants, and in two or three days afterwards potted in 48's and set iu the sucker-pit to root. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By G. H. Matcocr, Qardoner, Luton Hoo Park, Luton. Pceonks. — Those plauts which have been during the winter in cold frames may be removed to a low house or heated pit, in order to avoid the damping- off of the blooms as much as possible. Pieces grafted on roots of P. officinalis last year will do best if still allowed to remain iu an unheated frame from which frost is excluded. They should be examined, and the growths tied to sticks, taking care in doing this not to twist the scion, or failure to nnite may occur. Pcntas camca. — This is a winter flowering plant, not so much cultivated as formerly, but still very useful at that season, its flowers lasting a long time when cut ; and the plant when grown in 5-inch pots forming good subjects to place in vases, &c. iu the dwelling. If grown for cutting purposes only, or for decorating the stove, a 7 or S-inch pot should be used. If cuttings be takeu the first week in April, and dibbled into a mixture of leaf-mould and sand in equal proportions under a bell-glass, and placed in the propagating-houae, they Boon form roots. The plant grows in a mixture of one part loam, one part leaf- mould, a small portion of dried cow-dung, with suffi- cient sand to keep the mass porous. The shoots should be often stopped so as to increase their number. and prevent its inherent tendency to grow tall and lanky. They should be kept, when of small size, near to the light in the stove or stove-pit. Primulas. — Seedlings should be pricked-off into shallow pans filled with a rather light compost of peat, leaf-mould, sand, and loam ; and a Bowing may be made for succession. The double-flowered varieties of any kind may now be iucreased by division of the roots; b.iug careful to have a few roots with each piece. Pot-up these divisions in light soil— sphagnum- moss and much sharp sand, and plunge them in a gentle hot-bed till such time as the roots take hold of the soil, then remove them to slightly cooler quarters in a frame similarly to the seedlings of single-flowered species. Cuttings of double flowered varieties can be rooted in sphagnum if kept clojeand moist on mild bottom-heat. Thedivisions and cuttings, wheu establishing themselves, should receive water spariugly. Hints on the Fumigation of Plant Homes. — As every gardener knows, no plant can be grown at its best uulcss kept genorally free of those insects which are parasitic npou it, more particularly thrips, aphides of various sorts, and rcd-spidor. That being well understood, the first appearance of these insects April 3, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 219 on any plant should warn the gardener of the neces- sity of his at onco taking steps to rid the plant of them. It is a far easier matter to destroy the fore- runners than a numerous host ; there is, therefore, economy iu taking early measures against the enemy. If it is but a few plants, these should bo removed to a warm or cold pit, and be there fumigated at a small cost ; but if it bo a whole house full of plants that have to be dealt with, the house should be kept drier and ventilated to a later hour than usual, and the fumigation commenced after the sun has left the house. If aphis only has to be destroyed, one mild fumigation will suffice to kill all the mature insects, but it should be supplemented with a second one in forty-eight hours, so as to destroy the later hatched brood, tobacco-smoke beiDg useless against the aphis- egg. Thrips, both black and yellow, require from two to three fumigations at intervals of one or two days, and the amount of smoke generated should be denser than is required to kill aphis. I do not advise the immediate syringing of the plants after fumiga- tion, as it tends to revive many of the dying insects. Winter-Lowering Begonias. — Cuttings may now be taken, striking them, one in a 60-pot, on bottom-heat of 80°, in light, rich compost, and potting them on when rooted without loss of time. .Aged Begonia plants, which may have been cut down to afford shoots for making cuttings, may be potted in 7-inch pots after a sufficient number of cuttings has been secured. They are useful in the decoration of the conservatory, and supplying bloom for cutting. General Remarks. — The following seedling plants should be pricked out before becoming crowded in the seed-pots and pans : — Gloxinias, Begonias, Torenias, and Streptocarpus. Cyclamens will require to be potted in thumbs and 60's, keeping them afterwards iu a partially-shaded place. Caladiuma intended to form large plants should be repotted, and afforded for a time a slight amount of shade from bright sunshine. Impatieus Sultani may be increased by means of cuttings. It is an attractive plant when flowered, and the cuttings strike freely in heat at this season. When struck, pot on and keep them in a warm, moist stove-pit, and close to the glass, to prevent lanky growth being made. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By Charles Heriun, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead. Sowing Annuals. — Various annuals, such as Stocks, Asters, Zinnias, Phlox Drummondi, Salpiglossis, Gaillardias, and others, should be sown forthwith. For raising these no better medium can be employed than a frame, or frames, placed upon a mild hot bed. Given abundance of fresh leaves/ they will anBwer admirably, and a strong heat is not necessary ; a bed to the depth uf 3 feet will be ample, the leaves to be well trodden down in the process of making. Work in a little long manure round the sides, to hold the mass together, and prevent the leaves from pushing out when treading and working upon the bed after it has been made up. After putting on the frames, place a few inches of leaf-mould in the bottom, and on this about 3 inches of light soil that has been passed through a half-inch sieve. The surface of the soil when finished should be within a few inches of the glass. Put the lights on, and Jeave them for a few days until the soil has settled and become warm. Before sowing, draw out shallow drills, 3 inches apart, and cover the seeds at a depth according to their size. The frames should be kept closed and shaded until the seedlings appear, when the shading should be gradually removed by using it during bright sun for a tew days only. Admit air in greater quantities as the seedlings develop, to provent them becoming spindly. Zinnias and Gaillardias make useful bedding plants, and if the beds are empty iu which they arc to be plautcd, they may be lifted carefully from the seed-frame early in May, and planted at once, shading with a few branches for a day or two if the weather be bright. Stucks and Asters may be treated in the same way, or be pricked off into other cold frames or sheltered border as soon as strong enough to handle. The seeds of Salpiglossis are small, and must be covered Blightly, and the seed - lings be transplanted carefully to the borders, as they are not free-rooting plants. Calceolarias struck and wintered in cold frames now require to be transplanted, and a bed of soil should be prepared on a hard bottom of coal-ashes, either in cold frames or where protection can bft given. The plants should be lifted with a trowel, and re-planted about 4 inches apart each way. The soil should be loamy, with an admixture of half- rotten leaf-soil or old Mushroom-bed manure. They will then be lifted with good balls of soil, when trans- ferred to tho flower-beds. Where the latter arc now empty, and shelter can be afforded with mats or canvas if necessary, Calceolaria plants may bo put into the beds now, and if planted thus early into their permanent quarters, they will become established before hot and dry weather sets in, and consequently thoy will be less liable to die off during the summer. Violas for summer bedding may receive somewhat similar treatment to the above, except that no pro- tection need be afforded. Where these are to form the ground-work of beds during the summer, they should be put out now, if possible, and all flowers be kept pinched off for some time to come. Ono of the best dark blues for summer flowering is Archie Grant, and a good white will be found in Mrs. Gray. Gladiolus. — All named varieties should be got into the ground now as soon as possible. Where they are to be planted in lines, drills ?< inches in depth may be drawn out, a little sand scattered in, and tho corms set out at convenient distances in them. Beds filled with Carnations may have a few corms dotted about in them, and they will give a furnished appear- ance to the beds after the Carnations have flowered. bigger growers at correspondingly wider intervals, the largest being 30 by 24 inches. Medium growers are Windsor Castle, Supremo, and Sutton's Seedling. If manuro is applied when pl?nting, it should bo thoroughly rotten, such as that from a spent hot- bed, and is the better if it consists chiefly of tree leaves. This should be spread in the winter, and at planting time a good sprinkling of wood-ashes, dis- solved bone, or a Potato-manure be applied, and the dressing repeated before eurthing up the plants. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By W. Pope, Gardener, Higliclere Castle, Newbury. Celery-soioing and Pricking- out Seedlings. — If seed for the main crop is not yet sown, there should be no further delay in sowing. Sow the seeds thinly, and afford the seed-pans genial warmth to induce speedy germination ; but as soon as the plants are through the soil, remove to slightly cooler quarters, and afford them plenty of sunlight and fresh air, and pricking them off when the first true leaf develops. Do not let prickedoff plants, or those still iu the seed-pans, lack root-moisture, or suffer from over- crowding at this stage, these often being causes that bring about bolting. A pinch of Celery-seed may be sown on a south border, in order to furnish plants for late and spring uses. Carrots. — The sowing of the main crop may be made when the weather and state of the ground per- mit. James's Intermediate is still a favourite Carrot with many gardeners because of its smaller size as compared with the New Intermediate or St. Valery ; and, unless exhibition roots are required, it is preferable for general consumption. The new variety is larger, has a better colour, and is a hand- some root. The land for this crop should have been well manured for some previous crop, or if it has been recently dressed, the manure should have been placed at the least 1 foot deep. Sow the seeds in drills 15 to 18 inches apart, and 1£ inches in depth, and after covering the seed, and before raking the laud, afford it a fair and regular dressing of soot and common agricultural salt. In order to have roots fit for exhibition on heavy land, holes should be made with a long dibber or crowbar to a depth of 15 inches, and the same distance between, filling these with finely- Bifted soil, to which a small quantity of fresh soot has been added, pressing it firmly into the holes, and sowing a few seeds in the middle of each. A bed of Sutton's early Gem, or early Nantes Carrots, may be sown at intervals of three weeks till August. The later sow- ing affording nice roots far into the winter, which, for many purposes, are more useful than large roots. Pay attention to the early sowings in frames, thin- ning them early to from 3 to G inches, according to variety, and admitting plenty of air to the frames in mild weather, and not letting the soil get dry. Beetroot. — A sowing of Egyptian or Turnip-rooted Beet, and ono of Pragnell's Inhibition for early con- sumption, should be made, but do not sow the main crops for several weeks. Potato Planting. — Tho planting of the Main Crop and lato varieties of Totatos should be pushed on wheu the land is dry enough to be workable. If tho land is already dug, and is fairly light and dry, the sets may be inserted in holes made with a blunt- ended dibber, otherwise digging and planting may be done simultaneously — a method generally to be pre- ferred if care be taken to pulverise the soil generally, and not merely the surface. Allow sufficient space for the haulm to develop without undue crowding ; and as tho strength of tho haulm varies in the different varieties, this will have to be considered by the planter. Small growers, as Ashleaf and Sharped Victor, may be planted at 24 and VI inches and THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By H. W. Ward, Rayleigh, Essex. Dealing with Insect Pests. — With the gradual in- crease in the outside temperature, aphis will seek to attach themselves to tha young growths of the Peach, Cherry, and Plum trees, inflicting much damage to the trees if prompt measures are not taken to pre- vent them. Weakly-growing trees are more subject to the attacks of insects. Sometimes it is the conditions under which the tree's growth is made that predisposes it to insect attacks. It may be that the soil about the roots is not in a condition to promote and maintain strong growth. When the attack is clearly indicated by the leaves becoming curled, it is difficult to dislodge the pests by the application of clean water with a syringe or garden-engine. Hence the necessity of taking remedial measures on the first appearance of either the green or black fly, the latter being the more mischievous, as well as the more difficult of dislodgment. Especially is this so in the case of Cherry-trees, which the black aphis mostly infests, and^sometimes to such an extent as to render necessary the dipping of the points of the shoots in a saucer containing Kichards' XL ALL Liquid Insec- ticide, a composition which I have also used with the best possible effect by means of a svringe, in the pro- proportion of one part of it to thirty of water. Another good insecticide is clean water and tobacco-juice, used in the proportion of 1 quart of the latter to 4 gallons of the former. Grafting of Apples and Pears (in the manner described in the Gardeners Chronicle for February 27, p. 138) may still be done. Examine grafts worked during the past month, and replace the clay rouud those from which it may have fallen oft', filling up at the same time any cracks that the recent parching winds may have caused in the clay round others. In some cases it may be necessary to tie a little fresh moss over the clay in order to preserve it and the graft in an uniformly moist condition by damping it occasionally with water. Thinning Apricot Fruits. — Where the trees have Bet heavy crops of fruit, no time should be lost in effecting the necessary thinning. In the case of healthy, vigorous-growing trees, the fruit may be thinned out at once to 6 or S inches apart each way. There need be no fear of such treei dropping their fruits during the process of stoning, providing tho soil is kept in a properly moist state around tho roots. Strawberry Plantations. — Keep plantations of Straw- berries free from weeds, and should dry weather con- tinue, plants growing in light and perhaps shallow soils should receive applications of water at the roots, THE APIARY. By Expert. Robbing. — For a few weeks to come great care will be required if signs of robbing are apparent, not only in protecting the particular stocks which may be attacked, but also in preventing the mischief from spreading to other hives ; this may be guarded against by carefully obscrviug the movements of the flyirg bees while inspecting stocks. Should it bo seen beyond doubt that robbing is going on, closo all hives except the one which is bciug operated on during the time it is uncovered, not more than five minutes, and wheu the quilts are replaced, reopen all entrances for a couple of minutes to allow tho bees to settlo them- selves, then closo thorn again, and proceed as before, with the hivo furthest away from the first examined. Do not re-confine the bees which have been over- hauled, because opening tho hive will cause a little excitement, and they should have free egress while this lasts. Where sliding entrances are used, they can be effectually closed and re-open 6d in an instant, so that very little time is taken lip, and the plan will be found useful in ohfloking robbing in its early atages. J?rush off dtbrin from lloor-boaids into a newspaper and burn. 220 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 3, 1897. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants for naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Welling- ton Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications Should be WRITTEN ON ONE BIDE ONLY OF THE PAPER, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly signed by the writer. I/desired, the signature will not be printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith. The Editor does not under- take to pay for any contributions, or to return unused com- munications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. Illustrations.— The Editor will thankfully receive and select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction in these pages, of gardens, or of remarkable ], and was largely attended. The Prosident, Mr. C. B. Stevens, occupied the chair. Apart from the lecture, the feature of the meeting was a presen- tation to the honorary secretary, Mr. Pound, as an acknowledgment of services rendered to the associa- tion. The gift consisted of a purse of gold (£18) and an album, containing the names of 13S subscribers. Proceeding with the usual routine of the meeting, the president called upon Mr, Townsknd, gardener at Sandhurst Lodge, to read his paper on "Summer Bedding and Summer Flower Gardens, also the Water Garden." The plants recommended by the lecturer were Fuchsias, Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums, Lobelia cardiualis, Verbeuas, Petunias, Violas, fibrous-rooted Begonias (such as Sutton's Crimson Gem, Princess Beatrice, and Afterglow), Ajuga reptans, Phlox Drummondi, Mimulus,'Gladiolus, Cineraria mari- tima, Ricinus Gibsoni, Maize, Salvia (Sutton's Scarlet Queen), Marguerites, Heliotrope, Euonymus radicans variegata, Zinnias, Habrothamnus, Erythrinas, &c. As materials wherewith to plant a border, mention was made of Cupressus, Juuiperus, Acers, Hollyhock Asters, Cannas, Ricinus, Hydrangeas, Liliums tuberous Begonias, leaving spaces for the introduc tion of tender plants aud annuals as the warmer weather approached, as herbaceous Phlox, Delphi' niumB, Cannas, Lupines, Lavatera, perennial Sun flower, Dahlias, Rudbeckhs, Pyrethrums, Lychnis. Sweet Rocket, Spineas, Montbretias, Lobelia car dinalis, Gypsophilas, Picotees, Carnations, Calceo larias, Asters, Sweet Williams, Mimulus, Aubriotias Zinnias, Godetias, Funkias, Begonias, &c, Reference was made as to the grouping of pot plants about tne lawns by inserting the pot to the rims in the grass. This is carried out iu Sir W. Farren's garden at Sandhurst Lodge, and greatly admired. Fuchsia, Plumbago capensis, P. c. alba, Solanum jasminoides, Habrothamnus and Swainsonias lending themselves admirably to this purpose. The water-garden was then touched upon, the lecturer dealing with the various plants most suitable for different sized ponds. A beautiful collection of florists' varieties of Cine- raria was sent by Messrs. Sutton & Sons, and of Cineraria cruenta hybrids, also specimens of Cineraria cruenta. The Hamburg Exhibition.— One feature of the Hamburg Exhibition will be a large tank lighted and warmed for exotic Water-Lilies ; among them, yellow, blue, and red Nymphreas, and N. zanzi- barensis, will be included. There are, now-a-days, many new varieties of these plants, and among pro- minent exhibitors who have devoted much attention to them may be mentioned MM. Karster de Speyer, who will contribute in stocking the tank, as will the Hamburg Botanic Garden. Outdoor aquatic- plants will be represented ; M. Thibaut Lyan of Geneva will contribute specimens occupying 100 square metres of water. The Surveyors- Institution. — The next ordinary geueral meeting will be held on Monday, April 5, 1807, when a paper will be read by Mr. Walter Simms (Fellow), entitled " London— an Appreciation." The chair to be taken at S o'clock. Publications Received. — Ncdcrlandsche Maatschappij Voor Tainbomocn Plant- K wide) (Nether- lands Horticultural Society). List of Certificited Plants in 1896. WEST BANK HOUSE, HEATON MERSEY. The owner of West Bank House, Johu Leemanu, Esq. (gr., Mr. Edge), has put up, on the most ap- proved |principles, a splendid range of glass, in which he has collected a general assortment of ornamental plants — Orchids forming a notable feature. Like most amateurs who favour Orchids, Mr. Leemann begau by collecting with cheap [popular plants, until further experience showed him how desirable it was to buy the choicer species and varieties. In this well - appointed establishment, where everything is kept in apple-pie order, I can see another of our rising Lancashire establishments, where gardening of the ornamental kind, both indoor and outdoor, promises to be of as prominent a character as a fine gallery of pictures, where tho eye of a connoisseur is held. Tho position is on a slope, with nice undulations, and the breezes play freely in the tiered span-roof glass erections. They are fitted up with all modern appliances to suit the growth and comfort of the various subtropical aod temperate-zoned plants— fitted up, too, with electric- light, and those Teak blinds which the writer recom- mended in the pages of the Gardeners Chronicle more than a quarter of a century ago, after seeing M. Luddemann's Phaketiopsis so blinded about the environs of Paris, and which are now very generally used in all Orchid establishments. Of the particulars of these, and of the grouuds, in the meantime, we do not mean to touch, rather going into somewhat of detail about the conservatories attached to the mansion -like villa on the crest of the hill. The conservatories are in three tiers— that is, on three levels — an arrangement that ia partly due to the Blope of the ground. They are attached to the billiard-room, and are accessible from others with- out going out-of-doors. While they are lofty, they are not too much bo for the plants and the light from the span-roof reaches even the smallest plants. In the principal portion are a fine lot of Camellias, and some of the fragrant greenhouse or rather intermediate-house Rhododendrons, as well as specimen Azaleas aud miscellaneous plautB standing on the tesselated floor, and some from the ornamental stages, which go well together with the bulbous and ornamental plants that are provided in relays from the other service-houses. Orchids in flower are grouped on a Btage in the inner circle adjoining the billiard-rocm, and formed a very pretty show at the time of my visit. Among Dendrobiums were some striking forms of D. nobile, from the white forms of the Cypheri type, and D. nobile nobilius. Among the choicer ones we ob- served D. Cybele, which is a much larger flower than the very similar D. nobilius, although not so highly coloured ; D. Wardianum in abundauce, aud the white form of it seen here was a very good one. For varying and adding to the finish of a group of Orchids, nothing is better than Cymbidium Lowianum, with its rich variety of colours. A very fine form of Cattleya Triansei alba was noticed, a good square flower, with finely-formed petals of good substance ; the lip large and round, and but for the slight flushing in the extremity of the blade, which proved it was not an albino, it would be put into the first rank. Odontoglossum criapum and Miltonia Roezlii were species observed in faultless condition. A plant of 0. cirrosum was in fine flower ; also the bright yellow and chest- nut blotched Oncidium sarcodes. The Cypripediums are very select. I noticed a remarkable C. Boxalli, with fringed segments, heavily spotted with black, and a good C. villosum species, which remain a long time in Sower. J. A. NARCISSUS ELLEN WILLMOT AND SOUTHERN CROSS. The two pretty varieties of Narcissus of which we afford our readers delineations, were raised by that successful cross-breeder, the Rev. G. H. Engleheart, of Appleshaw, Andover. The variety Ellen Willmot belongs to the Ajax section, and possesses a creamy* white perianth, consisting — as fig. 74 shows — of com- paratively short, broad segments ; and the corona is lemon-yellow, the two portions of the flower forming a pleasiDg contrast of colour. Southern Star (fig. 76) is an evident cross between the Poet's Narcissus and Borne other near ally of that section. The perianth in the case of this variety is white, and the corona, as regards its margin, of a vivid red colour. Both varieties received First-class Certificates at the meet- ing of the Royal Horticultural Society on March 23, 1897. L'ECOLE NATIONALE D'HORTI- CULTURE DE VERSAILLES. The National Horticultural School of Versailles is situated in the grounds of the late " Potager du Roi Louis -XIV," which was established iu 1678, by De la Quintiuye, inspector-general of the Royal Gardens, in the reign of Louis XI V. Although the grounde and conditions were not very favourable to work upon, he distinguished himself by producing a real " Chef d'eeuvre " where everything could be grown to per- fection. The Btory says that the king would have Asparagus in December, Radishes and Lettuces in March, Strawberries in April, Peaches in May, &c, and that he had them, which at that time was a very rare thing. The glass-houses whore all the fruit, vegetables, and flowers were grown, have now been replaced by better ones, but the shape of the garden, with its fine terraces and walls full of beautiful fruit trees skilfully trained, is the work of this venerable gardener, and there are still a few tig " Catillac " Pear trees which are supposed to have been planted by his own hands, and which bear every year a heavy crop of fine sized fruits. Until tho first days of the Third Republic, all the produce of these gardens was used to supply the tables of the sovereigns ; and it may be said that M. Thiers, the first president, made use of them up to 1873, when the national Assembly at the proposition o£ the late M. Joigneau, senator, sup- ported by M. Guichard, decided that theso gardens and buildings should be used as the site of a superior school of horticulture where nothing should be spared to train good professional and practical gardeners. The school was opened in October, 1874, under the directorship of the late M. Hardy, formerly superintendent of these gardens. The announcement of the opening of the school gave great satisfaction thoughout France and abroad, and although the government gave an annual grant of upwards of £4000 towards the expenses of the school, with £800 a year for scholarships, help was also sent from every part of the continent and abroad iu the form of money, or in contributions of plants of all sorts. April 3, 1897. J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 223 Moat of the horticultural societies and departments of France award also one or more scholarships of £40 a year to young gardeners who wish to improve themselves there. Owing to the increasing success of the school every year, the number of students is limited, the average for the last three years being from 100 to 110 altogether. The Btudents to be admitted have to pass an examination in elementary subjects and gardening, the first Bis on the list receiving a scholarship from the Government of £40, unless they already hold one given by a society or province. Those who hold no scholarship of any sort, but are supported by patrons or can afford it themselves, can enter the school, provided that they have given satisfaction at the examination ; anyone may be admitted between sixteen and twenty-six years of age. The studies skilful head gardeners. There are — 1st, fruit trees ; '2nd, fruit trees under glass, and forcing-houses where are grown Grapes, Peaches, Strawberries, Figs, Melons, Pine-apples, &c. ; 3rd, hothouses and propagating- houses ; 4th, outdoor and soft-wooded plants — a botanic garden, where all sorts of medical and economic plants are grown and carefully labelled ; 5th, the kitchen garden, where are grown vegetables, forced and outdoor. Besides these, there is another place where students assist in making frames, lights, and learning how to repair certain articles, such as water- cans and tools, under a superintendent. At the end of every fortnight each student has to report upon his work. Iu the Bummer there are frequent excur- sions made to the chief nurseries or principal places, where the students see the best ways of cultivating various plants ; and they also attend may say that some of the most important positions in France and in the colonies, are filled by ex-students of Versailles, not to mention those abroad. From Hungary, Roumania, Spain, Portugal, and Germany, every year a good many persons come for the same purpose as do the others, to improve themselves at the school ; and .English, Belgians, Turks, Russians, Japanese, Swiss, Italians, Spaniards, and others, are found among the students ; and they return benefited by the experience gained in the National Horticultural School of France. In conclusion, I may mention that there is an association formed by the students, which publishes yearly a bulletin which mentions the position of the member.3, and includes articles on various subjects of interest, and on the experiments made at the school during the year. Jules GacJielin, ex-Student, Fig. 74. — narcissus ellen willmott. (see p. '222.) fl(;. 75. — narcissus southern star, (see p. 222.) extend over three years, and are divided into two sections, theoretical and practical. The lectures are on French, grammar, mathematics, geometry, book-keeping, surveying, physics, meteor o- logv, and chemistry applied to horticulture and agriculture ; zoology, entomology, and botany (first year, classification of plants, description of flowers, &c ; second year, anatomy of plants, flower*, descriptions of diseases, &c„ cultivation of fruits under glass and out-of-doors, vegetables under glass and out, flowering plants in and out, and ornamental trees), freehand and landscape drawing, and water- colours. Different rooms are used for those lectures, which are given by professors appointed by the government. Various collections of insects, animals, flowers, and fruits are open to the students ; as well as laboratories in which to experiment iu physics, chemistry, botany, &c. There is also a field tor experiments. The practical section includes five departments ; the student has to remain a fortnight in each under the Horticultural Conferences, which are given occasionally, and the shows. There are two examinations every year ; one at Easter to show the Btudent what tasks be has to work at, and one in July to class them for the year ; besides these, the professors question the students at intervals throughout the year. Each student has to obtain a certain number of marks to^be able to pass through the second year's course ; those who do not attain them are declared unable to continue their studies, and leave the school. At the end of the three years they pass a general examination in every branch, theoretical as well as practical, and if they give satisfaction, a certificate is awarded them, and the two first obtain a scholarship from the Govern- ment, enabling them to pursue their studies abroad. Every yoar the director receives from all parts of the Continent and abroad applications for men to serve as directors of botanic gardens, town gardens, head-gardeners, superintendents of colonial gardens, professors in schools and horticultural societies ; and I Home Correspondence. THE PROPOSED ROBERT HOGG MEDAL.— The suggestion made in last issue by Mr. Harrison Weir that a special medal for fruit should be' founded to keep alive the memory of our most distinguished pomologist, will be received with extreme pleasure by all those who knew the late Dr. H. Hogg, and by those who have benefited by his work. The Fruit Manual is a lasting memorial of his careful skill and industry, and is of inestimable value to all fruit-growers ; it is right, therefore, that the man who rendered such eminent services to his countrymen should live in their memories, and a medal seems to be the best method of ensuring this end. For many years I enjoyed tV privilege of his friendship, and those years will be never forgotten by me. I shall hope to add my name to subscribers of the memorial in honour of my old friend. '/'. Francis Rivers. Tho admirable proposal made by Mr. Bar* rison'VYeirin lost week's tfar&OAron., will undoubtedly 224 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, [April 3, 1897. receive general support, as the name of a man who \ has done so much for pomology could not be per- petuated in a more fitting manner. If the acheme is carried out, as I sincerely hope it will be, let the medal be expressly for the encouragement of fruit culture, and let those entrusted with the award have as wide a scope as possible. The present writer was long familiar with Dr. Hogg's wishes and thoughts on such matters, and he has many times expressed himself in favour of increasing the educational advan- tages of exhibitions. Mere competition for prizes he did not consider the best means of advancing the true interests of horticulture. He was emphatic on this point, and ho had bad considerable experience in the matter, for he offered valuable prizes for some years, at the time when the editor of the Gardeners' Chronicle was also offering similar prizes — in fact, I believe they were friendly rivals. I shall be pleased to contribute to the proposed Medal fund, and the moderate sum that will be required will be easily obtained. One of Dr. JIo=EFLORA.— Mr. D. T. Fish remarks, at p. 207, that he has never seen this plant Btopped, pruned or trained into good specimens. The largest specimen that I have seen was in a Cheshire garden, of which the writer's brother had charge. This plant was about 8 to 10 feet across the fan, and about 9 feet high from ground. It was planted in lumps of fibrous peat, loam, and brick-rubble against a partition 'twixt a stove and intermediate-house, and was wreathed with its inimitable sprays of blossoms — practically furnished the glass partition referred to. The plant waa freely stopped, for its flowering sprays were used for decoration. It had very little root- room, and the roota being at ground-level were given no moisture for weeks together in dull weather. I have myself grown very fine plants in strong loam and burnt clay-earth in equal parts, not a particle of peat or sand being employed. These were planted out on a raised bed in a house devoted to Gardenias, Eucharis, and Adiantum Fern, and were intended merely for stock when originally planted. There were about eight planted from ft inch pots, bought in the autumn at a London sale, and sent northwards. From these I rooted 500 plants one spring, which kept the shoots in check. During the summer following, however, growth became abun- dantly free, and little atteution was requisite. Had Mr. Fish seen these or the fan-trained example I have referred to, he would not have said the cultivator "gains nothing by stopping hia plants," or that he " sacrifices vital force." The plant is too frequently killed by excessive watering, which me;inH destruction to the delicate fine roots. It is frequently planted in inferior peat, that retains water as a sponge would do. If gardeners would plant this Euphorbia in sound loam and burnt clay earth, and afford ample drainage, at the same time avoiding manures of all kinds, and always keep it moderately dry, there would be fewer failures. The fan-trained example referred to above was grown in a pot for nearly a year, and took about one year and a half to cover the Bpace named. At five years old it was the finest plant of its kind I have seen. /. DESTRUCTION OF ANTS IN HOUSES.- I observed in a recent Gardeners' Chronicle an answer to an enquiry by " Artus" as to the best means of getting rid of ants in glass structures. No doubt if the neBts and haunts of the ants could be easily got at, a solution of carbol:c acid would kill or shift many : but it is often difficult to get at the neats or haunts, and if disturbed in one place, if not killed, they Bimply move to another part, more secure, in the same or an adjoining house. Treacle and other sweet compounds mixed with arsenic may thin their numbers for a time, but they soon stop taking it, aud the relief is only temporary, aa ao long as the queen ants keep on depositing eggp, so long will the supply of ants be kept up. I have tried most of the so-called remedies with very indifferent success. So_ae two years ago I tried, with better results, "Smith's Ballinkinrain Ant- Destroyer," which Mr. Smith claims to be a slow poison, and capable of being carried to the nest to feed the queen and young. In a few months, with perseverance, we had the satisfaction of seeing the ants gradually disappearing, and before a year was out, there was scarcely one to be seen about the place under glass. For some time now we have been almost entirely clear of ante. In spring a few put in an apoearence, probably from outside, but they are easily disposed of. I observe by the label that Mr. Smith says the Ant- destroyer exterminates cock- roaches and beetles as well. If so, it should be a boon to many gardeners, and should be better known. D. Melville, Dunrobin Castle Gardens. DENDROBIUM NOBILE VAR. COOKSONI.— We have at present a Dendrobium Cooksoni in bloom having forty-nine flowers, the lovely dark colouring of the lip extending over three-quarters of the area of the petals, giving the flowers a very charming appearance. I would ask readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle if such fine specimens of this species are common ? To my mind it is a great improvement on the ordinary nobile. R. J. BULB MITE. — I was much interested in Mr. Nield's articlo in last week's Gardeners' Chronicls, respecting his experience with the bulb-mite, in Eucharis particularly, because my experience has April 3, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 225 been entirely opposite to his. Mr. Nield's plants became unhealthy in a high temperature and plenty of light, and on being placed in a lower temperature and heavily shaded, immediately recover. While my plants which had been in an intermediate tempera- ture, and during the summer months heavily shaded, became very unhealthy, and nearly all the leaves gradually yellowed off; but ou being placed in a brisk bottom-heat, high top-temperature, and rhoist air, they soon began to recover, and aire now, good, healthy plants, throwing up plenty of strong flower- spikes. Of course, I shade them from strong sun- light, but the reverse conditions, whioh has proved beneficial to Eucharis, would make it evident that the old proverb, " What is sauce for the goose, is sauce for the gander," is scarcely applicable in their case. Frederic Tugwood. AN EARLY BIRD. — A young thrush which had left its nest was caught in these gardens this morning (March 31). It was quite strong on the wing. R. Edwards, Beechy Lecs-Otford, Scvcnoaks. THE COLOUR OF TURNIP FLOWERS.— Why should the flowers of white Turnips be a deeper shade of yellow than those of Golden Ball Turnips! I first noticed this was the case when driving slowly one fine day alongside » field of Golden Ball Turnips in full flower. Among the mass of pale yellow flowers I observed one or two which were of a slightly deeper shade of colour. On pointing this out to a friend who was with me in the trap, he proposed an examination, which we soon carried out, and found that the few deeper-coloured flowers belonged to white Turnips, which, of course, ought not to have been there, and which were forthwith pulled out and unceremoniously bundled into the ditch at the road- side. William Cuthbertson. Scotland. EDINBURGH BOTANIC GARDENS. Early - flowering. Hardv Rhododendrons. — Recently the plants of Rhododendron dauricum were at their best, the rosy-purple blooms, very numerously produced, having a nice effect ; when grouped in a bed, as here, the plants gain in attractiveness. The variety atro-virens is also in close proximity, affording a good contrast. Under fair treatment, these shrubs may be depended upon to make good growth and flower freely annually. R. pracox x , the hybrid of which the above species is one of the parents, has flowers individually larger, and of a slightly lighter colour. Taken into a greenhouse, and gradually forced, all of them will flower some time before out- side plants, and are then useful for the decoration of the conservatory. These early-flowering species and varieties are liable to damage by late frosts, but apart from this the blooming period Sasts for some weeks. R. Nobleanum is, of course, i* evidence, tho heads of rose-coloured floweiB being conspicuous among the dense foliage. R. L. II. Nursery Notes. MESSliS. BAlUt AND SONS. Tuesday last was a glorious day to visit a Lardy plant nursery, for the cold winds had subsided and the bright warm sun was continuous. Everything out- of-doors was cheery, and it was one of the few days that have occurred this spring when one could walk over miles of nursery paths without discomfort. March never passes before the Daffodils have com- menced to afford a display of blooms in Messrs. Barrs' nursery at Long Ditton, near Surbiton, but it is not often that so many blooms are developed so early as they are this season. We wore somewhat surprised, indeed, to find that the mid-season kinds had yielded most of their flowers, and the bright show annually to be seen there was swiftly passing. Many of our readers probably know by name and experience the best varieties of Narcissi. Wo shall content ourselves by mentioning a few of the beBt that were carrying an abundance of flowers on the date already mentioned. To commence with the Yellow Trumpet varieties : it goes without saying that the old and excellent Emperor was prominent among them, for it is culti- vated in very large breadths. Resembling Emperor is one named P. R. Barr ; it ia said to be a good grower, and has a refined flower, but it certainly does not surpass the better known one. M. J. Berkeley, rich golden-yellow with a fine expanded trumpet, and reflexed brim, is a capital member of this section ; and Monarch is anew trumpet of 1805, and therefore a very expensive one at present — it is of good form, full, rich yellow, large, and is said to be a good grower. Golden Spur, and several other excellent trumpet varieties were noticed ; and Glory of Leiden (figured in the Hardeners? t'hrmicle, April 18, 1896). The last- named is one of the largest of the giant trumpets. The little cyclamineus major must be mentioned, for although it is very well known, it is not seen so frequently upon rockwork and other suitable posi- tions as it might be. This elegant miniature Daffodil has bloomed exceedingly well at Long Ditton, but when this note is published, most of the flowers will have passed. The trumpet varieties with white wings, embrace many excellent flowers, including the ever-popular Empress. But one of the best of these is J. B. M. Camm, which has an exceptionally refined form and delicate colour. Weardale Perfection is not only the largest bi-coloured trumpet, but the boldest of all Daffodils. Grandis, Horsfieldii, and Madame Plemp, are also good ones. The last-named has broad perianth segments, and a fine long rich trumpet. There are several very pretty Trumpet Daffodil-', with white or pale-coloured flowers. We noticed of these, Matson Vincent, Marchioness of Lome, mos- cbatu.3, Snowflake, tortuosus, and William Goldiing. The last-named is of droopiug habit, has pale prim- rose trumpet and white segments, and is sometimes called "Swan 's-neck Daffodil.'1 Tortuosus resembles Snowflake in a measure, but is scarcely so good. Cer- nuus, Madame de GraalF, ami Mrs. J. B. M. Camm. may be mentioned in addition to the above. The Iucomparabilis group, or "Star" Narcissus, is perhaps more popular than any, and there are innu- merable varieties. Take the Barrii strain, it includes Sensation, Siddington, Maurice Vilmorin, Flora Wilson, and Conspicuus, all of which were to be seen in Power at Ditton. Siddington, however, is later than most of the others, and but few blooms were open. Conspicuus is the best-known and most desirable of them ; it is one of the prettiest and mo3t useful of all Daffodils. There would be a magnificent show of it a few days after these notes were taken. Then there is the group of which Sir Watkin and Gloria Mundi are well-known types ; we noticed Gwyther, King of the Netherlands, Autocrat, Luhvorth, and Beauty. Of the Leedsii section, there were in bloom Duchess of Westminster, Katheriue Spurrell, and Mrs. Langtry. Each of these is good, but the last-named is rather later in blooming than some of the others. Nelsoni aurantius is a pretty flower, having a goblet-shaped cup of considerable attraction, and a broad white perianth. Of the varieties of N. odorus, Heminalis is the best ; it is rich golden-yellow, has along cup, and ismuch more fragrant than rugulosue. But few of the Burbidgci varieties were yet in bloom, and these and the Poet Narcissus will make a display for some weeks yet. We should mention the rush-leaved Daffodil, X. juncifolius ; it is a very dwarf specie-3, with tiny rich yellow fragrant ilowers. We had the pleasure of inspecting a number of promising seedling varieties of Narcissus, but, as they are at present without names, and of course not to be obtained by the trade, we need not at present describe them. For Beveral years past, Messrs. Barr have found it advantageous to protect the Narcissus beds during winter with heather. This is laid over them before severe weather sets in, and is removed as soon as the plants' arc Been pushing through the ground. Though at present Daffodils are the chief attraction at these nurseries, they are not the only one, for there are beds of Tulips which made a wonderful display of bright colour, including such varieties as Vermilion Brilliant, Vesuvius, Canary Bird, White Hawk, Chrysolora, Pottebakker in variety, and Keizer3- kroon . Among several species of Tulipa, T. bifljra major looked very pretty ; it has small distinct flowers with yellow base, the rest of the flower white or palest- lemon. A very decisive patch of blue was afforded by some beds of Muscari conicum ; it formed a dis- tinct feature in the nursery. In smaller quantities there were other Muscari, including M. paradoxa, M. cceruleum, and M. Gussoni, all of them pretty M. paradoxa has large pyramidal-shaped inflores- cences, that go almost black in colour. Upon and near the rockery the Alpine plants are com- mencing to grow, but beyond a few Primulas, including P. nivalis, pure white, there are few of them in bloom yet. Altogether, the nurseries at Long Ditton are very interesting at this season of the year, especially to those who admire Daffodils— and who does not ? Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons (Limited). At this well-known nursery Hippeastrums (Ama- ryllis) form an important feature at the present time, and will continue to do so for some five or six weeks longer. Great advances on what haB hitherto resulted from the labours of the cross-breeder are not forthcoming, nor, indeed, expected ; but im- provements in form, and the elimination of the sup posed objectionable green colour in the basal portion of the segments of the flowers, are being persistently followed up. In pleading symmetry of the flower, and in colouring, we have little that is new to chronicle ; all shades of crimson, red, scarlet, aud even purplish-crimson and cherry red, and their various combinations with white and creamy-white, were remarked. In previous years the visitor has had to lament the brevity of the display, but by ripening off the bulbs at various times during the summer and early autumn, the time of flowering is varied, and consequently, the season of flowering of a large collection is lengthened, as it were, at both ends, although tho bulbs are started into growth simultaneously, and their treatment is identical. In looking through the beds, there were bulbs with blooms on the wane, others iu full beauty, some with scapes just pushing up from the bulbs, and iu various intermediate stages ; still, the display of open blooms seemed to be as large as usual. Of fine novelties of good form of the present year, mention may be made of Thelma. a crimson-coloured self ; Emin, white rayfl on a cherry-red ground ; Chio, crimson, with distinct reticulations on the flower ; Charmion, faint red stripes on a white ground; Chigo, an unusually brilliant scarlet flower, with a white baud in the middle of each segment ; Cupid, cherry-red Btreaks aud flakes on a white ground ; Xantho, deep crimson, and segments rather pointed ; Fraucisca, a broadly-expanded bloom, bright crim- son ; Hidalgo, crimson, all but a patch of green colour at tho base, the largest flower seen in the col- lection. Ora, Corisaude, Gem. Cabra, Fulleudou, Carnis, Phrjnia, and numerons others with fancy names were noted. The seedling Cliveias now in bloom form a beau tiful display, most of them being equal to anything to be seen elsewhere under name, corymbs large and manj -flowered. A large span-roofed house, devoted at most season.-* to displaying plants in flower, was gay with Dutch bulbs grown at their bef-t, dwarf little plants of lilac, Hydrangeas, Viburnum Opulus, Acacia Drummondi, tho exceedingly pretty A. cordata, the numerous drooping shoots thickly clothed with creamy-whito blossoms ; Azalea mollis, A. indica, the floriferous Azalea obtusa alba, and A. o. calyciflora ; the deliei- ously-fragnmt Boronia mega^tigma in two varieties. Erica Cavendishi, Mignonette, &c. A passing gtimpso of tho Orchid-houses enable us to speak of some of the firm's achievements in hybridising Orchids, of these are Dendrobium Anclppe, the parents of which are inappropriately, as regards their names, D. Wardiauuin and D. Free- 226 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Amiil 3, 1897, mani— the blossoms are white, purple tipped ; D. nobile robustum, certificated in 1896 ; D. Ains- worthianum intertextum, flowers chiefly white, the base of the lip only being purple - coloured ; D. sulphureum is of D. nobile and D. aureum parents ; D. Edithte belongs to the D. nobile section ; D. .(Eneas, a cross between D. crystallinum and D, japonicum, has fragrant blossoms, white, with a faint lilac- coloured edge and lip ; D. Wiganise has creamy-white blossoms, with a lip that has a purplish blotch at the base. The rock Orchid-house had numerous plants in bloom, and the other rock-house was gay and charming with Tillandsia Lindeni, Crinum maero- stephanum, Cactus Gaertneri, and C. Makoyana, Taberniemontana coronaria, Begonia Gloire de Sceaux, Cliveias, &c. The trailing Pothos, and other plants, used to clothe the rocks, have the tender tints that come with the renewal of growth. the Societies. LINNEAN. March 18.— Dr. A. Gunther, F.R.S., President, Chair. The Right Hon. Sir John Lubbock, Bart., M.P., read a paper on "Stipules, their forms and functions." This em- bodied observations supplementary to those published in previous papers (Linn. Soc. Jowrn., Bot. xxviii. 217, and xxx. 463). It was shown that while the usual function of stipules is to protect leaves in bud, in some canes they replace them, and in othern serve to hold water. Instances were mentioned in which stipules developed into spines, and in other cases became glandular. Where stipules were absent, other arrangements for bud protection were found to exist. Attention was especially directed to the formation of the winter buds of certain common shrubs and trees, and some curious differences were noted even in nearly allied species. In the Wayfaring tree, Viburnum Lantana, the author re- marked that the young leaves are uncovered, but are pro- tected by a growth of hairs ; in the Ash and Thorn the outer scales of the bud consist of expanded petioles; in the Willow the outer scales consist of leaves ; in the Poplar of stipules. The buds of the Oak and Beech were also described ; and it was shown by the aid of lantern-slides that in the Beech the outer scales of the bud consist of two pairs of stipules, that the twelfth pair are the first which have a leaf, and that the subsequent growth is between the leaves, while the portion of tho shoot between the stipules scarcely elongates at all. As a consequence the scat of each winter bud is marked by a ring, and thus a series of succes- sive rings, which romain visible for many years, indicate each year's growth. A discussion followed, in which Mr. A. W. Bennett, Prof. Farmer, and Mr. A. B. Rendle took part. Mr. W. C. Worsdell read a paper " On the Origin of Transfusion- tissue in Leaves of Gymn ospermoufi Plants." It was explained that " transfusion- tissue " is a special kind of conducting-tissuc | found chiefly in the leaves of Conifers, in direct connection with the vascular bundles. "Cen- tripetal" xylcm, only known to occur in the leaves of Cycads among living plants, has beeu found, well developed, in the eotyledonary bundles of Gingko biloba. In these latter,"and in the eotyledonary bundles of Cycas revolnta, a distinct transition was observed between the elements of the centripetal xylem and those of the transfusion-tissue at the Bide of the bundle. In [studying the structure of the vascular bundle in the leaves of Conifers generally, a similar transition was also observed in a few genera between centripetal xylem and transfusion-tissue. These facts lead to the conclusion that transfusion-tissue, as universally found in lecent Coniferous leaves, has originally sprung from the centripetal xylem of the leaf-bundle of the ancestors of these plants. In the discussion which foil owed, critical remarks were made by Dr. D. H. Scott, Professor Farmer, and Mr. G. R. Murray. The objects exhibited included various forms of Cyclamen and Cineraria, by Mr, W. T. Thisei.ton-Dyer ; and drawings by Mr. E. B. Green of root hairs of plants with various parasitic growths, by Mr. Alfhed W. Bennett. The next meeting of the Society will be held on Thursday, April 1, at S.O p.m. precisely, whtn the following papers will be read :— Dr. A. J. Ewart, B.Sc, on the "Evolution of Oxygen from Coloured Bacteria." Miss Helen B. Potter, on tie "Germination of Spores of Agaricineas." (Communicated by Mr. George Massee, F.L.S.) Narcissus blooms. Messrs. Curtis, Sanford &. Co., Ltd., were well represented by a stand of flowering and foliage- plants, including some fine Amaryllis. The South Devon Fruit Farm (manager, Mr. T. Pender) had large Strawberries and a good collection of vegetables. Messrs. All/ward, Beachey & Co., Horn & Sons, and W. Burridoe & Sons, also exhibited, the last-mentioned firm contributing some fine tall Palms, which formed a grand centre-group in the show. Mr. J. Snelgrove of St. Elms (gr., Mr. W. Bale) showed an attractive stand of well-grown plants, including many Orchids. Miss Layers (gr., Mr. G. Lee) exhibited a group of Orchids. The Torquay Town Council were fittingly represented by an exhibit from the public gardens of the town, and consisting of miniature beds filled with Hyacinths and Tulips, with a background of imitation rockery and sub- tropical plants. Mr. W. J. Godfrey of Exmouth had some good new zonal Pelargoniums; and the Jadoo Fibre Co. showed an attractive stand of plants grown in the fibre. The principal prize-winners were Mr. J. W. Kimber (gr., F. C. Ferris), Dr. W. Ford Eduelow (gr., C. R. Prowsc), who was 1st in tho miscellaneous groups; Mr. P. W. Bushuy (gr., F. Peacock) who led in the table-decorations with a very lightly arranged exhibit ; Miss Layers (gr., G. Lee), and Capt. W, Fane Tucker (gr., J. Sloman), who had some very well-grown Narcissi and Hyacinths. Mr. W. B. Suale was represented by a1 showy stand of Palms, Cinerarias, and Azaleas, together with a table of the best varieties of Narcissi. The medals and certificates to be awarded at the autumn show were also on exhibition. The building was crowded during the afternoon and evening, and the attendance included Prince Albert of Belgium, who is at present staying at Torquay. TORQUAY DISTRICT GARDENERS. March 24.— The Second Annual Spring Show was a con- siderable success. The large hall at the Bath Saloons was lighted by electricity by special arrangement, and the effect in the evening was very charming. Messrs. R. Yeitch & Son of Exeter showed some very attractive rock-plants and Cacti, together with a collection of BIRMINGHAM GARDENERS* MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION. The Hardy Bulb Culture in England. [By F. TV. Burbidge, M.A. Read before the Birmingham Gardeners' Mutual Improvement Association, March 15,1897.] [Continued from p. 211.*) There are in England to day thousands of acres of waste land suited for bulb culture. All around oar sea coasts, especially, there are sheltered sunny nooks and valleys tliat are unvexed by wind and unscathed by biting frosts, even during our usual winter season. These places require selec- tion and utilisation ; in a word, we must discover our own land. You do not want the expensive horse-power, the deep tilth, and the heavy manurings necessary for Swedes or Mangolds in order to grow bulbs successfully, but you must have a loam sufficiently sandy to be workable even during a rainy season. Tho best bulb-soils are deep, rich tracts of alluvium or *' Trent Warp," beeide rivers, or in valleys near the sea. In Lincolnshire there arc deep sandy soils, not unlike those of Holland, on which most bulbs thrive well. Near Caistor very fine flowers and bulbs are grown, and so also in the neighbourhood of Boston and Wainfleet. Messrs. Pearson & Sons, of Chilwell, Notts, have been very successful in growing Narcissi, as also many market growers in the Thames Valley, and especially Mr. James Walker, formerly of Whitton, and now of Ham Common, Middlesex, who was one of the first growers to make a specialty of Narcissus culture for the London markets. In planting stock bulbs Jdo not plant too deeply. It true that the finest flowers arc those produced by bvdbs deeply planted, especially on light, waim, and sandy soils, but such flowers are produced later, and the bulb increase is much less than when shallow planting is the rule. A depth of 3 to 4 inches is ample on ordinary soils. It is most important to replant stock bulbs as early as possible, and to perform that operation during dry weather. Plant dry and on a firm bottom. All stock should be planted at latest before August if the best of results are desired. Sloping land or banks amongst sheltering rocks, totally inaccessible to horse or plough, may often be made profit, able by the spade nnd bulb culture. I have seen the wind and spray-swept Scilly Islands, and the thrifty flower-plots along the rocky Riviera, and I am sure that along our English shores there are sheltered and well-watered spots now lying waste, where many things, if not everything, would be possible to the intelligent bulb grower. It is almost incredible, but it is true, that 100,000 Hyacinths or Narcissus may be grown on an acre of land. Of Tulips, 115,000 to 120,000 may be grown on th same area ; and when we come to such small fry as Crocus, Snowdrops, Squills, Anemones, Winter Aconites, &e., the numbers run up to 200,000 and 300,000 per acre. Bulb culture often means a double profit, because, if pro- duced early, the flowers supply a valuable crop, and a remu- nerative bulb harvest still remains. The best results will be obtained by utilising light and airy greenhouses in which to * Since the publication of the first part of this address, we have received from Mr. Robert Sydenham a statement that he, and not Mr. W. Sydenham, is concerned with bvdbs. Mr. W. Sydenham is interested in Violas and Pansies. Both brothers are members of the firm of Sydenham Brothers, wholesale jewellers. Mr. Robert Sydenham also considers, no doubt rightly, that Mr. Burbidge's estimate of the quantity of bulbs bought from Holland as much too low; Mr. Sydenham estimates the value at £200,000 or £250,000. forward or develop the earliest flowers, and in such struc- tures in the sheltered, sunny nooks by the sea, before men- tioned as most suitable, but little fire-beat will be necessary. These greenhouses are of course available for Tomatos, or other cultures after the bulbs are over. I shall not go into the price of bu lbs per 1000 in order to show you how very profitable bulb-growing must be on all suitable soils, when undertaken by people who understand the subject. There are several factors that must concur in bulb culture, as in all other ways of making a living off the land. First, the land must be that naturally most suitable to the kinds of bulbs grown, and naturally or artificially well sheltered. Secondly, the cultivator must not onlyknowhow to grow his bulbs well, but how to put them on to the best markets. And thirdly, only the best kinds or varieties popular in the market must be largely grown. In special cases a combined course of culture is betterthan a simple one. That is to say, fruit trees and bulbs may both occupy the same acreage with advantage, or, bush fruits and choice vegetables may also be grown side by side with the bulbs. But, on soils especially suitable in sheltered aspects, no culture I know is more surely remunerative than bulb* culture. Nothing but a new railway, or the most liberal of buUding contractors, can induce the successful bulb-grower to move on and vacate his holding. To new beginners the selection of the land is a complex problem— to the experienced it is less difficult. Now and then an accidental clump of bulbs, or a fruit tree tells the tale. A practical bulb-grower has a seventh sense, and knows, as it were, by instinct when he sees a suitable bulb- soil. But, if at all possible, an actual trial of bulbs of all kinds should be made, when they will soon give evidence of the best, as to the suitability or otherwise of the land. As Arthur Young long ago said, no rental is too high for the best land, and none too low for the poorest of soils ; an land that will grow bulbs and fruit to perfection is often to be had at a reasonable rate, especially now that grain crops are not so profitable as of yore. An acre or two of good bulb land will pay better than ten acres of ordinary farm or garden produce, and I should not like to say the value of a rood even of such select Daffodils as Madame de Graaff, Golden Hell, or Glory of Leyden— to say nothing of choice sorts that are rare, such as Monarch, Weardale Perfection, Hodsock's Pride, or the big and beau- tiful Ellen Willmott. The same is true of most of the Rev. G. H. Engleheart's seedlings, not alone of Daffodils proper, but of other sections such aB Peerless or Incomparables, like White Queen, or the new and much improved seedling N. posticus. Any hardy bulbs that are worth more than £1 per 1000 in the market will pay to grow. Sound and heavy bulbs, as clean-skinned as possible, find a ready sale, even though not quite so perfect in form and in coat or skin as those from abroad. 1 have had bulbs of this class by the thousand from Scilly and the Isle of Wight sent, tied tightly in sacks, like Potatos, and they flowered as well or better than the finest Dutch roots packed in Buckwheat, chaff, and paper. The rough exterior of a bulb is not always an indication of its flowering qualities. A smooth -skinned and shapely bulb looks better in the stoie or shop, but it does not always behave better in the garden ! All large, sound, and heavy bulbs, even if rough coated, may be trusted to bloom well. As to the comparative merits of Continental r. English bulbs, I may say that, while I believe our friends in Holland can, or rather do, produce the best Hyacinths, and, perhaps, also some early Tulips, yet we in England and Ireland grow by far the best Narcissi, late Tulips, Snowdrops, and Crocus of all kinds. So far as Narcissi are concerned, we can defy tho world, both in rearing new and in growing all other varieties to the greatest perfection of luxuriant health and beauty. It is not easy to find out how much is paid by us for im- ported bulbs from all sources every year, but it must be an enormous sum, and a very large proportion of it might be spent at home in the encouragement of bulb culture on English soil. I am a believer in free trade, and in all fair trade ; but above all do I believe in our home trade and in our home industries. Finally, I believe that every bulb-grower should also devote some of his leisure to rearing new hybrids and seedlings, so that there may be progress aheul, as well as lateral diffusion in bulb culture. What Leeds, Backhouse, Herbert, Horsefield, Engleheart, and De Graaff have done, may be equalled or surpassed by ot^er cultivators. Beautiful as are the finest of our new seedlings to-day, they are not perfect In all ways, and there is room and a welcome for many more, equal or superior to them. It may not be so profitable to rear seedlings as it is to grow quantities of older kinds in good demand ; still, given a perfect bit of Narcissus soil, I believe it would soon pay or a clever grower to take up the .special culture aud increase of all tho rarest and most beautiful new kinds. The best varieties of bulbs to grow, of course, depend on soil and climate, &c, but all the best Narcissi, Sell Tulips, Squills, Anemones (especially A. fulgens), Gladioli, Crocus, and Snow- drops, are profitable crops wherever they will thrive in quantity, and these may be supplemented by other and rarer kinds. F. If. Burbidge. BRUSSELS ORCHIBEENNE. Marc-h 14.— Orchid -growers may remember the Odonto- glossum Augustum staged at the Temple Show last year, and that the plant was sold by M. Linden to a Belgian grower for nearly 8000 francs, April 3, 1897.] THE GAB DENE US' GHBONIGLE. 227 At the meeting of March 14, M. Linden showed an even more beautiful novelty. The flower was more perfectly rounded than that of Facho, the spots were of a more vinous red, the edges slightly cut. It is really a magnificent intro- duction, and has been named O. crispum var. Luciani, after M. Lucien Linden. Odontoglossum Ami Charles and O, Kegeljani, shown at a recent meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society of London, obtained an equal success here. Another fine novelty is O.X Fauwelsipe, the divisions of the flower ivory-white, with a greenish-yellow edge, and all marked with large dark chest- nut spots. The plant is named in honour of M. F. Fauwels. M. le Comte de Boosies sent a much-admired Cypri- pedium Hothschildianum, a sturdy plant with three vigorous racemes, one with four, the two others each with three blooms. C. Charlesworthi, from M. Van Wambeke, was re- markable for its large standard ; Oncidium FhaLvnopsis k'randifl'irum superbum, from M. Linden, had the dorsal sepal very finely flecked, with a pretty white border ; the two petals bear large and dark spots. Cypripcdium >: Bouteinyai (NpicLTianum > liuxalli), from the same exhibitor, is a fine hybrid. C. Lebaudyanum superbum surpassed all specimens seen on former occasions ; the petals are very dark claret- coloured, the standard ia round and large, ami nicely marked. An (artificial) hybrid \ Hloiitoglo.ssum, U. eirrho -Halli, from M. Linden, obtained a success, owing to the beauty of the flower. O. Rossi majus, frori M. Pauwels, was very fine ; a small specimen of Lyeaste Skinneri bore nine large and fine flowers; Phalrenopsis Scbilleriana and amabilis ; Miltonia Roezli alba ; Cattleya Trianau var. magnilica, from M. L. Linden : Epidendrum Wallisi odontoglossum Claesi- anum and O. Halli leucoglossum, from M. Warocque" ; some fine varieties of Cypripedium insigne var. Pauli, from M. iTEAif ; and many other Orchids may also be included among the chief exhibits on this occasion. ROYAL BOTANIC. March 31.— An exhibition of spring-flowering plants took place on the above date in the gardens of the Royal Botanic Society, Regent's Park. In most of the classes there lacked competition ; but in the case of Cyclamens there were four collections staged. The long corridor was well filled with exhibits, and a moderate overflow was staged in the large conservatory. The display was chiefly due to the trade, there being several extensive collections from the nurseries. Mr. Thos. S. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, was awarded 1st prize for a collection of hardy herbaceous plants, with a group including Primulas, auricula, vertirillata, den- ticulate, d. alba, rosea, frondosa (a slender, dwarf-growing, pink-flowering species', eashmeriana, &z. ; Anemones Pul- satilla, Clusiana, apennina, ranunculoides, fulgens, and alpina sulphurea (a very pretty variety), and various other species of hardy plants. Mr. W. Rumsey's 1 t prize exhibit of six Roses in pots consisted of nice dwarf plants of Souvenir d'un Ami, Madame Thereso Levet, Magna Charta, Viscountess Folk- stone, The Queen, and Catherine Soupert. The best twelve pots of Cyclamen were shown by The St. George's Nursery Co., Hanwell, and though some of the blooms were not so fresh looking as they might hue been, the number of blossoms upon each plant was unusually large. Messrs. Pestridue, Boston Park Road Nursery, Brentford, were 2nd with plants of a very different strain, but still of much merit. There were two other exhibitors. Mr. H. Perkins, gr. to the Hon. W. F. D. Smith, Green- lands, Henley, obtained 1st prize for a dozen Hippeastrums in bloom ; and Mr. J. G. Mowbray, gr. to Major Hon. H. C. Legge, 1st prize for six Chinese Primula-s, showing large, but not particularly srnart-lookiog plants. The only exhibitors of a dozen Hyacinths in pots were Messrs. Moki.e & Co., Finchley Road, N. A 1st prize was awarded, but they were not of first-rate quality. The Cup offered by Messrs. Barr & Sons for a collection of Narcissu blooms was only competed for by one exhibitor, and it was awarded to R Maiti.and, Esq., Wardour Lodge, Sunningdale. The exhibit included numerous varieties of the groups :— Magni-coronati (Trumpet Daffodil), Medio-coro- nati (Cup Daffodils), and Parvi-coronati (Small-crowned Daffodils). It was a good representative collection, and the bloomB were of commendable quality. :Exii exhibited by Me A very extensive group of plants \ B. S. Williams & Son, Upper Holloway, Loudon, N. The group was composed of batches of plants, most of them excellent. Of the Cliveias, Queen Victoria was decidedly the best It bad a bold handsome umbel, bearing a great number of large blooms of much substance. Staphylea col- cliica, Azalea mollis, sinensis, Boroniamega stigma, Gueldres Roses, Hippeastrums, and a very representative, though small group of Orchids were included in Messrs. William-,' exhibit. Messrs. Jno. Laing & Son's group of miscellaneous plants from Forest Hill included excellent Cliveias, Sonerilas, Richardia Pentlandi, and R. P. maculata, Anthuriums, &c. A bright display of spring-flowering plants wan contributed by Messrs. J. Peed & Son*, Roupoll Park Nurseries, Norwuod Road, S.E. Mcssi-b. W. Cutbdsu .t Sons, liighgato Nurseries, London, N., exhibited an excellent group of plants, including batches of Magnolia Alexandrina, Mignonette Cutbush's Giant, Acicias in bloom, Ericas Cavendishi, Wilmoreana, and coc- cinea minor, Boronias heterophylla and megistigma, &e. Messrs. Wm. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, Herts, again exhibited Camellias in pots, and in addition, some pretty examples of Pruuus triloba, Forsythia mspensa, the double- flowering Almond, and the double white-flowering Peach. Messrs. Pestridoe, Bostoi figured , Brentford, cxhi- ,ts of Cyclamen ; 11, staged an ex- mmber of plants the Ganlnicrx bited a collection of about and the St. George's Norsi cellent group of theso plani of their " grandiflora" sti Chronicle last week. Rose-blooms from Mr. Geo. Mount, Canterbury, were very pretty, a considerable number of varieties being exhibited, including some of the hybrid Sweet Briars. There were a dozen and a half blooms of Catherine Mermet, a pretty Rose which seems to be a spt'eialitti at the Canterbury nurseries. A group of Roses iu pots, and a considerable number of unattached blooms came from Messrs. W. Rumsev & Sons. A group of Mignonette plants of much merit was staged by Messrs. Morle & Co., Finchley Road, London, N. A very pretty group of miscellaneous and spring-flowering plants was exhibited by Mr. R. Scott, gr. to Campbell Newington, Esq., The Holme, Regent's Park. A glorious display of Narcissus blooms was made by Messrs. Barr & Sons, King Street, Covent Garden. The varieties were to a large extent the same as thoso noticed on p. 225. Mr. T. S. Ware staged a good c< Election of bloom of Narcissi , of the trumpet, [ncomparabilis, and other sections, includ- ing Poeticus pnecox. Messrs. J as. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Chelsea, showed a small group of very beautiful Narcissus blooms, the freshness and colour of them being remarkable. Emperor, Empress, Horsfieldi. Golden Spur, W. Goldring, Henry Irving, Madame de Graaff, the double-rlowerod Telamouius, Orange Phoenix, many of the [ncomparabilis group, and Poeticus ornatus were included. Messrs. Veitch & S«>n::, also exhibited some novelties in a corner of the conservatory. We noticed several good Cliveias and Hippeastrums, also Disporum Lcsehenaultiauum variegatum, Streptocarpus parvillorus, a very pretty plant producing numerous small mauve-coloured flowers upon very slender inflorescences ; Richardia Elliotiana, and several pretty hybrid Epidendrums, and other Orchids. The Weather. [The term "accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre- gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of temperature above or below 42° Fahr. for the period named : ami this combined result is expressed in Day- degrees— a "Day-degree" siguifying 1° continued for twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for an inversely proportional number of hours.] Temperature. 5 + Accumulated. Rainfall. §.- u + 9 8- Day. lOtha deg. Inch. Ins. - 28 12 + 61 10 -s 7 - 23 5 + 53 6'2 IS - CO 1 - 54 5'8 26 - 106 2 - 53 6-S 27 - 95 I - 50 7-5 29 - 128 I - 48 8-5 28 - 31 15 + 55 10-8 16 - 68 2 + 58 7-5 23 - 105 0 ivei 59 11-9 26 - 15 5 + 62 9 3 :l - 33 4 4- 57 10-8 'J 7 - M 4 - 65 lO'l SI 25 The districts indicatod by number iu the first column are the following :— U, Scotland N. Principal Wheat-producing Districts — 1, Scotland, E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, E. ; 4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London, S. Frincipal Grazing, dec, District* — 6, Scotland, W. ; 7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, S.W. ; 9, Ireland, N. ; 10, Ireland, S. ; "Channel Islands. THE PAST WEEK. Taa following summary record of tho woathor throughout the British Islands for tho week ending March 27, is furnished from tho Moteorological Office : — "The locathcr during this period was extremely unsettled and rainy ovor all the northern and western parts of Scotland, and loss so over the other northern and western districts, but over the eaatorn and southern parts of the Kingdom the condition was mostly fair and dry. "The temperature was much above the mean, the excess varying from 5° in ' Scotland, N. and the Channel Islands," to 8° in ' England, N.E.,' and 9° in 'England, E. and tho Midland Counties.' The highest of the maxima were recorded as a rule on the 2:trd, when they varied from 04° in ' England, S. and E.,' to 55° in 'Scotland, W.,' and 64° in ' Scotland, N." The lowest of the minima, which occurred generally during the earlier days nf the week, ranged from 32° in 'Scotland, E.,' to 42° in 'England, S.,' and to 43° in the ' Channel Islands.1 "Tho rainfall was much above the mean in the north and west of Scotland, and considerably in excess over Ireland and the east of Scotland, while in the eastern and southern districts of England there was a considerable deficit. "The bright sunshine was less than the normal in all districts, except ' Ireland, N.,' the difference from the mean being large iu all the northern and north-western parts of Great Brita in. The percentage of the possible duration ranged from 31 in the Channel Islands, and from between 29 and 23 over England and Ireland, to between IS and 7 in Scotland.' ' A R K E T 8. COVENT GARDEN, APRIL 1. [We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They are furnished to us regularly every Thursday, by the kindness of sevei-al of the principal salesmen, who revise the list, and who are responsible for the quotations. It must be remembered that these quotations do not represent the prices on any particular day, but only the general averages for the week preceding the date of our report. Tho prices depend upon tho quality of the samples, the supply in the market, and the demand; and they may fluctuate, not only from day to day, but often several times in one day. En.l Cut Flowers.— Average Wholesale Prides. s. d. s. d. Anemones, per doz. bunches ... 16-26 Arums, p. 12 blooms 2 0-40 Azalea, doz. sprays 0 6-00 Bouvardias, perbn. 0 6-00 Carnations, pr. doz. blooms 10-30 Daffudils.var.dz.bn. 10-30 Eucharis, per dozen 3 0-40 Hyacinth. 12 sprays 10-20 — (Dutch), boxes 16-30 Lilac, wh. (French), per bunch ... 3 0-40 Lilium Harris!, per doz. brooms ... 2 0-40 Lily of the Valley, dozen sprays ... 0 6-10 M aidenhair Fe rn , per 12 bunches... 4 0-80 Marguerites, per 12 bunches 2 0-40 Mignonette, per doz. bunches ... 4 0-60 Narcissus, various, per doz. bunches 16-30 Orchid-blo< . d. s. d. 6 0-12 0 4 0-60 0 6-09 10-40 0 6-10 Orchids:— Cattleya, 12blms. Odontoglossum crispum, 12 bm. Pausies, doz. bun. Pelargoniums, scar let, per 12 bun. — per 12 sprays,.. Polyanthus, duz.bn. Primroses, 12 bun. Pyrethrums, 12 bu. 2 0-40 Roses. Tea, per doz. 10-16 — yellow (Mare- chal), per doz. 2 0-40 — red, per dozen 2 0-40 — pink, per doz. 3 0-40 — Safrano, p. doz. 10-20 Tuberoses, 12 blms. 10-16 Tulips, per doz. ... 0 4-09 Violets (Fr.) Panne, per bunch 2 0-30 — — Czar, bun. 10-20 — — doz. bun. 0 9-13 — (Eng.), per doz. bun. 0 6-10 Wallflowers, doz. bn. 3 0-60 i in variety. Plants in Pots.— Average Wholesale Prices. . d. s. d. Adiantum, per doz. 4 0-12 0 Aspidistras, perdoz. 12 0-30 0 — specimen, each 5 0-15 0 Azaleas, per doz. ... 18 0-36 0 Cinenrias, per doz. 6 0-10 0 Cyclamens, perdoz. 9 0-12 0 Daffodils, per doz. 6 0-90 Dracaenas, each ... 10-76 — various, p. doz. 12 0-24 0 Evergreen Shrubs, in variety, doz.... Ericas, per doz. Feins, i all,. 10-20 5 0-12 0 Ficus olastiea, each 10-76 Foliage plants, per doz 12 0-36 0 Genistas, per doz... 6 0-10 0 Hyacinths, perdoz. 6 0-12 0 Hydrangeas, per plant 2 0-30 Marguerites, p. doz. 8 0-12 0 6 0-24 0 Mignonette, p. doz. S 0-10 0 10 0-12 0 Palms, various, ea. 2 0-10 0 hyemalis, per — specimens, ea. 10 6-84 0 doz 10 0-15 0 Spiraeas, per doz.... 6 0-90 Roots for the Garden in variety coming very good. Veobtables.— Average Wholesale Pricks. 4 0- Artichokes, Globe, perdoz. — Chinese (Sta- chystuberifera), perlb Asparagus, English, per bundle ... Beans, French, p. lb. — Madeira Kid- nev, per bkt. of 8 to 10 lb. ... 1 3 Cauliflowers, Corn- wall, per crate 8 0- Cucumbers, home- grown, select., per doz. ... 3 0 — 2nds, per dozen 2 0 Horseradish, Eng- lish, pr. bundle 2 6 Fo Mgn» bundle Mint, perbi Mushroomi per lb. . d. i. d. $. d. Onions, English, p. 3 0 cwt 5 6-60 Peas. ordinary (Channel Is- — lands), per lb. .20 — — Telephones b 0 (Channel Is- 1 0 lands), per lb. . 2 0-26 Potatos, New Kid- neys, Channel 1 6 Islands, per lb. 0 3-04 Radishes, Channel 0 0 Is., per dozen bunches ... 10 — , Salad, small, per 4 0 I doz, punnets... 1 8 — 3 0 Sea Kale, per pun- net, 3i to 4 lb. — weight 0 9- 10 Tomatos, Canaryls- — lands, percaso, — about 12 lb. 4 0- 5 0 Tom»tos(Worthing) 0 S per lb 13-16 Potatos. There bus been no change In the market since last report, and prices rule as follow :- Dunbar Maincrops, 75*. to S5s. ; do., Saxons, 65* to 70s ; Lincoln Saxons, 30*. to 60*. ; do., Mainerops, Shs. to 70s. ; do., Giants, 4i». to 50s. John Bath, Wellington Street, Covent Qardtn. 228 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 3, 1897. Fruit.— Average Wholesale Prices. s. d. 8. d. Apples, Welling- tons, per sieve ... 6 0 — Figs, per doz. ... S 0-1*2 0 Grapes (new), Chan- nel Islands, per lb 3 6-40 — Belgium, per lb. 2 6-29 — Gros Colman, selected, p. lb. 4 0 — Melons, Channel Islands, each... 5 0 — s.d. Nuts, Cob, 1001b. ... "... 60 0-70 0 Pears, EasterBeurre" (California) lge. cases, S to 9 doz., per case .. 14 0-16 0 Pine-apples, St. Mi- chael, each ... 4 0-76 Strawberries, per lb 4 0-60 — 2ndd 2 6-30 SEEDS. London: March SI. — Messrs. John Shaw & Sons, Seed Merchants, of Great Maize Pond, Borough, London, S.E , write that naturally more orders n6w]come to hand for Grass and Clover seeds ; still the volume of business now passing is under the average, and the present season promises to be a late one. Meantime, prices all round keep exceedingly low. Some remarkable bargains are offering in Russian ^Rod Clover seed, which closely resembles English- grown seed. Alsyke well maintains the late advance. Tares are cheaper. The market for Mustard and Rape seed is 6rm There is no change this week in Bird-seeds. Peas and Haricots realize former terms. CORN. Average Prices of British Corn (per imperial qr.), for the week ending March 27, and for the corresponding period of 1896, together with the difference in the quotations. These figures are based on the Official Weekly Return :— Description. 1896. 1897. Difference. Wheat Barley Oats s. d. 24 10 21 1 13 4 s. d. 27 9 22 5 16 3 s. d. + 2 11 + 1 5 + 2 11 Artificial Manures for Strawberries and Rasp- berries : T. E. 8. Nitrate of soda or sulphate of ammonia, 200 lb. ; precipitated phosphate, 500 lb. ; kainite, 1000 lb. per acre. Books: An old correspondent wishes to dispose by private treaty of the under-mentioned standard works : — Evelyn's Silva, 4th edition, by J. Hunter, 1812, 2 vols. 4to, bound in calf, gilt lettered. Evelyn's Memoirs, 2nd edition, by VV. Bray, 1819, 2 vols. 4to, bound in calf, gilt-lettered ; all four books in good condition. Apply to the editor. — J. G. B. A Popular Treatise on the Physiology of Plants, by Dr. Sorauer, translated by Professor Weiss, Longmans (excellent for your purpose). Elements of Botany, by F. Darwin (Clay & Son*) — excellent. For Fungous Diseases of Plants, by Tubeuf and Dr. W. G. Smith (Longmans). You seem to be well supplied. Bracken Fern: T. A. H. Take small portions of the rhizome with buds just starting, and plant them in a light soil mixed with a little peat, if possible. Spores would be a long business. Cherries and Gooseberries : P. P. Baumann's May Cherry ripens in the last week of May in the average of years, therefore several weeks before any variety of Gooseberry known to us. Conifer Seed-sowing: W. II. II. All of those you mention may be raised in a large way by sowing iu beds on well-pulverised and deeply-dug loamy laud, the Und as it is being dug should be raked with long (4-inch) toothed rakes, so that all large stones come to the bottom of the trench. Other men should follow with rakes of two or three different degrees of fineness, and. render the tilth still more fine. If the weather continues fine, the land should be thrown into beds 4 feet in width, and the seeds sown thinly broadcast, aud merely covered and no more by finely pulverised soil taken out of the alleys. The seeds should be protected from the sun by spreadiog thin canvas, mats, Pea-sticks, &c, or a large percentage will fail to germinate. The land should be in good heart, but not recently manured ; and the German method of raising a leguminous crop — say Lupines — the previous year, and digging it in is excellent iu providing a mild kind of manure. Ctpripedium Boxalli and Dendrobium Wardi- akom : H.R. Good, but not remarkable in any way. Diseased Bclbs : Williams. The problem presented by the condition of the bulbs sent is one which is not easily solved. Many of them present exter- nally more than one species of the common sapro- phytic moulds, but these are a consequence of decay and not the cause. Externally and internally most of the bulbs exhibit brown spots of rot, those of the Tulips in the most advanced condition, and upon these the microscope was employed with most success. The tissues, when reduced by the disease to a pulpy condition, present myriads of the small cells of an organism which resembles Micrococcus amjlivorus, and like that, appears to flourish at the expense of the starch, with which, of course, these bulbs abound. The cells are nearly globose, about \\ millimetres in diameter, and either single, or in pairs, or four together. When longer than broad, they measure about 1£ by 2, so that they exceed those of the above named Micrococcus. These are the only extraneous organisms discovered in the present examination, and the problem to be decided is, whether they are the result or the cause of the decay. That similar bodies are capable of pro- ducing disease in plants at the expense of the starch, has been shown by the researches on the Pear blight in the United States, but in the present instance evidence is yet wanting to unite cause and effect. We can only say that the bodies indicated would be an efficient cause, that there are no traces yet found of any other probable cause. But, if they are only resultant from putrefaction, then the true cause has yet to be discovered, of which there is no indication in the present state of the bulbs. It is futile to talk of cure, for nothing can restore the bulbs when thus attacked, it can only be by prevention iu the case of sound bulbs, and prompt eradication of all that are diseased. M. C. O. Early Varieties of Strawberries for Mar- keting : C. J. S. King of the Earlies, rather small fruit, but good flavour ; Royal Sovereign, a good all round variety, and well adapted for market ; Auguste Nicaise has large fine flavoured fruit, and bears profusely. If you like old varieties, there are Keen's Seedling and Black Prince. Electric Light ; W. This requires careful man- agement, or the plants will be injured. The light should not be too near the plants, and should be enclosed in ground glass. We are not aware of any pamphlet on the subject. Much has been written in the Gardeners'' Chronicle about it, but we are much behind the Americans. The first account of the late Dr. Siemens' experiments was given in vol. xiii., 1SS0, p. 361, fig. o"3. We have not leisure to hunt up all the references that occur in that and other vols. Eucharis-mite : T. G. This species of mite has nothing in common with red-spider. It infests other bulbs than those of Eucharis. If you will send an infected bulb to us, we will tell you if it has the bulb " mite." Evergreen Hedge: Pro Bono Publico According to tho decision of the Lord Chancellor and Lords D.wey and Maemghien in a tree - lopping ca=e, reported iin our issue for December 1, 1894, no notice of the intention to lop need be given to the owner of the trees or hedge. Examinations : R. J. Apply to the secretary of the Royal Horticultural Society, 11 7, Victoria Street, but you are too lato, probably, for this year. French ou Kidney Bean: H. A. If for a small gardeu or pot-culture, sow Ne Plus Ultra. Gasteria : J. II. II. From the Greek gastecr, the belly, in allusion to the swollen condition of the leaves; "subverrucosa" means slightly warted ; and ''punctata," spotted. Botanical Names for English Headers, published by L. Reeve & Co., would help you considerably, price a few shillings ; or the Supplement to Nicholson's Dictionary of Gardening, if you could get it. Hardt Shrubs: Correspondent. If you know nothing about the subject why read a paper on it, aud why expect us to coach you up ■ We should gladly help you if we thought it would be of any use, Iu the meantime, look at Webster's Hardy Flower- ing Trees and Shrubs, and the same author's Hardy Conifers, Gardening World Office, Clement's Inn, Strand. Ivy-leaved Pelargonium: F. H. We do not find any fungus. You have probably syringed when the sun was shining. La Reine Tulip : S. S. C. This variety being white, flushed with rose, owing to something in the soil in your case, or by reason of much expo- sure to sunlight, may have the rose tint spread over more than the normal area of the segments of the flower. Try what striding with oiled canvas will do for them. Maidenhair Ferns and Weevils : W. B. The insects infesting the soil are weevils, very difficult to drive out of the pots, as there is nothing that you can apply to the soil to drive them out, but would kill the plants. We should be inclined to place them in a cold-frame for a week or two, and then place them in the shade, protecting them against frost at night, and cold biting winds by day, indeed, keep- ing a frame over them, but with plenty of ventila- tion aud moist surroundiugs. Haviug placed them on a coal-ash floor, strew wood-shavings dipped in carbolic acid or coal-tar between the pots, the odour of which may render the frame distasteful to the beetles. The weevil grubs are even more injurious than the perfect insects, devouring the roots incessantly, but you might lessen their numbers by turning the bulbs out and examining them for the grub. If these means are ineffectual, you had better burn the lot and start anew with clean soil from another source. Mustard-dross : R. B. W. It may be obtainable from the wholesale seed houses or Mustard manu- facturers. Names of Plants : Correspondents not answered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number. — J. W. F. Colletia spinosa, pro- bably. Send when in flower. — L. J. Pentaptery- gium serpens. — B. J. P. Iris fimbriata. — S. E. D. 1, Cupre=sus Lawsoniana ; 2, one of the varieties of Thuya occidentalis ; 3, Picea orientalis. — A. B. Azaleas : we are unable to name the varieties of Ghent Azaleas. Onion : //. A. Danver's Yellow, a good keeper, and not particularly pungent ; James' Keeper, and Deptford, if strong-flavoured, very long keepers are required. Palm with Spotting on the Leaves : W. N. No- thing can be observed on the leaves that affords the least clue to the cause of the spotting, and wo should be inclined to think it is due to the use of artificial manure, to fumigation, or to noxious fumes of some sort. Phosnix dactylifera : R. B. W. Unless you have male and female plants, you will not succeed in obtaining fruits, the genus Phcouis being dioecious. R. H. S. Award of Merit to a Cliveia : The Award of Merit given to Messrs. Balchin & Sons for a fine Cliveia at the last meeting of the R. H. S. rightly belongs to Mr. Bennett-Poe. We were misled by the official list of awards. Tomatos : E. A. Your plants are affected wich some fungus, but we cannot tell which from the specimen sent. We fear the results will not be favourable. Transplanted Large Yews : W. S. T. Keep them moist at the root, syringe the branches iu the evening of dry and hot days, and place a mulch of litter over the roots. Some amount of shorten- ing-back the branches may be an advantage. The trees may not present a pretty appearance for one or two years, but they will d-mbtless quite recover from the removal. Communications Received* A. B.— W. H— W. T.— A. C — G. dc B., Tout vient a qui suit attentive. — Stanley Edwardes.— J. A.— Jas. Carter . Keizer s Kroon, and a large bed of it containing several hundreds of bulbs is a sight long to be remembered. It has one failing — the delicate yellow feathering becomes scorched under the hot sun. It is the largest of the early siDgle Tulips, and one of the finest for exhibition purposes. Cerise Gris-de- lin is a beautiful variety — a pinkish-rose ground, sometimes deeper, feathered with white. Le Matelas, deep rose, edged with white, is very pleasing also. Of distinctly striped Tulips there are few. Roi Pepin, when true to character, has a white ground striped with red or carmine, and is decidedly hand- some. Van Vondel will sometimes come striped, but it is not a fixed character. Bride of Haarlem is a good and useful old scarlet-and-white striped variety. There are Beveral handsome flushed varieties, such as Fabiola, deep rose, feathered and flamed with white ; Rose Gris-de-lin, delicate pink, flamed with rose ; La Grandeur, white, with flushes and flames of rosy-pink, but it has somewhat pointed petals ; and Prince of Austria, almost a self, orange-red, flushed with a deeper colour, more especially on the insides of the petals. The six finest early single Tulips are Keizer's Kroon, Ophir d'Or, Proserpine, Vander Neer, white Van Vondel, and Vermilion Brilliant. R. I). KEW NOTES. Rhododesdron Metternichi. — ■ Although not exactly a new plant, this is one of the rarest and least known of the species in cultivation. It is interesting as one of the very few true evergreen Rhododendrons found wild in Japan, there being only one, or at most two, other species indigenous to that country. The Azalea section of the genus is, on the other hand, well represented. R. Metternichi is now in flower at Kew, aud proves to be an ornamental species, although in the view of many a drawback will exist in its flowering as early as the end of March. The fcharp touch of frost ou March 29 did, indeed, destroy several trusses of flowers then open. The leaves are leathery aud very firm, 3 to 4 inches long by 1 to l.f inch wide, with a cartilaginous margin and an abruptly pointed apex ; beueath, they are covered with a felt-like substance, which varies in colour from brownish-white to deep reddish-brown ; the petiole is 1 inch long and transver.-ely wrinkled. The flowers are let rather loosely in the truss, and are borne on stalks 1 inch long, the pale pinkish-purple corolla measuring 2 inches across. The green calj x is very small and inconspicuous. Siebold figured this Rhododendron in his Flora of Japan, t. 9, and depicts it with seven segments to the corolla. The living specimens at Kew, as well as the dried ones in the herbarium (gathered by Maximowicz and Maries), have only five. Siebold describes it as " inhabiting the mountains of Northern Japan, being found most abundantly in the Nikko Mountains. It is planted about the tombs of the Emperors of Japan, and in the groves that sur- round sacred places." Professor Sargent saw it also in great masses by the shores of Lake Yumoto. Of the species in cultivation, I should judge it to be most nearly allied to the Caucasian R. Smirnowii and R. Ungerni. Prunus sdbhirtella. In 1862, this Cherry was collected in Japan by Richard Oldham (the Kew collector), and subse- quently by Maximowicz, but until within the last few years it appears to have been quite unknown in culti- vation. There is a single young tree at Kew which flowered there in April, 1886, and towards the end of the year a figure of it appeared in the Botanical Magazine. It iB now flowering for the second time, aud although as yet too small to show its full beauty, it is of great promise. It grows vigorously, and is perfectly hardy. The habit is erect, and the pale rosy flowers — each half an inch across — appear before the leaves. The latter, however, when fully grown, are about 3 inches long, ovate, toothed, and pointed. This Cherry has many points of resemblance to the lovely P. pendula, whose drooping branches are now laden with delicate rosy flowers. The flowers of the two are, in fact, identical, but whilst the leaves of P. pendula are glossy, those of P. subhirtella are dull green, aud more distinctly hairy both above and below. The habit supplies the most obvious distinc- tion, but the fruits would probably be needed to definitely settle whether they are specifically distinct. Rhododendron campylocarpum. The more common colours among evergreen Rho- dodendrons are, of course, rosy-red, purple, and white ; pure blue is entirely absent, although some of the purples decidedly approach that colour. Yellow, especially among the larger Bpecies, is rare, and it is on account of its having flowers of that colour that this Himalayan Rhododendron deserves notice. Its neareBt ally is the crimBon-flowered R. Thomsoni, and it has, like that species, leaves whose underside is of a vivid glaucous hue. It may eveD, out of flower, be mistaken for it, but, as a rule, the leaves of R. campy locarpum are smaller, and of a paler green on the upper surface. The flowers appear in a loose truss, each one being about 2 inches across. The yellow of the flowers is of a somewhat primrose shade. A couple of plants are in flower in the Rhododendron dell at Kew. As the species has been grown outside at Kew for several years (in sheltered positions, but without artificial protection), it may reasonably be included among the hardy Hima- layan species. To those whose gardens have been found to suit the better-known R. Thomsoni, its distinct colour may commend it. The two are of the same degree of hardiness. Prunus triloba. Of all the shrubby Prunus the double flowered variety of this species is, in my opinion, the most beautiful. On a wall at Kew, an old specimen, pro- bably one of the oldest in the country, is each spring a mass of blossom, and just now it is in its greatest perfection. Every shoot is loaded with rosy-white flowers which, although double, are not so much bo as to give them the lumpy appearance that spoils so many double flowers. The leaves are toothed, and a deeper indentation at each side frequently gives them a slightly trilobed character, to which the name refers. This double- flowered variety was originally introduced by Fortune from China in 1857, but until quite a recent date, the single- flowered typical plant was unknown in Europe. It was, a year or two ago, obtained for the Kew collection, and is now flowering there. It has almost pure-white flowers, which, besides being single, are much less in diameter than those of the other. The leaves are of the same shape and character, but small ; the whole plant, indeed, lacks the strength and vigour of the double-flowered variety, and cannot be compared with it in beauty. W. J. B. MELON-GROWING IN HOT-BED FEAMES. In recent years Melons have been less aud less grown in frames, the water-heated bed in a span or lean-to house being more convenient and handy, and for early fruits this mode of cultivation is indis- pensable. However, there are still gardeners who must grow their Melons in frames, and they manage to produce excellent fruits after May. It is a ques- tion of warmth, together with efficient ventilation — not an easy matter in the spring, with the ordinary hot-bed. Most gardeners know how to prepare the materials for making a hot-bed, and they are aware that the careful preparation of the loaves and stable manure is a matter of importance. If the stable-manure is much used before it reaches the gardener, less of it should be used than if it be only stained -say one- third to two-thirdB of tree leaves ; and in the latter April 10, 189?. J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 231 case manure awl leaves may be equal. A hot-bed should not be less than 3 feet 6 inches deep at the front, or 4 feet at the back ; and if it can be made in a trench sufficiently wide to accommodate the bed and its linings, the heat will be proportionately with a large proportion of the long straw towards the outside of it, place the frames thereon, and wait till the heat rises and the rank ammonia fumes have passed off, by which time the heat will have declined somewhat. Fig. 76.— pritillaria pm'RIFLora, the hills, others boards, slates, &c., 3 feet in width, so as to keep the roots in a measure from getting into the manure too soon, and prevent uneven sinking of the soil. The latter may contain lime-rubbish, and if it be poor loam a small quantity of horse-dung in a rotten state may be added. Some gardeners plant two Melon-plants together, but I prefer planting them singly at 18 inches apart, training one towards the back and the other towards the front alternately, the soil being brought pretty near to the glass, so that the plants have abundance of light. If the heat; remains right no shading will be required, if due attention be paid to giving air; but should the plants flag, a slight shade for an hour or so when the sun ia, strong should be employed till the roots have taken to the new soil, after which no shading should ever be used. Newly-mado hot-beds always require care at first, the heat rising rapidly by sunheat, and so scalding the leaves. It is advisable to always leave a small amount of air on at the back of a frame at night. In training the young Melon-plants some gardeners nip the points above the third leaf, the result being that two shoots are made, which are trained one upwards and one downwards, and so soon as 2 feet more growth have been made, the points are again nipped, when the side laterals break strong, some of these may be removed altogether, leaving say, three or four on each side — these, as a rule, will show fruit ; 70° by night, and 80° by day, will suit the growth. If, however, these lateral shoots produce no female flowers, they must be stopped again at the first joint, when the next break will almost be sure to bring them. In growing Melons in frames, it is of importance to keep the foliage thin by constant thinning, not leaving it for a week or longer, and then have a great mutilation of the plants carried out. If the bine is not to be stopped at the third leaf, then train one bine up and the other downwards, and when they have grown to within 8 inches from the ends, then pinch out the points, train out a selected' number of laterals, and stop them at two joints above the female flowers. Keep the frame a little drier while setting is proceeding, and use the pollen when both male and female flowers are dry. The plants ought not to get dry at the roots during this period, for I have observed that by keeping the soil in a fairly moist state, there is little trouble in getting plenty of fruit to set. With most varieties, four good Melons on a plant are Butiicient ; and this number will ripen quicker and be better in flavour than a heavier crop. Air must be admitted carefully at all times during early growth, and moisture afforded more or leBS according to outside conditions. In hot, dry weather the frames may be closed early, say, at 2 P.M., after gently dewing the plants over-head with tepid water. The fruitB should be raised up towards the glass on flower-pots, &c. The splitting of Melons is due in a great measure to the soil getting very dry and then being deluged with water. When the fruits are ap- proaching ripening, the soil should be allowed to get fairly dry. H. MarHuun. economised, as compared with a bed built on the level, with the wind having accoas to it on every side. In tenacious soils mioh trenches or pits must bo drained in some mannjr. Having made the I ed in a fairly solid manner, The soil-hills of sound loam may now bo put in, and a further wait made till these get warmed, no planting being done till the thermometer, when planted in a hill 6 inches deep, shows a warmth of 86°, not higher. Some gardeners use turves under FRITILLARIA PLURIFLORA. We are indebted to Mr. Guinbleton for the privilege of figuring this elegant species. The illus- tration (fig. 76) tells its owd tale ; but, for the convenience of the reader, we append the descriptioa from Watson's Flora of California, vol. ii. : — I', pluri/lora, Torrey. — Bulb of large, thick scales, a half inch to au inch long ; stem stout, a foot high or more, four to twelve-flowered ; leaves eight to. fifteen, nearly covering the stem, somowhat verticil- late, narrowly lanceolate, 3 or 1 inches long ; flowers noddiug on long pedicels, uniformly reddish-purple ; segments somewhat spreading, 9 to 12 lines long, oblaucoolate ; uectaries obscure; stamens unequal, 0 or 7 lines long, shorter than the style : anthers 2 lines long. Benth., PI. Ilartunj, 338 ; Baker, in Journal of Linnean Society, vol. xiv., p. -70 ; on the Upper Sacramento, Hartwegj ami on the Feather. RiVi r. Fremont, Peculiar in the size of its bulb. 232 TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 10, 1897. Orchid Notes and Gleanings. STENOOLOTTIS FIMBRIATA. This pretty terrestrial Cape Orchid has foliage that is undulated at the margin, and arranged in a clus- tered mass at the base of the stem. The spike is usually 9 inches in height, and bears a number of roay-pink flowers, the most noticeable part of which ie the blotched and spotted purple-coloured trifid lip. It is a plant easily grown in the intermediate-house if afforded a loamy compost and a few crocks, so as to give it ample drainage. Propagation is by means of side-growths. A good figure of this plant is given in the Bot. Mag., t. 5872. R. L. B. Eulophiella Elisabeth*. Having read the remarks of several writers in the Gardeners' Chronicle, I should like to state our method of treatment, which seems to suit the needs of the plant exactly. The plants are cultivated in a warm, moist corner of the East Indian-house ; they are afforded liberal waterings at the roots whilst in active growth, and never at any time allowed to become dry. The plants are grown iu flower-pots, in a compost consisting of fibrous peat, sphagnum-moss, and leaf-mould, all being chopped up and well mixed together with some small crocks, the pots three- parts filled with drainage material. There is a speci- men of Eulophiella Elisabethre in flower in these gardens which possesses three stout flower-spikes, the longest of which measures 17 inches, and has twenty- nine expanded blossoms and unopened buds, and the other spikes have each eighteen flower-buds. The largest leaf is 3 feet 2 inches long and 2| inches broad. D. Masterton, gardener to J. C. Parr, Esq., QrappenkaU, Heyes, Cheshire. Orchids at Camden Wood, Chislehurst. Those persons who are acquainted with the exten- sive collection of Orchids at this place can speak of the intelligence and skill of the cultivator. On the occasion of a visit made to the gardens late last month, many rare and beautiful Orchids were observed in bloom, forming an imposing display. Amongst others, Cypripediums were conspicuous ; C. Harrisianum superbum, C. Lathamianum, C. Calypso (Oakwood var.), C. pulchellum roseum, C. Measures- ianum, C. Creon superbum, and C. superciliare. Of species and varieties of Oattleya there were C. Triansei Robert Measures, C. T. Sandene, C. T. alba, all very good and distinct. A plant of Lcelia cinnabarina was also conspicuous ; many forms of Dendrobium nobile were noted, including agrand D. n. nobiliusand D. n.Sanderiana ; Ooilogyne cristata alba, Cymbidium Lowianum superbum, a gem of a plant ; the beautiful crosses, Cymbidium eburneo-Lowii, and C. Winnianum, valuable and distinct Orchids that flower freely at this season. Odontoglossum crispuma in fine form were noted, including the variety 0. e. Arthurianum, which received a First-class Certificate iu March, 1896 ; and 0. c. Princess, which last year was awarded an Award of Merit ; 0. c. Cooksoni, the lovely 0. c. Dormauiauum, and numerous forms of 0. RoBsii majus, 0. Roezli, 0. adspersum, O. Hume- anum, well-flowered specimens of Sophronitisgrandi- flora ; and very many were the novelties not at present in flower, as for instance, Cy pripedium insigne Sanders, and C. i. Sanderiana, C. Lawrenceanum Hyeanum, &e. ; and amongst Cattleyas, Lord RothBchild, Clusiffi superba, a Veitcbian hybrid between C. gigas and Lselia elegans Turneri ; Cattleya Prince of Wales, C. Broomfieldiensis, L;elio Cattleya eximia, L.-C. Fowleri, and others of value. The condition of the collection leaves nothing to be desired. Mr. Robbins, the gardener here, is turning his attention to hybridising ; many good hybrids are fast arriving at the flowering age. Alfred Outran, F.R.H.S. DENDROBIUM X RUBENS GRANDIFLORUM. Dendrobium x rubeus was obtained by Mr. Jaa. Cypher by crossing D. X Ainsworthianum Leechia- num with D. nobile nobilius, and the beautiful and richly-coloured cross was described in the Gardeners' Chronicle, February 25, 1893. Some more recently- flowered plants of the Bame batch have produced another form which has flowers much larger than the original, and to which the name grandiflorum has been attached. A flue flower sent by G. W. Law- Schofield, Esq., New-Hall-Hey, Riwtenstall, Man- chester (gr., Mr. Shill), proves that the ability to give large flowers is constant, at all events, when the subject is properly grown. The form of the flower, and especially of [the large downy labellum, with its dark crimson-purple disc and rose-purple apex, is like a fine D. x Ainsworthianum splendidissimum. The size and bright violet-purple colour of the sepals and petals resemble D. nobile nobilius. A precisely similar variety is also sent by Mr. Charles Maynard, gr. to Mrs. Ames, Langwater, North Easton, Mass., U.S.A., with the memorandum that it was obtained from D. nobile nobilius x D. x splendidissimum grandiflorum. CyRTOPODIUM PDNCTAT0M. The terminal portion of an inflorescence of this fine old Orchid, kindly sent by J. Fineberg, Esq., Sandy Mount, Birkdale, shows its peculiar character of producing large and showy yellow floral bracts, Bpotted with red-brown, in a very prominent manner. Here and there a perfect yellow and brown flower appears, but in the majority of instances the Bhort lateral branches destined] to bear flowers have either wholly failed, or the flowers are abortive and incon- spicuous. But the beauty of the inflorescence does not suffer, for several of the bracts are produced together, and form what any one not inspecting it closely would take for flowers, and very pretty ones too. Some of the larger bracts are it inches long and 1} inch broad. The plant is also known in some gardens as C. Saiutlegerianum. EPIPHYLLUMS. Attention has been directed in the Gardeners'1 Chronicle to the beauty of this useful group of plants, together with an expresaion of regret that so few are grown. Some years ago I grew the best varieties largely, and in the course of years I have assisted in grafting some thousands. Apropos of the latter part of the work, I hive still a vivid recollec- tion of potting some 3000 stocks of Pereskia aculeata in 3-inch Dots, ready for grafting later on, and well remember the pain inflicted by their very sharp, and to me, poisonous spines. As the method adopted differs slightly from that described in your recent issue, I may be allowed briefly to refer to it here. For grafting purposes only the one stock, viz., Pereskia aculeata, was then employed. [P. Bleo, figured in the Gardeners' Chronicle recently, is better. Ed.] Fresh young growths of these were taken as cuttings when 4 inches long, and inserted in very sandy Boil in pots heavily drained. At all t'ime3 water was given sparingly ; the cuttings being inserted at any time when procurable, but pre- ferably late in the summer. With little or no care the majority of these were soon rooted, and when this ensued a quick growth followed, and the plants were potted usually in the spring, singly in 3-inch pots, the plants being topped at from 12 t3 18 inches high according to streugth, and a straight stick put to each. Early in May the Pereskias were placed in frames in the open, ao as to secure a moderately firm growth, and be ready for grafting in the autumn ensuing. The ' ' spring " is given as the time for grafting, whereas late autumn was always preferred in my own experience, for the reason that the growths were then well matured without any excitable tendency, as may be expected in spring with returning growth. The grafting is very simple, consisting merely of taking the pot with stock between the knees (the operator being seated), cutting off' the head at the required height horizon- tally, and then making a slit an inch or so deep, longitudinally, when the graft was in readi- ness. One section only of the flattened pieces of growth was employed as scions, and theBe generally of the current season's growth, so as to purposely avoid the hard midrib of the older stems. "With a sharp knife a slight shaving of the bark was removed from either side of the midrib of the scion, the stock opened and the graft inserted while the viscid sap remained fresh. Care was taken, as far as circum- stances permitted, not to cut beyond the midrib in preparing the scion, the latter being always inserted ceutralwise in the stock so as to insure a good footing on the one hand, and a head uniformly balanced on the other. The scion may be secured in position by the use of raffia or by pinning to the stock with the spines of the stock — if with the former, it must be done lightly, or the soft succulent growth is cut right through. In any case, however, the use of a spine will keep the scion in position while the tie is being made, and may also remain where placed. No grafting wax or similar material is at all necessary ; and when the grafting is finished, a close frame in a greenhouse at a temperature of 45° or 50° will suffice for about three weeks, when, if all goes well, the union wll be effected. The plants may theu be placed on the stages in the greenhouse, affording water very sparingly. Late in March, or early in April, these freshly-worked plants may be repotted into 5-inch pots, using loam as the principal, with plenty of grit and mortar-rubbish, and about one-sixth part of peat aud charcoal. Potting or re- potting must always be carefully done, as not infre- quently the breaking of the ball of earth will cause the plant to shrivel and die, as roots are only very sparingly produced. One item iu the culture of these plants as now advocated was a cool temperature at all times, the plants being always brought into bloom in a rather cool greenhouse with a temperature of about 45*, or a little more, the plants flowering through November and December each year, and lasting a long time in fine condition. There is no need to forward any of these in a warmer house, as suggested by your Cheshire correspondent, as there is considerable difference in the varieties themselves in this respect where a collection is grown, and where the flowers are opened in heat, they are not so durable after. Throughout the summer months, all the plants, young and old, were grown in a sunny frame iu the open, air being given freely, water at the root sparingly , and on the hottest days the plauts were gen tly sprayed over with water from the syringe at closing time. In this way a free compact growth was secured, in which firmness, as also short sturdy stems were generally noticeable, while an abundant flowering was always secured. Firm potting is an essential in the culture of these plants, and frequently failures may be traced directly to a soil conspicuously loose about their roots that retains moisture far in excess of the requirements of the plant. Indeed, failures generally may be attributed to, firstly, an overmoist soil at all times ; secondly, too much heat, and loose potting. During the autumn months, when these plants are at their best, nothing is finer for decorating the greenhouse or conservatory. It is worthy of note, that by the above mode of culture the plants were generally freely set with bloom-buds when brought from the frames to the greenhouse, but on stocks other than this, or again on their own roots, the plants flower at different periods, as may be ex- pected. /. EPI-CATTLEYA x MATUTINA. (CATTfiBYA BOWRINGIANA?, EPIDEN- DRUM RADICANSjJ.) Not the least interesting point about the work of the hybridist is the unexpected results which are produced during his labours. Few who were asked to describe what they considered the progeny of Cattleya Bowringiana as a seed-bearer crossed with Epidendrum radicaus would be like, would venture to picture to themselves a plant so like the male parent, and so utterly unlike the one which bore the seed as Epi- Cattleya x matutina, exhibited by the raisers, Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., of Chelsea, at the Royal Horticultural Society on March 23, proved to be. A glance at the illustration (fig. 77) shows that AtRlt 10, 1897.1 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 233 the plant has much the same habit as Epidendrum radicans, even to the air-root bearing characteristic of that species. The base of the stem showed a tendency to thicken, which may increase with age, bat up to the present there is little evidence of the Cattleya. In the flowers, too, it will be seen that the character cf the labellum does not appear to bo NOTES ON THE NARCISSUS. (Continued from p. 200.) Diseases of the Narcissus. — A very great deal has been written of late years, since Narcissus-growing for pleasure and profit haB become so general, upon the so called disease '* basal rot/' its causes and cure, Fig. 77. — epi-cattleya x matutina. (see p. 232.) fixed, for one exhibits a distinct attempt at a tri* lobato form, and is different from the others. The sepals and petals are yellow, tinged with vermilion ; the lip, yellow at the base, reddish in front. Like other crosses with Epidendrum radicans, it will doubtless improve when thoroughly established, and like them be easy to grow and propagate. but no wholly satisfactory or helpful diagnosis or remedy has been forthcoming. The reason seems to be— and I have been led to the conclusion after many years of careful observation in my own garden and elsewhere, and after much correspondence and read- ing of all that has been advanced by others on tho subject — that bnsal rot is no truly specific disease with its own ascerta;ned or possible ant r'ote b' t simply the fuiluie of r -taction in the pl»nt who. its environment is found unsuitable. When an entire genus of plants has been searched out and brought into cultivation, it is not surprising that the weltare of some of its varieties should be found to depend upon the presence of certain special conditions diffi- cult to determine and to supply when found. Wo have in our gardens Narcissi directly imported, or the offspring of importations, from lands as far apart as Switzerland and North Africa, from the sea -level, and from 6,000 feet of mountain altitude, so no marvel if they are not all quite at home in England. The disease (the word is convenient, though inaccu- rate) is not a fungoid disease propagated by spores, and is not contagious. No single explanation of its presence, though every explanation may be true in part, covers the whole ground. The one most commonly offered is that this failure results from the application of crude ammo- niacal manure, and it is true that the white trumpet Daffodils, most wild Narcissi, and the N. spurius Bection, such as Golden Spur, sicken in ground loaded with rank farmyard manure. The sand of the Dutch bulb-farms has for many generations been very heavily dressed with cow manure for the cultivation of Hyacinths and Tulips ; and bulbs of Golden Spur coming from Holland commonly have a black, almost charred appearance, and to the practised eye show clear signs of the imminence of basal rot, unless given a change of soil. But it is by no means universally true that the Narcissus dUlikes nitro- genous food. The large growers in the Thames Valley bring back from London in their market vans enormous quantities of fresh stable-manure, and plough it into their Narcissus quarters before plant- ing, and the growth is benefited by it both in flower and bulb. On an extensive Narcissus farm in Mount's Bay, Cornwall, I was this spring shown an acre of reclaimed marsh-land which had received no less than a ton of quarter-inch bones, and a liberal dressing of woollen refuse. The bulk of such manure is phos- phatic, and gradual in action ; but the plants were evidently fastening on, and greatly enjoying the large percentage of immediately available nitrogen. That a glut of nitrogenous food is the sole cause of basal rot is sufficiently disproved by the fact that a very large proportion of my own seedlings invariably die iD this way before flowering, though always planted in beds of pure loam, burnt soil, and other non-nitrogenous material3. It is certain that some Narcissi, liable to basal-rot in cultivation, will establish themselves healthily in grass ; and this fact is often alleged as a proof that the sickness is induced by rich soil. But in my garden these kiuds die out if planted in the very same turf broken up aud tilled without the addition of any manure whatever ; and it is difficult to believe that such ground absorbs, in one season, sufficient nitrogen from the atmosphere alone to poison the plants. It is my belief that the protection against frost given by the thick matting of grass fibres has much to do with the well-being in turf of such Narcissi. This view is supported by the observed fact that my garden is comparatively free from basal-rot after mild winters, and especially when the young foliage has escaped injury by frosty winds in early spring. I have often been struck by the fact that the Narcissi most prone to this sickness all bear seed with great regularity, and in abundance ; also that some of them, e.g., pallidus precox, increase slowly or scarcely at all from the bulb. May it not be argued from this, that in our endeavour to multiply Narcissi solely by bulb-division we are violating Nature's provision of increase by Beed ; and that the rational and successful way of growing many kiuds is by seed ? Basal-rot has been by more than one writer attri- buted to the attack of mites (acari), because they may not uncommonly be discovered iu tho decayed substance at the base of affected bulbs. It is 'not certain that tho mites, having been attracted by diseased bulbs, will not tlim pass on to and injure adjoining sound ones, but, from the very large number of decayed bulbs examined by myself and others microscopically, and found to bo without 234 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 10, 1897. trace of mites, I entertain no doubt whatever that their presence is a consequence, not a cause of the malady. In brief, any adverse condition, whether excess of food or unsuitable food, the shock of severe cold and the irritation of alternate frost and thaw, prolonged drought, absence of ripening sun in summer, the perpetual multiplication by bulb-division instead of by Beed, may make the Narcissus ill at ease, and the symptoms of this discomfort appear in a paralysis and decay of its most vital part, the basal plate or disc whence its roots issue. Twice I have noticed the appearance upon leaf, stem, and flower of my Narcissi of a brown blotch, which had quite the appearance of a fungoid affection, and evidently spread from leaf to leaf and from plant to plant. My flag-Irises were visited by the same thing at the same time ; indeed, it appeared to attack them first, and thence to spread to the Nar- cissi. Experts to whom leaves were submitted failed to identify it with any known fungus, or to estab- lish its fungoid character ; but from its infectious character, and from its disappearance after a per- sistent Bpraying with ammoniated copper- carbonate, I have little doubt that it was of this nature. The Narcissus-fly (Merodon equestris) is not a disease, but may be briefly mentioned as a plague, which would prove troublesome if it were to obtain a lodgment. Fortunately, our climate does not seem to attract it as a permanent resident. It sometimes comes, of course, in the larva form, in considerable quantity, from Holland, and it is well to handle all Dutch bulbs of Narcissi, and cut open any that are soft and compressible, to discover and destroy the white grub. The insect has been figured in all states in the horticultural journals ; and its life-history is fully described in a Monograph, by Dr. J. Ritzema Bos. Q. H. Englekeart. The Week's Work. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. ByH. W. Ward, Rayleigh, Essex. Taking Down Blinds from Fruit Trees,— Advantage may be taken of a fine day to take down the cloths which have been used during the last seven or eight weeks to protect the blossoms upon Apricot-trees from frost. Roll them up together with the sash- line and loops, and after they have been tied and labelled, put them away in a dry place for future use. The upright poles aud coping- boards should also be stored away. The cross-beams in a barrow- or cart-shed make a suitable place, and they should be stored so that they may be taken done next year with- out having to removethe poles and boards belonging to the Peach and Plum walls. Should there be any difference in the heights of the several walls on which the protecting material has been used, a label indicating the wall to which the respective poles belong should be attached to each. The blinds must be retained on Peach-walls a week or two longer, so that they may be used should occasion require them, remembering that what is not prevented in such cases cannot be cured. Trees that require blinds the longest are the Green Gage Plums and choice Pears. Extension- trained Trees. — In the case of young wall trees which have had the unpruned growths of last year bent down towards the ground/and secured to the wall in that position, in order to cause all the wood-buds on the individual shoots to push into growth, as advised in a previous Calendar, it will be necessary to draw the nails and spread out the branches evenly over the space allotted to each tree, distributing the young shoots over the intervening spaces, and securing them in position with nails and shreds, or raffia where the walls are wired. Pinch out or rub off surplus buds at the same time. Should any of these young growths be extra strong, pinch out the points, so as to promote a balance of growth. Watering JVall-trees at the Hoots. — Apricot and Peach-trees, and, inu££d, all trees on walls having south, west, and east aspects, should receive another good watering at the roots, the soil i^eing first pointed over with a digging-fork. It is much better to give a few thorough applications of water at the rou£? than to give a dozen Burface waters. If directions as" to applying a mulch of short dung over the roots of the treeB have not jet been carried out, no time should be lost before doing so. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By W. Pope, Gardener, Highclere Caatle, Newbury. Asparagus from Seed and Transplanted. — Where Asparagus has to be forced in quantity yearly in the usual manner in heated pits and hot-bed frames, some plants should be raised from seed each year. The present is the best time to sow. The seed should be scattered very thinly in shallow drills drawn 1 foot apart ; the plants so raised will not require to be transplanted or thinned, and with liberal treatment will afford some useful heads the third year. If the plants are to be grown in old-fashioned beds, the seeds should be dropped in patches of two or three together, allowing 1 foot between the patches, three rows of patches going to a bed. For ordinary per- manent plantations the seed may be sown on the flat in rows from 2 to 3 ft. apart, the vacant land between being utilised for a year or two for growing salading, Spinach, dwarf Cauliflower, &c. It is important that the soil for Asparagus be deep, rich, and well-drained. The month of April affords the best time for planting new beds and filling vacancies in old beds and lines. If a showery day be chosen for the job, all the better ; and the plants should be from 1 to 3 years old, though older roots may be safely lifted and re- planted. Be careful to let the roots radiate straight from the centre, and to place the crowns 3 inches deep in the soil. If the weather should be hot and drying soon after planting, a slight mulching of light manure or decayed leaves may be placed over the roots. Established beds of Asparagus will be bene- fited by a liberal application at this season of liquid- manure ; or of guano, salt, and soot, or sulphate of ammonia at the rate of 2 ounces to the square yard. These manures may be applied during showery weather, and repeated once or twice during the nex*, two months. Broad Beans. — When the plants have reached a height of about 1 inches, mould up the rows as a means of steadying the plants against wind. Seed may be sown of Green Windsor and Beck's Green Gem varieties, for furnishing pods in the mouths of July and August. A soil that is moderately rich is found to be the best for Broad Beans. Spinach. — A sowing should be made forthwith, and repeated at three weekly intervals, 30 as to ensure a full supply during the season. When the seedlings are large enough to handle do not wait, but thin them to a distance of 5 inches apart. Some defer thinning till the leaves are large enough for use, and then draw out surplus plants as Spinach is wanted ; but this is mistaken economy, the leaves never attaining to their full size, and the plants are sure to run prematurely to seed. Capsicums and Egg ■ Plants.- -Seed may now be sown in gentle heat, the seedlings being pricked off singly into small pots when large enough, and grown on in a temperature of 65°, and repot when necessary. [Or the seed may be sown in thumbs or tJO's, and not transplanted, and so time be saved. Ed.] If suitably hardened-off late in May, both species may be planted at the foot of south or west walls in the following month ; when given a favourable season, they will ripen their fruit perfectly. Except, however, on very warm sites, the plants are more satisfactorily grown in pots under glass, being then useful for decorative purposes, more particularly the Capeicuma. Vegetable Marrows and Ridge Cucumbers. — Seed of both may now be sown in warmth, grow on gently near the light in a temperature of 60* to 66° and harden off carefully previously to plauting them outside about the middle or end of the month of May, with eome sort of protection against night cold. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By Charles Herrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead. Violets.— The supply of theee flowers from out of doors will soon be past, and as soon after as possible the plants should be divided and replanted. In the case of most varieties there will be an abuudance of runuei-s or young plauts already formed for making up the new beds. These bods should be prepared upon a fresh piece of ground, which, when being dug, may be given a liberal supply of thoroughly decomposed manure. If this has been prepared some time previously, so much the better. Put the plants about a foot apart each way, aud if the weather be dry, an occasional watering may be required. A mulch of leaf soil or old mush- room-bed manure is of much assistance. Spare spots at the foot of walls or other sheltered places, having . early or late aspects, should also be utilised, in order to /or ward and prolong the supply as much as pos- sible.'* Some fine single varieties have been introduced during the past year or two, including Princess of Wales, a striking variety, with large bright blue flowers, borne on stalks 6 to 8 inches in length. California and Amiral Avellan are others with long stalks and large flowers. Wellsiana, sent out some years Bince by Mr. C. Turner, is also still one of the best, and is rather later in flowering than others. Lily of the Valley. — The crowns, being just starting into growth, are in a suitable condition for moving. This is necessary if the roots have become matted together, and the growths appear weakly. Sort the crowns over after lifting, and plant the smaller ones by themselves. The new bed should be made upon ground that has been well trenched and manured. Plant the crowns in slanting drills, chopped out with a spade, 3 or 4 inches apart, allowing the same distance in the row. West and north borders are the most suitable ones for Lily of the Valley culture, those on the north aspect affording spikes ten days or more later than those in warmer situations. Golden Pyrethrum. — Where seedlings of this plant are necessary for edgings or other uses, seeds may be sown thinly in hand-lights, or even on a south border in the open, covering them very slightly with fine soil. The seedlings may be transplanted to the flower-beds early in June. Tagetes signata pitmila is a useful yellow-flowering annual, and forms a fairly good substitute for the Calceolaria upon soils of a light, Bandy nature. Seeds sown forthwith in boxes, or on a mild hot-bed in frames, will be quite early enough to make strong plants by bedding-out time. The seedlings should be pricked off into other boxes or frames, a few inches asunder, as soon as large enough to handle. (j'nteral Work. — The pruning of shrubs, Hoses, kc, should be completed as soon as possible. Afford to Rose-beds a good mulch of rotten manure, and if its appearance on the surface is thought unsightly, cover with a small portion of soil. In light soils, where the Rose-borders have been forked over, to cover manure or small weeds, it will be advisable to trample the soil quite firm round the plants before the mulching of manure is applied. Jasminum nudi- florum having passed out of bloom, should receive the necessary pruning and thinning before new growth commences. PLANTS irNDER GLASS. By G. H. Maycock, Gardener, Luton Hoo Park, Luton. Violets. — The time has arrived when the plants may be divided for increase, whether for frame or other culture. A method which is very suitable is to select three of the strongest runners frum a plant and place them in a cutting-box, or in rows in a pit or cold frame within 2 inches of the glass, and keep them regularly syringed till rooted, which will be in about a fortnight. On the appearance of roots, air must be admitted to the frame, gradually increasing the amount, till by the end of April the plants will be in a fit state to be planted out in their summer quarters. Other growers choose young side-growths with roots, and plant these out without further pre- paration. The aspect selected for the summer, supposing the plants are to be grown in frames for the production of winter flowers, is one that is half shady, and where the soil is in good heart, or can be made so with a heavy dressing of leaf-soil or thoroughly rotten dung. If the soil is not naturally tenacious, it should be dressed with heavy loam in addition to the manure, which will onable each to be lifted in the autumn with a compact ball of roots and mould, that need not be reduced in size before planting. If space be no object, plant the rooted runner or rooted offshoots IS inches apart each way, although 1 foot by H foot will suffice ; so much being necessary to allow a hoe to pass in between them. As the season advances, the Violets will grow fast if the soil be kept moist, and they are dewed over after warm days ; and a weekly examination should be made for runners; which should be nipped off when quite young. By keeping the soil moist, and the leaves wetted with the garden engine, red-spider, which is very inimical to the Violet, will be wholly prevented from infesting the foliage, or its ravages would be greatly checked. Marie Louise U still one of the best varieties. Neapolitan and New York form a succession to this one. A good single white is Rawsou's, the flower having plenty of much substance. The Czar and California are single- flowered varieties ; Comte de ISrazza is a double one, aud white. JVork in the Plant-houses. — Coleus may be increased by placing cuttings to the required number singly in thumbs, and if large plants are required, these should April 10, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 235 be repotted as soon as they are well rooted. A few young plants should always be kept in 3-inch flower- pots for dinner-table decoration, &c. Roses growing in pots, and others planted out, must not be allowed to get overrun with aphides, or remain infested with the Rose- maggot, nor the beds lack water. If mil- dew should attack the leaves and shoots, apply flowers-of-sulphur on its first being noticed, and do not dally with it. Zonal and Ivy-leaved Pelargo- niums for flowering in the autumn should be potted forthwith, and placed on inverted pots in an inter- mediate-house or pit. Lachenalias which are gone out of flower should be afforded less water, but enough to prevent premalure decay of the leaves ; only after the leaves are decayed should water be withheld altogether, and the pots stored in a cool-house. Hydrangea kortensis. — Any plants which have been standing in cold frames since the autumn, if wanted to flower early, should be placed in the greenhouse, previously washing the pots, and affording a light diessiug of artificial manure to such of them as were not repotted last year. Large specimens should bo staked and tied anew, unshapely brauches being removed. The shoots on such branches make good cuttings, which, by inserting them siugly in 60*6, will strike in gentle bottom-heat under bell-glasses. A few cut' ings should be struck annually, so as to keep up the i-tock of plants, and allow of aged plants being thrown away. Chrysanthemums.— If green-fly be present on these plants, dust the iufested shoots lightly with tobacco- powder, doing this late in the evening, and syringing it off early next morning. Do not let the plants get pot-bound, but shift into 0-inch pots as soon as tho roots have run all through the soil, using well- drained, clean pots, and keeping the plants close for a few days; then gradually affording air in larger quantities, and in a few weeks remove the lights during the day. For the present protect from frost, but do not coddle the plants. The soil to be used in the final repotting should be mixed, and placed in a heap in an open shed in readiness for use. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Burford, Dorking. Catasctum, Cycnoches, and Mormodes, are very curious and interesting plants. Unfortunately, tho majority of cultivators have found it very difficult to keep them iu a thiiving condition. They grow and bloom satisfactorily for possibly some years, and then in the absence of any apparent reason, they gradually deteriorate. This is mainly attributable to insuffici- ency of bright sunshine during the autumn to thoroughly mature the newly made pseudo-bulbs. Without sunshine during that period, it is imprac- ticable to afford them the amount of water necessary to enable them to keep plump during their long period of rtst. The majority of these plants are now commencing to grow, and immediately the young growths are seen pushing from the base of the pseudo- bulbs, turn the plants out of the old compost, and cutting away all dead roots and decayed parts. Eradicate every vestige of scale or mealy-bug before the plants are repotted, or they may give trouble throughout the growing season. I find that basket- culture is preferable to that in pots or pans, as their aerial roots delight in pushing their way out around tho basket into the moist atmosphere. Select shallow Teak-wood baskets with copper-wire handles about 12 inches iu length, so as to bring the plants well up to the roof-glasi. Place a few flat pieces of crock over the bottom of the baskets, and use a compost of fibrous-peat and sphagnum-moss in equal parts, with a moderate quantity of small crocks intermixed with it, and press the material around the plants with moderate firmness. Catasetum purum, C. Christya- num, C. Uussellianum, C. barbatum, C. b. spinosum, C. tabulare, G. lougifolium, C. scurra, C. saccatum, C. tridentatum, C. Buugerothi, and its several distinct varieties should be .suspended to the roof on tho east side of the East Indian or Dendrobium- house ; also, Cycnoches chlorochilon, C. peruvianum, C. pentadactylon, C. Egertonianum, and C. versi- color. The varieties of Mormodes, as M. Rolfei, M. pardinum, M. p. uuicolor, M. luxatum, M. 1. eburneum, M. buccinator should be placed iu the warmest and lightest part of the Cattleya house. For the next few weeks, after re-basketing the plants, water must be afforded sparingly ; very little iudeed is necessary uutil the growths are well advanced, aud the roots have obtained a firm hold of the new compost. Whim the plants are re- established, and growing strongly, they will need an abundance. One of the main conditions of success is to grow these deciduous plants on as quickly as possible, so that they will finish up early in the season, and therefore have the full benefit of the late summer and early autumn sunshine to consolidate aud ripen the pseudo-bulbs. Habcnarias.— Now that the cultivation of Habe- naria militaris, H. carnea, aud its pure white variety, nivosa, has become more generally understood, no amateur who has the necessary degree of warmth, need hesitate to cultivate these beautiful Orchids. They are pretty decorative plants, and the flowers are useful for cutting purposes. The new growths which are now appearing start away in a similar manner to those of the Caladium. Immediately the shoots are seen pushing up through the soil, the tubers should be turned out of their pots, carefully separated, and re-potted singly into pots as small as possible, giving perfect drainage. Place the tuber in the centre of the pot, keeping the crown just below the rim, then fill tho space around the tuber with clean crocks to within an inch of the top, so that when repotted a part of the tuber will be in the crocks, and the other part in the compost. Over the drainage place a thin layer of sphag- nurn-moss, and fill up with the following com- post, just covering the top of the tuber: — One- half fibrous peat and loam, and one half chopped moss, a moderate quantity of finely-broken crocks, and coarse silver-sand, mixing the whole together, and potting moderately firm. It is not necessary to shift the plants into pots of larger dimensions after the first potting. When the plants have been potted, place them on the shady side of the warm-stove or East Iudian-house, as near to the roof-glass as possible. Water must be given sparingly at first, merely sprinkling the surface of the soil occasionally with a fine-rose watering cau. As soon as active growth commences and the plants are rooting freely, gradually supply them with an increased quantity, and when in vigorous growth, they may be given an almost unlimited quantity. During bright sunshine some Bhade must be afforded them, and it will be very beneficial to them to well syringe tho under- sides of the foliage occasionally, which not only encourages strong healthy growth, but prevents insect pests disfiguring the delicate foliage. Habe- naria Susanna? may also be repotted now, and placed in a shady part of the Cattleya-house ; it will require similar cultural treatment. Plants of H. rhodochila that were repotted early in the year should now be closely watched for small jellow-thrips and red-spider. FRUITS UNDEH, GLASS. By P. Harris, Gardener, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury. Peaches and Nectarines. — The fruits on trees in the early-house, which were started in December, having passed the stoning period may be pushed on a little faster ; the temperature at night being raised to 60°, and the house closed early, taking care however that the temperature does not afterwards exceed 85°. The syringe may be used freely twice a day, which is the best preventative of red spider, occasionally damping down with manure- water, and putting some of it in the evaporating-paus. Afford good applica- tions of tepid-water at the root ; and if the trees are carrying heavy crops of fruit, manure-water will be required in addition. Keep the shoots for next year's btaring tied in ; avoid overcrowding ; stop lateral and foreright Bhoots at the first joint, and keep the fruits clear of the leaves by putting the latter aside, not by pulling them off. In the case of Nectarines, if the fruits are inclined to rust, morniug syringing should be discontinued, this being a chief cause of this disfiguring appearance. If the trees are well syringed at closing time, and the paths, &c, are damped occasionally during the day, the trees can be kept in a healthy condition. Succession Peach-houses. — These, according to the time the trees have been started, will require the same sort of attention as that afforded the trees in the early house in the matters of disbudding and stopping shoots, thinning the fruits, &c. See previous Calendar for directions as to the manner of carrying out these operations. Late Houses. — The trees will now be iu flower, and should the weather be dull aud wet, a small amount of fire-heat may be required, and the camel-hair pencil be used to induce perfect fertilisation. If tho weather is sunny, neither will be necessary. Houses having no heating apparatus should be shut up early in tho afternoon, in order to husband solar-heat. We are obliged to burn oil-stovea in some of our cold- houses, to prevent the flowers being frozen, as we have had as much as 1 4a of frost quite recently. THE APIARY. By Expert. Artificial Pollen. — If the weather becomes warm, pollen should be freely gathered now, and failing a natural supply, Pea-flour may be given in its stead. For inducing bees to take Pea flour, nothing excels an old skep from which combs have been cut out. After being warmed at the fire its odour will attract the bees to it very soon, and they will take the flour, scattered on shavings, at a great rate. Feeding. — Good stocks will be increasing fast in population, and brood-rearing making rapid progress, so that when natural pollen cau be gathered, the stimulus already acquired will be continued without any care on the part of tne bee-keeper. Honey from natural sources will, however, be scarcely obtainable in sufficient quantity for the needs of stocks for weeks to come, and attention must, therefore, be given, even by those who wish to do as little as pos- sible, so that the prosperous condition of breeding- stocks may be continued without a check until the honey harvest opens. Artificial supplies by means of the feeder should also be given in all cases where want is threatened. Packing Bees for a Long Journey. — The packing of bees for transit is now-a-days more of a necessity than it was years ago, since bee-culture has become general, aud the demand for stocks as well as swarms has iu consequance vastly increased. Years ago, when I commenced bee keeping, I had a good apprenticeship at packing stocks and swarms, and many were the losses at first resulting from my too careful method of packing. Now, the moving of stocks from one apiary to auother, near together or far apart, can be carried on without danger, seeing that most stocks are upon combs built upon foundation that has been wired into the frames. Before anyone buys stocks at the present time, I strongly advise the employment of an expert to mako a careful examination of them, to see that they are healthy, for with the prevalence of foul broods this U more than ever necessary. By no means have stocks from or near an infected area. I very much regret to see advertisements of stocks by men whose apiaries have been badly affected with disease ; and a neigh- bour tells me he saw a lot rotten with disease in one advertiser's apiary this season. If the stocks, declared to be healthy, are taken from his own or any other apiary iu the village, they will be a source of danger to any neighbourhood to which they may be sent. Presuming, however, that the stocks to be removed are healthy, they should be paoked in the manner here indicated. Packing Stocks on Movable Combs. — If the stock is to remain in the hive, nothing need be done to the brood-chamber if on the tiering plan, and it is full of combs ; but if it is a long hive, and the frames do not fill the chamber, the dummy should be nailed close up to the last frame, and the empty space filled with chaff or other materia) . In either case the bees must be confined to their combs by a piece of perforated zinc being nailed over the entrance, and a sheet of it over the tops of the frames. A lath should also be nailed across the frames to keep them from moving. The lift and the roof may then be replaced ; and, to make all secure, a French nail should be driven through the plinths to fasten tho brood- chamber to the floor-board and the upper paits of the hive to those below them. Finally, a stout cord must be bound round to facilitate lifting and carry- ing ; and, as a last precaution against rough or careless handling, a couple of chaff-rolls, like the well known sand-bags, should be tied under the front and back of the hive- A simple aud satisfactory method of moving stocks is to plaoe the frames — say, nine — with adhering bees in a box. The holts into which the ends of the top bars rest are either cut out of the woo. I or a piece of iron, to be placed across the top. The holes must be Beven-eighths of an inch full, and five eighths of an inch opart, the latter distanco being given because the combs are not all of equal width in every hive OB a result of bad spacing, and a little extra room in travelling is an advantage. There should be a space of five-eighths of an inch at least below the frames, aud inside the box a piece of wood, halfan-inch, should be nailed across the ends about half-way down. Through this piece of wood drive French nails an inch long, at points to correspond with the sides of the openiugs foi the ends of the top bars above. If they are a trifle widor, there will be a little play for the combs, which are better not kept quite rigid. For ventilation, holes about 9 inches square are mule both in the lid and bottom of the bdX, which, as well .i-i the elitrali.o, ,u. covered with perforated /.inc. 236 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 10, 1897. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER. Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editor early intelligence of load e rents likely to be of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists. Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be careful to mark the paragraph they wish the Editor to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. f Royal Horticultural Society's Coni- TUESDAT, April 13 -[ mittees (National Auricula and y Primula Society), at Drill Hall. THURSDAY, Apkil 15— Linnean Society. SALES. Special Sale of Begonias, Carna- i tions, Dahlias, and thousands of Hardy Plants from Ware's cele- brated Collection, at Protheroe & Morris Rooms. I Great Clearance Sale of Burmese Orchids, by order of Mr. J. W. Moore; OrcLids in Flower, Stove | and Greenhouse Plants, Liliums, &c, at Stevens' Rooms. fLilies, Palm Seeds, Greenhouse Plants, Begonias, Carnations, &c. , at Protheroe & Morris* WEDNESDAY, AFBII 14 ( j^Xand Foreign Palm8, 1000 Roses to name, Ornamental Shrubs, Border Plants, Ac,, at Stevens' Rooms. MONDAY, : Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from Observations of Forty-three years, at Chiswick. — 48 1°, Actual Temperatures : — London.— April 7 : Max., 53° ; MIn., 39°. Provinces. — April 7(6 p.m.): Max., 49°, Valentia; Min., 40°., Aberdeen. A short time since, in the village Arbor-Day. of Eynsford, Kent, was inaugu- rated what may eventually grow into a pleasant and a profitable custom — one bor- rowed from the United States, but none the worse on that account. On a particular day the school children participate in the planting of fruit or other trees in commemoration of their country's inauguration. Here it is proposed to do like- wise, to fix upon a day, in autumn preferably, and then with due ceremony and rejoicing to plant fruit-trees. Patriotism is to be aroused, the national flag is to be unfurled, the safety of the Queen besought, and blessings to be invoked on the Prince of Wales ! This is all very idyllic. If it grow spontaneously it will surely succeed, but if it is to be done to order, it will assuredly fail ; but again, if it be con- ducted as a matter of business, it has a very fair chance of success. In any case it must have a beginning, and what the sequel may be must depend on the plans and on the practice of the promoters, as well as on circumstances. The promoters must start with a clear notion of what they intend to do. There are many courses before them. If they mean to get up a village festival, instil a little patriotism, convey a few useful lessons on planting and the management of trees, they will, no doubt, effect some indirect good ; but the benefit as regards the extension of fruit culture, looked at as a business, will be trifling. If they mean, after due trenching and preparation of the soil, to set aside each year some acres for a fruit plantation, with dwarfing stocks and intervening Gooseberry bushes, Black Currants, Easpberry quarters, and perhaps Narcissus, Violets, and Wallflowers in between, well and good ; the result will, no doubt, be excellent — if the landlord and the tenant have an agreement satisfactory to both parties, and a good market be within conve- nient access. But the village -festival part of the business will, we fear, in such case be a little out of place. Supposing such a ceremonial to be desirable, would it not be well to associate it rather with the gathering in of the harvest, especially if planting is to be done ? The Kentish peasantry, and a whole army of denizens of the London slums, find their way in late autumn to the Hop-gardens to pick the fragrant catkins. If the weather be propitious the results are excel- lent ; but if otherwise, the hospitals and dispen- saries are for many weeks after overfilled with patients suffering from rheumatism or chest complaints. The gathering in of the fruit crop is not, as a rule, beyond the powers of the villagers and their children ; and here is one point we sug- gest to those who desire to foster an "arbor- day " — the men might on picking days be in- structed in less primitive methods of gathering the fruit than by knocking them down with a broom-handle, or throwing them at random into a basket ; and the girls and the boys might easily be taught to handle the fruit carefully, to pick out the bruised and worm-eaten fruit for the benefit of the pigs and fowls, and care- fully to select, and with equal care to pack, the finest specimens. Our farmers might well imi- tate the care with which the Spanish or Canary Island peasants wrap each orange in paper, or iD a maize-leaf. Opposite our windows as we write are boxes of Tomatos and Potatos from the Canaries packed with a degree of care and neatness we do not often see in the home productions. Quantities of English Apples, as we have also the opportunities of seeing, come into the market in such a condition as to be practically un- saleable. It is sheer folly to waste time, labour, and money on sending such samples to market. They fetch nothing. Good, even parcels of fruit of uniform quality, well packed, and sent to market at the right time, may fluctuate in price from various circumstances, but on the average of years they are sure to be profitable. The idea of teaching boys and girls not to throw Apples about as if they were stones, and of setting them to sort the Apples and pack them, will, of course, raise the objection that the said boys and girls, being boys and girls, will take toll. No doubt they will, but not to any serious extent, and the presentation of a few Apples and a little kindly supervision and tact will reduce loss from this cause to very small proportions. Another suggestion occurs to us with respect to " Arbor-day," and that is, to plant the sides of the oountry roads and other waste places with fruit trees. This is successfully done in some parts of Germany, and the practice is gradually spreading. The little kingdom of Wurtemberg derives an annual amount of 1,500,000 francs a year from its fruit-lined roads. In Alsace-Lorraine, as M. Baltet tells us, the trees were planted by the Germans some twenty years ago, and each tree now yields on the average a revenue of 15 to 23 francs, or 150,000 francs a year. In Prance, too, a few Poplars are often planted by the peasant pro- prietors at the birth of Marie or Annette, and these Poplars form a valuable dot when Marie or Annette think it desirable to estab- lish a home of their own. As to road-side fruit- trees, the plantation would have to be done with great care, and some people will no doubt think that their plantation would constitute a direct encouragement to a breach of the eighth commandment ; but it would be easy to plant sorts which, however valuable for the manufac- ture of cider or of preserves, would not be so palatable as to ensure a second marauding ex- pedition. The loss from depredations of this kind in districts remote from towns and rail- way-stations would be practically infinitesimal, and it is to be hoped that thore are not many who would rail at the occasional abstrac- tion of an Apple by a dust-bestrewn traveller. Moreover, the robbery of private plantations would be proportionately lessened. Even if they were of little use for their fruit, the plantation of such trees would be valuable as affording shade and shelter to pedestrians and cyclists, they would serve as wind-breaks and landmarks, and they would add to the beauties of the country, now often ruthlessly The waste in the case of unoccupied walls is also something prodigious. It is the exception rather than the rule to see the farm-house and its adjoining buildings, or the labourers' cot- tages, covered, as they might be, with Apricots, Pears, the finer sorts of Apples, and on the north side Morello Cherries. If " Arbor-day " can be turned to account in stopping this cul- pable waste of means and opportunities, we shall have cause to thank the foresight of those who initiated so beneficent a custom. As we have said, it is desirable to have a clear idea of what we want to do before com- mencing operations; and the Eynsford folk have, it appears, the intention of extending cider-making in Kent. We remember when cider was made— perhaps it still is in Kent — along the Sussex border, but our recollections of the beverage are not pleasant ones ! The manufacture of cider is a delicate and difficult process ; it cannot be learnt by novices in a season, and hence the question arises whether it would not be well to grow the Apples in Kent, and send them to Herefordshire, Devonshire, Somersetshire, or Norfolk, where the cider manufacture is better understood than it is in Kent. But that is a detail that the experimenters must work out for themselves. The drying of Apples — illustrations of which were shown at Chiswick a few yoars ago, and which formed the subject of an address by Mr. Badger before the Society of Arts — is also a matter to be thought of by the Arbor-day planters. A man who plants a tree properly — we do not say one who " sticks in " a tree — is a public benefactor. If he can combine his bene- ficence with a village festival and so lighten the dulness of village life, while, at the same time evoking a spirit of patriotism, he will be a threefold benefactor. Spring-flowering Plants at Croydon.— The greenhouse containing the plants illustrated by fig. 78 is in the gardens of F. Lloyd, Esq., Coombe House, and at the time our photograph was taken it offered a very gay aspect. The well-flowered Cycla- men plants were in 5-inch pots, and there are sixteen plants represented in the picture. There is a batch of excellent Chinese Prim- roses on the left-hand side of the figure, but they cannot be seen distinctly. The Cinerarias are very good, and are suitably arranged with Azaleas, I)eutzias, Begonias, and a few ornamental foliage plants. A good specimen of Dendrobiuni Pierardi may be discovered in a suspended basket at the extremity of the house. Several plants of D. orassi- node, and a Phalienopsis, are also suspended in baskets. Had there been a freer use made of basket plants, including Lachenalias, of which we notice there are iocluded several good examples, it would have had the effect of improving the appearance of the roof of the house. Mr. M. E. Mills is the gardener at Coombe House, and to him are we indebted for the photograph. Supplement to the "Gardeners Chronicle," April 10, 1897. April 10, 1897. J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 237 Royal Horticultural Society.— The next meeting of the fruit and floral committees will be held on Tuesday, April 13, in the Drill Hall, James Street, Westminster, in connection with which the National Auricula and Primula Society will hold their annual show from 1 to 5 r.M. At 3 »jelock a lecture on "Artificial Manures" will be given by Mr. J. J. Willis. LlNNEAN SOCIETY. — On the occasion of the evening meeting, to be held on Thursday, April 15, 1S97, at 8 p.m., papers will be read :— 1, " On some New Irish Crustacea," by Mi-. A. 0. Walker, F.L.S. ; 2, "On Desmids from Singapore," by Messrs. W. and G. S. West. There will be exhibited a number of plants collected during two years' residence iu Franz Josef Land, by Mr. H. Fisher. Horticultural Club.— The usual monthly dinner and conversazione will take place on Tuesday, April 13, at 6 P.M. A paper will be read on the "Flower Gardens of Victoria," by Dr. Ernest d'Ombkain, of Melbourne. Crystal Palace Fruit Show. -The prize schedule for this show will be issued in a week or ten days' time by the Royal Horticultural Society, and will contain an authoritative list of dessert and cooking Apples, and Pears and Plums. Post free, one penny. Donations towards the prize fund will be gratefully received by the Society. GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITU- TION.— Mr. Arthur W. Sutton, of Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, has contributed the sum of £100 to the " Victorian Era Fund," which is being raised by this Institution to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee. Torquay District Gardeners' Associa- tion.— We learn from the fifth annual report and balance-sheet for 1896-7 that this Society has made steady progress, the number of members has slightly increased, excepting honorary members, who are rather fewer than in previous years. The financial condition of the Society is good, a small balance being in the hands of the Treasurer. The fifth annual summer outing will take place as usual towards the end of July. ISLE OF Wight. — The monthly meeting of the Isle of Wight Horticultural Improvement Associa- tion was held on Saturday, April 3, at Newport. In the afternoon and evening there was an exhibition of Daffodils, Tulips, and other spring flowers staged by Messrs. P. Barr & Sons, London ; T. Ware & Sons, Tottenham ; E. Cave & Sons, Newport, I.W. Cineraria BLOOMS are sent us by Messrs. Carter & Co., High Holborn. These flowers repre- sent a valuable strain ; they are of large size, and possess varied, distinct, and bright-colouring. A large quantity of plants in bloom may now be seen at Messrs. Carters' nursery at Forest Hill, S.E. The Royal Horticultural Society of IRELAND held a spring show on the 1st inst. in the Royal University Buildings. The display was of moderate extent, and consisted principally of Narcissus. The Royal School of Horticulture at POTSDAM. — The Royal Horticultural School at Potsdam, opened in 1821 by request of Lenne, the Director of the Royal Gardens, is one of the oldest and most colebrated institutes for the education of the gardener, and is able to look back on an existence of almost seventy-five years. It is the intention of the former pupils, friends of the Institution, and members of the craft to have a jubilee in 1899 in celebration of the opening of the institute ; and numerous professors, head gardeners, nurserymen, landscape gardeners, and others, in response to a circular sent out by Herrn Walter, Royal Court Garden Director, and Herrn T. Echtermeyer, the Inspector of the Royal Horticultural School, Potsdam, have signified their willingness to form an executive committee for the intended jubilee, and it may be taken for granted that nothing will be lacking to make it in every respect a success. Already large sums of money have come to hand for the "Travelling Fund." This fund is intended to afford assistance to needy craftsmen who are certified to be deserving persons, but who lacK the means to take journeys for intellectual improve- ment ; as likewise for furnishing funds for the festivities. The Executive Committee, and that of the Great General Horticultural Exhibition, meet on Thursday, April 29, at the Hotel Imperial, Unter den Linden, Berlin, in reference to the celebration of the seventy-fifth year's j ubilee of the Vereins zur Bejorde- rung desQartenbaucs in den, Preussischcn, Staaten ; and finally to settle the order of the festivities, and what further Btepe it will be necessary to take. Trentham and Hanford Horticultural SOCIETY. — The ninth annual exhibition of this Sodiety has been arranged to be held on July 22 noxt in the Trentham Gardeus, by permission of His Grace the Duko of Sutherland, who is also Presi- dent. In the schedule just to hand there are up- wards of 100 competitions, composed of " Open to all " classes, others for gardouers, single-handed gar- deners, local exhibitors, and cottagers. There will probably be considerable competition in the open class for a group of plants, and in the fruit classes. Ouo of the principal of the last-named section is a class for a " decorated table of ripe fruit." We hope that nothing will prevent the show from beiug held this season, as was the ease last year. " Favourite Flowers of Garden and GREENHOUSE." — This publication, to which we have previously had occasion to refer, is an excellent one for the amateur who desires to know something about the plants he cultivates. The text is clear and to the point ; the illustrations, which are true to Nature, contain many details not ordinarily found in such publications, and err on the side of reduction rather than of exaggeration. Messrs. F. Warne & Co., Bedford Street, Strand, are the publishers. Planes and Willows.— "By the waters of Babylon," says the Psalmist, "we sat down and wept." Some of the riverside residents at Kingston and Hamp- ton Wick seem disposed just now to do the same by the water of the Thames. They lament the gradual disappearance of the long line of common and very old pollarded Willows which ran along the side of the river by the margin of the Kingston town Can- bury Gardens. The Willows are so old, and in such condition of decay, that if headed back they never break again ; and many not headed have nearly all the long branches dead. There can be no doubt but that this gradual decay was hastened some years since when the promenade by the riverside was first made, owing to the foundation, some 18 to 20 inches in depth, consisting of town-ash or refuse, which partially buried the Btems, and largely poisoned the roots. In'some parts of the gardens where the swampy ground was raised by this material 2 or 3 feet, old Willows have been killed wholesale. Now nothing can save those on the riverside, and as Plane trees planted on one portion, where there were no Willows, several years since, have done remarkably well, the corpora- tion are planting other Planes between the old Willows, and an outcry has in consequence been raised, the planting of other Willows being demanded. The reply is, that owing to the presence of the ashes in the foundation, the Willows will not thrive, but the Planes will. Birch, a charming tree in or out of leaf, has been suggested as a substitute. The old Willows are not of the graceful weeping order, and many of them are now most artistically ugly. The Formal Style of Gardening.— The Builder of March 27 contains a view of Versailles at the time when men wore cocked hats and periwigs. The gardeus as shown are most elaborate, consisting of tall hedges enclosing temples, theatres, fountains, triumphal arches, and other specimens of the topiary art. The general effect is not bo ridiculous as might be supposed, because it is in harmony as to form with the Palace, but a temple cut out of Yew or Laurel is a gross perversion and misapplication of material. If the hedges and clipped trees were all removed and turf laid down, how vastly the Palace would be improved ! The Royal Commission appointed to visit tho West Indies and to advise upon the steps desir- able to be adopted in view of the decreasing profits from Sugar culture, has visited several of the islands, Trinidad, Jamaica, &c, and is likely to return to this country in May. Dr. Morris, whose experience in such matters is so extensive, forms part of the Com- mission. From the time of Sir William Hooker, who inaugurated the Colonial department, if we may be allowed to call it so, great attention has been paid at Kew to colonial requirements, and now the visit of the Assistant- Director cannot fail to be of service. Summary of a Meteorological Journal. — The observations tabulated iu this sheet were taken by Mr. Leeson Prince, at his Observatory, Crow- borough Hill, Sussex, during 18116. As a brief epitomo of tho weather, as chronicled at this and neighbouring stations, we note that the spring mouths of tho year were somewhat mild ; drought being experienced (except during March) to an extent unprecedented for several years at so early a season. The remaining months were, ou the whole, wet, with the exception of some brilliant weather iu July. Judging from records taken iu other parts of England, the unusual drought and subsequent rainfall were very generally experienced. FERN-HYBRIDS.— At a recent meeting of the Zoological-Botanical Society of Vieuua, Dr. M. v. Eichenfeld showed hybrids between Asplenium trichouianes and A. septentrionalo found in Tirol. Rose Show Fixtures for 1897. — June 10 (Thursday), Ryde ; 18 (Friday), Portsmouth (N.R.S.) ; 21 (Thursday), Colchester ; 29 (Tuesday), Canter- bury, Sutton, and Westminster (R.H.S.) ; July 7 (Wednesday), Hitchiu and Tunbridge Wells ; 8 (Thursday), Harrow and Woodbridge. The above, together with those given in the Gardeners' Chronicle on March 20, reports Mr. Ed. Mawlev, are the only dates definitely fixed that have as yet reached him. He will be glad to insert in the next list, which will be issued early in May, any further fixtures that may be sent to him at " Rosebank," Berkhamsted, Herts. Currants and Patriotism.— Rather a strange conjunction this, one might be tempted to say, but that the one affects the other, to-day, must be ad. mitted. Iu Greece the Currant crop is one of great importance, and the Greeks, fired with patriotism, are to a man iu arniB against the Turk and in favour of the Cretan. Admitting this, it naturally follows that the growers of Currants, and the men who pre- pare them for market, as well as those who see to their sale, have had to give up fruit culture and take to the field of war. " Pity 'tis, 'tis true : " the Currant crop ha3 to be left to itself — to be matured, Bold, and sent away to, amongst other places, the United Kingdom. This means, that, unless gentle peace quickly returns, the year's crop will be valueless, and the gallant little country a loser — a loser where it can least afford to lose — and English matrons will greatly miss the universal favourite, the juvenile consumers of puddings will by this remember the year of grace 1897. True, all Currants are not grown in Greece, nor do all puddings contain Currauts, but Greek Currants, like Currant puddings, are universal favourites, and the loss will be felt by an extensive, if juvenile, army of con- sumers. Tho attention of buyers is being drawn to the possibilities of the Greco-Turkish cmbroglio by circulars emanating from the larger dealers in foreign and colonial fruits, fresh aud dry, and it is well, we think, to make a note here of the state of things now existing in Greece as possibly afl'octing the supply here, and price, of our humble but excellent friend, the Greek Currant. "The Wasted Orchards of England."— The information now collected into the form of a book of convenient size, will be remembered by some readers as having been first issued iu the pages of th« Gardeners' Magazine. Some hard truths are men- 238 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 10, 1897. tioned about the ignorance, carelessness, and neglect, which allow plots of land and miles of walls, capable of much improvement, to be practically wasted ; and we can only hope that these protests, and the general tendency towards technical education, will in their several ways induce a better state of things in the future. A better understanding between landlord and tenant, and more liberal railway rates, are, of course, primary essentials. The publishers of the pamphlet before us are W. H. & L. Collinghidge, Aldersgate Street, E.C. • COUNTRY LIFE."— We are pleased to see that this publication maintains, week by week, the degree of excellence which was shown in the 6rst number of it. The illustrations are good and clear, those reproduced from photographs being particularly faithful. The letterpress also deals with just such subjects, and in just such a way as is most likely to find continued favour with all interested in a country life. The accounts of some of the country houses are most attractive. Tne publishers are Messrs. Hudson & Heakns, Tavistock Street, W.C. Dr. KLATT, of Hamburgh, died on March 3. He was best known in this country for his work on the Iridacere. The D. Thomson Testimonial.— We have received the following note from Mr. A. Hkndbrson, of Thoresby Gardens : — " The subscription list for Mr. Thomson's testimonial will close on May 1, aud it is hoped all who intend to join will send in their tubficriptions by the above date."' Fifty Years in Her Majesty's Garden- Charles Marr, an employe in the Royal Gardens at Frogmore, completed his fiftieth year of service last week, and he was presented with an illuminated address of congratulation and a purse of gold, the pubeciibers towards which included members of the Royal Family. Owing to the sudden decease recently of Mrs. Mark, the presentation was made privately. The Bulbs in the London Parks are now making a considerable display, and are worthy of a visit. Unfortunately, the weather has recently been very ungenial to them and to plants generally. In Hyde Park, as is usual, the principal display is made in the beds skirting Park Lane. Upuu the whole, we think the Hyacinths are stronger and better than the Narcissus, with a few exceptions. A bed of N. Sir Watkin is very fine, with a carpet of Scilla eibirica. Dieiytra spectabilis in beds carpeted with double white, and in another case double red Daisies, will look pretty soon. In some beds there are Hyacinths aud Narcissus mixed, but in general the effect is not good, as the flowers of both species are in most instam.es about the same height. If the Narci sus had been stronger, and thrown their flowers an inch or two 1 eyoud those of the Hyacinths, a better effect would have resulted. Either species, with a suitable carpet, however, is preferable. Some of the combinations were N. Horsfieldi with H. General Havelock, N. maxinius with H. Lord Derby, N. rugilobus with H. Sir H. Barkeley, N. Golden Spur with H. Czar Peter, N. rugilobus with H. Czar Peter, and a border of H. Van der Hoop. N. rugilobus with H. Mont Blanc (white) aud H. Charles Dickens (blue). This bed had a very good etleet. One of the best examples of such mixed beda in the Hyde Park is one composed of N. priuceps, H. Priestley (pale blue), and H. Van der Hoop as a border. Hyacinih L>ueeu of Hyacinths was bordered with H. Miraudolina (white), but the border was rather earlier aud taller thau those in the centre of the bod. Auother bed containing H. Fabiola, and a similar border to that in the previous bed. was much better. Beds of Hyacinths alone in some cases were very good, and had a distinct effect, such a* Duke of Welliogtou, Regulus, aud Courouue de Celle ; the last-named pale blue variety is very pretty. Narcissus Sir Watkiu by itself, in several instinces, is commendable. The Polyanthuses, Ane- mones, Wallflowers, Auriculas, aud Tulips will be about to flower when these notes are published. In Regent's Park the display is near to Great Port- land Street Railway Station, where the spring and summer displays have been made for years past. The mixing of varieties of Hyacinths in large beds is gene- rally practised here, and by making the surface of the beds in gentle slopes, a very desirable relief is obtained. A large bed so planted this Beason con- tains H. Robert Steiger, Gertrude, and Grandeur h. Merveille, Charles Dickens (dark blue), and Czar Peter were grouped iu another instance, and Gigantea with Czar Peter. Gigantea, Czar Peter, aud Charles Dickens together create a very fine effect. The beds of Narcissus are looking well, one very largo one contains Emperor ; others are planted with Em- presB, Horsfieldi, Sir Watkin, and such popular kinds. Amongst the Narcissus are dotted Wall- flowers and Primroses, in order to prolong thedisplay as far as possible until the summer bedding plants can be put out. The beds of Tulips will not be in bloom for some days yet. Although the beds contain the best-grown bulbs of all kinds, there are multi- tudes of Hyacinths, Tulips, Narcissus, Scillas, Mus- carias, &c., in glades, under trees, and upon grassy slopes. They present such a beautiful picture that one might bo pardoned for preferring it to that of the beds. The old bulbs that have become rather weak, are utilised for this purpose, and the visitor is bound to admit that they have been planted in posi- tions selected with care and taste. The Narcissus, and in less measure the Tulips also, acquire vigour whilst growing iu the grass ; but not so the Hyacinths, which seem unable to maintaiu the vigour they possess when put out. The whole of the bulbs under grass in this park offer a lesson to many a gardener, and a msguifiecnt sight to all who see them. THE WEATHER. — After the abnormally wet March, April has set in with severity. In Scotland the snow is lying on the hills down to about 500 feet, aud nearly every day there has been a fall of an inch or more, but it quickly melted. At night the frost has ranged from 8° — 12° for more than a week. A correspondent from Kidderminster reports frost in that neighbourhood to the extent of 14' on Tuesday last. Importations] of Fruit.— In the Journal of the Board of Agriculture for March are so ne figures which should make our distressed agriculturists ask themselves whether their low estate is [not, in a measure, their own fault. We append only the figures relating to]°fruits, &c., which can easily be grown in this country in much larger quantities than at present. " Amongst imports of fruit in 1896, the supply of Apples seems to have been nearly doubled, as compared with 1895, aud the total considerably exceeds the arrivals of41894, when close upon five millions of bushels were imported. The average value dropped to 5s. Id. per bushel, against 5s. 1Q. IRIS FOSTERIANA. — This very rare species, in- termediate between the Xiphion and Juno groups, flowered in the Bloemhof Nurseries, Haarlem, last week. The bulbs, which were formerly lifted annually, have not been removed since the autumn of 1895, and now flower for the first time. They are placed under the frame, but they will probably be as hardy as the allied species. Tho flower of Iris Eosteriaua is remarkable for its two characteristic colours, the whole upper part being lemon-yellow, with a more or less conspicuous deep yellow crest ; whereas, the turned- down segments or falls are of a deep violet hue. The bulb is very tender, and the roots are thin instead of fleshy, like those of Iris alata and other members of the Juno group. It is, no doubt, a precious and curious species, but it is too scarce and too troublesome in its requirements to become a general favourite. A coloured plate may be found in the Bot. Ma;/., t. 7215 ; and reference is also made to it by Professor Foster in his excellent pamphlet on Bulbous Irises, pp. 44 and 82. The first publication was made by Dr. Aitchison, who discovered it in Afghanistan, at an altitude of about 4000 feet, and described it, in co-operation with Mr. Baker, in the Transactions of the Linnean Society, 2nd ser., Botany III., 114. Ernst H, Krelage. WOOD-ASHES AND TURF- ASHES. - I saw in a recent Gardeners' Chronicle an answer about coal- ashes as a manure. Now the wood-ashes require a very little liquid-manure to be mixed with them, as there is plenty of a certain kind of plant-food in them, and if wood-ashes come into contact in quantity with the seed, they do harm aad cause them to become sickly and pine away. The ashes of turf are the best absorbers of farmyard drainings, soapsuds, &c, and it is then a better dressing for the land than half the artificial manures sold. The farmers in general let it run into {lie ditches and waste it. I always preserve our farmyard drainings for mixing with soil, manure, turf-ashes, &c. Now as regards Potatos, you see I am quite right in my estimation of wood-ashes, and I have always found it so. It affects Tomatos in the same mauner, it never comes from the soil or "the East," as moat persons think, and have the idea that if it touches the bine first, it will be sure to run to the root and tubers within three days. Abel Fairall. MONOGRAPH OF ODONTOGLOSSUM CRISPUM. — Two years ago, by the kindness of the editors of tho Horticultural Press, I was enabled to procure many forms of this Orchid for the above monograph. I am sorry to say that of late the interest in the work has seemed to die oft', and I rarely get fine forms sent me. I hope that 1897 will bring me all the good varieties in so many collections, that I may bo able iu the autumn to carry out my idea of publishing this work; it will be more than ordinarily interesting now that its subject has absolutely become the Orchid of the world. People may fancy that their varieties are not good enough to be mentioned in a work of the sort— that is not the caso. When a plant has once borno a varietal or distinguishing name, it is needful it be recorded, or there will be a greater and worse confusion than ever existing; already there are some repetitions of names in the species. I may say that I shall be much obliged for any good Odonto- glossum to record for future writings on other species. Be B. Crawshay. [All the varieties, named or un- named, should be recorded. Ed.]. THE WEATHER IN MARCH. -In looking over my Gardeners' Chronicle to-day, I noticed the remarks of H. J. Elwes about the sort of weather experienced in the month of March — an open month, and one favourable to vegetation in general. It was the same^ in this part of Scotland. Narcissus, &c, are in full bloom ; Rhododendrons, Daphnes, and Ribes all in bloom. Alas ! on Monday, March 29, wehadG" of frost ; on Tuesday, 12°, and 2 inches of snow. The snow soon disappeared on Wednesday, and we had 14° of frost ; on Thursday, April 1, 15° ; Friday, April 2, 12" ; on the 3rd, 12°; the 4th, 12° ; the 5th, 14s; and this morning, 9°. It is easy to imagine the damage that has been done, everything that was showiug bloom being ruined for this season. Rain has commenced to fall now, so that we hope for more genial weather. Alex. Crane, Gardener. Bridue of Weir, N.B. THE WEATHER IN ABERDEENSHIRE AND THE NORTH OF SCOTLAND.— March of this year will be remembered for its persistent and continued rains. The equinoctial gales raged both before and after the equinox, and the whole of the month was charac- terised by changeable and unsettled weather. So far as this county is concerned, it may be stated that, as there was a noted deficiency in the rainfall for February — it was 71 per cent, under the average for the month — we might have looked for a certain superabundance in March, and we got it. During the whole month we enjoyed only 63 hours of sunshine, which is not only the lowest figure applic- able to any station, but is only half of the average total duration of bright sunshine in the north-east of Scotland for the month of March. There is soma satisfaction to be derived from the fact that in the north of Scotland April is, as a rule, decidedly the driest month of the year. IV. Kelly. WEATHER LORE. — It was a saying of the gardeners of half a century ago, that just in proportion to the number of fogs in March would be the frosts in May. When I was a schoolboy, I used to ask what was the connection between the two, but never received a satisfactory reply. I should think years have elapsed since there was such an entire absence of fogs in the month of March. Blustering winds have prevailed, and they have doubtless driven the fogs to other lands. The conventional March with angry roar has extended all through the month, with a rainfall of probably an almost unprecedented abundance. Soils at all adhesive have been beaten down by the rains to the hardness of a barn floor ; and the winds have hardened them still more. But little March planting has been possible, and gardeners are looking forward hopefully for April to bring genial open weather. Will May be destitute of frosts because there were no fogs in March ? There is no more anxious time for gardeners than during the last two weeks of the mouth of May. R. D. FROST AND FRUIT BLOSSOM.— Some trusses of buds of Pear blossom have been sent mo from Beckenham, showing that the recent frosts have hail lamentable effect upon them. The exterior of the buds look as if scorched, and on cutting them open, the 8tameus were found to be destroyed. This may be a partial visitation only, but if a fair inference can bo drawn from accounts received from other parts of the country, the injury done is not at all of a local character. Happily, there is generally an enormous amount of blossom on standard Pear trees, and it is to be hoped that a sufficient uuniber of flower- buds will escape as will afford a good crop of fruit. R. D. THE SPRING OF 1897.— During the thirty years or more that 1 ha?e been a gardener, I never remember such a March as the one we have j est passed through. Theic has been no east wind, no night- frost worth mentiouing, very little dust, very little suushinc, and an extraordinary amount of raiu. So far, I am in accord with Mr. Elwes ; and while 1 preface any after-remarks by saying that, of course, I know that whatever is, is best, 1 am sure if I had to chooso, 1 should welcome back again the old familiar oast wind and tho burning sunshine, and would pray that the spring of 189/ might nevor havo a successor like itself. Mr. Klwei very truly says that his remarks apply to a dry, hungry, linieUono-soil in a very cold, backward district, and may not be equally applicable to more favoured soils and situations. In all 240 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 10, 1897. probability that quite explains the difference between his way of looking at things and my own ; but I can only say that I never remember a spring which was less like a spring than this, and one which threw us back in such great disappointment. The joyousness of the season has been absolutely unknown ; and while the windows of heaven have been open, and rain has been pouring down in torrents, day after day, and week after week, the flowers in my garden have all seemed as if they were quite out of spirits, and some of them looked as though they thought it was not worth while to take the trouble of opening at all. I am not singular [in my present ideas. A few days ago I had a letter from Herr Max Leichtlin, of Baden-Baden, and he compressed all he had to say about this matter into a line — "the weather here is abominable"— and so, with all due reverence, say I about the present state of things in the Isle of Wight. What puzzles me beyond everything else is this : the swallowa have, in some few cases, made their appearance in the island a fortnight sooner than has ever been known before. What can be the reason for that ? Is the sky in Africa, and elsewhere so overclouded that they have come northwards in search of happier climes ? — if so, they must bitterly rue their adventure, and had far better go back again to the place from which they came, and await Bome improvement here. Gardening hi the Isle of Wight has almost been at a standstill, not only during the month of March, but all through the winter. I had some cartloads of sand and loam brought into my garden in November last, and I meant to use them at once for the construction of two or three large beds for bulbs, but where this sand and loam were thrown down on the path, there they are now, aud there they seem likely to remain so far as appearances go. and this means that from November till now we have never once had three continuous fine days, or the beds would have been made lon# ago. A very large Magnolia conspicua, which is covered with its myriad blossoms and buds, is hardly worth looking at. It is browned all over. It cannot bear to be knocked about in this way, and drenched through and through. Anemones flop about in a thoroughly unhappy way ; and Narcissi, which do bear up against it all, would look much better under a clear blue sky ; and so, I think, it is with most other things. Fritillariaa hold their own, and Ere- muri, it is to be admitted, are distinctly better for the absence of cutting frosts ; but this is as nothing when compared with the other side of the picture. I tremble for not a few bulbs which I planted a short time ago, and which I fear may rot in the ground ; and beyond everything else, I have parsed through an agony on accouut of several hundred oncocyclus Irises which, if we are to have any fine weather at all, will, I am sure, reward me this year for all my trouble regarding them, but which may give it all up in disgust at the eleventh hour if this sort of thing is to go on. Moreover, bow can they be ripened for another year if they are to have no taste of sunshine at all ; and what will the flowers of 1898 be like if maturation in the summer is rendered impossible ? I hope I have not written in too querulous a st;ain. I do not think I was in a complaining mood before Mr. Elwes' words came to hand, and now I quite acknowledge that his explanation is correct. I only say that the plants and bulbs in the Isle of Wight would dearly like to have their accustomed flood of sunshine at this time of the year ; that my Irises would clap their hands if only it would come; and I cannot help thinkiog that I should rejoice in it myself, and I hope that, subject to arrangements of a wider sort, which I do not understand, and with which I have nothing to do, the spring of 1S97 may never be repeated here — in fact, I should welcome none less in the future than one like the present, of all the springs we have had during the last thirty years. H. Bwbanl; St. John's, Ryde, April 3. Fruit Register. APPLE BRAMLEV'S SEEDLING. This late-keeping cooking Apple does not appear to be a free-fruiting variety, at least, in some districts of the southern counties of England. Seven yuars ago I planted some bush trees on the Paradise stock, along with several other kinds, in two different gar- dens, the soil iu one being rich and light, and in the other a moderately good but heavy loam ; and in neither has this variety been a success. The trees have made stout firm growth, but do not fruit freely, never having produced in their best year more than a third of a crop, and this after root-pruning has been carefully carried out ; therefore I con- clude it is a shy bearer, and only adapted for certain localities. My view of the subject was endorsed recently when discussing the merits of this and other Apples with the foreman of a large fruit-tree nursery, his opinion being that "Bramley's was decidedly what maybe termed a local Apple,' ' and more suitable for growing in the midland rather than southern counties. As far as its keeping qualities are concerned, my experience is that it is in no way better than Lane's Prince Albert, which is a constant and sure cropping variety of equal, if not superior, cooking qualities. C. H. Notes on Pears at Kedleston, Derby". Being in the vicinity of Derby recently, I had the pleasure of inspecting the splendid collection of Pears on the walls at Kedleston, which, I may add, extend altogether to a length (at a rough guess) of quite a mile, and form a great feature of the place. Since taking charge of Lord Scarsdale's gardens, Mr. Voss, who previously had been a euccessf ul and enthusiastic grower of hardy fruit, as his successes at the Royal Aquarium and Manchester Shows testify, has reju- venated the majority of the oldest and largest trees, by budding more serviceable varieties on to young shoots springing from the side branches, which had been previously cut back to within 6 inches of the main stem, this being a quicker and to all appear- ance equally satisfactory method of covering walls than renewing wholesale with young trees. Many, however, were of necessity replaced by young trees, both horizontal and cordon-trained, the clean, bright- looking wood and plump buds showing their vigour and healthiness. Some of the varieties specially noticeable, were Alexander Lambre, which is here a good cropper, and keeps well till January, though Mr. Voss does not consider its flavour so good here as in the south. Beurre* Bachelier is of good flavour and fine appearance, as also Bergamotd'Esperen, which is a first-rate keeper. Beurre* Diel is remark- able for cropping, fine colour, and size, and the fruits keep well. Easter Beurre" does well, and it furnishes a supply of late Pears. Brockworth Park h a heavy cropper, and excellent flavour, compared with others from less favoured localities. Doyenu£ du Cornice, considered by Sir. Voss as the best Pear in cultivation, is largely grown, though it does not reach the ideal as exhibited by him at the Royal Aquarium. Glou Morceau keep3 well, but it [is deficient \u flavour. Marie BenoiBt, Marie, Louise, Marie Louise d'Uccle, dj well, and are good in flavour, as is also the honeyed Seckle. Pitmaston Duchess I was surprised to hear spoken of in very poor terms ; and that Thompson's and Passe Crassane are poor in flavour, but bear abun- dantly. Williams' Bon Chretien grows remarkably fine, and the flavour is excellent, I was told ; as is also that of Winter Nelis, which here keeps well into the month of February, but is little esteemed for dessert. L'tcestrian. Two New Winter Pears. We learn from the Jard'tn, p. 41, that two varieties of Pears raised by M. Clavier of Tours, are being distri- buted by M. Pinguet, Guindon. They are named respectively Beurre" Souvenir de Madelain.and Beurre* H. Martinet. The first is of middle size, obtuse pyri- form, skin deep yellow colour, a little bronzed, and spotted with brown; eye of middle size, and set in a shallow basin. The stalk is short ; flesh very fine, whitish, juicy, of a pleasant vinous fla our. A fruit of extra good quality, ripening during January and February. The second forms a strong-growing pyra- midal tree, and bears abundantly. The wood is of a reddish-brown, with prominent buds. Fruit is large, conical, and irregular, rind greenish-yellow, with a few russet spots ; eye of moderate size, is situated in a wide basin, the stalk is short, and the flesh white, very juicy and fine, strongly aromatic, and of excel- lent quality. It begins to ripen in January, remaining good till the end of March. These varieties, after being tested by the Tours Horticultural Society, received the highest award of the Society. Apple Yorkshire Greening. This fairly well-known variety is one of the best culinary Apples I know of at this season. I have grown it for over forty years in three English counties, and nearly always the trees have carried good crops of fruit of first-rate quality. The fruit when thinned out, or not too abundant, is large, and it keeps well till May. I am using the fruits at the present time. It has an agreeable acidity ; the rind is of greenish- yellow tint. The tree is a free grower, with a rambling habit, and is not liable to the American blight. William. Smythe, Basing Pari- Gardens, Alton, Hampshire. Nursery Notes. B. S. WILLIAMS & SON. A characteristic feature of this nursery at Upper Holloway consists in the large number of ornamental or decorative plants to be seen there, including many species for the stove and for the greenhouse. Such are the Palms, the Aralias, the Primulas, many of the Cordylines, Ferns, Araucarias, Aspidistras, Codiseums, and numerous other leB3 popular plants. At the present time there is an excel- lent batch of Aralias in one of the houses in splendid growth, and excellent in every way for the embellishment of the dinner-table. They are all well-known plants, but one does not frequently see good batches of them. The mo3t slender-habited of all is A. gracillima (or more properly, A. Veitchii gracillima) ; tender, no doubt, but difficult to excel as a table-plant, pro- viding there i3 a stock of them, and injury to a speci- men through exposure is not of vital moment. Then follows A. elegantissima, but little broader in the parts, and when well grown, a distinct and handsome species. A. Veitchii. less tender ; A. Chabrierii, and A. Regina, with broader leaves, are all useful in different ways. Unfortunately, it is seldom possible to strike cuttings ; and as the stock must be increased by grafting, they are not so common as they would be could they be raised at less expense. There are thousauds of Palms, from seedlings with their first leaves to useful specimens of several feet high. Notwithstanding the variety of Palms that now exist, including several very pretty and useful specie?, the demand even from private gardens is for the common species of Kentia, Cocos, and Geonoma. Kenlias, especially, are very popular Palms, and at the present time specimens of a few feet in height are not more than equal to requirements. Were Geonomas and Licualas as easily cultivated, and LiviBtona rotundifolia and other species as inexpen- sive as Kcntias, they would be more frequently seen. Phaius flabelliformis and humilis, both included in Messrs. Williams' collection, are useful species of easy culture. Several of the Phceaix group, in- cluding P. rupicola, are also extremely decorative plants ; but these are not a tithe of the available Palms for conservatory decoration. Codia?ums (Crotons) are given a fair share of space in one or two of the warmer houses, and the collection may be said to embrace a fine selection of varieties, Bince many of the inferior ones have been weeded out. Growth is just becoming active in these plants. There are pretty plants of Cordylines (Dracaenas), of suitable size for the decoration of the stove or of dwelling- rooms, and some of the newer varieties, such as Miss Glendinning, possess hand- somely-coloured leaves ; though the old D. Cooperi, D. Baptisti, and D. terminalis are still desirable plants. After seeing hosts of these and similar deco- rative species, we notice an unusually large quantity of plants of climbing habit. Whether for pillar, wall, or roof, in hot or cool structures, there need be no difficulty in selecting suitable subjects, for they occupy the greater part of the space in several of the large houseB. Passing to a different class of plants, we noticed a stock of Rhododendrons. In one of the cooler houses, where many of the plants are of considerable propor- tions, such varieties as the following were carrying flowers, R. assamicum graveolens, Countess of Had* April 10, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' GHEONIOLE. 241 dington, DeniBoni, multiflorum, Comet, Foraterianum, Princess Alice, aud Lady Alice Fitzwilliam. The smaller-flowered varieties were well repre- sented in a warmer structure, including such well- known kinds as Queen Victoria, Princess Alexander, Taylori, and T. rubra, Jasminiflorum, Princess Teck, and Princess Royal, one of the best of the whole group, as it is seldom without flowers. Amongst the Indian Azaleas, a new one, called Professor "Wolters, struck us aa being exceptionally fine. It is rose- coloured, with a very warm blotch on the upper petals ; the flowers are of good size, and the margins wavy. In one of the houses a number of pot Vines is being grown, which is, we believe, a new ©bttuar»« W. G. Head. — It is with sincere regret we have to record the death, in the sixtieth year of his age, of Mr. W. G. Head, the able aud respected Superin- tendent of the Gardens of the Crystal Palace, on Saturday last, after a lingering and extremely painful illness. Mr. Head was about eighteen years in this position, having succeeded Mr. George Thomson. To exhibitors and habitue's of the Crystal Palace Mr. Head was well known, and much liked, ever obliging to others, never sparing of himself, or seeming to get tired of his somewhat harasshtfg work ; and the excellent manner in which the gardening of the departure at this nursery. We need hardly mention the Vandas as most gardeners are aware that they succeed admirably here. The Cattleyas also, and the Orchids generally were looking well. There was not much bloom to be seen, but the fol- lowing wore noticed amongst others :— The new Kulo- phiella Elisabetlue, Ada aurantiaca, Dendrobium cucullatum giganteum, Vanda suavis, Lcelia cinna- barina, Cattleya citiina, Cymbidium Devonianum, Cypripedium exul, Doudrobium "Wardianum, Odou- toglossum crispurn, 0. cirrosum, &c. Vanda teres is just showing its flower spikes. A house full of Cliveias in bloom make a good display, and include many fine varieties, notably one called Queen Victoria, which was noticed in our report last week of the Royal Botanic Society's show. An adjoining house is full of Hippeasfcruins in flower. Palace was maintained, was often the theme of well- merited praise. Mr. Head's experience as a gardener was very varied. At an early age he first entered the then very famed gardens at Arundel Castle, in his native county, he having been born at Worthing. Here he met Mr. A. F. Barron of Chiswick, and began a fiiend- ship which lasted to the end of his life. Leaving Arundel he went to Shrubland Park, Ipswich, famous for its gardens at that period ; nnd from thence to Drumlaurig under Mr. Mcintosh. We next find him in South Wales for a short time, cultivating Pine-apples ; aud then as foreman in the Koyal Hor- ticultural Society's Gardens at Chiswick, with his friend, Mr. Barron. From Chiswick he went to the ltoynl Gardens, Kew, where he stayed some time ; aud thence went to India, to take charge of the Gardens of the Calcutta Agri-Horticultural Society at Alipore. After a stay of six years in India he re- turned to England, and was shortly afterwards appointed Garden Superintendent at the Crystal Palace. He was buried at Chiswick on Wednesday last, the 7th inst. The portrait, of which we give a reproduction, was courteously furnished by Messrs. Negretti & Zambra. RICHARD Pfau. — We regret to have to announce the death of Mr. R. Pfau, at his residence, San Jose, Coata Rica, on March 14 last. His death was cau-ed by a throat trouble of long standing, which ren- dered his last days ones of great suffering. Mr. Pfau, who was of Swips nationality, and well known in con nection with Central American Orchids, has for some years been successfully carrying on an important establishment for their culture, aud for fruits and other kinds of trees and plants, for sale in Central America. Last year he paid a visit to this country, and succeeded in bringing home a small lot of Epiden- drum Endresii and of Miltonia Endresii, both very difficult species to import. His notes on the climatic peculiarities in which some of the rarest Costa Rica plants are found growing we have published in the Gardeners Chronicle on several occasions. MRS. T. W. BOND. — The many friends of Mr. T. W. Bond, gardener to C. L. N. Ingram, Esq., Elstead House, Godalming, and one of the members of the Orchid Committee of the Roy;.l Horticultural Society, will be pained to learn of the death of his wife and of the circumstances leading up to it. It appears that Mrs. Bond had been in a nervous and depressed condition for some few days, when her youngest eon, a boy of about seven years, and who was playing in a meadow where a two- horse roller was at work, jumped on the roller for a ride, and, unfortunately, fell, and the roller passed over him. The ground wai soft with the rains, and he escaped with a fractured skull, but is now thought likely to get over it. The shock, coming as it did at a time when Bhe could least withstand if, caused the mother's death. In order to remove Mr. Bond for a time from the scene of his troubles, Mr. Ingram is sending him on a tour through France. SOCIETI ES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Scientific Committee. March 23.— Present: Rev. C. W. Dod (in the Chair); Mr. J. Douglas, Mr. Michael, Dr. Miiller, Rev. W. Wilks, Dr. Bonavia, and Rev. G. Henalow (Hon. Sec.). Bulbs with Arrested Roots.— With reference to the samples sent to the last meeting by Mr. Atkinson, Mr. Douglas was of opinion that the treatment lud perhaps not been quite advisable, for be thought that they should have been put out- of-doors, and not in a shed, and covered with 6 inches of Cocoa-nut fibre. If, however, there was something deleteri- ous in the compost sent for inspection, this conld at once be ascertained by an analysis. 8uch, however, would be beyond the province of the Society. Wireironas a„t inches —1st and 2nd G. Wood. Six Roses, in pots, distinct varieties. —1st, t). MaOKAY, Twelve Cyclameus. not fewer than three varieties. 1st, T. Lunt; 2nd, M. M'Intvre. Six Cyclamens.— 1st, T. Lunt, Dumblane. Four pots Amaryllis. — 1st, W. Galloway j 2nd, M. M'Intvre. Six Cinerarias.— 1st, D. Kidd ; 2nd, J. Ci'mmino. Four .lapauose Maples, in pots. 1st, A, Lain,:, Salisbury Four Orchids, distinct varieties.— 1st, M, M'Intvrk; 2nd F. Nicoll, Perth. Three Exotic Ferns, distinct species, exclusive of all othen for which prizes are offered. —1st, J. Napier, Ruckvilic ; 2nd, J. Buchanan. Three Adianfcums, distinct varieties.— 1st, J. Napier ; 2nd J. M'Farlane. Six Dwarf British Ferns, distinct varieties.— 1st, J. Stewart ; 2nd, .1. Preston. Three Lycopods, distinct species.— 1st, T. Giuhs; 2nd, G. Chaplin. Six Primula sinensis, not fewer than three varieties.— 1st, J. F. Nairne ; 2nd, M. M'Intvre Six Auriculas, Alpine, distinct varieties.— 1st, G. Lpej 2nd, R. Stanakd. Six Alpine Plants, distinct species, excluding bulbs.— 1st, A. Paterson ; 2nd, T. M. Whitehead, Selkirk. Twelve Hyaciuths, distinct varieties.— 1st, G. M'Douoal, Dudley; 2nd, R. Rae, Sunlaws, Six Hyacinths, distinct varieties (amateurs). —1st, D. -Wvlam ; 2nd, A. Brvdon, Innerleithen. Six Pots Tulips, distinct varieties, pots not ezeccding nine inches.— 1st, A, Brvdon ; 2nd, G. Wood, Oswald Itoad. Six Potfl Spring Bulbs, distinct varieties, exclusive of all others for which prizes are offered, — 1st, J. Napier. Rock- ville, Murrayfield ; 2nd, A. M'Innis, Irvine. Cut Flowers. Collection of Cut Daffodil Flowers (not Polyanthus Narcissi), not fewer than fifty different kinds.— Rev. G. P. Havdjn, Hatfield Vicarage, Doncaster. Twenty -four Roses, not fewer than eight varieties. — 1st, G. MAJraow, Bathgate; 2nd, D. Kidd, Musselburgh. Twelve Roses, not less than six varieties. — 1st-, W. Ahm- stkonu, Musselburgh ; 2nd, A. Brvdon, lnuerleithen. Twelve Hoses, Gloire de Dijon,- 1st, A. Cook, Miduletou ; 2ml. G. M'Uouuall, Dudley. April 10, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 243 Twelve Roses, Mareehftl Niel.— 1st, G. M Dougall ; 2nd, G. Manson. Twelve Camellia blooms, not fewer than six distinct varie- ties.—T. Bowman, Lasswade, Fri'It (Open to All). One Pineapple, not less than 4 lb. in weight. — M. M'Intyre, Tho Glen. Six pots Strawberries.— 1st, M. M'Intyre; 2nl, J. Cum- minu, Liborton. Two bunches Grapes, black.— 1st, W. Smith, Oxenford Castle ; 2nd, D. Kjdd, Carberry Tower, Musselburgh. Two bunches of Grapes, white.— W. Smith. Twenty-four Kitchen Apples, at least six varieties.— 1st, G. Mackinlay, Wrist Park ; 2nd, J. Davy, Garliestown. Twenty-four Dessert Apples, at least four varieties.— 1st, J. Cairn, ; 2nd, G. MackiMLAY. Vegetables (Open to All). Collection of Vegetables, twelve distinct kinds —1st, W. Harper, Perth. Two Cucumbers.— 1st, J. Grahame, Wishaw. Twtlve Tomatos.— J. Carrutiiers, Corstorphine. Basket of Mushrooms, not less than one quart.— 1st, S. Tanner, Morningside Drive; 2nd, J. Grahame. Fifty Pods French B^ans.— 1st, J. Waldie, Dollar; 2nd, J. Cossar, Dunbar. Six Heads Sea Kale.— 1st, W. Collins, Stoney Hill. Plants (Open). Twelve Hardy Rhododendrons, distinct varieties. —1st. R. B. Laird & Sons, Murray field. Four Azalea tndica, distinct varieties.— 1st, J. Downie. Eighteen Forced Plants, not fewer than twelve varieties — 1st, J. Downie. Twelve Forced Plants, not fewer than six varieties.— 1st, Six Palms, in pots or tubs, distinct species. -1st, Laird &, Sons. Twelve Conifers, in pots or tubs, distiuct varieties.— 1st, Dickson &■ Sons ; 2nd, Laird & Sons. Twenty-four evergreen shrubs, distinct varieties.— Laird & Sons. Twelve Japanese Maples in pots.— 1st, Laird & Sons ; 2nd, J. Downie. Twelve plants for table decoration, distinct varieties, pots not to exceed 6 inches. — 1st, Laird & Sons; 2nd, J. Downie. Six Auriculas, Alpine, distinct varieties. — 1st, J. Downie. Six Auriculus, stage, distinct varieties. -^Ist, J. Downie. Twenty-four Hyacinths, not fewer than 12 varieties. - Kerr & Sons, Roxburgh. Six pots or pans Tulips, distinct varieties.— A. E. Camp- bell, Gourock. — Extract from " EtUnhuryh En:nivg Nt v:s," April 7. Colonial Notes. RHABDADENIA BIFLORA, MuclL, Arg. (ECHITES BIFLORA), Jacq.). The scentless tubular flowers of this are from 2 to 2£ inches wide when fully open, and in colour of a pure white, with the throat yellow. The whole plant is glabrous ; its opposite leaves are of a milk-white beneath, dark green above, wedge shaped at the base, and abruptly terminated by a small point or muero at the top of the leaf. The pretty climber grows in the Mangrove swamps, and lights up the sombre green colouring uf the Mangroves with its white flowers when in bloom. The flowers are followed by cylindrical-shaped pods, inside of which lie the elongated seeds, tasseled at one end by a tuft of fine white hairs. Among the West Indies, it belongs also to Grenada. Areoa Catechu. The Betel Nut Palm is represented by many per- manent specimens growing in the rich Palm collection of the Botanic Garden, Grenada. The object of the present note is to chiefly state how highly fragrant are the small white flowers which are produced iu large quantities together. Not unfrequently, visitors to the Botanic Garden have wondered from whence the fragrance has come, the chances being, that just beside them is a fl)weriug Betel Palm. EOHITES SYMPHYTOCARPA, Mcy. Whether this be really the above species or not, it is a plant fully worthy of notice in a horticultural journal. Most of its characteristics agree with those given in Grisebach's Flora of the British West Indies, but not so clearly as to make it quite certain that it is the plant described. Beyond this, we have nothing further for tho moment to guide us. It is a climber, densely oovercd with hairs; and the attractive flowers 2\ inches wide are very showy, the centre being vermilion-coloured surrounded with, a broad band of yellow, externally it is of a downy white. The plant is continually in flower. As might be expected, a copious white juice flows from the plant when the rind is cut or ruptured. The larger leaves are about 5A inches long, by '2^ inches wide ; the length of the seed pod is about 5 inches. There are plants in the Botanic Garden which were raised from seeds received from Trinidad, of which island it is a native, and where it fruits freely. It is doubtful whether this beautiful climber is known as a cultivated plant iu Europe. Hitherto, no seeds have developed on our plants. The scent of the flowers is like that of the Pomme Molac, or Malacca Apple (Eugenia mal- accensis). Seedlings "Damping off." The "damping off "of seedling Cloves (Eugenia caryophyllea) and Sweet Oranges (Citrus aurantium), oftentimes causes much loss and disappointment at the Botanic Garden, Grenada. In the case of Cloves, our supplies of self-sown seedlings come from a higher and cooler atmosphere than exists in the neighbourhood of the Botanic Garden ; on the other hand, the air in our shaded open plant-sheds, where moisture is always more or less present, resembles to a great extent that of the lower mountains. Ferns, and other plants from the mountains which are sub- ject to the same conditions, do well, yet the Clove does not. The plant has been tried in all sorts of positions, from dense shade to full exposure to the sun, yet in none has success resulted. I do not suppose that on an average we get 1 percent, to grow. Again, with the Sweet Orange seedlings, unlike the Clove, these are raised from seeds sown inseed-boxe». Several dozen boxes, it may be, are sown, crowds of young plants come up, and yet perhaps fifty to eighty, or even more, iu every hundred, die without any apparent cause. In some cases, side by side some boxes may be seen without one dead seedling, while others without exception have all withered away, though all may be from the same lot of seed, sown at the same time, and also in the same compost, so failure cannot be attributed to imperfectly-formed seeds. Why, therefore, should one box of seedlings be sound, and the next, although well filled with healthy young seedlings, shrivel up in a day and die off ? The loss we sustain in this respect is both dis- couraging and serious. Can anyone reading this article suggest a remedy ? Piper (Pothomorphk) peltatum, Linn. A representative of that class of plants known among horticulturists as "soft-wooded," and one that is known in the colony of Grenada as Chapeau d'Eau. Its leaves, dotted with innumerable white points, are large aud circular iu outline, 12 or more inches long, and about the same in breadth ; they are covered with veins, and in colour are dark green above and milk- white beneath. The long leaf-stems are winged at the base and upwards for about 3 inches. When bruised, the whole plant emits a strong odour. The petiole is attached 2 to i inches from the base of the large, round, leafy portion, thus forming what is known as a peltate leaf. The lower or older main stems are roughened by little warty excrescences, which are present on the bark ; whilst near the top of the plant the young stems are quite smooth, and covered with a glaucous bloom. The numerous tiny white flowers are produced upon erect, slender, catkin-like fiugers, the common stem or peduncle to which several are attached beiug axillary. For a stove foliage-plant, this would be worth growing. Here it is found in shady and damp places, attaining a height of only a few feet. The native inhabitants use the leaves in cases of headache as a sort of bandage tied round thoir heads. II7. E. Broadway, Grenada. A New Yellow-Spotted Richardia. The photograph mentioned in your issue of Jan. 23, in Colonial Notes, of a plant grown at Rhine Villas, Sea Point, Cape Colony, is doubtless that of tho plant which was oxhibited at tho last show held iu tho grounds of the Cape Agricultural Society. I hap- pened to visit this show, and noticed this plant, but instead of this being a new variety, it appeared to too to be a well grown plant of the true Richardia Elliotiana. Probably Mr. Ross may have seen other spotted-leaved varieties, and thought they were R. Elliotiana ; but he has the true R, Elliotiana, and apparently he does not know it. The plant grown and exhibited by Mr. Ross was in every way a credit to him. J. 1i. R. A R K E T 8. COYENT GARDEN, APRIL 8. [We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. Tbey are furnished to us regularly every Thursday, by the kindness of several of the principal salesmen, who revise the list, and who are responsible for the quotations. It must be remembered that these quotations do not represent the prices on any particular day, but only the general averages for the week preceding the date of our report. The prices depend upon the quality of the samples, the supply in the market, and the demand ; and they may fluctuate, not only from day to day, but often several times in one day. Ed.1 Cut Flowei Anemones, per doz. bunches Arums, p. 12 blooms 3 0-60 Azalea, doz. sprays 0 fl— 0 9 Bouvardiaa, perbn. 0 6- 0 y Carnations, pr. doz. blooms Daffodils, various, dozen bunches ... 1 0- :; 0 Eucharis, per dozen 3 0-40 Hyacinth, 12sprays 10-20 — (Dutch), boxes 16-40 Lilac, wh. (French), per bunch Lilium Harrisi, per doz. biooms Lily of the Valley, dozen sprays Maidenhair Fern, per 12 bunches... Marguerites, per 12 bunches per 4 0-60 doz. bunches Narcissus. per doz. bunches 16-30 — Average Wholesale Prices. I. d. a. d. | $. d. s. d. I Orchids;— Cattleya, 12blms. 6 0-12 0 Odontoglossum crispum, 12 bm. 2 0-6" Pansies, doz. bun. 2 0-40 Pelargoniums, scar- let, per 12 bun. 4 0-60 — per 12 sprays... 0 6-09 Polyanthus.doz.bn. 16-40 Primroses, 12 bun. 0 6-10 Pyrethrums, 12 bu. 2 0-40 Roses, Tea, per doz. 10-16 — yellow (Mare- chal), per doz. 16-60 — red, per dozen 2 0-40 — pink, per doz. 3 0-60 — Safrano, p. doz. 10-20 Tuberoses, 12 blma. 10-16 Tulips, per doz. ... 0 4-09 Violets (Fr.) Parme, per bunch 2 6-36 — — Czar, bun. 10-20 — — doz. bun. 0 9-13 — (Eng.), per doz. bun. 0 6-10 Wallflowers, doz. bn. 3 0-60 16-26 10-30 3 0-40 2 0-40 0 6-10 4 0-80 2 0-40 Plants i Orchid-bloom i Pots.— Average Wholesale Prices. Adiantum, per doz. 4 0-12 0 Aapidistras.perdoz. 12 0-30 0 — specimen, each 5 0-15 0 Azaleas, per doz. ... 18 0-36 0 Ciner triits, per doz. 6 0-10 0 Cyclamens, perdoz. 9 C-12 0 Dracaenas, each ... 10-76 , p. doz. 12 0-24 0 Erir.is. j. d. $. d. Ficus elastica, each 10-76 Foliage plants, per doz 12 0-36 0 Genistas, per doz... 6 0-10 0 Hyacinths, per doz. 6 0-12 0 : f- 3 0 doze 9 0-1$ 0 Marguerites, p. doz. Mignonette, p. doz. Evergreen Shrubs, in variety, doz.... 6 0-24 0 Pelargoniums,' per Ferns, small, doz.... 10-20 dozen 12 0-1S 0 5 0-12 0 Spiraeas, perdoz..,. 6 0-90 •'OR the Garden in variety coming very good. Fruit.— Average Wholesale Pricks. s. d. s. d. Melons, Channel Islands, each... 5 0-60 Nuts, Cob, per 100 lb 60 0-70 0 Pine-apples, St. Mi- chael, each ... 4 0-76 Strawberries, morn- ing gathered, per lb 5 0-60 — packed in boxes, per lb 2 0-30 — 2ndd, per lb. ... 16-20 Vegetables.— Averaoe Wholesale Prices. Apples, Tasmanian, per case, se- lected samples 14 0-16 0 per case, or- dinary samples 7 6-86 Figs, per doz. Grapes (now), Chan- nel Islands, per lb 3 6-40 — Belgium, per lb, 2 6-29 — Gros Colman, Belected, p. lb. 4 6- 5 0 S 0-12 0 Artichokes, Globe, perdoz. ... 2 6-30 — Chinese (Sta- chystuberifera), per lb 0 2 — Asparagus, English, per bundle ... 4 0-50 Beans, Fronch.p lb. 10- 1 0 — Madeira Kid- ney, per bkt. of 8 to 10 lb. ... 2 6-36 Cauliflowers, Corn- wall, per crate 10 0-12 0 Cucumbors, home- grown, select. , per doz. ... 3 0-40 5 6-60 Onions, English, p. cwt Peas, ordinary (Channel Is- lands), per lb. . 16 — — Telephones (Channel Is- lands*, per lb. .20 — Potatos, New Kid- neys, Channel Islands, per lb. 0 3-04 Radishes, Channol Is., per dozen bunches ... 10 — Salad, small, per doz. punnets.. ■ 2nds, per dozen 2 0-30 Sea Kalo, per pun- Horseradish, Eng- lish, pr. bnndlo 2 6 — — Foreign, per bundle ...16 — Mint, per bunch ... 0 6 — MuBhrooms (Indoor) per lb 0 8-09 not, 3J to 4 lb. weight Tomatos, Canaryls- lands, per case, about IS lb. Tomatos (Worthing-) per lb 1 6 Po TATOS. Trade Bteady, supplies fully equal to tho demand. Dunbar Mainorops, 75s, to 85s.; do,, Saxons, 70*. to 75n. ; Linoolo Saxons, 40*. to (30*. ; do., Maincrops, 403. to 65s. ; do., Giant*, 40s. to 55s. John Bath, Wdlington Street, Covent Gardtn. W 244 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 10, 1897. SEEDS. London : April 7. — Messrs. John Shaw & Sons, Seed Merchants, of Great Maize Pond, Borough, London, 8.E , write that there is now an improved sowing demand for Grass, Clover, and other field seeds, under the influence of which stocks are being reduced to moderate limits. The orders which come to hand are executed at the low rates characteristic of the present season. Lucerne, Sanfoin, and Timothy realise former terms. Tares move off slowly, and are cheaper. For Mustard and Rape-seed the market is firm. Tuere is no change this week in either Canary or Hemp seed. Blue Peas and Haricot Beans are in better request. Linseod is weaker. Scarlet and White RunLor Beans are obtainable at tempting rates. fciM; ; i tie term "accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre- gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of temperature above or below 42* Fahr. for the period named : and thiB combined result is expressed in Day- degrees — a "Day-degree" signifying 1° continued for twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for an inversely proportional number of hours.] TkMPERATURB. Rainfall. Bright Sum. 31 Accumulated. 1 | 1 2- i £ ■ o © I |I3 ■3 1 |gg ~t* Q„-' •? = 3 ~ is .8 n Si < 3a 1 +1 1 ° " 1 *"^ •9S 1 3 § -S* 1 \&~ Day. Day- Day- Day. lOths deg. deg. deg. deg. Inch. Ins. 0 7 - 0 55 - 8 - 6 4 - 65 11-1 45 19 1 7 - 0 54 - 14 - 2 0 aver 57 6 7 40 21 : 5 -- 3 35 + 34 - 62 2 + 5!) 6 4 39 23 3 3 - 16 32 + 44 - 104 1 - 57 7-1 29 24 4 3 - 14 32 + 30 - 94 1 - 54 70 31 23 5 1 - 2S 12 + 47 - 140 3 + 52 9-3 SI 24 6 6 - 4 40 - 10 - 16 5 - 58 11-1 41 22 7 5 - 6 26 + 31 - 66 1 - 61 8-0 40 21 8 2 - 27 14 + 43 - 110 6 + 65 131 36 25 0 6 - 8 37 - 0 0 aver 3 - 66 9 6 33 24 10 5 - 16 27 + 30 - 23 3 + 61 HI 36 27 * Oarer 38 0 + 106 - 71 11 + 70 11:8 41 27 The districts indicated by number in the first column are the following :— 0, Scotland N. Principal Wheat-producino Districts — 1, Scotland, E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, E. ; 4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London, 8. Principal Grazing, dec, Districts — 6, Scotland, W. ; 7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, S.W. ; 9, Ireland, N. ; 10, Ireland, S. ; ^Channel Islands. THE PAST WEEK. The following summary record of the weather through- out the British Islands for the week ending April 3, is furnished from the Meteorological Office : — "The weather during this period was very changeable, fine and bright intervals alternating with considerable falls of rain, sleet, or wet snow. " The temperature just equalled the mean in the ' Channel Islands,' and was only 1° below it in ' England, S. ; ' in the other districts, however, the deficit was greater, that in ' England, N.W. and N.E.' being 5°, that over Ireland 5° or 6°. while that over Scotland ranged from 6° to 7\ The highest of the maxima were recorded on March 28, when the thermometer rose to 58° in ' England, E.,' and 57° in several of the other English districts and in the ' Channel Islands,' to 49° in 'Scotland, E.,'and 47° in ' Scotland, N.' The lowest of the minima, which were registered on March 30, were very low for the time uf year. They ranged from 13° in 'Scotland, E.,' and 18° in 'Scotland, N.,' to 23° in 'Scot- land, W.,' 24° over Ireland, and to 29° in ' England, S.' In the ' Channel Islands ' the thermometer did not fall below ."6°. "The rainfall was greatly in excess of the mean in ' England, S.W.' and the ' Channel Islands,' and rather con- siderably so in 'England, S.,' 'England, N.E.,' and 'Ire- land, S.' In ' Scotland, E.' the fall was just equal to the normal, while In all the other districts it was deficient. "The bright sunshine exceeded the mean value in Scotland and the northern parts of England and Ireland, but was somewhat deficient in most other parts of the kingdom. The percentage of the possible duration ranged from 45 in 'Scotland, N .,' and 4t in ' Scotland, W.' and the ' Channel Islands,' to 31 in the ' Midland Counties ' and ' England, S. ,' and 29 in ' England, E ' " A Shower Bouquet : J. M. This is an arrange- ment of flowers, foliage, and ribbon, secured in a bouquet-bolder of satin, paper, &c, which, instead of being circular in form, streams over, as it were, on one side, like liquid poured from a pitcber. The material of the bouquet has to be "wired,'' and is lightly bound up, so that it is readily grasped. Tall stands of stout brass wire are sold at some florists, to enable such bouquets to be placed on a table. Devonlensis Rose : V. M. The plant may be dead ; most Rosea having, under ordinary conditions, broken into growth. Figs : A Subscriber, Worksop. The Figs sent are not suffering from any organic disease, but the cause of their appearance was external, and, as it seems to us, was produced by some sudden chill or change of temperature. M. C. C. [The check alluded to is the cause of imperfect fertilisation, hence the rotting of the fruits from the apex downwards. As the season advances so will the malady dis- appear.] Flowers for Wedding in September : /. .1/. We may name the following : Tuberoses, retarded Lily of the Valley, and Lilium longiflorum ; Roman Hyacinths, some species of Jasmine, as Sambac ; Tea Roses, Geiman Asters, Early Chrys- anthemums, single and double-flowered Pelar- goniums, double-flowered Petunias, &c. Fungus in Melon-bed : H. K. The material sent from your Melon-bed is a fungoid substance which grows over all kinds of dead vegetable matter, tan, loam, &c, and is called Fuligo varians. This is one of those curious organisms, the Myxomycetes, which some people say is as much an animal as a fungus. You must get away as much as you can of the surface-soil in your beds, and replace it with fresh, and possibly you may get rid of the pest ; but even this is doubtful now that it is so firmly established, and the millions of spores are everywhere. M. C. C. Insects: J. X. The flies sent belong to the genua Bibio, nearly related to " daddies," although so different in appearance. The grubs are very much alike, and have the same habits, hence there was apparently an error in the previous identification. They are said to be highly injurious, especially to roots of grass. It is very probable that in your case they were introduced with manure. R. McL. Names of Plants: Correspondents not an v-ered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult Ike following number. — W. G. Dendrobium fimbriatum. — W. S. & There is a crested variety known as Adiantum cuneatum grandicep?. It is similar to yours so far as we can judge by the fronds sent. — /. M. B. Cattleya Percivaliana, but it usually bears more purple colour on the front of the lip. — T. B. K. A very good variety of Dendrobium nobile. The largo single flower is Bifrenaria Harrisoniie, more commonly known in gardens as Maxillaria Harrisonije. — E. W. , North Wales. Not Cypripedium hirsutissimum, but C. Boxalli. — .7". R. Your Dendrobium Wardianum is of a very distinct character if it remains constant. The others are good flowers of their kind. /. F. a, Vanda Amesiana ; b, Miltonia flavescens ; o, Cyr- topodium punctatum, a species very remarkable for the showiness of its floral bracts. II. 0. B. A very flue Sophronitis grandiflora. The fresh- imported Dendrobium nobile is large, and very brightly coloured. — Correspondent. Pinus pinaster. Q. C. Many thanks for the specimens. We believe they are all correctly named, except that T. gigantea, is the true origiual T. plicata. In gardens the name gigantea may be conveniently retaiued. — A. B. Yours is the semi-double purple form of Vinca minor. — T.P., Nnrtk Devon. L^lia Boothiana, more commonly known in gardens as Cattleya lobata. — Succulent. Cereus flagelliformis, figured in the Botanical Magazine, vol. i., t. 17, as Cactus flagelliformis. — J. W. Mcll. The Ceylon form of Cymbidium aloifolium, which was known as C. bicolor. Your Peach shoot is affected, which, for want of a better name, we call the silver-leaf disease. It is probably caused by a fungus, and is very destructive ; cut all the affected shoots away and burn them. — Wm. W. The white Orchid is Dendrobium barbatulum ; the other, Cinhopetalum fimbriatum. The figs contained no perfect seeds. — Reader. 1, Odontoglossum odoratum ; 2, Oncidium luridum ; 3, Cattleya Trianaei delicata ; 4, Cattleya Trianaei. — Telmah. a, Selaginella den- ticulata ; b, Selaginella viticulosa. — Waiits to Know. 1, Adiantum cuneatum; 2, Adiantum capillus- veneria ; 3, Adiantum gracillimum ; 4, Triteleia uni flora. Palm leaj : Oebanga. The leaves are affected with the fungus, Pestalozzia phcenicis, see Gardeners' Chronicle,]). 429, vol. xxii., 18S4 ; cut off and burn every affected leaf. There is no cure. Occasion- ally spray healthy plants with the Bordeaux Mixture. Peach Leaves, Discoloured and Curled : W. H. P. The so-called " silver-leaf " disease, the leaves have a silvery appearance, because the entire cuticle of the leaf is separated from the subjacent tissue, and is now being devoured by the aphides, which are so plentiful about them. There is no trace of fungus disease. Primula cortusoides : D. W. C. Me. We were not aware that this species of Primula caused any irritation of the skin, although P. obconica has such effect on some persons. Salting Asparagus Beds : U. M. The quantity used should not exceed at one dressing 3 oz. to the square yard. Vine Foliage and Shoots : W. H. The specimens sent indicate the presence of the Downy Mildew, Plasmopara viticola. See Gardeners' Chronicle, p. 75, July 21, 1894. The first thing to do is to cut off and burn every affected leaf without delay, as it is a fungus that soon spreads by means of its spores. If this be not done, the mycelium spreads from the leaves to the shoots, where it may pos- sibly remain until the following year, only to break out anew. Spray with the following solu- tion : 1 lb. of pure sulphate of copper, dissolved in 40 gallons of water, and apply in the evening. As a preventive, this mixture may be used a few times before the Vines flower. Vine Border: Amateur. The Vine being a sun- loving plant, it is in this country unadvisable to sow or plant anything on the outside border of a vinery, unless it be just at the margin, where you might sow Mignonette, or other annual of dwarf growth, or plant Ten-week Stocks and German Asters. Vines: Yitis. Kindly send us better specimens. We suspect it is the malady known as "Browning," due to a slime fungus. See answer to W. H. Weed and Mossy Lawn: V. M. Spud out the larger weeds, filling up the holes caused by the extraction of the roots with loam ; then with a long-toothed iron rake free the turf of the moss, and apply the dressing you mention after sowing a little lawn-grass mixture on the bare spots. Wood-ashes may lorm one-fourth ; Lime, one-eighth ; and the remainder loam. The lawn should be well rolled when not in a sticky condition. Slight dressing of wood- ashes may be afforded twice or thrice during the summer. Do not apply the salt. The lawn may require draining. . D. w.— w. Communications Received. — M. D. — J. J. W. — E. C. — Mrs. D.— H. T. (with many thanks). — J. A. L.— F. W. B., Costa Rica. — W. R.-H. E.— C. H. T.— E. D. T. - M. F.- .T. M. T. (with many thanks). — O. T. — G. S. — H. W. — A. F. B.— E. J. L — N. & 7..—G. C— A. H. K.— D. H. S.— 11, T. many thanks).— W. R.— H. E.— H. Cannell.— A. C, Wilts.-W. Morgan.-W. J. W.— F. G. S.-D. T. F.— "r -Fairplay.-J. A.— W. R.- 'J. H. M.— J. R. J.— " ':. H. P.— H. M.— S. Diplock. .,«, Photographs, &c. Received with Thanks.— W. H. — T. B. K. — D. T. F. (too obscure). — Sir E. L. — M. Foukouba. — CONTINUED LARGS INCREASE in the CIRCULATION OF THE ''GARDENERS' CHRONICLE." Important to Advertisers. — The Publisher has the satis- faction oj announ-cing that the circulation of the "Gardeners' Chronicle" has, since the reduction in the price oj the paper, Increased to the extent of more than 90 per cent., and that it continues to increase weekly. Advertisers are reminded that the " Chronicle" circulates among country gentlemen, and all classes of gardeners and garden-lovers at home, that it has a specially large FOREIGN AND COLONIAL CIRCULATION, and that it U preserved tor reference in aU the principal Lihrarits. April 17, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 245 SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 1897. PLANT DISEASES. TTNTIL quite recently the task of convincing ^ gardeners that plants could suffer from specific diseases was in most instances difficult ; and if, in addition, it was suggested that such diseases could be cured, or, at least, checked in their course, the information was usually received with a smile or an outburst, depending on the temperament of the recipient. This condition of things is the result of the education received by most gardeners having been purely practical or imitative, consisting mainly in following those methods which past experience has proved to be most successful ; at the same time adding to the general fund of know- ledge, the outcome of personal experience and tact. The lack of a broader grasp of the fundamental laws which govern plant- life than can be acquired by the imitative , method alone, is often very evident when a gar- dener is called upon to cultivate plants under different conditions than those to which he has been accustomed, and it is to be regretted that after the expenditure of years of diligent labour in acquiiiug a knowledge of the prac- tical part of the subject, the gardener should be handicapped through lack of information rela- ting to subjects which are, in reality, of the utmost importance in connection with plant- culture. It is still sometimes urged that what is usually termed theoretical knowledge, is of no value to the practical gardener ; nevertheless, it must be conceded that it is always a source of satisfaction to have a clear idea as to the reason why one mode of procedure yields more satisfactory results than another ; and it can scarcely be doubted but that the time devoted to attending a few lectures and demonstrations bearing on the broad prin- ciples of vegetablo physiology, would throw a new light on many points previously ill under- stood, and consequently lead to a better method of meeting in a practical manner, special re- quirements. Such practical lessons are given by the Essex County Council at Chelmsford, and should surely be carried out at Chis- wick. The same may be said of plant- diseases ; the various fungus parasites, many of which are terrible pests, have their own peculiar mode of life, their weak points also, which if understood on broad lines, would save the gardener many a bitter disappointment ; but being ignorant of these laws, when a disease appears, an attempt is made to cope with it in a manner which, iu many instances, rather favours than checks its spread, and the end is disastrous. " Prevention is better than cure/' and tho gardener whoso knowledge enables him to anticipate a danger, based on past experience in combating the same, is most likely to evade a calamity. A book recently published* deals with those plant diseases caused by fungi, bac- teria, slime -fungi, and Algae, and may be described as the best and most comprehensive work on the subject in the English language. It is a somewhat massive volume of nearly 600 pages, and contains 330 figures, illustra- ting the appearance of plants suffering from various diseases, and also the fungi causing such diseases. " Though it will be possible to identify most of the more important parasites by the aid of this book, we do not intend it to be so used as to replace the systematic works; we propose rather to add to the descriptions given in Raienhdrst, Saccardo, and similar works. This book is intended above all to be, in the terms of its title- page, an introduction, hence it seeks in a general way to give a summary of our knowledge, and to indicate the way to more detailed records." The above quotation from the author's preface indicates clearly the line of treatment adopted ; it is essentially a students' book, but presupposes a considerable amount of special knowledge relating to the subject. Nevertheless, some of the introduc- tory chapters may be carefully studied with advantage by those desirous of becoming acquainted with the practical part of the sub- ject only. On the othor hand, to the teacher or student of plant pathology, in the proper sense of the term, the book is simply indis- pensable. The translator states that he has modified to some extent the original, so as to adapt the work to the requirements of English readers, and it would not have been a subject for regret if the modification had been extended to the exclusion of the numerous lists of fungi parasitic on weeds, which have no economic importance. Such strings of scientific names do not inspire confidence in the beginner, and their absence would be no loss to the advanced student. Agaricus destruens, Brond., is given as a British species ; this is probably a slip. On the other hand, Sclerotinia Galanthi, Ludw., a disease too well known with us, is not included as British. We learn that in Prussia the loss from giain-rust during the harvest of 1S91 on the crops of Wheat, Rye, and Oats, amounted to tho sum of £20,628,147 sterling, being nearly a third of the total value of the crops. Forest and horticultural ] produce suffers in equal proportion, henco the necessity for sys- tematic and universal measures for combating such diseases, which through ignorance, are at the present day tco frequently aided in carry- ing on the work of destruction. Wo are perfectly conscious that it is incon- sistent with our own views, and perilously near being an insult both to author and trans- lator, to suggest a rulo-of-thumb method, oven as means to an end ; but we are compelled, however reluctantly, to admit, that in this country, the methods for combating plant diseases are very imperfectly known, and we foci convinced that if a copy of chapter vi. — Preven- tive Combative Methods — could be made readily accessible to every person occupied in tho culti- vation of plants, it would facilitate the entrance of the thin edge of the wedge, and lead to a desire to become acquainted with the entiro contents of the volumes of which it formed a part. ' Diseases affiants, .li., By Dr. Karl Fr'eitierf von Tubouf. English edition by William 0. Smith, Ph.D. (Longmans). New or Noteworthy Plants. PHAIUS x NORMAN (SANDEKIANUS, Hort., x TUBERCULOSUS), new yard. hyb. However correctly it may be to place the P. San- derianus imported some years ago by Messrs, Sander & Co. under either P. grandifolius or P. Wallicbii, there is no doubt that as a garden plant it is far finer than any of the species before imported, and a marvellously strong grower. Its colours are bright, and vary very much in the different specimens, and the elongated deflected front of the lip is a distinct feature by which to identify the plant, as a variety at least. It was these distinct characters which induced Mr. Norman C. Cookson, of Oakwood, to cross a fine variety of it with P. tuberculosus, in order to attempt to produce an improvement on the favourite P. x Cooksoni. Four of the batch are now in flower, all of them rather lighter than P. x Cooksoni, which, however, the new variety resembles in a general way ; the main differ- ences being in the more prominent display of bright yellow lines radiating from the base of the lip, and the more elongated and lighter-coloured front to tho same. The sepals and petals vary from cream-colour to pale pink, their surface being lined and tinged with yellowish-pink or copper colour. The base of the lip is reddish-purple, veined with bright yellow, and bearing three yellow keels up the centre ; yellow on the under Bide. The front lobe is rose-coloured, blotched with purple, changiug to nearly white at the tip ! It is a very strong grower, and an accept- able showy garden plant, which will probably thrive in a warm greenhouse or conservatory, and, like P. x Cooksoni, be available for decoration in the dwelling-house. James O'Brien. THE ATOLL OF FUNAFUTI. An expedition under the auspices of the Royal Society was made for the purpose of obtaining borings in the coral reefs of Funafuti. Mr. Hedley, of the Australian Museum, Sydney, accompanied the expe- dition, and succeeded in making rich collections in various departments. Mr. Hedley has favoured us with a copy of his general observations on the natural history of the Ellics group of islands, from which we extract the following : — " The vegetable monarch of the Atoll world is the Cocoa- nut Pahn(Coeos nucifera, Linn.), tall individuals of which, rearing their plumes to a height of over SO feet, give to the mariner his first landfall. Every available rod of dry land is planied with Cocoa-nuts; one tiny islet, a mere shingle bank, so swept with spray that lichens are the only other vegetable life, yet grows three poor stunted and battered Palms. It is to be emphasised that all Cocoa-nuts are planted ; the idea of a wild Palm being as strange in Funafuti as that of a wild Peach might be in England. Gill, in describing the primeval forest of the uninhabited island of Nassau in 1S0'2, alludes to but a single Cocoa-nut tree among the indigenous vegetation." I doubt whether, despite popular opinion to the contrary, a wild Cocoa-nut Palm, is to be found throughout tho breadth of tho Pacific. Certainly it is most rare, again contrary to popular theory, for a drifed Cocoa-nut thrown upon tho beach by winds and waves to produco a trcc.t "Palms devoted to the manufacture of toddy are readily distinguished by having step-notches cut in thoir trunks * Gill, Jottings /rout the Pacific, 1SS5, p. 30. t From eye witnesses I have heard of .several wild Cocoa- nut Palms on Faciug Island, Queensland, and again of one at Emu Park, Quoonsland. But, if tho popular idea were corl'ect, the Queensland lieachesskiiiild have presented many hundred miles of Cocoi-nut groves to their earliest explorers, receiving, as I can testify they do, abundance of drifted nuts, and fulfilling every requirement of soil and climate. Aa Jukes says : ' The entire absence of those treos from every part of Australia is a most striking fact, sinco it is, I believe, the only country in tho world so much of which lies within the tropics, in which they have never been found." (Vol. 'Fly* i, 1S47, p. 182.) I have been told by Queensland aboriginos that they always tore up and ato any sprouting nuts they might find ; but oven this scarcely ace >unts for tho remarkable absence of the Cocoa-nut Palm from Queens- land. Guppy's remarks on tho germination of stranded Cocoa nuts (Nntair, xl., p. -lO'J). will repay perusal: also Dnna's, In ( I Cbrol Islands, 1872, p 181. Where tho original home of this Palm was. havo boon discussed at length by Sui-niaim, in the F/.jj-.i IVi. i , md by h«< r.mdoIW,-. So intimately is this Palm now-associated with native lire thtt.it is ditUeult to imagine an Atoll beta* Its introduction." i ■■■ '-, 1884, p i '■' 246 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 17, 1897. Every month the Palm puts forth a buddiog-apathe. In toddy Palms this is not permitted to develop into flower and fruit, but on its first appearance is lashed round with twine, ' marled ' in seafaring language, from the base to the apex. The peduncle of the spathe is scraped a"d slightly split, to allow it to bend mora freely. Then the spathe is bent down- wards gradually by tying down the tip for two or three days, the c rd being shortened at intervals, till the spathe has acquired the proper inclination. Three or four inches are cut off with a knife from the tip, to which a little spout or gutter of leaf is attached. This spout guide- the drip of the sap into an empty Cocoa-nut shell hung from the spathe. Twice a day a. lad ascends the tree, unbinds the tip, shaves a little off it witb his knife to make the sap run freer, re- binds it, and exchanges the full shell for an empty one. Several spathes in one Palm are in operation simultaneously. "The cultivation of the Cocoa nut is confined to the simple operation of placing a sprouting Nut where it is to grow, of clearing the shrubs and vines from around it, and of gather- ing the produce. The wort of collecting and husking the Nuts devolves solely upon the men. For climbing the Palms a. stout rope loop, ' kafunga,' is twisted into a figure of eight ; into this each foot is thrust as far as the instep. Placing his hands around tho stem, the man leaps on to the trunk, resting his manacled feet on cither side of it. Raising his hands to a higher grasp, he makes another leap, and ascends the tree by bounds of a couple of feet or so. Arrived at the sum1 it, he plucks from his belt a short, notched stick and attached cord, 'kouteki.' Applying the stick against the Palm-stem, like a ship's crosstrees against her mast, he winds the rope half round the trunk, over the notch on the stick, back round the tree, and over the other notched end. Repeating this twice or thrice, the stick is securely hitched to the trunk, and the native standing upon the crosstrees may conveniently do his work. A nut is gathered by seizing the apex with the fingers, and twirling it .round till the twisted stalk breaks, when the nut is allowed to drop to the ground. '■ Temporary huts are thatched with C<>coa-nut, but p*n- dmus replaces it in permanent residences.' A leaning Talm is used to collect rain-water, which, trickling down thesttm, is turned by a wisp of leaves, and caught in a wooden trough." Orchid Notes and Gleanings. LiELIA x LATONA. A spike of this hybrid nearly a foot in length, ai d bearing; three very beautiful flowers, has been received from T. W. Thornton, Esq.. Brockhall, Wredon, who rata d the plant which produced it from seed obtain? d by crossing Ltolia cinrabarica with L. purpurata. the se;d having been sown in November, 1889 The sime cross wa* first flowered by Messrs. Jas. Vei'cU k Sons, who exhibited it under the above name in 1 392. Mr. Thornton's variety seems larger in the flower, but this mny arise from superior strength in the plant. It also has the labellum almost entirely of a dark claret-purple, and without the lighter c dour at the tip as in the original. The sepals and petals are of a clear reddish Indian-yellow, and the whole flower very attractive. Cypripedium Nansen (selligerum majus x Morgans), new yard. hyb. In this fine hybrid the ancestry is C. euperbiens aud C. Stonei on the one side, and C. barbatum and C. philippinense on the other ; and so four species of different geographical ranges have been concerned in its production. To those who know hybrid Cypri- pediums, it will be best described as bearing much re. semblauce to both the fine C. X Voungianum superburu (superbiens philippinense) and to C. x Denisianurn ^selligerum x superbiens}, illustrated in Ziadenia, vol. x., p. 13. The leaves are bright green with a dirker green veiniug. Scape dull purple, two- rlowered. The flowers have the upper sepal '2 inches long and nearly 2 inches wide, white, with a greci i h tinge at the base, from which about twenty purple Hues radiate. Lower sepals smalhr, and with green lines. Petals 5 inches long, 1 $ inch broad, whitish, with numerous purple spots, the edges ciliate. Lip large, slightly grooved down tho front, greenish, tinged with pale purple. Staminode large, ciliate, cream-coloured, veined with green. J. O'B. * "The thatch of Atupa's house fin Xatiornanga) is merely the leaf of the Cocoa-nut, which is very pervious to rain ; while the idol-temples are well covered wich the leaf ol" l'andanus odorarissimus, the finest thatch in the world We suggested to a chief that the chief's dwelling might have, a better thatch. He replied, 'The king's house is thatched ORCHIDS AT OAKWOOD, WYLAM. The extensive and interesting collection of hybrid Orchids rai-ed by Norman C. Cookson, Esq., and his gardener, Mr. Wm. Murray, is continually affording ftesh examples of fine things from well-con- sidered crosses. Here are no haphazaid ventures, hence the uniform excellence of the novelties raised. As compared with results obtained by other raiders who cross anything and everything, at Oakwood but few seed-pods are saved, and with the raising of the seeds but little difficulty is experienced, while the progeny are invariably good and desirable additions to garden Orchids. The main difficulty experienced is in getting the seeds to germinate in exactly the place in which they were sown, and where the re'cord-label, corresponding with the pedigree-book, appears Sometimes it is found that the plants appearing under a certain record cannot possibly be true, and con;equently they must have been dipped up from the water tank, or transported in some other way ; and, being more prepared for germination than the fresh - sown seeds recorded, have usurped their place — for the time being at least. At other times a thing wiU appear which, bearing evidence of its parentage on its face, is found to be of a cross carefully sown in quite another place. The Dendrobium-house has for a considerable period of time been a charming sight, filled from end to eud with the beautiful flowers of plants 'which were one and all raised on the place. On one eide are plants of the bright carmine-rose-tinted Dendro- bium x Harold {Linawianum x Findlayanum) ; and on the other a fewer number of D. x Sibyl (Linaw- ianum x bigibbum). There is a similarity in the flowers of these two beautiful crosses, although their habit of growth is different. Their bright and attrac- tive flowers have few rivals among Dendrobiun-s, either species or hybrids. Suspended^ overhead wire several of each of two lovtly crosses of D. luteolum, viz , D. \ Astrea (luteo- lum x crassinodt), with fine pale sulphur- yellow flowers, with the tips of the segments rose-coloured ; and D. x Bryan (luteolum x Wardianum), with handsome flowers of the sime cieiuiyyellow lint as D. luteolum, but much larger. In these two crosses, as in so many garden hybrids, the bad habit and difficult growth of one of the parents (in these cases D. luteolum) is done away with, and better flowers, more profusely produced, on plants easy to manage, are secured, which in itself is a sufficient plea for the pursuit of hybridisation. Of the white or nearly white varieties, D. x Murray i (nobile x albo sanguineus) and D. x Keoneth (MacCarthke x Bensonire) (illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle, February 27, 1S97, p. 135) are two of the best; though the several distiuct forms of the D. x Cas- siope clasj. and of the white-flowered second crosses of D. x Ainsworthianum, buth of which are repre- sented in quantity, are good and profuse-flowering. A large batch of the bright rose-pink- flowered Dendrobium x Dulce (aureum x Linawianum) ex- hibits the free flowering character of this cross. It was noted among the seedlings in this case there is some variation in tint, aud one has flo.vors which are stiiped in a singular manner. Others observed in more or less quantity were D. x Owenianum (Linaw- ianum x Wardianum giganteum), D. x Venus (Fal- coneri < nobile), a great beauty, and continuous bloomer ; D. x Doris (Leechianum x moniliforme), one of the best of the Cassiope strain ; J ). x Corningia- num (uobile x lituiflorum) ; D. x Wiganise spleudi- dissimum and D. x Aspasia, var., a very fine form ; both of the last-named having been acquired from Messrs. Veitch & Sons, Ltd. The central portion of the stage occupying the middle of the house was filled with a large number of fit e plants of varieties of Dendrobium nobile raised by Mr. Cookson in order to test the effect of crossing a good topical D. nobile with the trilabelloid D. n. Cooksoni. The result has been the production of a very fine and varied series of D. nobile, which as regards the greater number, are like the type in shape, but in Borne Cases larger, and possessing colours equalling those of D. n. nobilius. One variety, D. n. picturatum, has very showy bizarre or variegated flowers ; and another (not raised in the batch), named D. n. AruoHianum, has a repetition of the colouring of the labellum on the two lower sepal?, instead of on the petals as in D, n. Cooksoni. Many other Dendrobium crosses were in bloom in the house, the only species noted being D. atroviolaceum, which is destined for crossing. In another house the show principally consists of numerous plants of the best forms of Phaius x Cooksoni (Wallichi x tuberculosa) , the finest speci- men of which, a plant bearing eighteen flower-spikes, having been recently exhibited at the R->yal Horti- cultural Society, when it received an award of a Silver-gilt Flora Medal. In Mr. Cookson's opinion, it is one of his best crosses, but its full value as a garden plant has yet to bo appreciated, when the beauty of the flowers, the ease with which it can be grown, and its durability are known. Mr. Cookson has the Orchids when in bloom in his drawing-room for a period of six weeks. Sojourn, under what must be regarded as injurious conditions, does not appear to affect the health of the plants ia the least. In the same house was a batch of another cross between the fine Phaius Sanderianus, Hort , and P. tubercu- losus ; in its general characteristics it resembles P. x Cooksoni, except that the lip is longer in front, and the interior bears a number of clear yellow lines. Here, too, is the old plant of P. tuberculosus, which has been of us* e/ery year, and is still in flower ; aud although the habit is not nearly so robu-t as its offspring, the plant continues healthy. In one of the Cattleya-houses the cantre stage has the remains of a good show of Cattleya Triauoci, and the prime of the C. Schroder® The side ttages are occupied by a very great number of hybrids of Laelia aud Cattleya, Epidendrum, and many strange crosses, on the appearance of whose flowers it is interesting to speculate, although when the flowers are produced some of them will probably differ totally from what th-y were expected tJ be. In one houee Lselia anceps, pi ineipally varieties of white.", had bloomed well, and a large panful of Ccelo- gyne cristata alba must have been very fine. Here a fine specimen of Ccelogyne ocellata maxima was in bloom ; and the handsome C. pandurata and others were sending up flower-spikes. On the centre s*age were plants ot Anthurium Laingi, with pure white spathes, and A. Burfordiense, the brightest of the dark scarlet varieties. Among the Cypripediums ttvo more plants of the home-raised C. Lawrenceanum Hyeanum, illustrated in the Gardeners? Chronicle, Jan. 16, 1897, p. 37, are fl »wering, and prove to be equal to the one figured. C. x Bryan (philippinense x Argus) is sending forth its graceful spikes of flowers, which latter, in some respects, resemble C. x Morgania?, excepting for the large white upper sej al, closely striped with emerald-green. Here, too, was blooming for the first time a grand crof s between C. x selligerum majus and C. x Morgan ia?, which is an improvement on C. x Youngianum superbum, hitherto thought to be the best of its class. Other fine plants noted in flower or bud were C. callosum Sandene, a plant of which was much admired at the Temple Show when exhibited for the first time by Messrs. F. Sander & Co., and has increased in favour ever since ; the fine C. x Juno (callosum x Fairieanum), an advance on the kindred C. x vexi!- larium ; C. x Pitcberianum ; and a number of others. In studying the well being of his plant', nothing that is deemed advisable to be carried out is shunned, and no point likely to be of use is too trifling to be considered. The occupants of the cool-houses were in grand health, and as affording evidejee of this was the presence of a small stock of each of a number of very finely-blotched varieties of Odontoglossuni crispura, which have been worked up in c:ch caso from a single plant. Thus, of the fatuous 0. crispum Cooksoni and some other varieties as rare, there are now six or seven plants of each. The raising of hybrid Odouto- glo sumB is being pursued, and iu due time it is not too much to hope that the recently-exhibited 0. x HaUi-crispum will be followed by others, though th* April 17, 1867.] THE GABDENEBS' CHRONICLE. 247 work of crossing Odontoglossums is less easy or sure than in other genera. In the cool-house there were in flower a number of plants of O. crispum, 0. Halli, 0. Pescatorei, 0. Wilckeanum, and some showy Maidevallias. PADDOCKHURST. This is a place of which few of our readers are likely to have any present knowledge, but it is one about which they may hear much in the future. Paddockhurst is a Sussex estate, and its location is about four miles from Three Bridges Station on the London, Brighton, & South Coast Railway. Crawley and East Griustead are but little further distant in other directions. Sir Weetman Dickinson Pearson, who a short time since acquired the estate of about 3000 acres by purchase, had no sooner entered upon possession than he determined to build extensive ranges of glass- houses, and to enlarge the pleasure-grounds and flower-garden, with a view to obtaining in them what horticultural features and effects the conditions of their site would allow. Extensive work to this end has been carried out under the managemeot of the eminent landscape gardener, Mr. H. E. Milner. The Glass Structure', &c, or, at least, such part of them as is not being done by the estate mechanic*, are the work of Messrs. Mackenzie & Moncur. These have evidently been built to endure ; the materials used in all of them are of the best, and the woodwork throughout is of Teak. The value of this wood for all such purposes consi&ts in its durability, which has no com- parison whatever with any woods that have been commonly employed in the erection of green- houses. On the other hand, its appearance is decidedly different from Pitch Pine or Deal when these are painted, and we must add when painted as often a3 necessary. The Teak has a stained, reddish appearance that is not quite to the taste of some persons, who are accustomed to white- pain ted woodwork. Every house upon the place will be new, and all of them are Hearing completion, except in the matters of interior furnishing and the approaches. There are four ranges of spin roofed plant houses about 12 feet wide and 8 feet high. Each range is 114 feet long, and is divided into four divisions, so that these alone represent about 450 feet of glass, and it is all of the most convenient description for the growth of plants of moderate size, or for Cucumber, Tomato, and Melon growing. If each of these divisions is devoted to the culture of plants of one affinity only, a very important aid to good cultivation will be secured at the outset. It is intended, we believe, to utilise one range in its entirety for the growth of Orchids. There is an excellent Orchard-house about 120 feet long, 24 feet wide, and perhaps 11 feet high. The roof has three ridges and furrows. A partition divides the house into two divisions, and one part may therefore be used for slight forcing. Various fruit-trees for plunging or planting in this structure arrived at the time of our visit. Rather nearer to the house is another range of glass 300 feet in length, most of it being three-quarter span. Here there are six vineries, a stove, a green- house, and two plant-houses, one at either end. In the centre a kind of connecting link will be in the shape of a dome of moderate height, to be used as a Rose-house, The conservatory has been built adjacent to the new wing of the dwelling-house, upon the eastern side, and is about 90 feet long, 35 feet wide, and of considerable height. The disadvantages of this struc- ture, owing to its being insufficiently provided with light, we are afraid will be considerable. If we may judge it in the half-finished state it at present bears, it is unliktly that any but shade-loving plants will continue to thrive in it for any length of time, and thus it will entail a continuous drain upon houses more favourable to plant-growth. However, a free use of marble and other reflective mediums is intended, and when finished the building may appear more light than when we viewed it. The very considerable extent of glass above enumerated will be supplemented by about 450 feet of Teak-pits. Before disposing of the glass structures, it may be added that Mr. F. Capp, the gardener, is actively engaged in obtaining collections of plants for furnish- ing them. Even now, when the work engaged in necessitates much inconvenience to plant-growing, there is a praiseworthy display of bloom from a good strain of Cinerarias and other species of spring- flowering plants. A wing has been added to^the rather plain-looking dwelling-house. A residence for the gardener will be commenced shortly, and a convenient and well- appointed cottage for the young gardeners is in course of construction ; besides which there are several necessary offices, Btorerooms, and such places to be built. The imposing-looking stables are inconveniently near to the dwelling-house. Excellent aiTangements exist for illuminating the house and grounds with the electric light. Pleasore-Grounds, &c. Turning our attention to the pleasure grounds, there will be about 45 acres to be kept, if we include the flower-garden and the kitchen -garden yet to be made. The house stands on a slope, being neither at the summit nor at the base, and faces due south. The entrance from the west has already been altered and improved, and a new entrance will be made upon the eastern side of the estate, and a drive from this point will lead up to the dwelling- nouse, passing through an avenue of Chestnut trees. The more attractive portions of the pleasure-grounds and flower-garden are destined to be upon the east side of the house, and to the south |of it. Unfor- tunately, as we think, there will be little "kept" ground immediately in front of the residence —indeed, only a few yards. One of the natural advantages of the place is a semi-wild spot under trees, a hundred yards distant, directly south of the dwelling, where there are several small watercourses surrounded by high banks, and percolating through very uneven ground. Many rustic bridges have been "erected at suitable points here, and there is a pleasant water fall, quite btroug enough as we saw if, but the supply of water may become much lessened in summer. Primroses, bulbs, and other suitable plants, have been planted by Mr. Capp, and he wiU no doubt make the mrst of the natural advantages of this spot. Skimmia japonica, scarlet Oaks, Butcher's Broom, Berberis, and Rhododendrons, will furnish the banks on either side of the streams. Intervening between this attractive wilderness and the front of the house is some grazing - land, so that the cattle may stray close up to the windows, consequently, the house is reached by paths to the right or left, which enclose the graztng-land within a more or less perfect circle. We hnve already said that the flower- garden is being formed ou the slope to the east of the house, but before this is reached, there is a little border contingent to the conservatory on a kind of terrace. It has been cut up with a pretty design , and many small beds, but the effect would have been better had there been more space available. As this was not possible, however, a more simple design would have been suitable. vVe can say but little upon the flower garden, aa'it was far from completion ; but its general chararter.aud several details in its arrangement, are certainly praiseworthy and most artistic. There aro a few incongruities we admit, as for instance the four Yew tree*, clipped into some resemblance to a peacock, one placed at each corner of a piece of beautiful greensward adjoining an Elizabethan garden, where infcrmality exists to the extent that there are beds of choice varieties of dessert fruits that- visitors to the flower-garden may be able to gather Borne refreshing fruits. It is satisfactory to know that these tortured trees bad to be imported from Holland. In close proximity, a maze is to be con- structed, consisting of Yews 4 or 5 feet high ; and there will be two fountains, one upon this, and a second upon the other side of the house. The Bides of one of the broad paths or drives are lined on either side with iron archeB about 8 feet high, running in the same direction as the drive. Malus floribunda and M. atrosanguinea have been planted at each arch, and when well covered, these arches or chains will provide an unusual feature. We are glad to say that a good number of Rosea have been planted, and it is evidently intended to create a remarkable display with Turner's Crimson Rambler. A new kitchen garden of about 3 acres is to be formed. Altogether, the place is a very interesting one, and we shall have pleasure in taking an oppor- tunity to visit the gardens at a subsequent time, when we may be in a position to place before our readers some notes upon the effect of the work we now allude to. Sir W. Pearson, who is an eminent engineer, may be congratulated upon the horticultural enterprise ho has shown, and we hope he will obtain the amount of pleasure from bis garden that his efforts deserve. METHODS OF PROPAGATION. (.Continued from p. 215.) Ornamental and Timber Trees from Seed. — The Hornbeam, called in some counties the Buck Beech, rarely attains to any great size. There is a fine pollarded plantation at Mersham-le-Hatch, in East Kent. These pollards are cut about every seven or ten years, when they furnish a large quantity of good cord-wood and brush- faggots, the latter being used for brick-burning. It is also a most useful hedge plant, and may be used alternately with Quick (White-thorn). It can be raised from its seed, which are like small Chestnuts. These separate freely from their husks in the autumn, and may then be collected and sown at once, or in the following February or March. The Spanish Chestnut, though not an indigenous tree, ripens its fruits in hot dry summers. The seed from trees at home is preferred by foresters to im- ported Spanish nuts, for two reasons ; they ore smaller, and consequently more numerically go to the bushel ; and secondly, they will produce hardier seedl ngs. The nuts should be spread thinly on a dry floor, and frequently moved as wel1, and covered up during frosty weather. Iu addition to other feathered and furred enemies that feed on other tree-seeds, we have in this case to guard against the vole, erroneously called the water-rat, as well as from rats proper, who will work along the rows, and devour the just sprouting nuts, if not checked by trapping. A good plan is to pour a little common paraffin-oil into the bag containing the Chestnuts, and to give it a shake, so that every nut gets a little on it. If this be done the night before sowing, every nut will be flavoured with the strong-smelling oil, which will render them distasteful to both bird and quadruped. In Kent and Sussex, large quantities of Chesnut- plants are raised annually to replenish woods and coppices, as Chestnut poles are in great demand as Hop-poles, and to split to make rails for fences and other purposes. Chestnut-plants should never be grown in low damp ground, as the late frosts will kill back the young growth in the spring, when, even it cut to one lead — a tedious and expensive process — the plants seldom make clean straight plants. The be>t soil for them is a stiff sandy loam, enriched with yard-manure, so as to insure a stout and rapid growth. The importance of the Chestnut for woods and plantations may be inferred, when it is known that ' such, compared with mixed underwood, realises double the price per acre. The common Hazel is also used, but only in dis- tricts whero the soil is thin. Hazel nuts are sown in drills, and in using thein one has to guard against the elegant and active squirrel. The Horse-Chestnut (Jtaculua) is generally raised from the nuts, but is almost exclusively used as au 248 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 17, 1897. ornamental tree. A few seedlings should be raised for stocks to bud the scarlet-flowered and other orna- mental varieties on, according to directions previously given in these columns. The same may be said of the Walnut, which has valuable timber, is useful as a fruit-tree, and is also ornamental. While I am mentioning this I must not forget its first cousin, the Hickory, which in situa- tions where it will thrive, makes an exceedingly handsome tree. There are some grand examples at Lees Court, near Faversham, the seat of Lord Sondes. A tree not well known, but worthy a place in the arboretum, is the Planera, which is also raised from its seeds, or nuts. Both the Planes now so much in demand for street decoration in our cities and towns, and used with such happy effect in beautifying our noble Thames Embankment, are sometimes raised from foreign seed, but in English nurseries are pro- pagated by layers from stools : though it is not difficult to raise the American variety from cuttings of the young wood, taken with a heel, and kept close in a cold pit. Lastly, the Cherry, both Cerasus sylvestris and C. vulgaris, are raised from their stones, sown in drills, and transplanted when two or three years old to the nursery quarters, in which they are to be worked, i.e., budded or grafted. The different Plums used also in the trade for stocks, and considered in former papers, are raised from their stones, sown in drills ; but patience will be found indispensable with all stone fruits, as it is not till the hard stone has partially decayed that the kernel can germinate. The Wych or Scotch Elm is generally increased by seed, and is the variety generally used to graft on the English and other kinds ; but it is not a very quick stock. (7*0 be continued.) VIOLETS. The Violets, so common and so welcome at this season, are all descendants of the common Viola odorata. It is not suggested that any of the varieties are the reBult of hybridisation. The flowers are irregular in form, provided with a spur, and specially adapted for fertilisation by insects. The anthers form, as in other species, a sort of tube around the style. The style itself ends in a hook. When an insect visits the flower in search of the honey in the spur, it tilts against the hook of the style, and presses it against the anthers, which thus set free their contents, and besprinkle the body of the insect with pollen. On alighting on another flower the pollen comes into contact with the hooked stigma, upon which the pollen is wiped off, and its fertilisation ensured. But although cross-fertilisation is thus provided for, close or self-fertilisation often occurs. There are in Violets numerous inconspicuous flowers with green petals, which are produced after the coloured flowers, offer no attractions to insects, do not open, and are hence called " cleistogamous." The pollen of such flowers fertilises the ovules of the same flower. If, on the one hand, cross-fertilisation be a means of securing variation, close fertilisation, on the other, would appear to be a device for ensuring stability of characters and absence of variation. The raiser on the look out for novelties would, of course, eschew the seed produced by the cleistogamous flowers, though it is produced so freely, and prefer that ripened in the insect-fertilised flower. Vochting, as cited in Willis' Manual and Dictionary of Flowering Plants and Ferns, says that these eleistogauiic flowers are specially formed in the shade. We do not know with what degree of frequency they are formed in the newer varieties. We may expect from this history that the variations which occur in these flowers will be variations in size and habit chiefly, and not of so remarkable a character as in the case where hybridisation intervenes. The illustration from specimens provided by Mr. Harry Turner, of Slough, and Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, show the typical V. odorata and some of the newer varieties (fig. 81). Fig. 80 represents a form of V. odorata, known as sulfurea, and which was exhibited by Messrs. R. Veitch & Son, Exeter, at one of the recent shows of the Royal Horticultural Society, is reported to be a native of the South of France, and bears dull sulphur- coloured flowers. The figure, which represents a plant about the size of our wild V. odorata, may be compared with the relatively gigantic proportions of some of the newer forms such as the Czar, California and others. The second illustration (fig. 81) shows five of the newer varieties with a flower of the original species for the sake of comparison (1 ). For a few notes on the special characteristics of these varieties we are indebted to Mr. Turner : — "Princess of Wales (2).— This is one of the largest single Violets in cultivation, the flowers being large and highly scented. The colour is a brighter blue than the Czar or other old varieties, the flower-stems are very strong, 6 to 8 inches in length, and the foliage is most robust, it is also a hardy variety, and flowers from September until April. See also fig. 82. " Primarera (S)..y— This is an Italian introduction, and is rather darker in colour than "Italia," but very sweet and dwarfer in growth. " Amiral Avrflan (4). — This is a very distinct variety, the colour being rich purple. The plant is dwarf in growth, and it is very free flowering. " Princess Beatrice (5). — Another single variety, which is darker in colour than the Princess of Wales. It is not so robust in habit, but is very free flower- ing. Mr. Smith, in making the drawing, made the interesting observation that this is the only variety destitute of a hairy fringe within. "Jtalia (6).— A new variety, introduced from Italy last season. It is a free-growing and free- flowering variety. The flowers are a lovely shade of dark blue, and they rise well above the foliage." California (see fig. S3). — As to this fine variety, Mr. House, of Westbury-on-Trym, furnishes the following interesting particulars. Thenew Giant Violet California is quite hardy, and a most rampant grower, with very large leaves, which are always to be had. It is easily propagated, and is a most prolific bloomer, with flower- stems frequently 10 inches to 1 foot in length. The flowers often measuro from 11 to 2 inches in diameter are very fragrant, of an intense violet colour, which does not fade. California is already becoming a universal favourite, and the flowers will commaud high prices for some time to come. From a trades- man's point of view this Violet stands at the top. Although a profitable plant for open-air culture, it is unquestionably better for protection. The plan I adopt is as follows. Plant out the divisions or rooted cuttings, as the case may be, in April, in good deepsoil, with alittle rotted cow- manure mixed in. Give the plants plenty of room, and a position in partial shade for the summer months. Pinch ofl' the runners and afford an occasional watering in dry weather ; they b ill then grow vei-y rapidly, and make strong clumps for lifting in September. Plant near the glass in light airy frames, and, if protection is necessary, use mats. This variety especially objects to heat. The Violets like a lime-stone soil, and a seaside situation, which secures pure air ; hence their culture in the immediate vicinity of London is becoming increasingly difficult, if not impossible. Articles on the culture of Violets will be found in our volume for the first half of the year 1S89, pp. 137, 173, 201, 307, 373, 437, 532, 628. 1, V. odorata, typical. 2, V. Princess of Wales. ■J, V. Primavera. 4. V. Amiral Avellan. 0, V. Princess Beat! »<*< 6, V. lt:ili:i. GARDENING IN RUSSIA. The district of Wilna is celebrated for its market- gardens, which supply the greater portion of the fresh vegetables consumed in Warsaw and St. Peters- burg in the spring, and with Melons during the summer months. The cultivation of vegetables is carried on, not by gardeners, but by raisers and improvers of vegetables— the so-called Ogorodniki. For raising the plants, 32,000 hotbed frames or lights are employed in the spring months, and the chief articles raised at that season consist of " Stelen," i.e., Beetroot, Carrots, Parsley, Dill, Lettuce, and Radish. When the spring crops are gathered, the hot-beds are utilised for tho raising of Cauliflowers, Melons, and Cucumbers. Of the last named, almost Apkil 1?, 1897.1 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 249 the only variety growu is the Rusaian (Trauben- Gurke) Grape-Cucumber, which, although its fruits are very small, are produced iu great abundance •, and being aromatic, and of excellent flavour, they are eaten in preference to any other. The variety has the good property of scarcely ever failing to crop well, and it is hardly possible to form an idea of the abundance of the crop. A single Ogorodniki in one summer, daily harvests 4000 fruits. Besides the vegetables raised and cultivated in hot- bed frames, large quantities are grown in the fields. These fields are divided into beds 1"75 metres (about 5 feet 9 inches) wide, the length being indefinite ; and the beds are separated by alleys 0-7 metres (27* inches) broad, which are thrown out by the plough, and the earth thus loosened is cast over the beds, so that a bed has a height of 40 to 50 cm. Cart-roads do not exist. In the middle of each bed a row of Brunswick Cabbage is planted, on each side of which a row of plants of the Russian Grape-Cucumber or Gherkin is planted, which i8 a sort the bine ot which does not spread widely. Next to these, on each side, come Red Beets ; and lastly, as an edging all round a bed, one row of Potato-Onions is planted. This method of planting is universally followed in the Wilna district. The leaves of the Potato-Onion are constantly cut, just as we do with our Chives, and these leaves form a part of the daily food of the Russian peasantry, who live for weeks on nothing better than black (brown) bread and some finely- shred Onion-leaves. In Nischni -Novogorod I ob- tained fresh caviare served with finely shred Onion-leaves, which, to us Western Europeans, seemed a horrible mixture. The Ogorodniki are of the opinion that by cutting the leaves of the Onion they increase the size of the bulb. However that may be, the Onions taste very nice eaten in the following manner : — First a slice of dry roll, and on the top of this a slice of Onion, above that one of Tomato strewed with caviare. ProbatMm est. The first plant3 to bscome fit for consumption are the Potato-Onions, whose leaves, as I have remarked, are eaten by the folk with much gusto, and not despised even by the well-to-do. The Russian farmer is easily satisfied — a chunk of dry black-bread, and slices cut from a bundle, 1} inch in diameter, of Onion-leaves, eaten as one consumes a sausage, serves for his mid-day meal. Onion-leaves are eaten in soups and with cold dishes. In order to prevent the Potato-Onion from running to seed, they are, in the winter, exposed to a course of fumigation with wood-smoke for twenty-four hours. The cultivator continues to cut the leaves of the Potato-Onion up to the time when they begin to wither naturally. When the Onion-crop ceases to be productive, the Gherkin fruits begin to mature. The Russian Tranben-Gurke differs from most of the other European Gherkins or Cucumbers in its earli- ness, productivity, hardiness, and being but little influenced by the weather. The fruit averages lj to ]£ inch in diameter, and 3 to 4 inches in length, and may bo consumed in the raw state, or as a pickle in brine. Wilna possesses a very extensive nursery, in which fruit trees are chiefly raised. The proprietor, M. Wbhler, also cultivates pot-plants in large numbers. Here it struck me as something peculiar, that despite the excessively severe character of the winters in this part of Russia, only single lights were employed on houses and pits ; still more striking was the state- ment that these single glass-roofs suffice to protect the plants in the severest frosts — 32° Reaumur at St. Petersburg, and — 35* Reaumur at Moscow. The most important nursery is found in St. Peters- burg, viz., that of Mr. Eiler, who has ranges of glasshouses, more than 2500 mi-tres in length — say 1J miles English— and the greater number of these bouses are devoted to the cultivation of Roses. Formerly ho used to cut Roses the entire year, but now, owing to tho heavy importation of cut-blooms of Roses from tho Riviera and southern France, there is a cessation in the cutting in the autumn ; a start being again made at Christmas, when flowers are Rent to his numerous Hower-shops and stalls in tho town. He cuts in the winter months about 2000 blooms daily. His method of cultivating the Camellia is interesting, and different to what is practised elsewhere. A lean-to glasshouse of great height and breadth is furnished with a stepped staging, on which are placed boxes running the entire length of the house, half a yard amount of disturbance of the roots arising from this ensures a good set of flower-buds. The plants require nothing more than to be kept somewhat dry at the roots after they are established in the pots, and they flower freely in the winter months, being then disposed of at from five to six roubles a-piece ; the value, therefore, of the plants having increased in one and a quarter year's twelve fold. Loss of plants or failure to set flower buds are rarely, if ever, experienced. The number of the Lily of the Valley which are forced in Mr. Eiler's nursery is very considerable. The forcing of these roots is carried out in a house that is constructed inside of another house, and 1,000,000 (one million) crowns are forced yearly. The forcing of Hyacinths. Tulips, and Crocus is also carried on to a large extent ; for besides supplying his own requirements, he furnishes the Imperial gardens with considerable quantities of flowers. A most desirable novelty noted in Eiler's nursery was a white, double-flowered Petunia, of fine form and agreeable aroma, named Elise Eiler. The variety is propagated by the thousand every year, the flowers forming excellent material for cutting. Of biological interest was the fact that during the months of June and July, when the nights are as light as day (St. Petersourg is situated under the 00th degree of N. latitude, therefore near the polar circle), Cyclamens scarcely grow at all, and only begin to grow witli any vigour when the nights grow darker. The cultivation of Carnations— 18,000 plants — and Sweet Peas is largely carried on. The latter are sown in pots in the autumn, and later on they are planted in front of a trellis, furnishing flowers for cutting throughout the wiuter. Udo IJammer. (To be contimud.) VIOI H ' U.1FORNIA. (SEE P. 24S.) wide and 4 inches deep, and behind each box there is a narrow passage. The boxes are filled with a light kind of turfy-soil, and young Camellia plants bought in Germany for 90 pfenniges each aro planted out in them in the autumn. The plants aro syringed, not watered. When next year's growth is matured, i.e., when tho latest leaf is become hard, the plants are taken out of tho boxes anil potted ; and tho small HARDY CAMELLIAS. Many years have elapsed since I last visited Glen Eyre, the residence of Major Eyre Crabbe, and where the late Mrs. Crabbe converted a sort of heathy morass into a lovely garden. Glen Eyre is not far from the famous Red Lodge Nursery, and a peaty soil runs all through the district, so that Rhododendrons and American plants generally, as well as Conifers, flourish amaz- ingly. The groups of Rhododendrons in Glen Eyre gardens have broken out into mounds, for they have growu wondrously, and are in the proper seasons literally huge masses of bloom. But the great feature of the place, without doubt, is found in the exceeding number of very fine Camellias growing in all directions, and in their season blooming pro- fmely. The growth with most is almost luxuriant, and whether standing out on grass as single speci- mens, or growing singly as such on hardy plant borders, or jutting out from faces of ordinary shrubs, or found in masses, or planted against walls where they can now hardly be said to be trained, the plants are generally in first-rate form ; and in growth, in richness of leafage, or in floriferousuess, quite equal to anything seen in houses, even where they are planted out, It was very evident at Glen Eyre that Camellias enjoy rather rude treatment very well, for tho hard cutting-back of any that seemed to become rather bare of leafage quickly led to the production of new and luxuriant growths. When to this now inspiration was added a little top-dressing of old manure and fresh soil, tho plants soon became as robust as ever. There were a few varieties that seemed less robust than others, but that may have been due to some other causes, perhaps lack of essential food. All the same, it h evident that the natural soil is that which Camellias like, and generally, if deeply worked, it needs little artificial help. It looks, judging by what is seen iu all directions^ an if any varieties that are fairly good growers would do well out-of-doors at Glen Eyre Doubtless, also, they would do equally well if planted south of London in similar peaty soil, and enjoyed similar surround ings. Many of these huge shrubs have been planted fully thirty years, perhaps longer. The gardener, Mr. Stewart, who has been iu the 250 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 17, 1897. family's service cloae upon forty-four years, com- menced, in conjunction with Mrs. Crabbe, to lay out and plant the place forty years ago ; and no doubt some of the Camellias were planted soon after. In any case, the trees aud shrubs have grown together, and form a shelter from wild wind-stortna. It must not, however, be concluded that, judged by what is seen under glass, the Camellia is at all a tender shrub. At Glen Eyre it is as hardy as auy other in the gardens, and seems never to suffer from cold. No doubt intense sun-heat is the more objecbiouable, and hence here it is found that, in some parts, especially for those on walls, partial shade is furnished. There are, however, Beveral very fine specimens standing singly on a south aspect, both on grass and gravel, exposed to the hottest of sunshine, and doing splendidly. Hence, it may be inferred that the Camellia is a very accommodating hardy shrub. As to producing bloom, position Beems to make no difference. Whether in shade or in sunshine, nearly the whole of the plants are now bloom- ing profusely. Generally, they carry buds in wondrous profusion, so much so, indeed, that did time and labour permit, it would pay well to largely disbud. As to the condition in which plants should be pit out, Mr. Stewart has, because of his wide experience, no bias. He has planted pot- bouu 1 comparatively stunted ones, and strong, free- growing young ones. The Utter have, of course, the sooner taken to the change, because better rooted. With the stunted plants the first year's growth is weak, but very soon the roots feel their liberty, and once they get well hold of the ground, soon produce strong wood-growth. When that is so, it is good practice to shorten back somewhat the more stunted branches, and in a couple of years a handsome well-wooded bush is produced. Plants in pots, hitherto grown under glass, should be allowed to make their spring shoots first, the planting out being done towards the end of April. Afterwards it is the habit of the Camellia generally to push the spring-shoots later, and thus they escape harm from late spring frosts. Amongst varieties, not a few of which have through so many years lost their names, are Old Double Red, Double White, McKay's Lowi, Duchess of Northumberland, Chandleri, Imbricata, Violacea superba, Anemonaaflora, Old Double Striped, and some Italian varieties. Conifers are very fine iu this place, and seem to be singularly at home on a steep sloping bank. Paulownia imperial U is here a very fine tree, the bole of the stem 4 feet from the ground being 3 feet in diameter. Skimmias are largely used for winter and spring decoration, whether plunged into vases or planted out into beds. The plants berry most profusely, and the birds do not touch the scarlet fruits. Presently the plants will go to the small nursery garden for the summer, and next winter will again do duty as now. So treated the Skimmia japonica becomes a beautiful decorative hardy shrub. A. D, salads, as the leaf being out up into small pieces, its size or shape matters little, Chicory with large tops blanches more readily, and does not run to seed so quickly. When used as a vegetable, it is advisable to get a good top-growth somewhat like Seakale, and if the Witloef is grown for the purpose, and forced slowly, it produces such growth. The Witloef is less bitter also than the older variety, and many who have tasted it find it more agreeable, while others value it for its distinct flavour. Many err in sowing the seed too early in dry warm soils, in which it is apt to run to seed. Last year, owing to heat and drought, we did not sow till June, and even then germination was slow ; bat with the genial autumn rains the plants soon made head- way. Iu a light soil, June sowings gave a late winter supply, but on clay soils it would be better to sow in May. The plant requires plenty of room; it is a strong grower, aud requires 2 feet space between the rows in good soil, or 6 inches less in heavy soil, thinning the plants in the rows to half that distance. Of course, this kind of culture is intended to furnish a vegetable crop, but even for salad purposes it is well to give the best cultivation, and thus obtain more material to cut from. During .summer merely keep the ground clear between the rows, and if specially large -sized roots are wanted, afford a little liquid- manare, which will produce a finer growth. I find, however, that roots large enough can be got without such food, and coarse roots are liable to run to seed. If I require to prepare the ground for another crop, the roots are lifted and placed in trenches rather close together, and winter them thus, removing the roots as needed to the Mushroom house to force. The be3t way to do this is to place the roots in pots or boxes, and tlien invert empty boxes or pots over them. If required as a vegetable, cut the tops when 6 inches long, and cook like Seakale. It may also be easily forced in the open by covering with pots, &c, and placing litter over the covers, but damp soon spoils the heads if hard forced. 0. Wythes. CHICORY IN WINTER. The following remarks do not altogether refer to the value of Chicory for salad purposes, but to its value as a vegetable when specially grown for the latter purpose. There are not many varieties of Chicory, and I consider the best to be Witloef, a Continental variety, that has been grown for some years in this country. This Witloef is largely grown upon the Continent, and esteemed as a winter vegetable, or for salad purposes ; and I have noted latterly that a considerable quantity is imported into this country during January and February, and that it finds a ready sale. I first grew the Witloef and stored the roots in a Bhed early in October — but there is no need to do so, as our roots stood the severe winter of 1895 un- injured ; indeed, I find the roots winter best in the open if the soil is well drained. The common variety — Barbe de Capucin — is so poor compared to the Witloef, that it scarcely merits mention. The other kind most known is doubtless a selection from the common one, but with larger roots, and inferior to the Belgian type. These are very useful for Nursery Notes. CARNATIONS IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE. Near to the March Junction of the Great Eastern Railway two young men —Messrs. Crane & Clarke — have established themselves as growers on a large scale of Tree Carnations, cultivating some 20,000 plants, a considerable proportion of which are vigorous, cleanly-grown plants of two years old, intended for the production of cut-bloom for sale purposes. The proprietors gather Carnation flowers for about a period of ten months in tthe year. The leading varieties are Williain'Robinson, a bril- liant scarlet, which they recently exhibited in very fine character at one of the meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society ; a vigorous grower, free of bloom, probably the finest of its colour in culti- vation. Madame Therese Franco, which is better known in the London district under the name of Mrs. Leopold de Rothschild ; Duke of York, bright maroon-crimson ; Miss Mary Godfrey, and Primrose Day, a large pale yellow. The coming white variety is a new and scarce Deutsche Braut, a magnificent white, with large, full flowers, highly fragrant, good habit, and very free-blooming. A few others are grown, but the foregoing in by far the largest quan- tities, A new pink variety, a great improvement upon Miss Joliffe, is spoken very highly of by Messrs. Crane & Clarke, but the stock of it at present is very limited. White and pink Carnations find the greatest favour in the market, then scarlet, and next crimson ; yellow being apparently least esteemed. A Tree Carnation is regarded as being at its best when two years old, and is then most productive of blooms. An enormous number of fine young plants raised from cuttings struck in January is to be seen. They are now in 48-pots, and when they have reached the height of 9 inches or so, the leading shoot is pinched out ; this causes the main stem to put forth young side-shoots freely, and in this way bushy, free- branching specimens are obtained. Clay's manure is applied as a fertiliser, but only when the plants are flowering, to assist the production of bloom. Bouvardias, tuberous-rooted Begonias, and double- flowered Petunias iu particular, are grown in large quantities, and considerable numbers when in a young state are distributed by post. But Carnations are the leading feature, and it must be acknowledged that they are cultivated with great skill and success. An enormous number of young plants of Carnations are distributed from this nursery at this season of the year. B. D. KEW NOTES. Californian on Mountain Laurel (ITmbellu- LARiACiLiFORNiCA, Nutt.). — An example of this inter- esting Lauriuea is now flowering, though somewhat sparsely, on a wall in the open at K^w. In its native habitat it forms an elegant evergreen tree of from 40 to 120 feet in height, and from 2 to 4 feet in diameter, and has a smooth bark. The timber is of a light brown colour, hard aud close-grained, and susceptible of taking a high polish, and iu Oregon is used for a variety of purposes, the most important of which is ship-building ; and, iu fact, it is considered to be the most valuable wood of the Pacific forests for interior and cabinet work. The whole tree is highly aromatic, aud the leaves, when bruised, give off a powerful camphoraceous odour. It has been stated by travellers that during a hurricaue the odour is so strong beneath the shade of a forest of these trees as to provoke sneezing. Hunters are said to make a decoction of the leaves, which is used without any apparent injurious effect, to promote warmth. /. M. H. Pinus Thunbergi var. aurea. One of the brightest of winter trees is the golden variety of the Scotch Pine. During the spring and summer it is green, like the ordinary P. sylvestris, assuming its gayer dress during the autumn, and losing it again the following March. Until recently no other Pine was in cultivation that equalled it in colour, but now there is at Kew a similar variety of the Japanese P. Thunbergi {often called P. Musson- iana in gardens), which promises, when thoroughly established, to be of at least equal value. Its golden colour during winter is quite as pronounced as that of the Scotch Pine just mentioned, and it retains it longer, being still, in April, of quite a bright yellow. Another variety — P. Thunbergi variegata — imported from Japan at the same time, may be briefly men- tioned as also now to cultivation, although it is not, from the garden stand-point, so promising a tree as the other. In this variety the leaves are marked with one or two transverse bands of yellow near the middle, the remainder of the leaf being green as in the ordinary form. Camellias Out-of doors. The value of the Camellia out-of-doors in this country has scarcely yet been realised, except in the far south-west ; but even as far north as Kew it is every year proving more beautiful and attractive as a hardy shrub. Of course, in bleak, wind-swept places it is not likely to thrive, but that much has to be said of many evergreens. In the Rhododendron Dell at Kew, in a spot shaded till noon, it has proved a perfect success, and as hardy as any Rhododendron. A group of plants was put out about eight years ago, and, except from the trees and shrubs aroun 1, has had no protection. In spite of the severe winters during that period, they have increased in vigour yearly, and would bo worth growing as ever- greens for the deep shining green ^of the leaves alone. For the last few years they have flowered freely, and one variety especially — Douckelaari — has been most attractive. It is of free growth, and the semi-double flowers are of a rich scarlet crimson, the inner petals slightly mottled with pink. Hardy shrubs with flowers of this colour are very rare at any season. Prunds nana (The Dwarf Almond). One of the prettiest of dwarf shrubs in flower is this bushy Almond, a native of Southern Russia. The abundant Bunehiuo of last summer evidently suited it, for its flowers, both in the bud aud fully open states, thickly wreath last year's wood. When fully expanded, they are three-quarters of an inch across, the five oblong petals being of a pale rose contrasting prettily with the deeper shade of the unopened buds. The flowers ore borne in pairs a April 17, 1897.1 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 251 each node, and from between them the young leavos, .ire pushing. These, when mature, are of a glossy- green, lanceolate, toothed, and 2 to 3 inches long. This shrub is frequently worked on the Plum or some other stack, and is short-lived in consequence, which is, perhaps, the reason it is not so often seen as one would expect from its great charm and beauty. Budding is a quite unnecessary mode of propagation, for it roots freely when layered. A bed of young plants thus raised two or three years ago is in flower at Kew. It is likely to prove useful also for forcing, some plants of the same batch having flowered well a few weeks ago in the conservatory. W.J.B. freely, each being Zk inches long, by 1^ inch wide, and composed of fan-shaped scales with two seeds beneath each. Though stiff in habit of growth, yefc the branches being irregular of length, causes the tree to be in- formal of outline. It does not grow rapidly, and is therefore suitable for rj-ther confined: spaces. Some of the largest and best furnished specimens in this country are growing in peaty earth. Daphne Blagatana. Among early-flowering shrubs, this charming little Daphne is well worthy of mention. It is too rare, and requires, perhaps, conditions of too special a In the open ground, we find it thrives well in a peaty soil, its roots covered with pieces of fairly thick porous stone. It can most conveniently be propa- gated by layering. A. D. Webster. | Figured in Gard. Ckron., 1892, p. 491. Ed.] Florists1 Flowers. THE HYACINTH. It is probably owing to the fact that competitions with Hyacinths and other spring flowers do not occur in (he present day, that so few novelties have put in appearance of late years. Thirty years ago, when Fig. $4.— picea polita : branch with cones, (real size.)' Trees and Shrubs. PICEA PoLITA. Judging from the rarity with which one meets with the abovc-uamod tree in this country, it must be regarded aa a rare species. This is unfortunate, for it is certainly one of tho most distinct and beautiful of the Spruce Firs, and when once seen is not apt to be for- gotten or confused with any other. The leaves are long, curved, and four-sided, broad at the base, compa- ratively persistent, and of a glossy green colour. They arc produced all around the branches, but thickest and largest on the upper sides. The prominent brown buds are readily detected, thuy being often three-quarters of an inch long. Cones are produced nature to ever become a very familiar plant in this country, but it is certainly one that ought to be represented as oftou as possible wherever suitable conditions can be provided. It is a low-growing, semi-prostrate evergreen, usually under 1 foot high, with dark green, narrow obovate leaves, 1 to 2 inches long. The flowers are crowded in a terminal cluster, and are of a pretty creamy-white, each flower half an inch across, and three quarters of an inch long. It is not only to the modest beauty of its flowers, but to their sweet perfume also, that, this little Daphne owes its charm. It is a native of the mountains of Styria, and was discovered sixty years ago, but the date of introduction is given as 1-w -. It is essentially a rockery-plant, and succeeds best in a sunny spot, but with its foots kept uniformly cool and moist. the names of Cutbus'i an 1 Paul were closely asso- ciated with the culture of the Hyacinth for exhibi- tion purposes, new varieties appeared annually, and a very brisk competition existed among raisers in getting their novelties grown and exhibited in this country. Now, new additions are rare ; and pro- bably one main reason for this is that so many fine varieties of all shades of colour peculiar to the Hya- cinth are now in cultivation, that it is difficult to improve upon them ; ami good old varieties, many of which have been grown for a considerable number of years, still hold their own. The double varieties, &o much esteemed by our forefathers, are no longer favourably regarded. They lack the closeness, finish, breadth, and symmetry of spike which characterises the singleB ; hence the 252 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 17, 1897. reason the latter are more esteemed. Of the deeper shades of red, King of Scarlets, a comparatively new variety, is very brilliant in its rich crimson colour, aud it produces a fine and compact spike ; Etna, as its name implies, has a striking intensity of colour — its handsome bells gather iuto a symmetrical spike ; Vesuvius, of a deep glowing crimson shade ; and such standard varieties as Solfaterre, of a bright shade of rosy-red ; Lord Macaulay, king of the reds ; Koh-i-noor, which, though classed with the single varieties, is really semi-double ; Lord Macaulay and Von Schiller make up the finest among the deep- tinted Hyacinths. Of more delicate shades of rose and pink are King of Roses, pale pinkish-rose, which forms a very handsome spike ; L'Ornement Rose, clear bright rose, a very pleasing new variety ; Moreno, bright salmon-pink, an improvement upon Norma; Pink Perfection, clear pink ; and Belladonna, clear soft rose— a very good selection. Blue is always a favourite colour in the Hyacinth, whether the tint be dark or light ; of almost black and dark- claret shades are King of the Blacks, very dark shining maroon ; the Sultan, in the same way, but with more of wine - colour mingling with the black ; and The Shah, dark violet. Of deeper tints of blue are Souvenir de J. H. VeeD, dark violet-blue ; King of the Blues, one of the handsomest and most reliable Hyacinths in cultiva- tion ; Duke of Clarence, rich bright blue ; Anna Bolena, purple ; and Masterpiece, dark violet. Among the lighter shades of blue there are some charming varieties, such as Beauty, soft azure-blue ; Ccelestina, clear transparent blue ; Forget-me-Not, a very pretty new light blue ; Lothair, delicate azure- blue ; aud Queen of the Blues, soft and very lovely. Charles Dickens, an old variety, holds its own ; it is sometimes light in tint, often much darker, but always good. The large-belled, pure white varieties are represented by Snow King, which has large bells of great substance ; La Grandesse, L'Innocence, Madame Van der Hoop, and Snowball, all fine standard varieties. Of the smaller-belled pure white varieties there are Mountain of Snow, a refined white of great excellence, the handsome bells forming a compact spike ; Mont Blanc, Lady Derby, and Alba maxima, a quartette representing the very best of blush and waxy-white tinted varieties, all of which it is customary to class under the general head of white ; there are Charles Dickens, La Belle, La Franchise, Grandeur a Merveille, probably the best blush-white single Hyacinths iu cultivation ; and Princess Marie, which forms a large and compact truss. Very few additions are made to the yellow Hya- cinths, and there is ample need for improvement; there are but few clear yellows, and they are pale, and the bells smaller generally than those of any other section. King of the Yellows is one of the best ; it is the deepest in colour, and forms a very handsome truss. Primrose Perfection, Queen of the Yellows, Van Vondel, and Yellow Hammer, are all new varieties ; the last the deepest in colour, Van Vondel being of a soft chrome-yellow. Bird of Para- dise, and Ida are the best of the older varieties. The Yellows require high culture to bring them to per- fection, and when well grown, and the spikes finely developed, they impart a pleasing variety to a collection. Raising Seedling Primroses, Polyanthuses, &c. The continued wet weather greatly interfered with the planting out of seedling Primroses, and Polanthus obtained from seeds sown in August last. Seeds sown so soon as ripe germinate quickly, though to a considerable extent successionally, as is the case with mo-t of the families of Primula, a characteristic which is not without its advantages, as it enables the earliest plants, which are the most vigorous, and almost invariably the least valuable in point of quality, to be pricked off into boxes, and so make room for the other and later plants. Seeds sown in a light sandy soil in pans, spreading them thinly, and merely covering them with sand, quickly germinate, especially if pieces of glass be placed over the pan. We sometimes hear of complaints that the seeds do not germinate ; but raisers are apt to be too im- patient, and do not afford them sufficient time. Probably not a few pots and pans of seed- lings have been thrown away iu the belief that the seeds were bad ; whereas, all that was required were time and the exercise of patience. Seedlings so raised, and then prieked-off into cold frames, are ready to go out in the open in March or April, when the soil is dry enough. Not a few of the strongest of these will flower in May or later, and all make line plauts for another season. The coloured Primroses and Polyauthus are at their best as strong two-year-old plants. Pentsiemons, Antirrhinums, Aquilegias. The various types of Pansies, Aubrietias, Canter- bury Bells, Foxgloves, &c, raised from seeds sown at the end of the summer, are ready to go out also, but the lightest soil cannot be trodden while blus- tering rain-showers follow each other in such quick succession as they did in March. The sooner it can be done the better, for a long spell of dry weather may, and probably will, follow the wet winter — and it is therefore necessary that newly- planted things should begin to lay hold upon the Boil. After much wet, it is necessary as soon as dry- ing weather comes, to fork over the surface and well pulverise it, so that the newly-planted things should have a firm hold aud get well into growth as speedily as possible ; they will be helped if a little sand and fine leaf-mould can be put about the roots of each. Hap- pily at this season of the year the surface-soil soon dries, and becomes workable, though in the case of ground which contains clay, the heavy rains so beat it down that quite a hard crust was formed, and there is urgent need for breaking it into fragments as soon as the weather permits. The wet weather appears to have done more iujury to Myosotis dissitiflora than to any other spring flower. It never does so well as when it occupies a warm sheltered spot, where wintry storms scarcely reach it. I have never seen this beautiful Forget-me- Not finer than at Hayling Island, when the common Primroses are in full bloom. R. D. The Weekjs Work. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By F. Harris, Gardener, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury. Pot Vines that are now ripening their fruit-should be given plenty of ventilation, and although not allowing them to become at all dry, they will not require so much moisture either at the root or in the atmosphere. Where the fruit is required to hang for a few weeks, the Vines should be encouraged to con- tinue making a little lateral growth, which will keep the roots in active condition, and thus assist to keep the berries plump and in good form. If very bright sunshine should occur, a little shade in the middle of the day will be beneficial to the black varieties ; but in the case of white or yellow ones, turn the leaves back a little to admit direct suu-light. This, however, should not be done too soon or too rapidly, or the berries may become scalded, especially those of Foster's Seedling. If the house be damped down at mid-day it is sufficient for Grapes that are ripening, unless the weather is very hot and dry. Early Vinery. — If the stoning period be past, and the berries have commenced their second swelling, a soaking of liquid manure of moderate strength may be afforded, at a temperature of 85". If manure -water is not available, sprinkle a good artiticial manure over the border before watering. If it be necessary to hurry the Yiues, take advantage of the present time, but damp down frequently aud close early, allowing the temperature to run up to 95° with sun heat. Tne night temperature maybe keptat65\ Beware of red- spider, as this is the time generally when it first appears. On its first appearance, sponge the little spots over with soapy water. Another excellent preventative, which I always follow, is to have a can of pure soft water placed in the house at closing-time, then at dusk, with a fine rose-nozzle on the syringe, I care- fully spray the foliage between the bunches, wherever it cau safely be done, especially near the hot water pipes. Uy this means the foliage is kept damp all night. If pure soft water only is used, there need be no fear of the bloom being damaged iu the least, even should a little water, reach the bunches, which we avoid as much as possible. Succession Vineries. — The temperature of houses containing "Vines in flower should be Qii" to 65° for most varieties, 'with 65° to 70° iu the case of Muscats ; but should the weather be very cold, we often find it impossible to keep to these temperatures, and I have ou several occasions seen my Muscat-house at 55° in the morning. If there is a good warmth iu the pipes, and the house has a warm geuial feeling on entering it, I do not think so much harm is likely to ensue as if the houses are excessively tired. We invariably get a good set here, with careful attention to fertilisation, and although we favour the temperatures mentioned above, high temperatures are not absolutely necessary, for if carried to excess they are often the cause of red- spider. Keep the shoots in succession and late houses just clear of the glass, and give due attention to stopping and rubbing off all weak aud superfluous growths while in a Btnall state, and gradually reduce them to the requisite quantity as it becomes apparent what are required to till the trellis without over- crowding, always, of course, leaviug the shoots which are carrying the best bunches of fruit. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Burford, Dorking. Dendrobinms. — Many of the following species and hybrids will now be passing out of blouiu, D. Wardi- anum, D. crassinode, D. nubile, D. heterocarpum, D, Fiudlayanum, D. superbum, D. capillipes, D. prirnu- liuum, D. Linawianum, D. cucullatum, D. cretaceum, D. crepidatum, D. Ainsworthii x , D. Oassiope X , D. WigauLO X , D. Domiuii x , D. Dulce x (Burfordiense \ ), D. endocharis x , D. splendidissimum x , D. Venus x , and others. If any of these plants have become pot- bound, have them repotted at ouce, and place them in the East Indian-house or plant-stove to make their growth. All the varieties named above will grow well in Teak-wood baskets or shallow pans, which may be suspended close to the roof-glass, where they will obtain plenty of sunlight. Such plants as I), nobile, D. splendidissimuui x , D. Ains- worthii x , D. Dulce x , aud D. Wigante x , which pro- duce strong erect growths, thrive thoroughly well in pots, provided they obtain sufficient light. For young seedlings and varieties of pendulous habit, small shallow pans, with perforations around their sides are preferable. Allow the plants to become quite dry previous to repotting, so that the old mate- rial may be easily removed. In the case of well- established plauts root disturbance should be avoided as much as possible. My practice is to carefully break the old pot, and take away as much of it as is practicable, and if the drainage be filled with healthy roots, this is not disturbed, but the whole is placed in a pot a size larger. The space between the roots and the pot is filled with clean crocks up to within half an inch of the rim. The fresh potting material should consist of equal parts of fibrous peat and sphagnum-moss, with clean crocks added, and the compost should be pressed moderately firm around the plants. The necessary staking should be done immediately after potting, as it is difficult to do this without injury when the young roots are pushing freely through the soil. Healthy plants having suffi- cient room for further development should be relieved of the old compost from between the roots, even down to the crocks, and if necessary additional drainage may be given to lessen the amount of com- post about the plants, as too great a depth of this is injurious to them. For such slender-growing varieties as D. Huttoni, D. O'Brien ianutn, D. purpureum, D. triadenium, D. Pierardi, D. sauguiueum, D. litui- florum and its rare variety candidum, D. micans x , D. rhodostoma x , and others, sphagnum-moss alone ia needed. Youug seedlings also grow stronger and more freely iu moss than in peat. Recently-im- ported pseudo-bulbs should at first be placed in crocks only, and kept in the Cattleya or intermediate- house until growth commences, when they may be potted and placed in a warm, genial atmosphere. The inexperienced should be careful not to overpot newly-imported Dendrobiums, because if the roots get iuto a mass of sodden compost they speedily decay. For the first few weeks after re-potting or top-dressing, water must be supplied with unusual care, merely spriukliag the surfaceof the compostocca- sionally to induce the sp hag uum.- moss to grow moder- ately. When the roots have obtaiued a firm hold of the soil and around the inside of the pot, the amount of water may be gradually increased. As the young growths progress, syringe the under-sides of the foliage very lightly with tepid rain-water at closing time on warm sunny afternoons. Instead of watering Dendrobiums in the morning, as is generally recom- mended, we always commence to water those that April 17, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 253 require it at about 2 P.M. When this operation is completed, the plants aro slightly dewed with a flue syringe, tho blinds are then drawn up, and the plants exposed to the full afternoon's sun- shine. By such practice the plants during the evening and the cool hours of the night absorb sufficient moisture to carry them safely through the heat of the following day ; but if they be watered on the morning of a hot, drying day, the surface of the compost becomes as dry as dust by noon, and it is impossible then to tell whether they really are wet or dry. Such species as D. Dal- housieanum, D. fimbriatum, D. Paxtoni, D. mos- chatum, D. calceolus, D. clavatuni, and D. Brynier- ianum, are now showing their flower-spikes, and should be afforded more water at the root. The ever- green section, including D. thyrsiflorum, D. densi- florum, D. Farmeri, D. Schroderi, D. Grififithianum, D. suavissimuui, D. Guibertianum, and D. chryso- toxum, are also producing their flower-buds, and will now require a warmer atmosphere than their reating- quarters, and a little extra water at the root. D. Ben- sonia, D. Parishii, D. rhodopterygium, D. nodatum, D. pulchellum, and others that flower later on, must still be kept quiet until their flower-buds are well advanced. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. ByH. W. Ward, Raylcigh, Essex. Disbudding and Training of Young Growths.— The disbudding and training of young growths being a very important and pressing cultural operation, should have almost daily attention. Hence the reason for reiterating the remarks I have made iu previous calendars. The disbudding of the Peach and other fruit trees sufficiently advanced in growth to admit of this being done forthwith, should be finished, so as not to unnecessarily waste the forces of the trees by deferring the operation till the shoots have reached several inches in length before removing them. In disbudding a tree the lateral, or those snoots which arise from the sides of the branches, should be reserved for affording fruit next year, and these growths should be laid in equidistant, when possible, between the brauches from which they spring. This job is readily done with the straight twigs of the Birch, Hazel, Privet, &c. , or the weak primings of fruit trees, or if the walls be wired they may be tied with raffia or bast, which latter should be loosely tied, so as to afford room for increase of growth in the shoots. Blvjht. — Keep a watchful eye on green and black aphis, which, if neglected, rapidly overrun the shoots, doing much harm by sucking the juices of the tree, and defiling the foliage with excrement. On the insects being noticed, the foliage should be washed with the XL All insecticide, or tobacco- juice and clean water. The proper proportion of the XL All is 1 to 30, and that of the latter 1 to 10 or more, according to the strength The insecticide should be used in the early morning, or in the afternoon after the sun has gone down. Mildew.— The foliage of the Plum, Peach, Vine, &c, is sometimes affected, when young, with a species of mildew (Splucrotheca pannosa), and weakly trees are more liable to become affected than such as are vigorous. The mildewed leaves should be dusted when damp with flowers-of-sulphur. A somewhat similar mildew affects the Apple, against which the same means must be employed. Blistered Leaves are sometimes caused by a fungus (Exoascus deformans) and by aphides. If the crippling is very common, the affected leaves, and even the shoots, should be cut off", and burned forth- with, and the trees dressed with sulphur and an insec- ticide. With warmer weather the trees will gradually recover, but it should never be neglected, as it has the effect of spoiling the fruitipg-shoots of the next year ; moreover, the spores remain to com- mit similar injury the following year. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By G. H. JtArcocK, Gardener, Luton Hoo Park, Luton. Poinsettias. — Old plants will now be showing signs of returning activity, and although it is too early yet to propagate the necessary quantity of plants, they should bo placed in such a position that good healthy cuttings may be formed. Keep the plants dry at tho roots for the present, and afford plentyof airandamode- rately cool atmosphere. Next mouth tho first batch of cuttings may be taken, removing them from the stock with a heel attached when not more than 2 inches long. Insert the cuttings in a compost of sand and leaf-mould in equal proportions, and place them under a bell-glass in tho propagating-house, in a bottom-heat of 70° to 75°. Batches of cuttings may be struck as desired until the end of June. Lilies.— Bulbs of Liliums auratuni and laucifolium, that were potted up about the end of tho year and plunged in cold frames, require attention at this date. Maintain a moist atmosphere day and night, and afford ventilation sparingly during the present cold weather, always closing early in the afternoon. Maintain a minimum temperature of 70" by night and 75° by day. The Stove. — Examine receutly-potted Anthuriums, and replace with live sphagnum-moss any of it that has failed to grow. Keep the plants in a shady position in the stove. The new roots having taken a firm hold of the fresh material, water may be given them freely. If the plants are on a stage above hot-water pipes, some moisture-holding substance may with advantage be placed underneath the pots, such as common moss, which, if damped each morning, will prevent the plants becoming dry so frequently. The moss, however, must be frequently examined for Blugs. Dip and sponge the leaves of Dracteuas and Codkeums, in a well-proved insecticide-, doing this once a fortnight. A petroleum cask sawn through the middle makes a useful vessel for dipping purposes, providing a handle be placed on each side to render it more easily moved. Train the growths of stove climbers before they become entangled. If there is a bed of fermenting materials in the stove, it should be wholly or partially replaced with new. When this has been done, re-plunge the plants in it up to the rims of the pots. Lilium auratuni bulbs should still be kept in cold-frames, and the lights made use of during rainy weather. The potfuls of L. laucifo- lium and L. 1. album, L. tigrinum, and similar species, may be plunged in coal ashes out-of-doors in some sheltered position. Kain is nut so injurious to these as to L. auratuni ; the stems should, however, be made secure against the wind. Any plants of L. longiflorum still in cold frames may now be placed in heat of 55° to 65°, if it be wished to forward their flowering. General Work. — If more room be required in the houses, any plants of Richardias that have passed out of flower may be removed to a cold pit or frame, where the supply of water at the roots should be decreased. Move into the forcing-house more plants of 'Spiraeas, Spar axis, Hydrangea pauieulata, Gladiolus Colvillei alba, &o. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By Charles Hbrrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead. Renovating Lawns.— The formation and renovation of lawns by the sowing of grass-seeds should be done during the present month whenever the soil is in a fit condition to bear for working upon. Before sow- ing, the land should be levelled, and well raked with long-toothed iron rakes. It is important that the ground be made thoroughly firm, first trampling it, and afterwards by rolling both before and after sowing. Bare spots on lawns may be slightly forked- up, be given a sprinkling of fine rich loamy toil, raked over, and beaten with a spade or turf-beater, or rolled. Then sow the seeds fairly thickly to ensure a good turf being formed quickly. Perennial Phloxes. — For providing a late display of these flowers, cuttings should now be inserted in sandy soil in 6*0 sized pots. Place them in a frame on a mild hot-bed, and shade from bright sun, when roots will soon form, and the plants, after being hardened off', may then be planted iu tho borders. Spring-struck plants will produce good spikes of bloom after the older plants have passed out of flower. If the old clumps in borders have become very large, they may be split up with a spade into a convenient Bize. and replanted. This is a ready means of increase, but the heads of bloom are usually not so fine as are those produced from plants raised from cuttings. Michaelmas Daisies. — Plants obtained by pottiog- up small portions from the outside borders early in the season should now be iu a good condition for planting out. Large beds filled with one or more varieties have a tine effect in the autumn, and, although rather out of place in the flower-garden proper, there are usually some odd beds or borders that may be filled with these to advantage. Such varieties as A. Amellus major, A. Robert Parker, A. Nancy, or A. Harpur Crewe, and many others, when planted in a mass, make au acceptable change from other forms of bedding. Daffodils in semi-wild gardens or iu grass land whero tho bulbs cannot be conveniently found for removal after tho tops have died away, may bo transplanted with care after tho flowering is over. In such a position, however, Daffodils need be rarely disturbed. When moved at this date, the bulbs should bo lifted and divided with as little breakage of the roots as possible, and be replanted immediately. Instead of pulling tho clumps in pieces and separating the smaller bulbs from the larger, simply break them into small clumps, and plant altogether. If the staple be poor, some of it may be thrown out to allow of a good shovelful of new compost being used for planting in. The bulbs should be placed 3 inches below the surface. Daffodils and other bulbs, as Scillas, Crocuses, Hyacinths, &c., that have been forced in pots should be gradually hardened off and afterwards planted out in some portion of the grounds in the vicinity, if not directly, under deciduous trees. Such spots, and many other nooks, may be made beautiful in spring by utilising all spare bulbous subjects in this way. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By W. Pope, Gardener, Highclere Caatle, Newbury. Turnips may now be sown more freely. For summer sowing, Veitch*s Bed Globe andSuowball are good varieties. Where tall-growing Peas have been sown sufficiently wide apart to admit of a crop being takeu between the rows, Turnips are suitable for the purpose, as the slight shade afforded at certain portions of the day tends to keep the land in a cool and moist condition. From the middle of May until the middle of July sowings are best made on a border with a north aspect, a few rows being sown about once a fortnight, to ensure a constant supply of tender roots during the dry, hot days of summer. Sorrel. — The present is a good time to increaso the stock by division of the clumps. This ought to be done at least once in three years, for if left too long in the same place the leaves are apt to dwindle in size, and the plants throw up seed-stems very early in the season. I find there are two varieties differing greatly in the^size of leaf, and the proneuess to rush up to flower. Plant in au open position in rich soil. When seed-stems are produced in the summer, cut a portion of the plants over entirely, and as soon as they have thrown a fresh crop of leaves, cut over the remainder, and thus insure a constant supply. Salsafij and Scorzonera. — Sow a few rows of each of these on rich, deeply-dug soil ; the variety of Salsafy known as the Giant is preferable. The land should be prepared as for Carrots, Parsnips, &c, and free from recently-applied manure, the rows being 15 to 18 inches apart, and the plants thinned early to 8 inches apart in the rows. If bowu too early flower-stems are likely to be produced, more espe- cially in the case of Scorzonera. Main Crop and Lite Broccoli. —These should now be sown preferably in shallow drills on fairly rich soil. Narrow borders by the side of kitchen gardon paths are sometimes chosen, being convenient for affording protection from birds, and handy for drawing out the plants when required. They require an open sunny site, and the seed may be sown in drills 9 or 10 inches apart, taking especial care to sow thiuly. Some good kinds for succession are Veitch's Self - Protecting Autumn, Sutton's Michaelmas White, Snow's Superb Winter White , Sutton's Vanguard, Christmas White, Early Penzance, Veitch's Main Crop, Sutton's Safeguard, Veitch's Model, and Sutton's Late Queen. The plants must not bo allowed to remain in the seed-beds long enough to become drawn and leggy. If the land is not likely to be ready for the reception of the plants when they are large enough to be planted out, the best plan will be to prick-out a sufficient quantity of each variety on a properly prepared border 5 or 6 inches apart each way, which will give each plant, room to "develop, and will somewhat eheck their growth for a time, and tend to keep them dwarf and sturdy. Kidney Beans. — A few rows of dwarf Kidney Beans of the Ne Plus Ultra type may be sown on a warm and sheltered border, where coveriugs can be applied for a timo if necessary. "Farm and Garden Insects."— Under this title, a useful little book has been prepared by Dr. SOMKRVILLE, which, while partly devoted to the anatomy of insects in general, deals also with many well-known pasta particularly, and gives brief direc- tions for coping with them. Tho volume contains many illustrations, and it may be commended for carrying in tho pookefc on OCOOBLOtiB where moro ambitious works are not purtable. (The publishers aro Messrs. Maomillan & Co., London and New York.) 254 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 17, 1897. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants for -naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Welling- ton Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications Should be WRITTEN ON ONE SIDE ONLY OF THE PAPER, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly signed by the writer. 1/ desired, the signature will not be printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith. The Editor does not under- take to pay jor any contributions, or to return unused com- munications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. Illustrations.— The Editor will thankfully receive and select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction in these pages, of gardens, or of renmrkable plants, flowers, trees, £c. ; but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Local News.— Cor respondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to-be of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists. Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. S ATURDAY, April 24— Royal Botanic Society's Meeting. SALES. /Border Plants and Bulbs, Lilies, Roses, Shrubs, Trees, &c, at Mr. StevenB' Rooms. 2 1 -{Japanese Lilies, Lilium Farrisii, Azaleas, Palme, Ferns, and Car- nations, at Protheroo and Morris' Rooms. /Orchids from Messrs. F. Sander April '23 ■[ & Co., at Protheroo tvis £ Co. actually distinct, for so many that are in commerce are but selections of popular varieties, the range of variety in Carrots is much less, though for all ordi- nary purposes it is ample. Whilst April 9 is not early for sowing Carrot seed, it is early for Beet, but distance from home compelled me to make all sow- ings at once. If the latter fail, happily I have seed in reserve for a later sowing. One great subject of interest in relation to vegetable trials is noting the different effects on varieties by diverse soils. That can be done admirably in the county of Surrey, where we have soil variation in abundance. A. D. SPIR>£AS?— At the Bpring flower show of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, held recently, an interesting feature of the exhibition was a large group of handsome, well grown plants of so-called Fin. 87.— THUYA JAPONICA ( ■ TAXDISHl). (SEE P. 258.) asserts that Bramley's Seedling Apple is merely a "local" variety, and will only fruit well in a certain district, the location being left entirely to the reader's imagination. I think it only fair that I should be allowed to reply to this, as it seri- oualy affects the character of the Apple. I can submit testimonials, voluntarily given to yourself or other independent authority, describing how freely it fruits in different parts of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales ; and if further proof is required, it is only necessary to refer to the account of the last October show of fruit at the Crystal Palace, under the auspices of the Royal Horticultural Society, where, out of eight or nine exhibitors for the special prizes given by the Society for this Apple, the 1st went to Chippenham, the 2nd to Newbury, and the 3rd to Reigate. I will also submit to you and your cor- respondent, if he will kindly Bend his name and address, a few fruits each of Bramley's Seedling Apple and Lane's Prince Albert for comparison in cooking, when I am sure the verdict of a fair trial will be in favour of Bramley's Seedling. H. Merry weather. BEETROOTS.— The rather extensive trial of Beet- root conducted in the Royal Horticultural Society's gardens at Chiswick last year, whilst held under unfavourable conditions as regarded the weather, showed that whilst few foreign stocks were worthy of cultivation, we had some home-growo stocks or selections that were really of first-rate quality. But in most cases the excessive autumn rains led to the production of abnormal leaf and root growth, the Chiswick soil, though very porous and quickly drying in hot weather, is yet comparatively rich, with ample moisture, which creates free growtlt. Desirous of seoing how far the varieties that were good at Chis- wick— Cheltenham Green top, Dell's Crimson, Nut- ting's Dwarf Red, and Egyptian Turnip rooted, with a few others of good reputation, would thrive on almost pure black sand, I have sown seeds at Engle- field Green for trial purposes. I have also sowu on the same plot seed of seven selected stocks of varie- ties of Carrots, for the soil has the reputation of turning out very handsome clean roots. But whilst we have many Beets, though really few that are Spiraea.. No. 44 in the prize schedule reads thus 11 Four Spiraea." No. 45. "Six do., in pota not ex- ceeding six inches." What those who framed the schedule expected to obtain in competition, is not clear. All the three prizes, however, in No. 44 were awarded to different collections of Astilbe japonica, which, of course, is not a Spirsea ; but so slowly does error die, that even yet it is so regarded by many gardeners. But that a desire exists ainon? competi- tors, even at a flower show, to act fairly according to their lights, is a more hopeful sign of the future. Iu the next entry, No. 45, there seem to have been some qualms of conscience among the exhibitors that all wan not right, for we now find exhibited several lots of the real " Simon pure," in Spiraea astilboidea, and tho judges awarded the prizes as follows ; — 1st, Spiraea aatil- boides : 2nd, (spurious | Spinea japonica ; 3rd, an intermediate form of the two former, called coru- pacta multitlora. In tho c;uso of tho plant called Spinea aatilboides, there is, unfortunately, uo lack of botanical authority in support of the name. The 260 THE GABDENEfiS' CHRONICLE. [April 17, 1897. great Index Kewensls, for example, refers it to Spiraea Aruneua. Notwithstanding all this, it is no more a Spiraea than the spurious Spiraea japonica. Any one who takes the trouble to examine a flower of this so- called Spirtea asfcilboides will at once perceive that it belongs to Saxifragacere, aud not to Rosacere, as does Spirtea, and that, in fact, it is an Astilbe. This has already been pointed out by M. Emile Lemoine, of Nancy, in an article which appeared in the Gardeners' Chronicle, September 28, 1895, p. 358. M. Lemoine advocates the rejection of the name Spmea as applied to this plant, and is inclined to adopt the rather incongruous name of Astilbe astil- boides. In a foot-note, however, he suggests that the name Astilbe aruncoides would be more in accordance with " facts aud logic." This latter would be a most appropriate name ; but why not simply transpose the name from Spiraea astilboides into Astilbe spirceoides, and thus make it also more in ac- cordance with facts and logic ? One can hardly imagine that so eminent an authority on the genus Spircea as Maximowicz would be at all likely to mistake an As- tilbe for a Spiraea of the Aruncus group, and the true Spiraea astilboides may yet be brought to light. Be this as it may, the fact remains, that the plant in ordinary cultivation under the name of Spircea astil- boides is a Saxifragaceous plant, similar to Astilbe, and not Rosaceous, like, like Spirsea. R. Lindsay. THE RENASCENCE OF THE HOLLYHOCK— A good many signs alike in our gardens and at our great autumn shows tell us that this has not only began, but is in more or less vigorous progress. A feeling of new hope and heart is abroad that the fungus pest has done its worst, and that the salvation of the Hollyhock may be found in cooler culture, invigorated constitution, and perhaps thicker skins or epidermis alike, of the leaves and stems of Holly- hocks. But be all this as it may, not a little towards a perfect renascence of the Hollyhock from weakness and disease has already been accomplished. This was abundantly evident from the perfectly clear and exceptionally vigorous plants, leaves and cuttings, sent by Mr. Forbes of Hawick, to illustrate a lecture I gave at the Royal Botanic Gardens on the Holly- hock on the 2nd of this month. The plants afforded admirable illustrations of the grafting of choice- named double Hollyhocks by various methods. I send you a sample of Btems, cuttings, and of the size and vigour of the leaf and leafstalk, which speak for themselves a3 to their vigour and cleanliness. Mr. Forbes lost one of the finest collec- tions in Britain in 1875 ; but instead of sitting down and wringing his hands in despair, he began imme- diately making a new collection, and surrouuded it with such guarantees aud sanitary measures as seems to have assured its safety. But our main interest in the present, and our hope for the future, lies iu the fact that his fine collection is warranted clean, and that the most stringent rules are adopted to keep out infected stock. IK T. F. EARLY-FLOWERING RHODODENDRONS IN CORN- WALL.— The weather has been most favourable for early -flowering varieties. We had good trusses of R. Nobleanum open in November, and have rarely been without blooms since. There is nothing I think more beautiful amongst hard-flowering plants than one of these Rhododendrons in flower on a sunny morning in February. I enclose you a photo of a plant taken on February 24 last, the flowers of which are just beginning to fade — I think the variety is R. Broughtonianum, but I am not certain, as the plant shows no sign of having been grafted — it may be a seedling. I am forwarding a box of blooms, amongst them some of the arboreum varieties. Ckas, Page, Gardener to J. B. Fortescue, Esq., Boconnoc. [The flowers are beautiful. Ed.]. VOLES AND MICE.— Mr. J. Simpson of "Wortley, writing in your issue of April 3 last, classifies these rodents as distinct, by their modes of doiug mischief. Mr. Simpson's article was in reply to ours in a pre- ceding issue, in which we stated the damage they did to a large break of Scots Fir in our nurseries here. We were in hopes that some eminent authority would have had something to say in last week's issue anent the subject of voles or mice ; or, more correctly, field-mice. It is of small importance whether it is vole or field-mouse, since it is a fact well-known to observers that both of those nibbling vermin do damage to young trees ; aud in all severe attacks, both the long-tailed and the short-tailed field-mice have been present, the short-tailed variety, or so-called species, predominating. Close observers have seen both sitting on the young trees nibbling at the buds, and have killed them in the act, the short tailed being always more numerous than the long-tailed, or common field-mouse. The device of digging pits to trap voles and field-mice is an ancient, and generally successful one. The success of the method was amply proved in this country so far back as the year 1814, when over 30,000 of them were so trapped in the Dean forest, and about the same time large numbers were caught by the same method of pitfalls in the New Forest. In these instances it is recorded that in both forests the two sort3 of mice were observed, but the short-tailed were by far the more numerous, which coincides exactly with our own annoying expe- rience this spring. In any case, both sorts get into young trees and nibble the buds, and both are trapped by the same means — pits, or mouse-traps of various kinds. Stiff-growing, well-feathered Scots Fir, some 15 to 18 inches high, would not be a very difficult task for any rodent of the mice tribe to climb, more especially when growing in nursery lines, and we are of the opinion that the short-tailed, being the more numerous, caused more damage amongst the buds than the long-tailed. Lahig & Mather, Keho-on-Ttreed. Oliver Goldsmith, in his History of the Earth and Animated Nature, says that soon after the formation of the Forest of Dean and the New Forest, much injury was done to the young trees, Chestnuts and Oaks, by mice, trees of five years old having had many of their roots gnawed through just under the surface of the ground, while Hollies 5 and 6 feet high were attacked, and severely barked ; the mice in some instances crawled up the trees, gnawed and ate the bark off the upper branches. In fact, so sudden and rapid was the increase of the depredators that it was feared the whole of the plantation would be destroyed. Various methods were adopted to rid them, in the way of traps, &c. ; but that which proved the most successful was to dig holes (much wider at the bottom than the top) 18 inches deep, 2 feet one way, and 1 foot the other. In these hole8 some 30,000 mice were caught, and it was thought probable that the total number destroyed by hawks, owls, stoats, &c, amounted to 200,000. //. Marl-ham. ASPARAGUS PLUMOSUS. — Mr. Reynolds has planted the back wall of the early vinery at Gunners- bury with this valuable plant, placing the plants in fairly roomy boxes, the shoots cover the wired wall at the back, as soon as forcing begins. The Asparagus makes a free growth, and supplies an abundance of material for cutting, and towards the end of the close time the plants appear to take a spell of rest. Tho vinery is thrown open after the crop is gathered, aud this change of temperature affects the Asparagus similarly to tho putting on of heat, for a very free growth is again put on, as if the plant was desirous of doing its utmost service to the cultivator. /,'. D. TRANSPLANTING BRACKEN.— The transplanting of the common Bracken Fern seems a simple opera- tion, though I am often asked to explain the cause of failure in establishing the Fern in a new spot. To be successful oue must take up sods not less than 0 inches in depth, and a foot or so square, choosing the sods where the Bracken is thickest. The soda should be relaid on a hard bottom, and soil rammed hard round each sod, as the black rhizomes of the Fern seem to prefer a hard medium to root in. If the transplanting is done in this way, rather than by lifting small bits of the rhizomes, success will follow. Now is a good time for transplanting, or any time before the fronds are a few inches high. Being so common in some parts, and so rare in others, I think it worth knowing how to transplant such a beautiful wild plant from one district to another. W. Goldrins/. SOCIETIES. LINNEAN SOCIETY OF LONDON. 1.— Dr. A. GL her, F.R.S., President, the Mr. W. T. Tiuski.tun-Dvkr exhibited : — I. A series of drawings (on the screen) to illustrate the "Cultural evolution of Cyclamen latifolium, Sibth." The species ia a native of Greece and the Levant, and is believed to have been first introduced into European cultivation in 1731. In 170S Miller described a form modified by cultivation under the name of Cyclamen persicum. This [name] was erroneous, as, according to Boissicr, neither tho wild nor the garden form occurs in Persia. The latter persisted in cultivation for about 150 years, and about I860 became the starting point of the modern races which were illustrated. Cyclamen lati- folium has never been hybridized, and it was shown that the striking forms now in cultivation were the result of the patient accumulation of gradual variations. Drawings of the remarkable forms " Papilio," obtained by de Laughe- Vervaene, and of "The Bush-Hill Pioneer," by Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., were shown. It was pointed out that the tendency of the species under cultivation was to lose its dis- tinctive generic characters, and to approximate to a more generalized type. The reflexion of the corolla-segments was often lost as in Lysimachia, the segments were sometimes multiplied as in Trieritalis, and the margins were fringed as in Soldanella and cultivated forms of Primula sinensis. The "Bush-Hill Pioneer" possessed, in the cresting of the petals, a remarkable character without parallel in any primulaeeous plant occurring in a wild state. [We believe a similar condition occurs in the nearly-allierl order Myrsinacesa Ed.] 2. A series of plants was exhibited to illustrate, the origin of the garden "Cineraria." It was generally agreed that this had sprung from one or more species native of the Canaries. An extreme cultivated form was shown and compared with Seneeio cruentus, which all internal evidence indicated as the sole original stock. S. Heritieri, another reputed parent, was exhibited. But it was pointed out that this has a shrubby habit, and stems markedly zigzag between tin- internodes, while the leaves are clothed beneath with a dense white tomentum. These characters it transmits more or less to its hybrid offspring. In illustration of this point Mr. Poe's hybrid (S. super-Heritieri >. cruentus) was ex- hibited (a similar one has occurred at Edinburgh); also the ■ lambridge hybrid (S. super- cruentus •-; Heritieri). S. cruen- tus crosses very freely with the garden Cineraria, ami as the latter never exhibits any trace of the characters of S. Heritieri, it was concluded that that speeioshad no part in its origin, and that, as in the case of the Cyclamen, the striking development of S. cruentus in cultivation was due to the continued accumulation of gradual variations. Mr. A. TV. Bennett exhibited a series of drawings by Mr. E. B. Green of root hairs of plants with various parasitic growths, and showed preparations of several under the microscope, ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Aran. 13.- A magnificent display was made at the usual meeting of the Committees held on TuesJay last in the I ►rill Hall, James Street, Westminster. The capacity of the hall is always tested at the meeting in April, when, in addition to the usual class of exhibits, there is the annual show of the National Auricula and Primula Society. We have seldom or never, however, seen the hall so crowded with plants and flowers as on this occasion; and Mr. Wright, the Supct in tendent from Chiswick, had uncommon difliculty in granting exhibitors even a portion of the space they required. Several of the centre tables were occupied with the Auriculas and Primulas. Some of these might have been accomodated in one of the galleries. Under tho wall on the left side of the hall were staged a number of groups of miscellaneous plants which together made a considerable bank. The collections of Roses were numerous, including plants in pots, and cut flowers. An increased number of Orchids was staged, and. magnificent dis- plays of Narcissus bloom came from the trade. A collection of hybrid Narcissus from the Rev. G. H. Enoleiieart, included several choice novelties. There was again a number of .excellent Hippeastrums staged, and the largest collection by far was from an amateur. In the afternoon a Lecture was delivered by Mr. J. J. Willis upon Artificial Manures. Floral Committee. /' / .* W. Marshall, Esq., in the chair, and Messrs. II. B. May, H. Herbst, J. Fraser, J. H. Pitt, R ' 'wen, J. Jennings, J. F. McLeod, R. B. Lowe, C. J. Salter, C. Jeffries, J. D. Pawle, C. E. Shea, E. Mawley, G. Gordon, C. E. Pearson, J W. Han, II. lutbush, E. Beckett, J, Laing, H. J Jones, J. Walker, W. Bain, R. M. Hogg, J. Fraser, J. Hudson, T. W. Sanders, G. Paid, C. Blick, H. Turner, and R. Dean. Messrs. CnTBUSH & Son, Highgate Nurseries, London, N , made a capital exhibition of miscellaneous plant-, including Bimilar species to those shown from the same establishment on the last occasion (Bronze Flora Medal). A very bright group of plants from Messrs. John Luno & Sons, Forest Hill Nurseries, London, N., included some well flowered plants of Azalea mollis, Ericas, Turner's Crimson Rambler Rose, Calla Fentlandi, Hydrangeas, Cyclamens, several good Cliveias, &c. Silver Flora Medal;. MR. H. B. May, Dyson's ban.- Nursery, Upper Edmonton, N , had a group of plants, including many choice I - in , Palms, Dracaenas and Aralias, Asparagus Sprengeri, several foliage Begonias, &c. (Silver Banksian Medal). A magnificent group of spring-flowering plants was ar- ranged upon the floor near the door by Mr J. P. McLeod, gr. to J. P. Morgan, Esq., Spencer Cottage, Roehampton Azaleas, Boronias, Lilacs, Hippeastrums, Ericas, I. ilium Harrisii, and other forced plants were intermixed with Crotons and Dracsenas of good colour, Caladiums, Palms, and other choice foliago plants. One dozen plants of Azalea Deutsche Perle, from the same exhibitor, were exceedingly well-flowered (Silver-gilt Flora Medal). A group of plants of double-flowered Cinerarias, represent- ing a number of shades in colour, from purple and rose to almost pure white, was contributed by Messrs. Kelway vS; April 17, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 261 Sons, Langport Nurseries, Somerset. It was a distinct exhibit of considerable attraction (Vote of Thanks). Messrs Paul & Son, The Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, made a display with Roses in pots. Such varieties as the following were weU-flowered and capital plants ; Captain Hayward, Celine Forestier, Gustave Piganeau, Mrs. S. O. Crawford, Madame Hoste, Madame de St. Joseph, Elise Fugicr, Beautc Inconstante, Georges Pernet (a pretty button-hole Rose), and others. In front of and between the plants, were several interesting species of hardy plants. We should have mentioned the new H.P. Rose, Lawrence Allen, a small plant of which carried a beautiful bloom. It is warm flesh-coloured, with wide florets, and apparently of strong growth (Silver Floral Medal). Mr Geo. Mount, The Rose Nurseries, Canterbury, had a few Rose-trees in pots, and a magniflcient display of cut blooms some of which were shown in sprays of upwards of one foot in length, and having an abundance of healthy, vigorous foliage. That excellent variety, Mrs. Jno. Laing, was shown largely, and many other well-known varieties (Silver Flora Medal). Roses were also shown by Mr. Jko. Walker Thame Nurseries, Oxon, who had a rare lot of blooms of Marechal Niel, andNiphetos (Silver Banksian Medal). Mr W. Bumsev, Joyning's Nurseries, Waltham Cross, made a pretty display immediately facing the entrance-door. The new variety Mrs. Rumsey, was well shown ; as cut blooms, and also as 'plants, Niphetos and others were good (Silver Banksian Medal). An exhibit of the beautiful Rose, Fortune's i ellow, in a number of sprays, from Mr. Fyfe, gr. to Lord Wantage, Lockinge Park, Wantage, was most attractive (Silver Banksian Medal). ■ A Bronze Banksian Medal was deservedly awarded to E. Mawlev Esq., Berkhamsted, for an exhibit of Roses. Mr. S. Mortimer, Rowledge Nurseries, Farnham, exhibited two seedling varieties of ornamental Coleus. One of these, named Majestic, had dark chocolate crimson-coloured leaves, with magenta veining. The other. Eastern Ciufeo, was very robust, of somewhat coarse habit, and with promiscuously variegated foliage. A number of plants of each variety were shown. . A large group of Hippeastrums was sent by Captain Hol- ford Wcstonbirt,Tetburv, Gloucestershire (gr., A. Chapman'. Many of the seedling varieties were of very commend- able quality, while others were of less merit. All had been well cultivated. The colours in a great proportion of them were uncommonly bright and distinct. Duke of York, an intense crimson self, with fine flowers of unusual substance, was recommended an Award of Merit ; as also the varieties The Czir and Chimborazo , both dark self-coloured flowers of much merit (Silver Floral Medal). In a group of excellent Hippeastrums shown by Messrs. Jas. Veitcii &. Sons, Boyal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea, the following virieties were recommended Awards of Merit :— Topaz, a flower of good form, bright in colour and freely variegated with white; Brenda, a large scarlet crimson flower, with green base ; lgnacite, a plant with four flowers upon a scape, white veined in the upper segments, princi- pally with red ; and Thunberg, a large flower of scarlet with green base, and expauding uncommonly widely. A variegated Potato was shown by Mr. E. Beckett, Alden- ham House Gardens, Elstrce. A large basket of the plants was shown, each being very freely variegated with white (Award of Merit). Mr. Thomas S. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, in conjunction with a large exhibit of Daffodil blooms, showed a few hardy plants, including Anemone fulgens, Gentiana acaulis, Anemone apennina alba, and several Fritillarias, &c. Messrs. R. Wallace &Co., Kilnfteld Gardens, Culchester, showed several very pretty Ery throniums in flower, including E. revolutum, which was awarded a First- class Certificate. As shown, the spikes were about twelve incheB high, the flowers about two-and-a-half inches across, rose coloured, but varying considerably— a handsome species of robust growth, foliage broad and marbled. A smaller.plant was shown as E. revolutum, var. Bolanderi, with white flowers, excepting for a yellow band at the base. Fritillaria pudica and others were also shown. Messrs. H. CaNNEll & Sons, Swanley, Kent, exhibited a large plant of Fuchsia " Addington," a hybrid between ful- gens and F. cordifolia splcndcns. Tho flowers are rosy-scarlet, tube about one inch long. The petals are small and much separated. The plant is exceedingly free-flowering (Award of Merit). See p. 267. Messrs. Canneli. & Sons also showed sprays of XropsBolura Phoebe with bright yellow flowers, each petal marked with orange Vermillion, and deeply fringed at the margin (Award of Merit). Messrs. J. Laino i, which secure I a First class Certificate. In colour and in the fringing of the lip it is similar to the fine L.-C. x Digbyano-Mossia1, illustrated in the Gardeners Ckrouicle, May 25, 1S89, p. 6.17. Messrs. VfilTcn also received a First-class Certificate for Zygopetalum X Perreuondi euper- tium (MaXillarias Gautierii o* .intermedium ? ), a very beauti- ful Zygopetalum, with bright violet lip and purplish-brown sepals and petals, with a few slight greenish bars. Also very noteworthy in the group were Cattleya Schroder* amabilis, a charming peach blossom coloured flower, with orange glow in the tube two good examples of the richly- coloured Lielia X Latona, Ladio Cattleya X Ascania (L. van thina X C. Trianasi), with light yellow flowe s, and rose- purple lip ; Chysis X Chelsoni, Dcndrobium x Wardiano japonicum, D. x chrysodiscum, D. x Cybele nobilius, D. X Alcippe, D. X Aspasia, a tine pan of Masdevallia Veitchii, M. X Asmodia, Cymbidium X eburneo Lowianuni, Calanthe Textorei, Oncidium Sareodes, Ac. Baron Sir H. Schroder, The Dell. Egham (gr., Mr. A. Bal- lantine), showed Odontoglossum :■: Wilckeanum "Queen- Empress," about which there was no two opinions as to its being the finest example of its class, and well deserving the First-class Certificate awatded. 1 be flowers were large and broad, bright yellow ; tho sepals, except the margin and one transverse bar, rich chestnut brown ; petals yellow, heavily blotched with brown. Baron Schroder also sent a tine inflorescence or his handsome hybrid Odontoglossum x Dellense. Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bait.. Burfoid, Dorking (gr., Mr. W. II. White), staged a good group, remarkable for the excellent examples of culture shown in the plants, three of which, vi/. , Cymbidium Devonianum, with several fine spikes; a large specimen of HUtonia cruenta, and a finely flowered Maxillaria grandiliora, wcro awarded Cultural Com- mendation ; ami i number of spikes cut from a large specimen of Goalogyne elata secured for that plant a Botanical Certificate. In the group also were a pretty plant of Leptotes bicolor, Cypripedium glanduliterum, the elegant Dendro- bium X The Pearl, D. Devonianum album, D. signatum, D. Brymerianum, Phaius x Martha-, Epidendrum Endresii, Masdevallia leontoglossa, M. x Gclengiana, M. x Shut- tiayana. Chamberlain's variety, and Maxillaria Houtteana (Botanical Certificate), &c. The group secured a Silver Banksian Medal. Major Joicey, Sunningdale Park, Sunningdale (gr., Mr. Fred. J. Thorne), staged a group composed principally of grand plants of the large white Diacrium (Epidendrum) bicornutum, which most growers deem almost impossible to grow. Nothing could be finer, more vigorous, and rloriferous than these, and the Silver Flora Medal awarded was more for the culture of the plants than for the group. Also with the Diacrinum were a grand specimen of Dendrobium thyr sirlorum, Epidendrum atropurpureum album, Odontoclos- suin Hallii, &o. J. Bradshaw, Esq., The Grange, Southgate (gr., Mr. Whiffen), staged a fine group, in the back of which were masses of Cymbidium Lowianum, and in the front a fine lot of dwarf Dendrobium Jamesianura. In the body of the group were good Odontoglossum Pescatorei, O. crispum, 0. Hallii, 0. Andersonianum, Lycastes, &c. (Silver Banksiaa Medal). Messrs. F. Sander & Co., St. Albans, were awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a very interesting group, a fine feature in which was a noble plant of Zygopetalum Burtii, with ten grand, wax-like, brown, yellow, and white flowers. Other good things were Dendrobium Harveyanum, Cypri- pedium- x Minnie Ames (concolor x Curtisii), Cymbidium javanicum, Stenoglottis fimbriata, Phaius Owenianus, Phalamopsis Boxallii, P. rosea leuoaspis, a fine lot of Lycaste Skinneri, and Miltonia vexillaria. Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Clapton, staged a good group, composed of Dendiobium thyrsiflorum, D. x gratiosissimum, Miltonia Roezlii, Oncidium Kranieri, Odontoglossum Halli, O. triumphans, 0. eirrosum, O. luteo-purpureum, O. Ander- sonianum, &c. (Silver Banksian Medal). D. B. Crawshay, Esq., Rosefield, Sevenoaks (gr., Mr. Cooke), showed a group of excellently -grown Odontoglossums, comprising several distinct varieties of Odontoglossum An- dersonianum and others of that cla s ; a noble form of 0. triumphans ; a very large and richly-coloured II. luteo-pur- pureum, which has been grown by Mr. Crawshay from a, small plant, and has been in his collection sixteen years (Silver Banksian Medal). Marquis Camden, Bayham Abbey, Lamberhurst (gr. , Mr. A. Methuen), was awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a group of Dendrobium Wardianum, D. Devonianum, D. nobile, Cypripediums, &c. J. T. Bennett Pok, Esq., Homewood, Cheshunt, received a Cultural Commendation for a stand of splendidly-grown < 'attleya citrina. A stand of good Cattleya citrina set up with cut blooms ,,f Cattleya Schroderae and Maidenhair Fern was also set up by W. C. Walker, Esq., Percy Lodge, Winchmorc Hill (gr., Mr. Geo. Cragg) (Vote of Thanks). E. J. Johnson, Esq., Rougham Hall, Bury St. Edmunds (gr , Mr. H. Henley), received a Cultural Commendation foi a finely- flowered Cattleya Schroderffi alba. 0. J. Li'cas, Esq., Warnham Court, Horsham (gr., Mr. Duncan\ exhibited a number of cut spikes of Bplendid varieties of Odontoglossum Andersonianuui, Are Captain Holford, Westonbirt. Tetbury (gr., Mr. Chap- man), showed Lycaste Skinneri Westonbirt variety, a large flower; the chief peculiarity w;is the white lip with rose- coloured margin. Fred. Habdv, Esq., Tyntestield, Ashton-on-Mersey (gr., Mr. Stiflbrd), showed another of his good forms of Den- drobium x Clio. Sydney Jackson, Esq.,Danehurst, Epsom(gr.,Mr. E. Short), was given an Award of Merit fur Odontoglosauna Ander- sonianuui, Danehurst var., a very large and tine variety. F. W. Martf.r, Esq., Luke House, Byfleet (gr.. Mr. Bradley), was awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for an immense specimen of Ansellia africma, which had been grown sine* 1892, and now bore nine spikes with, in the aggregate, Sou flowers. The fine old plant was also given a Botanical Certificate. C. L. N. Ingram, Esq., Elstead House, Godalming ,gr., Mr. T. W. Bond), again showed the pretty Ltelio-Cattleya Sir Wm. Ingram, which received an Award of Merit last year; and Cattleya ■: Wm. Murray. J. Wilson Potter, Esq. , Sligachan, Croydon, received an Award of Merit for Odontogl issinn Pescatorei, Mi. chin var., oneofthe largest and best types, with perfectly formed, Blightly rose tinted flowers. Messrs. B. S. Wn i i on ,t SON, Victoria and Paradise Nur- series. Upper Holloway, staged an effective group, composed of a large variety of O.lontnglossiu.i.., clncllj hybrids, Ada aurantiAca, various Dendrobes, Cattleya Mendeli, C citrina, Eulophiella Elisabetliie, several good Cymbtd i Devon! anum. Calanthe S ocl.t i in i i , hue lot), C. oculata i inn, I .. . Ic Schillcriana, Oncidium Pli al - n. ].-i , m |.hymatc chilum. *c. Flan Ida Brandt, Riesbach, Zurich, sent Epidendrum falcatum and Odontoglossum Corvantesii decorum, c. J. in,, -in i d, Esq., Sett,. n Parle, Livoi i ol I i It) Berkley), showed 1 rarlotlesol Dendrobium Wardianum and Odontoglossum crispum " Glcdhill," a large and linely- formed tlowor. 262 Tim GAttbENEkfr CItROtilCLA [AtaL 17, 1897. Fruit Committee. Present ; P. Crowley, Esq., in the Chair, and Meaars. T. F. Rivers, G. T. Miles, J. Cheal, W. J. Simpson, W. Pope, J. Wright, A. Dean, J. A. Laing, J. Willard, W. Farr, W. Bates, C. Herrin, J. Smith, G Reynolds, W. H. Divers, R. Fife, F. Q. Lane. A collection of vegetables, including very good produce for the season, came from Earl Percy, Syon House, Brentford ]y;mthu8,doz.bn 2 0-40 4 0-60 0 6-09 _. 16-40 Primroses, 12 bun. 0 6-10 Pyiethrums, 12 bn. 2 0-40 Roses. Tea, per doz. 10-16 — yellow (Mare- chal), per doz. 16-60 — red, per dozen 2 0-40 — pink, per doz. 3 0-60 — Safrano, p. doz. 10-20 Tuberoses, 12 blms. 10-16 Tulips, per doz. ... 0 4-09 Violets (Fr.)Parme, per bunch 3 0-40 — — Czar.bun. 10-20 — — doz. bun. 0 9-13 — (Eng.), per doz. bun. 0 6-10 Wallflowers, do/,, bn. 3 0-60 OitcHiD-BLOoM in variety. Fruit.— Average Wholesale Pj d. s. d. Apples, Tasmanian per case, se- lected samples 14 0-16 0 dinary samples 7 6-86 Figs, per doz. ... S 0-12 0 Grapes (new), Chan- nel Islands, per lb 3 6-40 — Belgium.perlb. 2 6-29 — Gros Colman, selected, p. lb. 3 0-50 Melo Cba Islands, each... Nuts, Cob, per 100 1b Pine-apples, St. Mi- chael, each Strawberries, morn- ing gathered, per lb — packed in boxes, per lb — 8nddj per lb. ... 1 C- 1 Vegetables.— Averaok Wholesale Prices. «■ <*. s- d. s. d. s. d. Artichokes, Globe, Onions, English, p per doz. ... 2 6-30 cwt .' 56-60 — Chinese (Sta- Peas, ordinary chys tuberifera), (Channel Is- perlb 0 2 — lands), per lb. . in — Asparagus, English, — Telephones per bundle ... 4 0-50 (Channel Is- Beans, French, p. lb. 10- 1 0 lands', per lb. .20 — — Madeira Kid- Potatos, New Kid- ney, per bkt. neys, Channel of 8 to 10 lb. ... 2 6-36! Islands, per lb. 03-04 Cauliflowers. Com- Radishes, Channel wall, per crate 16 0-18 0 Is., per dozen Cucumbers, home- bunches ... 10 grown, select., Salad, small, per per doz. ... 3 0- 3 0 | doz. punnets... 16 — — 2nds, per dozen 2 0-26 Sea Kale, per pun- Horseradish, Eng- net, 3J to 4 lb. lish, pr. bundle 26 — weight 0 9- 10 — Foreign, per Tomatos, Canaryls- bundle ... 16 — lands, percase, Mint, per bunch ... 0 6 — about 12 lb. 3 0-36 Mushrooms (Indoor) Tomatos (Worthing) per lb 0 8-09 per lb 10-13 Po r ATOS. Trade a shade firmer fur good samples Bianding colour. Dunbar Maincrops, 75s. to 85s.; do., Saxons, 70s. to 7Ss. ; Lincoln Saxons and Maincrops, 40s. to 70s. ; do., Giants. 45ft, to 60s. ; other descriptions, 30e. to 60s. John Both, Wellington Street, Covent Garden. Plants in Pots.— Avekage Wholesale Pbioes. Adiantum, per doz. 4 Aspidistras, perdoz. 12 — specimen, each 5 Azaleas, perdoz. ... 18 Cinerarias, per doz. 6 Cyclamens, perdoz. 9 Dracaenas, each ... 1 — various, p. doz. 12 Ericas, various, per dozen 9 Evergreen Shrubs, in variety, doz.... 6 Ferns, small, doz. ... 1 ROOIS FOR THE Ga 0-12 0 0-30 0 0-15 0 0-36 0 0-10 0 0-12 0 0-7 6 0-24 0 0-1S 0 Pelargo: 0- 2 0 ! dozen 12 0-18 0 0-12 0 \ Spiraeas, perdoz.... 6 0-90 *den in variety coming very good. doz. Genistas, per doz... Hyacinths, per doz. Hydrangeas, per Marguerites, p. doz. Mignonette, p. doz. SEEDS. London: April 14. — MessrB. John Shaw & Sons, Seed Merchants, of Great Maize Pond, Boroxigh, London, 8.E., write that a fair number of consumptive orders for those seeds required for immediate sowing now comes to band; these are executed at the low level of values characteristic of the present remarkable season. Choice samples of Grass and Clover seeds are just now obtainable at very tempting rates. France has been taking Alsyke from England. Koenigsberg Tares favour buyers. English Sanfoin continues cheap. The new Niger and Sunflower seeds just landed, coming to a bare market, are in brisk request. For Hemp and Canary seed the demand is meagre. Mustard and Rape seed are strong. There is a rather better sale for Peas and Haricots. Scarlet Runners show no change. Linseed is firmer. Variorum. Skeleton Leaves. — To skeletonise leaves, which, by the way, should be of mature growth, they must be macerated in rain-water for several weeks, turning them about carefully daily, and giving occasional rinses, or using a very soft brush, to remove the decaying matter. ^Yhen the latter has quite disappeared, the undamaged skeletons should be selected from the imperfect specimens, and im- mersed in a very weak solution of common chloride of lime until sufficiently bleached, rinsed well in running water, and finally laid on a blotting-pad to dry. An effective way of mounting skeleton leaves is to fix them on a back-ground of dark-coloured velvet, and either make up into the form of a book or placed under a glass cover on au ornamental stand. Books : Bamboos, H. Papworth, New Orleans. — The Bamboo- garden, by A. B. Freeman Mitford, C.B. (Macmillan & Co., Limited. London : Bedford Street, W.C.)— Mr. W. J. Bean's Classification, of Bamboos, given in our pages in 1894 — viz., on February 10, 17, and 24; March 10, 24, and 31, with figures, might be of use to you. Carnations: Clove. Certain varieties are apt to unfold their blossoniB unkindly in early spring. It may be that the action is subjected tc check. You appear to have given your plants correct cultivation, and future flowers will doubtless be perfect. Ci.iveia after Flowering : J. Paton. If the roots are very tight iu the pot, afford the plant a larger pot, otherwise it will suffice to pick out the inert soil at the top and replace it with fresh loam, making this quite firm with the fingers. Do not use a rammer, the soft, fleshy roots being easily injured. Put the drainage in good order, Cliveias needing plenty of water during the summ-r. The soil for repotting a plant may consist of turfy loam of gsod quality, one quarter of the whole rotten manure or leaf-mould, and one-eighthsharp sand. Do not shift into a pot that is more than 2 inches larger in diameter than the pot the plant grew in. Afford ample drainage of large crocks, and see that there is a close layer of turfy bits over the latter, to pre- serve good exit for the water, for at least two years. Keep in the greenhouse, or in July and August in a warm spot out of doors. Lawn Tennis Court : C. W. You should send to Mr. Upcott Gill, Bazaar Office, 170, Strand, W.C, for his manual on the game. It costs only a few pence. Names of Fruits : East Norfolk. Sturmer Pippin. — A. Q. Wiets. Rosemary Russet. Names of Plants : Correspondents not answered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number* — F. G. S. Odontoglossum luteo- purpureum of the best type. Some of the varieties are very much inferior to this. — H. J. W. Deu- drobium toitile ; easily determined by its twisted sepala. — R. T. Dendrobium transparens. — W. Morgan. Hoya niultiflora— native of Malay Archi- pelago, not South American. — Jane Eyre. For- By thia fluspensa. — A . Hills. Asparagus SpreDgeria. — H. B. 1, Vanda cristata ; 2, Dendrobium aureum. — W. P., Lincoln. 1, Davallia platyphylla, often called Microlepia platyphylla ; 2, Pteris umbrosa ; 3, Adiantum trapeziforme ; 4, Adiantum tenerum ; 5, Adiantum cardiochlcena ; 6, a variety of Adiantum capillus veneris. — H. A superb variety of Dendro- bium Falconeri giganteum. — W. L. Your hybrid Cypripedium seems to be between C. venustum and C. Hookers, and is similar to that called C. x Cassiope. — J. P. P., North Britain. Broughtonia lilacina, more generally called Lceliopsis domin- gensis. — T.F., York. A similar variety is kiown as Dendrobium nobile giganteum. Yours are very finely coloured. — A. B. 1 and 2, both Oncidium luridum guttatum ; 3, Selaginella caulescens ; 4, Selaginella umbrosa ; 5, Selaginella Mertensii ; 6, Cyrtodeira fulgida. — J. /., Lincoln. The miniature form of Adiantum graeillimum yo"u have raised has also previously been raised. It is, as you say, a very pretty variety for using with cut flowers. — T. B. and L. M. 1, Nephrodium molle ; 2, Sela- ginella umbrosa ; 3, Selaginella caulescens ; 4, Sela- ginella cassia (the last three mosses) ; 2, Blechnum polypodioides ; 3, Nephrolepis exaltata ; 4, Athy- rium filiiifcemina ; 5and6,Gymnogrammaochracea, Gold Fern ; 5, Pteris serrulata cristata ; 6, Asple- nium f'l-niculaceum ; 7, Davallia bullata, the light green ; 7, Davallia Tyermanni, the dark, thick frond. The specimens were mixed, and so we were unable to say which belonged to each set. Please, when sending again, have the numbers all different.— T. P., Edinburgh, We do not undertake name varieties of florists' flowers. — O. W. B. and Q. A. Daffodils are now florists' flowers. We can- not undertake to name them. Send them to some grower. Narcissus : Anxious One. There is yet time to dig the land after dressing it with gas-lime before planting the bulbs. Instead of tabic Mustard, you should use the Mustard "dross," obtainable of the manufacturers. Between the rows of bulbs sow Mustard or Lettuce. Peach-tree Dead : E. B.} West Cross. The soil sent seems to be of a healthy sort, and is not the cause of the death of the tree. Please send roots ; their appearance may throw some light on the matter. Salt on Asparagus Bed : R. H. W. The quantity of salt was too heavy a dressing by one-half to be given at one time; but the quantity of rain that baa fallen of late imy so lessen its effect on the plants that no barm may have been done. Showing Foliage Plants in Competition: Flower Show. The schedule says six varieties, and you would be withiu your right to show six Crotony, six Dracaenas, or six Palms, &c., but that is probably not the meaning that the schedule-framers intended to convey. It is sis distinct geuera, aud we thiuk that if you showed two species of Palms the judges would disqualify the exhibit. Vine Leaves : Enquirer. Too much humidity, and too little ventilation. Communications Rkoeivkd. J. It. B. — W. P.— C. de B.— F. A. W\, Burlington, U.S.A.— L. L.— G. W.— E. P., Ghent.— J. R.~ Rev. I). W.— W. K —J. G. ]}.— F. A W\— D. T. F.-A. C. F.— W. H. S. Specimens, Photographs, &c. Received with Thanks. — J. R. (many thanks— often given). — D. T. F.— Letellier ct lila. CONTINUED LARGE INCREASE in the CIRCULATION OF THE "GARDENERS' CBRONICLE." Important to Advertisers. — The Publisher has the satis- faction oj announcing that the circulation of the " Gardeners' Chronicle " has, since the reduction in the price oj the paper, Increased to the extent of more than 90 per cent., and that it continues to increase weekly. Advertisers are remiare pro- nounced and more beautiful, yet quite unworthy of specific distinction. If priority is to be regarded, this and all Ruckerianums must be relogated to Andersouiauum. The sepals aro somowhat sagittate, the standard one being the best finned of tho three ; ground colour flushed rose, clear aud with crowds of solid chocolate spots, varj ing in a'ze. The 1 etala are ovate-acuminate, wavy towards tho edges, and with a whitish ground 266 THE GARDENERS' GHR 0 NI CL E. [April 24, 1897. colour from the base to two-thirds of their length, and flushed towards the spear-like point. The spotting here is more minute, and a little less plentiful than upon the other limb?, but the chestnut colour is equally high. The lip is conspicuously broad at the base, contracting towards the centre, and expanding at the extremity. A fine shade of yellow is planted in the calli. shading out to blush-white, with a single large chocolate blotch right in the centre of the limb, with a few subsidiary spots on the shield. The convex column stands boldly in relief. For richness of colouring, shading, and spotting it comes nearest to 0. crispum Ashwurthianum, showing those rare vagaries which too seldom come to us from a native habitat. The plant was bearing seventeen flowers on a branched spike. J. Anderson. Orchid Notes and Gleanings. ORCHIDS AT WALTON GRANGE. This place is situate near the town of Stone, on the banks of the Trent, and is owned and tenanted by William Thompson, Esq. (Mr. Stevens, gr.), whose chief hobby for the last thirty years has been the cultivation of Orchids. His gardener has been with him for that long period, and has had the knack of cultivating that interesting family to some purpose. It is quite fifteen years since the writer last visited the place, along with the late Zadok Stevens, of Trentham. Then it was remarkable for many things, intertropical aud cool. Odontoglossums were always a feature, but Dendrobiums, Cattleyas, Masdevallias, and all showy species were also well cared for, together with many other species that one does not find in general collections. Now the same classes of plants are conspicuous, and most of them show the careful hand of cultivation. More than that, the collection has been carefully weeded out, so that nothing but of sterling value and prepossessing appearance remains. The houses, which have been increased as occasion required, are neither large nor lofty, with the exception of one that, in olden times, had been used for conservatory plants. They have no pretensions to exterior graudeur, but appear to have been constructed for the well-being of the plants they contain. Tbere is plenty of light ; the heating-apparatus is arranged intelligently ; oppor- tunities exis-t for obtaining atmospheric moi&ture, and for giving ample ventilation. The roofs are not lofty, yet most of the houses are comfortable for walking in. Odontoglossums are the chief feature, and a most r*rn*rkable display of racemes and spikes met the eye during our visit. It is impossible to find a better grown and flowered ba'ch of those quaint fornix, where a mixture of brown, fawn, chestnut, Indian-red, various shades of yellow and white, get commingled, such as we see represented in h\strix, luteo-purpureum, sceptrum, Coradinei, Wilckeauum, which has been reproduced here by crossing. This is a beautiful form, the shaded yellow, as if it had been dipped in melted butter, being very striking, with its three chestnut orbicular spots planted in the centre of the nicely-formed labellum, showing a mixture altogether of the parents, triumphans and Pescatorei. 0. r'di*tutn was a picture, with its straight stout spike of thirteen flowers, in which the whole of the S'gments are of similar oblong form, aud stand along with the lip on a plane. The grand racemes of 0. Haiti towered above their neighbours, and in that show-house alone there would be 200 spikes of that particular division of Odontoglots. Of course, 0. crispum is strongly in evidence, and so is 0. Pesca- torei in eome beautiful forms ; and numbers of 0. Andersoniauum, varying in ground colour from white to a mixture of lemon and yellow, some profusely spotted, others only partial. This house would be 70 by 12 feet. Another one of similar size standing at right angles is equally noteworthy. We must not omit to note a magnificent specimen of 0. n^evium niajus, with quite twenty leid*. and promising a fipe crop of bjoonv In this house, too, is growing in tubular rafts Vanda Kimballiana, and also V. Amesitc, both enjoying the cool moist atmosphere. The linear-bulbed Den- drobium, D. longicornu, was in the pink of health, Bhowing that infundibulum, Jamesianum should not be coddled in heat. Masdevallia Shuttleworthi, with dozens of flowers with a singularly beautiful yellow-rayed standard, points to this as one of the chief of the colour. It is long since we came across M. ignea violacea, which, with a well-developed ignea by its side, showed a striking contrast. In a span- roof-house about 30 by440 feet were some of the specimen crispums, and grand plants they were, with roundly-ovate plump pseudo-bulbs. One named Alfred Thomson, with ten great bulbs, was conspi- cuous. Odontoglossum hastilabium was a giant in growth and spike, doing fine along with a superb collection of L?olia anceps iu all its forms and colours. The Cattleyahouse is 60 feet by 16 feet. The quantities of flowers of C. Schroderi, and the great variety of shades, together with their sweet fragrance, command attention ; the white and intermediary shades contrast well, and the brighter labellums of many of the forms of C. Triansei cast a glow over the house. The Ltelias, too, were in evidence, the plant of the Waltham Grange form of Laelia tenebrosa being still unique. Fig. 89.— sophronitis graktjifi.ora. Miltonia vexillaria had a good portion of a house to themselves, not over-heated, and scrupulously clean, showing, with their strong growth*, what an abundance of line flowers would in time be evolved. The beautiful paper-white Ma?devalUa tovarensis is also in this house, and without a flaw, as well as a group of Odontoglossum Harryanum. Cypripediunis are grown in a limited overhead climate, and nothiDg was more striking amongst them than a giant form of Rothschildianum. Some of the rarer lots, such as Lawrenceanum Hyeanum, was noted, and others of the yellow insigne finish, the house measuring 20 by 10 feet, being filled with an assortment of the best slippers. Dendrobiums are in great variety, generally sus- pended from the lofty roof of the old conservatory. Some of the forms of nobile are beautifully coloured, and the best of the more recent hybrids have been secured. A convenient room has been constructed for Mr. Stevens, who keeps a set of periodicals for reference, and not the least pleasant half-hour we spent was in company with Mr. Thompson and his gardener, turning up the plates of plants, rare and beautiful, many of which have flowered from time to time iu the Walton Grange establishment. J. A. Dendrobium Amboinense. A plant of this rare and singular-looking Bpecies is in flower in the collection of Major Joicey, Sunning- dale Park, Sunningdale. The large, creamy-white flowers come in pairs. The remarkable lip, which, small in proportion to the size of the flower, exhibits but slight trace of a spur at the base, is folded over the Bhort column ; the front of the lip is prolonged into a narrow, slender point, which iu colour is red- dish at the edge ; the base of the lip is yellow, marked with brown, and is furnished with an orange- coloured tubercle and several pairs of smaller ones. Mr. Thorne, the gardener, had to remove it from one house to another before he found the right place for it, which iB one that is tolerably warm and rather humid. L.elio-Cattleya x Digbyano-Tiuans;t. We learn that this fino hybrid, which was first exhibited by the raisers, Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., at the last meeting of the Orchid Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, has passed into the collection of Sir Frederick Wigan, Clare Lawn, East Sheen. Mr. W. H. Young, Sir Frederick's Orchid- grower, considers that in consequence of the freedom with which one of the parents— C. Triamei— grows, the cross will form a close rival to L.-C. x Digbyano- Mossise LiEMA x Latona (L. cinnabarina x L. porpurata). Several plants of this fine Veitchian hybrid are at the present time in flower, and two matters noted about them are that, as they increase in strength, the intensity of the purple and orange* verm ilion tintB in the flowers become more pronounced ; and it is noticeable that the colouring of the Up differs in different plants. The first plant to show flower had a lip of purple, with a rose and yellow-coloured tip ; and each succeeding variety that has flowered dis- plays the same characteristic in some degree — whilst the latest to flower, which is also the strongest, hay a lip of rich purple throughout. This plant has six flowers on a spike, which is the highest number borne by it, though there is reason to suppose that more will be produoed. SOPHRONITIS GRANDIFLORA. Oor illustration (6g. 89) of thismuch-admired winter- 6owering species, taken from a photograph kindly sent us by Mr. Ernest A. Tucker, of Vernon Lodge, Preston, Brighton, exhibits two plants, one growing on a piece of wood as imported, and bearing thirteen flowers ; the other, in a basket, has six flowers. The flowers of the latter plant, Mr. Tucker tells us, differ in shape to those of the former, and are not of such an intense shade of scarlet. Sophronitis grandiflora is a native of the Organ Mountains, Brazil, and is the finest of the genus. Its deep crimson-scarlet flowers appearing in November, December, aud January, they help to decorate the cool Orchid-house during the gloomiest months. Ibere are two varieties of S. grandiflora, one having short obtuse leaves, and very brilliant-coloured blossoms ; the other with rather longer leaves and pseudo-bulbs, which eome regard as being the same as S. coccinea. The plants do equally well in baskets, or secured to blocks of wood in the usual manner. BASTC-SLAG AS A GARDEN MANURE. Although basic-slag is now a fatnilUr substance amongst farmers, it is a fertiliser which is rarely used ia gardens ; but we have found it to bo well adapted both for pot-culture, the kitchen and the flower garden, as well as the lawn. Moreover, since it ia the cheapest source of phosphate we possess, it is worthy the attention of market gardeners and nurserymen. It has advantages also which no other phesphatic- manure possesses. The phosphate in basic-slag does not dissolve in water like that in superphosphate of lime, and it is therefore not so suitable for top-dressing aB the latter. But So per. cept. of the phosphoric acid in April 24, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 267 basic-slag is soluble in an aqueous solution of carbon dioxide. But soils which are rich in vegetable matter evolve considerable quantities of carbon-dioxide gas owing to the decomposition and oxidation of this organic matter, hence wo find that baBic-slag is especially adapted for peaty soil, and for kitchen garden soils which have been for years liberally treated with dung. Turfy-loam, which is so much used for potting, also contains much vege- table matter, and very little available phosphate is present ; now, the usual practice is to mix bone- manure with this turfy-loam, but we have found that better results are obtained with basic slag, and at much less cost, provided that the plants receive also a Uttlenitrogen in the form of liquid, eithora very dilute solution of nitrate of soda or of ammonium sulphate — but this addition i3 not always required. Indeed, there is much advantage to be gained by mixing the phosphate with the soil, and only giving the nitrogen when the plants require it. An excess of phosphate in the form of basic-slag will not do any harm ; it will not produce rauk sappy growth, and it is not washed out of the soil. But an excessive dose of rich nitrogenous manure is never profitable, and may often do much harm ; it causes great leaf-development, and retards ripening. Basic-slag, as its name implies, is basic in its re- action ; that is, it neutralises free acids, and since soils which contain much vegetable matter or humus are frequently acid, basic-slag neutralises this acidity by reason of the lime which it contaius. Superphosphate is an acid manure, containing soluble acid phosphate, and although it is a valuable fertiliser, it should not be added to a soil which is already acid. If Turnips, Cabbages, or Cauliflowers are attacked by "finger- and-toe " or "anbury," they are always worse if the land has been dressed with superphosphate, the reason apparently being that the spores of the fungus germinate more readily in an acid medium. But the above named plants require a ready supply of soluble phosphate if they are to thrive well ; therefore, if the land is infected with finger-and-toe, and if the plant- ing of Cruciferous plants is unavoidable on tho infected land, do not use superphosphate, but use basic-slag. The effect of basic-slag is like that of super- phosphate when it is applied to lawns — it causes White Clover to be more abundant, and it tends to remove moss. Most crop3 are benefited by basic - slag, but particularly Beans and Peas. We have carried out several experiments on market-gardens, using different manures on Peas aud on Beans, and we have always found this manure to be useful ; the increased crop obtained by its use has paid for the outlay on the manure several times over. Phos- phates, when applied to these crops, cause an earlier maturation to take place, and this fact is an impor- tant one in the case of early Peas, and also when French Beans are forced. Nitrogenous manure, on the other hand, may cause the crop to be late ; these leguminous plants can obtain sufficient nitrogen from the atmosphere, so that if wo supply them with sufficient available phosphate and potash, they will not need any other manure. The amount of phosphoric acid in basic-slag varies considerably. It ranges from 5 to 20 per cent., which is equivalent to a range of 11 to 4-1 per cent, of tri-calcic phosphate ; tl is is partly owing to the differences in the amount of phosphorus in the iron ores, and also to variations in the amount of lime which has been added to tho molten metal in order to remove this phosphorus. All the slag which is sold as a manure is not basic-slag ; recently a sample of slag came under my notice which was being sold for 50s. a ton ; it did not contain a trace of phos- phoric acid, or any other fertilising substance, and was, indeed, not so valuable as an equal weight of coal-ashes; it was in reality an "aeid" slag, and quite valueless. Basic slag should be ground to an impalpable powder, so that most of it will pass through the standard sieve, containing 120 wires to the linear inch. It iB a disagreeable manure to spread evenly on the garden, especially on a windy day— it is blown about easily, aud soon makes one as black as a sweep ; in order to avoid this inconvenience, it is better to mix it with some fine damp earth previous to spreading it. It must not be mixed withj ammonium sulphate, because the lime in the slag would displace the ammonia and cause a serious loss. The average amount of phosphoric acid in this manure is about 17 per cent., and of this a dressing of 3 or 4 oz. to the square yard is enough. Its effects are appreciable for two or three years. F. V. Datlon, University College <>f North Wales t Bangor. The Rosary. THREE NEW CLIMBING ROSES. Since Crimson Rambler proved itself to be such a generally valuable form of tho Japanese Rosa poly- antha sarmentosa, three new varieties, raised by M. P. Lambert, of Treves, have already obtained well- deserved attention. They bear the names of the three Graces— Aglaia, Euphrosyne, and Thalia, and appeared simultaneously. The plants flower on the ripened long shoots of the previous year, exactly as does Crimson Rambler, and in bunches of from 30 to 100 blossoms, which expand slowly in long succession. These varieties are not chance seedlings, but the result of artificially crossing It, polyantha sarmentosa with other varieties, and they differ not so much in habit of growth as in the colour of their small half- opened flowers. Those of Aglaia are light greenish- yellow, fairly double, of the size of R. Gloire des Polyantha, of a cupped form, and Tea-scented ; whilst those of Euphrosyne are clear rose, and in the bud-stage bright light carmine-red. The flowers of Thalia are clear white. EOCKERY SHRUBS. The vegetation of high mountains always manifests, oven with shrubs and shrubby plants, the stunted and compact habit characteristic of the alpine flora. On large rocks, especially in the alpine garden, dwarf and trailing shrubs and rock -growing bushes can be arranged so as successfully to suggest a mountainous group. I will mention some species which are espe- cially UBeful for this purpose. To begin with, there is the whole series of Ericas and Vacciniums, known aud grown in England better thau with us. The genus Andromeda yields many varieties elegant in form, with delicate blooms of different colours. A. calyculata, japonica, polifolia, fastigiata, tetragona, aud hypnoides, though widely known in England, are but little grown on the Continent. Ericas, generally silex-lovin^' plants," do badly in our country, where Jurassic and calcareous soil is found; but very well in England. E. carnea is an exception. It is excellent on sunny rocks, grows on calcareous or siliceous soil, aud is gay in early spring in our Vaudois mountains, whence it grows down into the plain, cropping up botweon the rocks aud Btones, and showing everywhere its very bright rose- carmine blossoms. These flowers last a long time • in a full south position on my rockery I have a large clump of Erica carnea which bloomed in mid-January, and is still in full beauty. At the foot of a wall and full south it blooms until Christmas. Vaccinium and Oxycoccus are also silex-loving plants, and found in full beauty along the shores of the Atlantic. But the Arbutus is one of tho best Bhrubs for the alpine garden from a decorative point of view. I refer to our Raisin d'Ours, Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi, which bears long and full branches trailing on the ground. One plant will sometimes cover four or five square metres. The foliage is persistent through the winter, is dark, dull green, thick and coriaceous ; mingled in spring with numerous trusses of rose- coloured flowers, which air succeeded in autumn by bright red berries. But alpine Rhododendrons are among the most valuable of our Bhrubs. There are three or even four ; among them R. ferrugineum and R. hirsutum are easy to grow, while K. intermedium and R. Chameecistus— the latter beautiful, elegant, with large, clear rose, Cistus-like flowers — are very difficult. Like R. kamtschaticutn, this latter Rhododendron, found in the mountains of Tyrol, is growu in porous soil, rich in vegetable humus, aud in full sun. In Geneva we cau only grow it in pots of sphagnum. Rhododendron growers and raisers should notice this species, and increase it in gardens. Atragene alpina, a Clematis-like plant, with violet- blue flowers, grows wild in copses and woods on chalky slopes among the Alps. It is not common, for its flowers have attracted attention, and reckless gathering has destroyed it in many localities. Thus, at Saleve, near Geneva, its only habitat in this district, it has ceased to exist for the last ten years, amateur collectors having taken all, or bought it from flower-sellers in the market. Happily it grows readily from seed or graft, and is growing with various horticulturists. There are varieties with pure white or red flowers which also are cultivated, as Atragene sibirica, genuina, and Wenderothi. These like partial shade, leaf-mould, and but little inter- ference, as the less they are moved the more they flourish. Among plants which grow and get lost is the charming Betula nana, with leaves shining, round, elegantly-crenulate, with slender, pliant branches, and light and delicate habit. It is scarcely 3 feet high, and a great ornament to a rockery. B. nana was formerly plentiful, but is now scarce in this country, except in certain boggy places of the Jura plateau, and there it is so poor that it can hardly be said to exist at all. It shares, in fact, the fate of the marsh- flora, which is diminishing under cultivation aud the search for peat. But the dwarf Beech still abounds in Polar regions, covers the slopes of the North Cape and the Scandinavian Alps, where it shades the deli- cate Diapensia lapponiea. In cultivation it prefers a fresh deep soil and slight shade. It is inoreased by slips and seeds. Ephedra helvetica is a curious plaut which is found on old walls and the most arid rocks of Canton Valais. It is one of the features of what is known to us as the flora of the " xerothermic " period. It has the peculiar appearance of Equisetum, but is not so leafless-looking, as in spring the male plants bear yellowish-green catkins, while in autumn the female plants have bright-red fruits or berries, something like those of Yew, Ephedra being, in fact, closely allied to Conifers. The existence in our country of a plaut which clearly originated in the steppes, and most of the cougeners of which, grown iu the Asiatic aud African deserts, has given rise to much discussion. It is certainly a relic of tho flora of a "xerothermic" period which succeeded that of the melting of the glaciers, and its presence among our Valais Alps indicates a climate alternately hot and cold, dry and windy. This curious little shrub, placed in the full sun, soon spreads from a niche or fissure, aud its brilliant berries are, in autumn, a great ornament to tho alpino garden. There are many ..ther Ephedra which also grow in rocks, and are very di oorative. There are the foreign species, E. alata, altissima, audina, campylopoda, distachya, fragilis, monostachya, nevadensis, aud trifurca, which are hardy in our climate. Amelanchier vulgaris is a charming shrub, growing in the chinks of calcareous rocks in full sun, and the stems of which arch gracefully, and are at this season covered with large white flowers, rose-coloured out- side, and hauging in axillary clusters. Tho plant sometimes grows nearly 10 feet high. Cornus cana- densis and suecica are small shrubs with large flowers, which like a sunny position and a peaty soil. Among the genus Daphne we find many acceptable and delicately perfumed plants. I >. ( Ineorum, growing on calcareous Boil in the Jura and Southern Alps, and also in Hungary ami Transylvania, is the best of all : its pretty rose-coloured flowers in little close clusters scent our rocks iu May and June, and sometimes again iu tho autumn. In firm and heavy soil it Bucceeds better than in light, and someti b grows to a considerable si/o ; a sunny situation is pre- ferred. This 1 'aphne is known to us as "Thymelfe des 268 THE GA BDENERS' CUB ONI CLE. [April 24, 1S97. Alpes,*' or "Perles des inoutagues." There is one variety with large flowers, another with white flowers and variegated leaves. D. striata and Verloti are forms of i>. Cneoruui. D. Blagayana from the Car- niolan and Styriau Alps is a small shrub with decum- bent Btems, broad persistent oval-oblong leaves, glaucous-green with, large cream-white flowers in clusters, and fragrant, opening in March and April ; it requires semi-shade, and a porous, well-drained soil. D. alpina is a small, stunted bush with tortuous branches, leaves at the summit only, flowers yel- lowish-white, slightly scented, and succeeded by bright brick-red berries ; it requires a calcareous stony soil and full sunshine. Rhamnus alpina, pumila and saxatilis, which like chinks in the rock in the full sun ; also the alpine willows (Salix herbacea, retusa, reticulata, eerpylH- folia) have decumbent stems flat on the ground or only a few inches above it, and are also very pretty for alpine rockeries. H. Correvon, Jardin afpin d'A cclimalation, Geneva. ODONTOGLOSSUM CRISPUM VABS. LUGIANI AND LINDENI. Our illustrations (figs. 90 and 91), for which we are indebted to the courtesy of MM. Linden, repre- sent two varieties of Odontoglossum ciispum for which the establishment of the Messrs. Linden, Pare Leopold, Brussels, has of late years been noted. Fine examples have been exhibited at the Royal Horticultural Society's meetings, and have been rendered familiar to us by the illustrations of some of them in tho Lin* denia, and especially in the Odontoglossum number, iu which eight fine varieties were illustrated, tho issue appearing in June, 1896. Nor are the beauties <>f these fine flowers a barren possession commercially, for the fashion in valuo was set by fine O. cri spurn augustum, for which Messrs. Linden obtained a First-class Certificate at the last Temple Show, and which was illustrated in the Gardeners* Chronicle, May 23, 1896, p. 649. That plant was said to have had more than one offer for it up to 300 guineas, at which price it was sold, and those illustrated now were rated at the same value. The 0. cri spurn Luciani (fig. 90), which variety, when the small plant that obtained a Fir?t-clas3 Certificate at the Royal Horticultural Society's meeting on March 23, this year, has had time to develop, will assuredly be a noble variety. It has very fine flowers, white, tinged with rose and blotched with purple-brown ; and O. c. Lindeni (fig. 91, p. 269) is also a handsome and distinct variety, as a glance at our illustration of the bloom shows. GAKDENING IN RUSSIA. (Concluded from p. 240.) Nurseries.- — Another important nursery in St. Petersburg is that of Messrs. Regel & Kesaelring, which, since the death of the never-to-be-forgotten elder Regel has been carried on in the same manner by his son-in-law, Mr. Kesselring ; whilst contrariwise the St. Peters- burg Botanical Garden has sunk in the few years that have elapsed since Regel's death, from a garden of the foremost rank to a simple flower-garden iu which carpet-bedding plays the chief role. If the botanical garden should continue to decline at the present rate, botanists 'will, in the course of a few years, merely have the remembrance that there once existed a most valuable collection of plants second only to that at Kew. I Berved under Regel in the St. Petersburg garden for a period of four-and-a-half years, and was there- fore well acquainted with it, and it saddened me to remark how much it had declined ; it however did me good to visit Regel s tree nursery. Those who suppose that shrubs and trees alone are to be found here are mistaken, although the collection of these is a very rich one ; but still richer is the collection of herbaceous perennials, of which about 2500 species and varieties are grown in the open ground. Shrubs number 750 species, fruits about 4000. It would take up too much space if I were to enumerate all the novelties which I saw, and to do so is uncalled for, seeing that all the names and descriptions are to be found in the nursery list. Only a few novelties — about 300 — are not found in this list, and are, therefore, not for sale. Taking them as they appeared in the borders, I may name the following: — Dianthus Sternbergi, Diphyllea cymosa, Gentiaua phlogifolia, Ledum glanduloBum, Veratrum Maaki, Adonis wolgensis. Primula pseudo-Forsteri, Lilium Glehni and L. cupreum, Lychnis lapponica, Saxifraga Rocheliana caryophyla, Autheinis Aizoon, Cerastium Lerchenfeldi, Lilium avenaceum, Dianthus teuer. Ranunculus bilobus, Saxifragas Alberti and Thom- beana, Spirsea bullata, Cousinia Schtchurowskyana, Baptisia leucantha, Anthericum undulatum, Gentiana Regelise, Epiuiedium colchicum, Lophanthus chi- nensis, Aquilegia Bauhini, Mimulus primuloides, Azaleastrum purpureum, Iris Alberti, Paionia banatica and fulgida, Rubia cordifolia, Rubus cratttgifolius, Aralia nudicaulis, Salvia Begeliana, Arisaama amurense, Iris orchioides,Coi ydalis decipiens, Crocus cilic'icus aud carpetauus, Tanacetum leucophyllum, Inula ensifolia, Kitaibelta vitifolia, Hugueninia tanacetifolia, Thorn- The general has a partiality for Cycads and Palms, aud is the possessor of a very fine collection of these plants, such, indeed, as can only be found iu some of the more extensive botauical gardens, no fewer than 207 species of Palms and 08 species of Cycads being represented. Besides these, his glasshouses contain numerous choice plants, as, for example, a large collection of Acacias, Brouieliads, Conifers, and Crotons. The collection of Orchids is also considerable. Another notable garden is that belonging to Mr. Pasterchow, in which I observed a large number of strong plants of Ouviraudra fenestralis. The Palms and Orchids there are also very fine. Imperial Gardens. The Imperial gardens are, as one might expect, on quite auother Bcale of magnificence, as here no expense is spared. Still, great outlay is by no means the only Fig. 90.— odontoglossum crispum ltjciani. masinia vertieillaris, Saussurea deltoidea and Russowi, Bambusa species from Kaneu, hardy in St. Petersburg ! Amongst shrubs, Rhododendrons stand in the front rank, and besides those incorporated in the catalogue, there are R. brachycarpum, R. campanulatum, R caucasicum, R. birsutum, R. kamtschaticum, R. lana turn, R. parvifolium, R. Przewalskii, and R. Ungerni, as well as species R. lapponicum, R. villosum R. myrtifolium, R. intermedium, R. latifolium, R Cuuninghami, R. Rosamundi, R. campy loearpuin All of these are hardy at St. Petersburg. The fol lowiDg were likewise observed : — Lonicera purpu rascens, Daphne altaica, Spirtea Hacqueti, the charm ing Philadelphus parviflorus, Andromeda Mariana, Larix nigra, Spinea Humboldti, Lonicera syriugantha, tangutica, nervosa, Regeliana, Rhamnus dahurica, Ribes burejense, the new Caucasian Acer Traut- vetteri, &c. Private Gardens. Among private gardening establishments, that of His Excellence, Qeneial Durnow, takes the first place. thing needful in cultivating fine plants Tlose which had the greatest interest for ino were the Taurian garden and the garden at Felagin Ostrow ; the former having to furnish the decorative plants for the Winter Palace, and the latter those for the Anitschkow Palace. Owing to the great size of Russian buildings, one can form no idea of the suitability or number of the plants grown for purposes of decoration. The Winter Palace has a saloon called the Nicholas Saloon, which is decorated with seventy-two Palms of an average height of 8 to 10 yards ! The Palms stand in six rows of twelve plants each ; and a table surrounds each plant-tub, at which ten persons can be comfortably seated at dinner. The crowns of these Palms do not touch each other, but stand so far apart that each can be seen to advantage. What is of interest to a gardener is that the extreme h< ight and diameter of the tubs are only 756 cm. (30 inches), and the court gardener, Von Sieasmeyer, is compelled on account of the tables, to keep to these dimensions. April 24, 1897-1 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 269 The Palms remain in the palace from January to May, and in this interval they lose from seven to eight leaves, which must be replaced by an equal number of youDg ones before the following mouth of January. This piece of the gardener's art or conjuring trick, as we must call it, is carried out in this wise. When the plants come out of the palace they are turned out of the tubs, the roots severely shortened with an axe, and the ball re-tubbed in a mixture con- sisting of equal parts of heavy and light turfy loam, mixed with which are 10 to 11 litres of bone- meal, and the plants are then placed ou a warm bed in the Palm-house. Here they throw out 7 to 8 new leaves by the now year, and are then transported, often with the thermometer at — 20° Re'aumur ( — 45° Fahr.), well packed in thick coverlets, to the Winter Palace. The number of plants employed in decorations on great occasions amount to 1 7,000, and at small fee- I have no intention of noticing all the different species of those plants, but only those which it is rare to Bee used in the dwelling. One of the most common is Cissus antarctica ; and almost as common are Jasminum Sambac and Sanseviera guineensis. Judging by the dimensions of the plants observed in the windows of houses inhabited by the lower classes of the population, these plants are great successes. At the time of my visit— July — the Jasmine was literally covered with bloom. Bromelias are greatly admired, and a few amateurs possess large collections of them, likewise of Cactus. Specimens of Pandanus utilis, 6 feet in height, and perfectly healthy, and of Cocos Weddelliana, were remarked, the latter quite different in habit in old age from what it is when young, A favourite Orchid, and one that does well in apartments, is Stauhopea in variety. Besides Aralia reticulata, it is not rare to find specimens of other ornamental species, as A- Sieboldi and A. papyrifera. FlG. 91. — ODOKTOGLOSSTJM CJUPPTTM UNDENT, (SEE P. 26S. ) tivities from 8000 to 10,000. Moreover, this garden furnishes the Winter Palace with a portion of the flowering plants required, namely, 200 to 300 Camel- lias, 700 Narcissus, 1200 Tulips, 2500 Crocus, 5000 to 6000 Hyacinths, and 40,000 Lily of the Valley, which is about one- sixth of the entire requirements, th< remaining five-sixths coming from Eiler's nursery. The imperial gardens at Felagin Ostrow resemble the first-named, and together with the park is situated on an island in which nature and art are woaderfully blended. The following plants are regarded as being excellent decorative material, withstanding the inimical conditions of indoor c .lture better than most others, viz, Aralia reti- culata, Codiamm (Croton) varieg. turn var. Corrieri, Crcwea salicifolia (probably saligua), the first two be:cg first-rate plants for apartments. Plants for Dwelling-Rooms. This reminds one of the plants used for the latter purpose, which I have remarked in St. Petersburg. I observed several plants of Cycas revoluta in good condition. The laymau may be surprised to learn that this species is cultivated by the Russian amateur, but the reason is to be found in the long- continued activity of the departed Regel. He was, although a German, the father of, horticulture in Russia, which is a fact that cannot be denied. Poblic Parks. Before I turn from gardening at St. Petersburg, I must say a few words about the public parks and gardens. The Russian has a great sympathy with Nature, and the vegetable kingdom plays a greater rC>k with him, and stirs his feelings much more than is the case with the western European nations. This is made apparent in the immense numbers of the people who visit the numerous parks and gardens of the city. The municipality on its side has dono much in tastefully decorating the large squares and "places," of which there is no lack in the more modern parts of the city, and they have got in Mr. Weise an exceedingly intelligent manager of their public gardens and open spaces. These increase year by year, and at the present time the enormous area that lies between the Winter Palace and the old Admiralty buildings is being converted into an orna- mental garden. The carpet- bedding style still finds many admirers, but the preference for flowering plants of various kinds in place of variegated Pelargoniums, and the usual carpet-bed plants, as Iresine, Alternanthera, Pyrethrum, &c, has begun to assert itself; and although the artificial and geometrical forms of the beds are retained, and the planting of large beds with one kind of plant is still carried out, the clip- ping and shearing of the plants are no longer the fashion, the various designs being filled with plants of varying height, and flowering subjects in greater variety. U. Dammcr. Forestry. TYPES OF BRITISH WOODLAND. \ We have said that Oak woods have been modified by modern methods of management into variations from the original type. Although the result of these modifications has, in many cases, entirely obliterated the ancient order of forest scenery, yet, thanks to the planters of the last century, typical Oak woods are still plentiful enough in England. Unlike the Beech, however, the Oak tolerates the presence of many lowly forms of vegetation beneath its deep, but comparatively open crown, and it is only during the earliest stages that the leaf canopy can be kept suffi- ciently dense to kill surface-vegetation, and if not entirely suppressed over too large an area, it re-asserts itself. When Oak woods have been raised from a thick bed of acorns or plants, and left to fight it out from the start, a crop of fine timber is invariably the result on good soil and a favourable situation. Uniformity rarely exists over a large area, it is true ; but uniformity of soil and other conditions is equally rare, and with a long-lived species, slight differences in vigour or adaptability to the situation, which pass unnoticed in young trees, become more accentuated with age. With the exercise of every possible skill and care, the forester must still leave much in the bands of Nature, and the number of really fine specimens of mature trees to be found upon a given area is usually small in comparison with small or badly-shaped stems, and the poorer the soil, the more numerous the latter become. In most eases, too early and too severe thinnings have been carried out. An old proverb runs: "The Oak will stand bare-headed, but not bare-footed;" but this does not imply that the early trainiag, in the shape of "drawing up," which is necessary in growing good timber of any kind, can be dispensed with in the case of the Oak. If we are not mistaken, the above- quoted proverb is of French origin, and in France a warmer climate renders the preservation of soil- moisture more imperative than with us. Hence the practice which prevails of under- planting middle-aged Oak-woods with Beech or Hornbeam, or of growing these species in combination. These methods of growing Oak might be more often fol- lowed on the lighter soils, especially iu the south of Eugland, and it is astonishing to find, on even poor sandy soils, Oaks of great length and respectable dimensions, which have been drawn up among Beech trees without artificial interference. Such timber, it is true, is usually of little value for many kinds of work, but is well adapted [for cleaving, and several other estate purposes. Ou fairly dry soils, however, where Oaks of fair quality can be grown, the Beech requires to be kept in check before the Oaks have finished their growth in height, so that the crowns of the lattor may develop to the utmost. On heavy soils Beech does not thrive so well, nor ia the dense shade of the latter such a desirable condition and in such cases natural herbage usually forms the uudergrowth. The most frequent, aqd from the sportsman's point 270 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 24, 1897. of view, the most desirable form of Oak wood is pro- bably that in which Hazel fills up the space between the trees. This style of woodland varies a good deal as regards the proportion in which timber and under- wood bear towards each other. In some cases we find the Hazel simply an undergrowth, and almost eutirely shaded by the crowns of the trees ; in others the trees are few and far between, and the Hazel coppice forms a goodly proportion of the crop on the ground. The more closely the latter case is approached , the shorter stemmed and more heavily branched do we find the timber. Many fine specimens of Oaks, containing much valuable timber, may be met with, it is true, which have not been subjected to any close struggle with their neighbours ; but where such occur, we may safely conclude that soil and situation leave little to be desired, and that even better results might have been obtained with proper treatment. Two cases in point occur to us at this moment, both of which have their existence in two of our royal forests, one a wood of tall, clean, and massive boles, which has evidently been little, if at all, subjected to the process of thinning ; the other, in which the trees stand like fruit trees in an orchard, with almost pain- ful regularity, but the produce of which as yet, is principally branches. One is characteristic of the sylvicultural, the other of the arboricultural, systems of managing the Oak. A. C. Forbes. (To le continued) Cultural Memoranda. TORENIA FOURNIERI. Well-grown plants of Toreuia Fournieri make a nice edging to a plant-stage in the greenhouse or con- servatory, and are useful for mixing with other plants on flower-stauds in apartments, &c. The seeds being small, should be sowu in pots of light soil, and but slightly covered with fine mould and stood in a moderately warm house. The seedlings should be transplanted an inch apart, in pans filled with any moderately rich kind of gritty soil, and later on they may be potted, several together, in 4S's, aud stood in cold frames after the weather has got warm. Torenias are liable to be infested with aphides, to destroy which the plant should be fumigated occasionally. The plants require to be freely supplied with water, and with manure-water when pot-bouud. Francoa ramosa. This pretty greenhouse plant may be raised from seed sown forthwith in pans of sandy soil, and stood in a temperature of 60°, and kept moist and shaded from the strong sun. If the seeds are new, germina- tion will soon take place, and, when large enough to handle, the young plants should be pricked off into other pans, and later on potted into 60s, and grown in a house with a mild moist heat for a while, after which they should be afforded a slight shift aud be placed in a cold frame. The plant is readily multi- plied by division, taking the young side-growths shortly after the plants have flowered, potting them in 60's, and keeping them close in a cold frame placed on the north side of a wall. The leaves should be kept fresh by repeated light syringings. When well established repot them into rich sandy loam and half-decayed leaves, or Mushroom-manure. If stood in a cold frame, not too close together, it winters well, even if light frost get to it. The stoutest of the plants which have flowered may be repotted some- what low down in the Boil, so as to let side-growths make roots in the soil. //. Marl-ham. 6 inches, while those intended for storing should be allowed from 9 inches to a foot between each plant, the latter distance being necessary to grow good roots for exhibition. After each thinning, give a light dressing of fresh soot, and stir the soil with the Dutch-hoe. If Parsnips were sown in bunches, they should be thinned to a couple in each patch as soon as the plants are seen, and further reduced to one at a later date, to guard against any blanks. These may be successfully transplanted if moved with care during showery weather. It is not yet too late to sow seed, if by any chance it may have been neglected earlier ; the smaller roots resulting from late sowings are sometimes more appreciated than large produce. Planthuj-oid Onions for Exhibition.— Onions sown early in the year, and pricked out in boxes, if properly hardened off, are now ready for planting out. Assuming that a plot of ground has been previously prepared by liberal dressings of manure and deep cultivation, it should now be made thoroughly firm by treading whilst sufficiently dry on the surface to prevent the soil sticking to the feet. Then plant in rows 15 to IS inches asunder, and place the Onions at about 15 inches apart in the rows. Planting may be done with a trowel or a bluntrended dibber as preferred, but care must be taken to plant firmly, and just deep enough in the soil to keep the plant upright. It is advisable to select showery weather for this work if possible, but should it be dry at the time, water should be given separately to each plant with a spout-can as each row is finished, and after- wards run the Dutch-hoe lightly through between the rows. Celery. — Trenches may be prepared at the first opportunity for the earliest batch of Celery, and ground that has recently been occupied by Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli, or similar green crop is very suitable for this purpose. I prefer trenches wide enough to take two or three rows of plants as being economical in space and labour, the produce being in no respect inferior to that grown in single trenches. Those to contain two rows of plants should be made 2 feet wide and 12 inches in depth when ready for the manure, which should be put in after breaking up the subsoil deeply at the bottom of the trench ; procure some well-rotted cow-manure if possible, and after putting in a good depth of this material, return enough of the good surface-soil to plant in. Three feet in the clear should be allowed between the trenches, or 5 feet measuring from centre to centre. These ridges between the Celery can be utilised for planting-out early Lettuce, dwarf Beana, &c, which will be out of the way before the soil is needed for earthing-up the crop. When the trenches are ready and the plants are properly hardened, lift each plant with the trowel, and plant with a good ball of earth attached, wateriug thoroughly imme- diately after. Continue to prick-off successional batches in boxes or frames as soon as ready, and supply them at all times with an abundance of water. The Week's Work. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By W. Pope, Gardener, Highelere Castle, Newbury. Carrots, Parsnips, <(•<•.— As soon as the earliest crops of Carrots, Parsnips, Sc , appear above ground, advautage should be taken of a dry day to run the Dutch-hoe through the soil, betweeu the rows, which will destroy small wcels, aud otherwise benefit the crop by admitting air and sunshine. Thin the plants as soon as the first true-leaf is formed to about 3 inches apart, and in a fortnight or three weeks the second and final thinning may be done ; the Early H^rn varieties sown for use as pulled being left at THE FLOWER GARDEN. By Charles Hkrrin, Gardener, Droprnore, Maidenhead. Anemones furnish useful plants for tilling beds, and flowers for cutting in the early spring. Seeds may now be sown of that pretty-lookiug variety, A. coro- naria, for supplying flowering plants next year. The seed-beds or patches should be prepared where the plants are to remain and flower — that is, without transplanting ; therefore the ground should be in a fairly good condition, and well tilled, the seeds being sown thinly in drills drawn about 9 inches apart. The seeds can be the more evenly and readily dis- tribute.! if they are fii*3t rubbed and mixed in partially-dry sand. Sunflowers.— Perennial species may still be in- creased if necessary by division. AVhere pieces are cut away from established clumps, the ground should be made quite firm around the remaining portion, and if possible some new and rich soil be worked in around the roots. All the varieties of the Heliauthus multiflorus section divide safely now, as do also Heleniums and Rudbeckias, which are nearly allied to the former. Some of the annual Sunflowers are also desirable subjects, both the tall double and the single flowered, as well as the dwarfer growing miniature varieties, the last named being useful for filling odd corners in herbaceous borders, aud for use as cut flowers. The seeds should be sown in large sized i;u-pots, two or three in each, thinuing the seedlings to one — the strongest of the tall growing varieties, or three of the dwarfer miniature varieties. Till germination takes place, the pots may stand in a mild hot-bed frame, and the plants gradually hard- ened off and planted out without further trouble being taken. When planting, scatter a little soot around them to prevent injury by slugs. Various Operations. — Sowings of Sweet Peas, Mig- nonette, and other annuals, for affording cut-flowers, should be made at intervals of a fortnight or there- abouts during the next six weeks. The pricking- off of seedling Pentstemons, Antirrhinums, Petu- nias, Verbenas, and other similar subjects, should receive early attention, as if allowed to become spindly in the seed-boxes, &c. , they seldom attain to the vigour of those that are duly attended to in this respect. Mild hot-beds, on which a frame can be placed, with a bed of about 4 inches in depth of soil, for receiving the seedlings, form the best and simplest means of dealing with large numbers of seedling bedding plants at this season. The lights should be kept close, and the seedlings shaded for a few days from bright sun, gradually admitting more air and light when they are becoming established ; eventually thoroughly hardening off preparatory to planting out by the entire removal of the lights, excepting during periods of cold weather. Bedding Pelargoniums. — These, if well established, should, as far as convenience affords, be removed to cold pits and frames, or, if coming from houses with a cool greenhouse temperature, maygoundera frame- work of trellising and be covered at night, or when otherwise cold, with mats or canvas. If removed from a warm and moist temperature, they should be kept close in frames or pits for a few days, that is, until inured to the change, aud be shaded slightly during bright sunshine, otherwise the foliage may get dis- coloured. The propagation of various subjects should continue briskly now, until the stock of plants is sufficient for the various purposes intended. Helio- tropes, Ageratum?, Nasturtiums, Coleus, and such like, strike readily at tbis season, if dibbled into boxes of light soil and stood in any close, warm house. Heliotropes transplant badly, and should, when struck, be potted up simply into small pots, and from these they may be eventually turned out into the beds without much risk of a check. Where Alternantheras are used for supplying a groundwork for carpet or other bedding arrangements, frames on hot- beds afford the readiest means of increase, where cut- tings may be dibbled in thickly ; and when struck they can be hardened off1, and go from the hot-beds direct to the beds early in June. Seedling Hollyhocks, now standing in 60-sized pots, may, if well-rooted, be shifted into large 4S's, in which they will make strong plants for turning out into the borders in a few weeks' time. Subtropical bedders must not be allowed to become pot-bound and stunted, but be shifted and kept in an active growing state. All arrears of work in the pleasure - grounds should be pushed on as fast as weather and cir- cumstances permit ; the unfavourable character of the season has for some time hindered all outdoor work. The re-laying of Bos edgings should now be brought to a close. The cutting the turf verges of walks with the edging-iron should be done where the edges are irregular. The proper width of walks whose edges are pruned away in this manner is restored by cutting a strip of the turf on each side 1 foot wide, aud pushing it towards the walk, and making it firm, the interval between the removed and the unremoved turf being made good with fresh turf. The tidiness of the lawn should be maintained by mowing and sweeping as often as becomes necessary. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By G- H. Maycock, Gardener, Luton Hoo Park, Luton. Winter-flowering Carnations. — The young plants will probably stand in need of a shift into larger p> ts, and before a beginning is made in the potting, th >y should be cleansed from green-fly and red-spider. If the plants are to flower in 5-inch pots, the potting- compost should be the same as that I have previously given, with the addition of a small quantity of frash soot, which should be well incorporated with other ingredients. Let the plants be but little distuibed in turning them out of their pots, and pot them with a moderate degree of flrmness — not, however, using a rammer ; and leave ample space for affording water. The repotted plauts maybe placed in a span pit or frame near to the roof-glass, affording a temperature of about 55° by night, 65° or more by day, with ample ventilation after the first week, lightly dewing them over with the syringe iu warm, sunny weather. These plants will require to have the points pinched out twice or oftener during the early part of the growing-season. Plauts of Carnations which are of 1S96 and 1895, should be examined, the healthiest April 24, 1897.] THE GABDENEBS' CI1IWNICLE. 271 being selected to be slightly reduced in the size of the balls, and potted in 7 and 8-inch pots. The flowers from these older plants will not be so large as those furnished by the plants of the present year's striking ; but for supplying flowers in the months of November and December, they will be much more valuable. At this season these plants should be kept in a greenhouse or cold-frame, and somewhat warm and close for the first fortnight after re-potting. Souvenir de la MaJmalson Carnations. — Any plants which may be showing their flower-spikes should be kept quite free from green-fly, and a little drier at the roots, it being advisable to rather err in that direction than to keep the soil wet. Let staking aud tying receive proper attention, and tie loosely, in order that the ties may be readily moved up the stake with the advancing growth of the spikes. When affording stakes, use no more than are actually needed, and in all cases let these be as thin as is con- sistent with the purpose they are meant for ; and I would suggest the use of the lateral growths of Bamboo canes, these being thin, light, and durable. Plumbago rosea. — Cuttings may now be taken from old plants that were pruned hard back after flower- ing. After preparing them, place four round the sides of a 3-inch pot, and plunge in abed in the pro- pagating-pit, keeping them moist and shaded, and in about three weeks the cuttings will be ready to pot singly in 60's. When the roots reach the Bides of the pots, shift into pots one size larger, the following shift being into 32's, in which they may be allowed to flower. A good mixture for the last repotting consists of three-quarters good fibry loam, one quarter leaf mould, and a good proportion of sand. In the early stages of growth, Plumbago rosea requires stove temperature, but in summer a frame in a sunny 8pot is move suitable. The plant should be stopped when in the first pot, and once again after it is established in the flowering-pot. For brightening the stove during the winter months, and for general effect it is a really excellent plant, and being graceful in habit it affords a pleasing contrast with others. Clerodcndron fcdlax. — Seeds of this plant should now be sown iu seed-pans, and in a mixture of leaf- mould and sharp sand, sowing evenly over the surface and covering lightly. When the seedlings can be readily handled prick them off in very small pots and keep them in heat, and when established and rooting freely shift them into 5-inch pots, using a compost of peat half, loam quarter, and plenty of sharp sand. During the summer this species may be kept in the intermediate-house, in a position near the glas3, and where they can be reached with the syringe, red-spider being very liable to injure them if the surroundings are dry, and these mites soon disfigure the foliage. Plants so treated flower wheu about one foot high. time ago, and in which the space allowed between the trees will admit of the work being done without iujury to the stems of the trees. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. ByH. W. Ward, Rayleigh, Essex. Fruit-tree Stuclcs. — Remove all growths that push below the grafts upon fruit-tree stocks as soon as they appear, so as the sooner to effect a complete union of stock and scion. Should the clay have fallen from any grafts which are not yet sufficiently united to the stocks to enable them to bear exposure to light and air without injury, it should be replaced by clay which has been worked to the consistency of putty, making it full in the centre, and tapering off to the wood a little above and below the point where the scion is placed. In the case of fruit-tree stocks, as well as engrafted stocks, growing in light, shallow soil, it will be advisable to give them a good watering at the roots, and apply a coating of short manure or leaf-mould (where the latter is plentiful) between the rows to the depth of 2 or 3 inches. Raspberries and Strawberries growing in light or shallow ground may be considerably benefited by watering them at the roots at short intervals during dry weather. It is absolutely necessary to keep the soil uniformly moist about the roots of all kinds of fruit trees aud plants during the period of active growth, if remunerative crops are to be secured. The beds, too, must be kept free from weeds. Miscellaneous Worlc. — This will consist in the thinning-out and pinching ot young growths, tying- in and securing young shoots in position by means of nails and shreds, keeping the same free from the attacks of aphis, &c. Hun the Dutch-hoe between Hues of Gooseberry and Currant cuttings, as much with a view to aerate the soil as destroying seedling weeds. If not already done, bush-harrow aud roll grass in orchards which had been top-dressed some THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. Wiiitk, Orchid Grower, Burford, Dorking. Per isterias.— The Dove Orchid, P. elata, P. Lin- deni, P. pendula, and P. aspersa, are plants which require a long rest in the winter, and plants of these species will at this date be pushing up growths from the base of the pseudo-bulbs, and in need therefore of some new material about the roots. Healthy plants, and those which have sufficient space for growth, need not be disturbed, but have the worn- out materials picked out, and fresh substituted for them. The plants that are in need of more rooting space should be turned out of their pots and placed in others large enough to allow for two or three seasons' growth. Crocks should occupy the pots to one-half their depth, and the compost be made up with two-thirds hard turfy loam, one-third fibrous peat, with the addition of some dried cow-dung or Oak-leaf soil. The soil must be filled in firmly around the roots, and up to within a space of 1 inch below the rim of the pot. When the new roots are noticed at the base of the young growths, let the surface of the soil be covered with living sphagnum-mos?. After repotting the plants, they will not require much root moisture ; but plants in vigorous growth should be liberally supplied with water, and as soon as the new pseudo- bulbs begin to form, alternate applications of weak liquid manure will benefit the plants. Peristerias are at home in a warm, moist stove, or the East Indian-house, and during the earlier stages of growth they require to be shaded from sunshine ; but as the pseudo-bulbs approach maturity, gradual exposure to full sunshine should take place. Anguloas. — The species A. Clowesii, A. eburnea, A. uniflora, and A. Kuckeri, now sending up their flower-spikes and young growths, should be stood on the shady side of the intermediate-house, and afforded water in sufficient quantity to moisten the compost. It is not advisable to disturb these species by repot- ting them before the flower-spikes are cut, at which time roots emerge from the new growths. Avoid letting water lodge in the centre of the breaks, these being very liable to damp off in consequence. Ccelogyne cristata and its varieties maxima, " Chats- worth," Sandersi, Lemoniana, and the pure white variety hololeuca, are valued decorative plants, and useful for supplying flowers during the winter. Any specimens which have reached an inconveniently large size may now be divided and re-potted. If plants of moderate size are to be grown into large specimens the present is the best time to re-pot them. Such plants ought not to be disturbed at the roots, or con- siderable time will elapse before they are brought to their former condition. Being plants of easy culture, it matters little whether they are grown in pots, pans, or baskets, but whichever is selected should be well drained. As a potting mixture, rough, turfy loam and fibrous peat in equal parts, with an addition of sphagnum-moss and a few thick pieces of crocks to assist drainage, may be employed. Place the plants in the coolest part of the Cattleya-house, or where an intermediate temperature is maintained. Gene- rally, after disturbance of the roots, the pseudo- bulbs Bhrivel slightly, still it is not good practice to deluge the plants with water to preserve their plump- ness, because an over-abundance of water at this period might cause the older roots to decay, and the pseudo-bulbs to shrivel still aiore. Rather give them an occasional overhead syringing, and keep the atmo- sphere around them moist ; and till some degree of progress is made, shade them from sunshine. Estab- lished plants require abundance of water till such time as the new pseudo-bulbs are fully made up. Other species which grow well in an intermediate- temperature, as Coilogyne conferta, C. elata, C. Rossi- ana, C. corrugata, C. barbata, C. speciosa, C. ocellata, C. graminifolia, C. Thuuiaua, C. odoratissima, and C. corymbosa, which are now making new growth, may be repotted. C. flaceida produces pendulous racemes, aud basket culture is best for it. The warmth' loving C. Massaugeana and 0. tomentosa should also be grown in baskets, suspending them, while growing, to the roof, on the shady side of the East Indian-house, and when at rest, hanging them in the intermediate-house. C. Dayana and C. ochracea, now showing their flower-spikes, will require moro water at the root. The rare C. S.mderiana, a plant that is at rest in the spring, should be placed in a light position in the cool-house, and kept rather dry at the root, till the flower-spikes appear, when the plant should be steeped in tepid rain-water, and returned to its former position in the Cattleya-house. C. asperata Lowi requires stove treatment ; it is also beginning to grow, but should not be repotted till the flowers have faded. All of the species named root freely in ordinary Orchid compost. C. fuliginosa is a distinct-growing species, its habit of growth beiDg erect. To meet its requirements in this respect, the plant may be fastened to upright Teak-rafts, the rods of which are about an inch apart. Insert the lower part of the raft into a pot, fixing it with crocks, over which place some peat, aud prick in heads of sphagnum-moss thickly over the surface, as the plant delights in aerial moisture. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By F. Harris, Gardener, Eaatnor Castle, Ledbury. The Early Fi British Viatomacete, 1853 — 56, with numerous MS. notes and additions by Mr. Roper, £3 3s. ; May So i y Publications, from the commencement in 1845 to 1S93, £28 ; P. A. Saccardo, Sylloge Fungorum, 1882—96, £27 ; Journal of Botany, edited by Dr. B. Seemann, H. Trimen, and J. Britten, from its com* mencement in 1863 to October, 1896, £21 ; J. Sowerby, English Botany, 1 790 — 1863, with the general indices, and the rare supplement, in five volumes, and also Rev. M. J. Berkeley's Gleanings of British Alga, forty-two volumes in all, interleaved, and with numerous valuable MS. notes by Mr. Roper, £36— this copy has the supplemental Nos. 2995, 2996, 2997, and 2998 {with letterpress), which have not been published, and are excessively rare ; a copy of the third edition of the same work, 1863—92, with supplement by N. E. Brown, £15 10s. ; E. Claparede et J. Lachmann, Etudes sur les Infusoires et les Rhizopodcs, 1858—61, £2 2s. ; W. J. Hooker, British Jungcrmannhe, 1816, with pencil notes by Mr. Roper, £4 2s. 6d. ; Bruch, Schimper, & Giimbel, Bryologim Europaa, seu Genera Muscorum Monograpkice Iltus- Irata, 1836 — 64, six volumes, £18 5s. ; Dawson Turner, Fuel; or Sea Weeds, 1808—19, four volumes, with 258 plates, coloured from Nature, £3 3s. ; J. Sowerby, Coloured Figures of English Fungi, 1797 — 1815, with 440 beautifully coloured plates, in three volumes, interleaved, and with numerous notes by Mr. Roper, £7 10s. ; and W. Turner, A new Herbal, wherein are conteyned the names of Herbes in Greke, Latin, Englysh, Duch and Frenche, 1551, first edition, £6 ; another copy of the first two parts, but imperfect, £5 ; and a copy, not quite perfect, of the edition of 1568, £6 6s. The Late Colonel Trevor Clarke.— The collection of Orchids, greenhouse and other plants, also four conservatories at Welton Place, Northamp- ton, which belonged to Colonel Trevor Clarke, recently deceased, will be sold by auction, at the instance of the executors, on Thursday next, April 29. The late Colonel was an ardent plant-lover, and his collection, we suspect, contains some un- common species. Berlin Horticultural Exhibition.— The great exhibition to celebrate the seventy-fifth anni- versary of the Horticultural Society of Prussia, from April 29 to May 9, will be one of the greatest shows of this year. We recommend all visitors of the Hamburg exhibition, which opens on May 1, to go first or afterwards to Berlin, because the Berlin exhi- bition opens on April 2S, and lasts till May 9, whilst the Hamburgh show does not open till May 7. Never, perhaps, have so many Roses been shown as are likely to be exhibited, together with floral arrangements, also forced vegetables, as well as garden plans at a spring exhibition at Berliu. The total arrangements are very beautiful. The exhibition will be opened by the Empress on the 29th is to be a great meeting for discussion of— 1, exhibitions ; 2, public sales; 3, of schools for young gardeners. Book Notice. Dictionnaire Iconographique des Orchidees. Two fresh issues of the excellent illustrations of Orchids by M. A. Goossens, accompanied by the descriptive letter-press by M. A. Cogniaux, have reached us. They are labelled for Dendrobium and Miltonia, but, as usual, contain plates for passiug into portfolios already issued, and lettered for other genera, a3 well as those destined to remain in the portfolios in which they are sent. Each issuo is accompanied by tho little "Chrouiquo Orchideenne," of a suitable size to go in the portfolios, and which it is intended to send with each fresh issue, and thus convey current information relating to Orchids. All the plates issued are well up to the high standard of excellence seen in their predecessors, aud although there are no remarkable novelties among the things depicted, yet they form a worthy continuation of interesting sorics iu their different classes. Among the subjects are Lycaste Skinneri aud its varieties alba, Regime, and -lelicatissima ; Cypripediuuis are 276 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 21 1897. continued with C. X Erato, C. :< Zanipa var. Phidias, C. Leeanutn var. Albertianurn, and C. x triutn- phaus. Tho history and easential characters of Mas- dovallia are giveD, members of the genus well illustrated being M. Davisii and throe varieties of M. iguea. Under Lsolia appear L. autumnalis and its variety alba ; Lsolia Gouldiana and L. amanda, which is more probably a natural hybrid between Cattleya intermedia and La:lia Boothiana, than a true L;clia. Cattleya elongata, which made more stir than it was worth recently, as C. Alexandiai, appears under its proper name; and other things illustrated are Odonto- glossum x Ruckerianum, 0. X Coradinei, Miltonia x Bleuana, M. vexillaria Leopoldiana, L;clio-Cattleya x Corbeillensis, L. - C. x albanensis, Dendrobium nobile var. Balliauum, and varieties of Dendrobium 1'halsenopsis. ARTIFICIAL MANURES. At the meeting of the membors of the Royal Horticultural Society at tho Drill Hall, on April 13, a lecture was delivered by Mr. J. J. Willis on " Arti- ficial Manures, and their Bearing upon Horticultural Practice," of which the following is an abstract : — The lecturer stated, that one of the very first requirements for a healthy condition and a subse- quent successful propagation of any plant, consists in adopting a well -devised system of soil-pre- I aration and of manuring, There can be little doubt but that an indifferent system of soil-preparation and of the feeding of plants is at the root of a great many well-founded complaints of failure in various branches of gardening, and of fruit-culture iu particular. Our views as to use of manures have undergone a considerable transformation during the past few years. Scientilic investigation has suc- ceeded in solving a number of most important ques- tions, and we have in consequence been led to adopt new and clear principles relative to the application of manure to our various cultivated plants. Yet, not- withstanding the advance in manurial knowledge, our gardens, orchards, conservatories, and vegetable areas are frequently treated with but little consideration as to their requirements in the matter of plant- food. They are dressed with large quantities of stable- manure or vegetable compost, which may contain but a small proportion of food-sustaining constituents ; no thought is giveD to the waste of certain ingre- dients, which must necessarily ensue from an excessive manuring with such materials, and how much more useful this manure could be rendered by au admixture with suitable artificial fertilisers. A system of manuring may be called well-devised or rational when it is based upon the results of a careful examination into the chemical composition of the plants under cultivation, and on a due con- sideration as to their natural capabilities for availing themselves of the needed food, both from the atmo- sphere snd from the supplies within the soil. The object scught in cultivating plants is usually to pro- duce a growth in some of their parts that is un- natural to the species -in its native habitat. This part may be the flower, the seed, the fruit, the stem, or the leaves ; or, again, the object may be to obtain an extra large amount of sugar, as in Grape produc- tion ; or of starch, as in the growth of Potatos ; or it may be to r reduce leaves with more cellular sub- stance and less fibrous matter, as in Lettuce, Spinach, Celery, Asparagus, &c. ; and all this means in the end nothing less than that the opportunities of the horticulturist for controlling the quality of his crops are daily improving. Each plant has its especial wants at different stages of its development. Succulent and rapidly-growing vegetables require an abundant supply of nitrogen in an available form during their early periods of growth ; flowers and fruit trees require phosphatic food when blooming and developing seeds. Grape-vines need a large amount of potash during the formation and maturing of the Grapes for the production of sugar ; whilst Potatos require nitrogen and potash for the production of starch in the tubers. The lecturer next called attention to the chemical composition of various gar ten products, and to the amount of fertilising constituents they require for their successful cultivation, and pointed out the fact that iu order that plants may obtain all the food mate- rials they require, it is necessary that there be a largo excess of them in the soil, probably double the amount shown by an analysis of the crop grown. The essential elements of plant-food are not needed by different crops in the same invariable proportions at the various successive stages of growth, but are wanted at different periods of their life in different absolute amounts and in different relative propor- tions ; hence it is of the utmost importance that artificial manure should be given at the proper time, and in suitable and fixed proportions, and not at the mere fancy of the grower. Attention was then directed to the nature and com- position of the principal varieties of artificial manures in the market, aud to their influence upon the growth of particular crops. The subject was illustrated by various stencilled diagrams, showing experiments on Potatos in light aud in heavy soils, also on Tomatos and Peach trees, for particulars of which we must refer to the published report of the Society. The lecturer concluded his remarks by stating that a careful consideration of the different points could not fail to impress the fact that to manure horticul- tural soils efficiently means to-day something more than to incorporate into them an exceptionally liberal amount of such a varying substance as farmyard manure, vegetable composts, or the like, which may take many years to yield all the effects of which they may be capable. Further, au excessive accumulation of organic matter iu the soil is apt to turn it into a breeding-place for injurious insects, or of parasitic productions. A moderate use of natural manures, supplemented by a suitable addition of concentrated commercial fertilisers, for the purpose of rendering the former more rapidly available, and to forco particular forms of garden produce '' out of season,*' should commend itself to the horticulturist on account of the direct- ness with which he can thus reach the object in view. Both good economy, and the preference for a healthy and vigorous condition of our cultivated plants, advise a change from an indifferent system of manuring to one of a more rational character ; and it is hoped that this lecture will assist in assigning to these con- centrated fertilisers their proper place among the manures of the garden, and indicate how they may be applied efficiently aud economically, besides draw- ing the attention of horticulturists and orchardists to the great value of these manurial substances, which have hitherto been overlooked or but insufficiently appreciated. Scotland. NOTES FROM ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN, EDINBURGH. Thunberyia mysorensis. — A plant in the stove in this garden is now blooming freely, where it is planted under the stage and trained upon the roof. In this position the racemes are well shown. They are produced from the old wood, and as soon as the inflorescences are discernible, it is advisable to cut out some of the superfluous younger shoots. The corollas are yellow, with a reddish-brown border, about Ih inch in length. The racemes sometimes bear thirty blooms ; and hanging beneath the dark green acuminate elliptic foliage are very conspicuous. It is a very easily grown plant, requiring plenty of sunlight at all time3. Under its synonymous name of Hexacentris it has been figured in Bot. Mag., t. 4786, which represents the flowers as pure yellow. Under cultivation it is a variable species. The blue- flowered T. laurifolia, another good climber where room can be given it ti run freely, is also in bloom. Gesncra cardinal is is probably the earliest to bloom of this genus, and is consequently a valuable plant. It is a remarkably showy plant, with large, brilliant scarlet corollas. Large tubers are formed, which, after flowering, gradually lose their strong steins ; aDd large, light green, hairy foliage. They should then be rested in a warm-houae until they again coinmouce growth, which generally takes place early in January. They will thou need to be shaken out aud re-potted. A light position iu a moist warm atmosphere suits them well. Viburnum, macroccpkalnni has been in flower here fur the post few weeks. It is trained again&t the wall in the corridor, aud the growth of the plant seems peculiarly adapted to this method. The foliage 13 almost hidden by the snow-white masses of flower. Although not difficult to cultivate, this species is not a quie'i grower. Its floriferousuess may be imagined when I say that the plant here, only about 3 feet high, carries more than thirty trusses of flowers. It is hardy, but is not common in gardens. V. m. v. Keteleeri is the sterile form, and is less showy than the type. Aristolochia Wcstlandi should be trained upon the roof in a atove. The woody stems are covered with brown hairs ; tho light green leaves are long, and Unear-lanceolate in shape, aud placed at considerable intervals upon the stems. Iu the axils of the leaves are the peduncles bearing single flowers, tho perianth being about G inches long and 4 inches broad. It is purple, with yellowish veins, the back surface being browner in colour. Mr. A. B. Westland, after whom it was named, discovered the plant in the Kwang-tung province of China, and it was figured iu the Bot. May., t. 7011, from a plant flowered at Kew in 1888. riauted out, it quickly forms a large plant, and if freely exposed to the buu, flowers profusely. R. L. H , Edinburgh. Home Correspondence, A REMARKABLE MALE FERN.— I have in my possession young plants of a variety of the crested Male Fern (Lastrea pBeudo-mas cristata) raised by Mr. Cropper, which are of such a remarkable character as to merit particular mention. In 1805 Dr. Stansfield mentioned the appearance of this Fern in collections, and sent me a small piece of one of the pinna? as material for culture. I pegged this down in sterilized soil, and in the following spring quite a bunch of prothalli had been developed from the tips of the tiny divisions, and a number of young plants were appear- ing. This season, several of these are growing into plants, thus enabling me better to judge their pecu- liarities. In the first place, then, it is decidedly the most beautiful crested form of the species, not merely the pinnules, but also the crests being delicately fimbriated. In this respect it excels Mr, Cropper's previous acquisition, L. p.m. cristata fitnbriata, in its own particular line. Whether this form is the parent, or whether it is a direct sport from the old L. p.-m. cristata, is not, I believe, determin- able, but there is a certain difference of form which inclines me to the latter belief. Apart from its beauty, however, it is distinguished by the fact that it is the first Fern in which <;apospory '' has been noticed on a crested form as a permanent feature. A6 a temporary feature in the young state, I exhibited some time since a seedling of L. p.-mas cristata bearing protballi ; but the resulting plants grew out of the habit. The Fern und?r notice, however, has all thetipBof its fimbrhtions, crests and all, quite trans- lucent, and these at the slightest encouragement fan out into prothalli, and yield young plants. Another important feature is that these young plants are produced apogamously, i.e , without sexual action, so that we have the two phenomena distinctly correlated here. So fecund, too, is the plant, that I have in my cultures instances of these youngsters being produced from prothalli formed on small fronds, and which have not been pegged down, the optical effect being that of the bulbils of Asplenium bulbiferum, with, however, the important difference, that a prothallus precedes the appearance of the bud, and that this is on the under side. The prothalli, when pegged down, seem also capable of indefinite multiplication on their own account, the result of a minute piece being, in my case, a small thumb-pot full of creeping prothalli, which throw up a number of young Ferns from the buds they freely produce as they proceed. These buds throw up primary fronds, which differ from the normal type, and even from those of L. p.-m. cristata itself, since they are really stalked prothalloid fronds, with thin ragged edges, and even these are cipable of developing buds, and a second gneration before, as it were, they are them- selves fair. y launched into existence as Ferns proper April 24, 1697.1 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 277 Tho life-cycle in this case is much shortened. L. p.-m. cristata has been demonstrated by De Bary to be constantly apogamous, but it is remarkably fertile in spores, and the prothallus is produced from them ill tbe usual manner. In their descendants, however (whether it will produce spores or not, I cannot yet say), the spore is eliminated altogether, and the prothallus is produced directly from the frond, and becomes merely a medium for bearing asexual bulbils. This peculiar example of reproductive variability has a further interest to the evolutionist, as I understand that Mr. Cropper's Fern-house, in which it originated, is one where the shade and humidity — so congenial to Fern growth— are extreme, so that in this iustance, at any rate, this sport, as well as the previous one of fimbriate peculiarly delicate texture, seems to be the direct outcome of its fostering environments. In this connection, too, Mr. Cropper's remarkable fim- briate Scolopendrium may be cited. More imme- diately, perhaps, I should mention that the apos- porous seedling Lastrea above cited originated with me in a close Wardian case. With these exceptions, howover, the aposporous Ferns so far observed have been fouud wild, and do not owe their peculiarity to high culture. It also becomes a question if such sports as these are the direct results of close culture, or whether their particular characters must not be deemed as "acquired" ones ? The asexuality, how- ever, which is co-induced, renders the question of their transmission by inheritance an open one, the generations beiug practically continuous. Chas. T. Druery, F.LS. APPLE BRAMLEY'S SEEDLING — Mr. Merry- weather is scarcely correct in his quotations respect- ing the merits ot' this Apple, as stated by me on ]>. 240. I there conveyed my impressions concerning this Apple here (South Bucks), and what I could gather respecting it in some neighbouring districts. I should have said that my remarks applied to trees grown as bushes or pyramids ; from the nature of its growth, it appears better adapted for orchard .standard trees. I believe in Midland districts Bram- ley's Seedling bears heavily on standard trees, and we all know that some varieties of Apples succeed in certain localities, and not in others. I men- tioned Lane's Prince Albert because this variety, planted by me in two different gardens alongside the variety in question, and under precisely similar con- ditions, is always a regular and heavy cropper (some fruits of which I have yet in store), while Bramley's has never produced a full crop. Tbe awarding of the prizes for this Apple at the Crystal Palace Fruit Show to southern growers does not prove it to be a good cr pping variety in those districts, although it may be so. C. H. To the note in the Gardeners1 Chronicle, p. 2 1 0, by your correspondent " C. H.," respect- ing Brandey's Seedling Apple, I should like to add my testimony. I have found the tree to be a good bearer as a bush and as a tree on the Crab stock ; but I am unable to speak of its good- keeping qualities. Here the fruit gets soon spotted, turns soft, ; nd does not keep after it is stored for so long a time as it is represented to keep, which may be due to our heavy, loamy soil, and to moist uess of the climate. I have seen fine fruits of this variety in Nottinghamshire, in which county it is thought a great deal of; and I am of the opinion of " 0. H.," that it is better suited to the midlands than to some other parts of the country. The trees of which I write have been root-pruned. Lane's Pdnce Albert is a first-class all-round Apple, and anyone wishing to plant a good cropping and keeping variety cannot do better than plant some of it. The fruits keen better at Lifton than Bramley's Seedling. F. Q. C, Lifton Parle Gardens, Lifton, North Devon. THUYAS. — I enclose a spray of Thuya gigantea from a tree planted on the same day as T. japonica (Standishi), in the spring of 1873, and growing a short distance from each other on the lawn at the gardens. As growing here, under exactly the same conditions, in a light sandy loam, rather too dry for luxuriant growth of an Arbor-vita*, especially when combined with oiu comparatively dry climate, the d fference between the two species is striking enough ! and I can tell the one from the other by their distinctive habit and appearance, as far as I can see them. You will notice the silvery underside of the sprays of T. Staudishi, a characteristic entirely absent from T. gigantea, so far as I have observed it in any part of Britain. Another point of difference that is not mentioned in the article is, tho cones of T. gigantea are always more or less upright, or are seen on the upper side of the branches ; while the cones of T. Standishi are as invariably drooping, so far as they have been produced on the specimen here. The last may not be a permanent characteristic of T. Staudishi, although it has been constant here since the tree began to produce cones a few years ago, 1892. Then, the rate of growth, as the heights marked on the labels indicate, of T. gigantea is about double that of T. Standishi, growing under similar conditions for twenty-four years. Of the two species, T. Standishi is much the better ornamental Conifer for gardens and grounds of limited extent, while T. gigantea is undoubtedly the be^t forest tree among the Arbor-vita?. I am also sending a few sprays of two other very ornamental Arbor-vitpe — one, No. 3, labelled T. occidentals var. plicata, and the other, No. 4, labelled T. occidentalis Warreana ; both the same age, and planted at the same time, in 1873, as the two first mentioned. All of them were got from tbe late firm of Billantyne & Sun, nurserymen, Dal- keith, and were by them believed to be true to name at that time. T. gigantea, as already pointed out, grows about twice as fast as T. Standishi ; about four times faster than T. occidentalis plicata, and about five times as fast as T. occidentalis Warreana. They are all very distinct types of Arbor-vita). T. occi- dentalis plicata is a particularly handsome small tree, a perfect golden-coloured cone at this season of the year, and maintains the golden tinge for a long period annually. T. Warreana is of a more bushy or spreading habit, and forms a distinct and pleasing object on a lawn among Conifers of a taller and more pyramidal growth. Midlothian. THE RENASCENCE OF THE HOLLYHOCK. — Xo hardy plant at present in cultivation could be of more use to the gardener, iu these dais of mixed borders and cut flowers, than the Hollyhock ; and any who may be desirous of having the same should begin with seed, which can be purchaped from the .seedsmen. The best time to sow seeds is iu the second week of March, the seed-pot being put iuto heat. When the plants are large enough, they should be potted first into 60's, and then into 48's, and hardened off in time to plant in the borders in May. The stations for the plants ehould be trenched and manured, and the plants receive good attention throughout the summer, affording water and manure when necessary. During the winter the plants may be protected with branches of Spruce Fir stuck in around them. The result the second year will doubt- less exceed the utmost expectations. In order to maintain a stock of vigorous plants, seed should be Bown annually, and do not grow the plant for a longer time than two years on the same piece of ground. Nothing leads to an attack of the Perono- spora sooner than growing tho plants on the same ground for several years. The days of budding, striking from cuttings, and grafting Hollyhocks, are past and gone, as much as the striking from cuttings of Cinerarias or herbaceous Calceolarias. D. L. M. THE LATE COL. TREVOR CLARKE. — How admirably do you describe this deceased gentleniin a3 a "lovable man." He belonged to a gradually decaying generation of real amateur horticulturis's. Among his contemporaries were the Rev. J. M. Berkeley, Mr. Wilson Saunders, Mr. Bateman, Mr. G. F. Wilson, and some others, dead and living, who were the lights of the Royal Horticultural Society in the old South Kensington days. It is to be feared that we shall not soon look on their like again. The present generation of young gardeners hardly know of these gentlemen. They were potent forces in horticulture in what now seems to be the long ago. A privilege was it — not to be lightly esteemed — in the old Kensington days, to listen to the addresses which these gentlemen would often give in the old council chamber on the subjects shown at the meet- ings. Would that some such running comments from such able and enthusiastic exponents were possible now ! There is, at any rate, very much more of material to furnish texts fur the eloquent than was found at South Kensiugton twenty years ago. If Mr. Berkeley was an able exponent of fungi, Mr. Bate- man knew what to say of the Orchid, and Major Trevor Clarke generally of everything. Wo find in the well-known Red Celery which bears his name (and may it ever do so) one little memorial of his usefulness ; and a once universally-grown Begonia, weltonensis, reminds us of the deceased's home. By death, horticulture is thus made distinctly tho poorer. We have too few Trevor Clarkes in our midst that we can lose them with equanimity. F.B.U.S. VOLES AND MICE. — I am somewhat puzzled by the appeal of Messrs. Laing & Mather, Kelso, for information about the vole, and at their pooh-poohing the distinction between a vole and a mouse— first, because when the farms in the South of Scotland and about Kelso were, a few years ago, devastated by voles, a commission of inquiry eat to investigate the subject, and everything was elicited in the evidence given that could be, and published in every local paper, voles at that time being the staple topic there among farmers and gar- deners. Plans for destroying the vermin were also earnestly solicited at the same time, and if your correspondents knew of an "ancient" but suc- cessful method of killing them by thousands, they have kept the secret till rather late in the day. Second, as to the vole being a distinct "species," nothing has been better ascertained than that the vole differs struetually from a mouse about as much as a sheep differs from a cow, and if Messrs. L. & M. will open the mouths of the 6rst vole and mouse they catch, they \v ill see one of the principal differences between the two. I still doubt the vole's climbing powers, and as your correspondents have reduced the height of tho damaged Scots Firs from 4 feet (which statement they fathered) to some 15 inches, we seem to be coming to an agreement on that point. I apprehend, from the prominence given to the subject in both English and Scotch papers by Messrs. L. k M. of late, that our old friend tho vole is somewhat of a stranger to them ; but I am a little mystified, at the same time, by their present familiarity with its habits and proclivities. Their allusion to '■ well-known facts" about the vole's tree- nibbling propensities is hardly reconcilable with the fjet of their having had to send some f>0 miles away to know what was eating their own trees. Was it ei:her the voles or the mice that did the mischief' According to the Farming World, April 2, a whole " horde " of voles had invaded L. and M.'s nursery, yet those " close observers " they mention, had not seen so much as one vole on the damaged Scots firs. I surmise this because they did not suspect the cause before writing to Mr. Dunn, and are, probably, only blaming the voles now because they trapped them between the rows. We have Bimilar large quarters of Scots firs in the home nursery here, and mice and voles in plenty, but there was no nibbling during the snow storm, nor since, nor at any other time. J. Simpson. THE JUDGMENTS OF THE FLORAL COM- MITTEE.— In his letter to you on Tulipa Kauf- manuiana— with all of which I entirely agree— my friend, Mr. Elwes, tells how his specimen of Lilium Thorn psonianum was treated by the Horticultural Society. I knew he was going to exhibit it, and was surprised to find that it neither received medal nor commendation, but that is was entirely ignored. I doubt if the committee will soon have any plant so interesting brought under its notice. I am induced to notice it, because I also have a plant now in flower. Mine is in the open air, and I have had it many years, but this is the first time it has flowered. It is perfectly hardy, but probably does not flower till of good age. I have one spike with over twenty blooms on it, about 3 feet high, but unfortunately injured by the late galeE. The colour of my flowers is paler than as figured by Royle and in tbe Botanical Register. I should like to know whether it has flowered elsewhere in the open ground. Henry A7". Ellacombe, Bitton. TRANSPLANTING BRACKEN.— Mr. B. Goldriug. p. 260, whose suggestions on the formation and furnishing of landscapes we all gladly welcome, gives some good advice on this interesting subject ; though perhaps he hardly goes far enough in the direction that mass is might, that is, success in the transplanting of Bracken. For iostance, sods a foot broad or wide (square), where the Bracken are thickest, is capital advice ; but why limit the depth of the sods to not less than 6 inches ? A foot or more in depth is far safer and more successful than 6 or 8 inches. In fact, if we are to measure our sods at all, let it be by cube, not square measure. Or if there is to be any difference, as there well may be, let the depth exceed the length and breadth of the Bracken-sods or masses of creeping rhizomes and roots. Neither should the sides of the sod be cut by the spade, previous to or in the raising. This, no doubt, facilitates the raising of them, but the cutting and squaring of the sides cuts off the black creeping rhizomes by scores, thus depriving the Brackon of the power of taking speedy and complete possession of its new quarters. My experience is, that the bigger, the deeper, the rougher the edges and bottom of the sods and masses of the Bracken, the sooner it takes possession and furnishes its new home. For 278 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 24, 1897. establishing new plantations, back a cart into a thick plantation of the Fern, and load it with pieces of about a yard square of Bracken and soil, and empty the cart where a new colony is wanted, and leave it alone, and your object is gained, the more surely if all regular planting be ignored. Those who want a large mass or acres of Bracken can gain such through accumulation or extension on the same lines. The great merit of this rough-and-ready plan of clothing woods and landscape with this grandest and most graceful of all our hardy Ferns is, that we carry the soil with the plants en masse, and they seldom stop growth to look behind them. Why should they ? The environments and conditions of growth are transferred with the plants, and the Bracken establishes itself in its new home as a matter of course. True, many of the Bracken pieces may be upside down. But their re-adjustment to novel conditions is not beyond the powers of Fern nature and life. Neither am I so sure of April plant- ing as Mr. Goldring. So soon as the old fronds are matured the transplanting of Bracken en masse may be begun, the end of October and all through November, being the best season. Perhaps the earlier the better, as this affords time for natural consolidation of the soil and roots, and enables the one to take more kindly to the other before the active growing season sets in. Peaty soil and light fibry loam enriched with the humus of some decayed leaves, known by gardeners as flaky leaf-mould, is the most congenial for Bracken in old plantations or new. The plant dislikes strong clay, or sodden, wet soil ; though one great advan- tage in planting in solid yard wide masses is, that colonies of Bracken may thus be established on the surface of ungenial and unsuitable soils and positions. D. T. Fish. Nursery Notes. MESSRS. J. CHARLESWORTH AND CO., HEATON, BRADFORD. Changing continually, this enterprising firm have always endeavoured to keep abreast of the times, making specialties of those plants which are popular or most in demand, and taking up each new venture energetically. A few years ago the stock consisted almost entirely of Odontoglossum crispum and other showy Odontoglossums, Cattleya Dowiana aurea, and showy Orchids generally, of which their collectors kept them well supplied. But during all this time, Mr. Charlesworth was pursuing the hobby of raising cross-fertilised Orchids, and in the earlier stages making quite as many failures in hybridisation as fall to the lot of beginners generally. But careful observation and experiment brought success, and now Mr. Charlesworth asserts that within reasonable limits he can, with certainty, cross and raise plants from seed of anything he wishes to increase. .Seedlings of Cattleyas, L;elias, Epiden- drums, and Sophronitis crossed in every conceivable way occupy a long range of houses, specially con- structed for the culture of the hybrids, some 4000 of which, each with its record-ticket, and each standing on an inverted flower-pot, occupies the two first divisions of the range, the seeding plants and innumerable tiny seedlings of later sowings occupying the private houses beyond. Lselia (Brassavola) Digbyana, which gave such good results in the Lselio - Cattleya x Digbyano - Mossise raised by Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, have been used as one of the parents in a large number of crosses, some of them very strange combinations, and little plants of each, 2 inches or so in height, have been raised, and now occupy single pots. Epidendrum vitellinum has also been successfully crossed in several ways, and little plants secured ; and all are in such thriving condition, that the wisdom of putting up the new range, which is now nearly completed to meet the rapid demauds for space, is plainly demonstrated. In the next house, in which the flowering specimens of hybrids are kept, is a fine stock of large plants of M. Mantin's Cattleya X Mantinii nobilior (Dowiana x Bowringiana), a richly - coloured and fragrant winter flowerer ; Sophro-Lselia x Marriottiana \L. flava x S. grandiflora), bearing pretty scarlet flowers ; a lot of Laelio-Cattleya x Andreana and L.-C. X Cor- beillensis, two pretty continental hybrids ; and from the same source L.-C. x intermedio-flava and L.-C. x Bertha Fournier (L.-C. X elegans x C. aurea), of which much is expected, and truly it is a noble- habited plant, which will probably flower this year. At the end of the house is a batch of the slender- stemmed Epidendrums intended for crossing, com- mencing with the pretty little white and violet E. Endresii, only a few inches high, and passing up- wards to the yellow E. xanthinum, the scarlet E. radicans, the light tinted E. paniculatum, the purple E. arachnoglossum, and E. evectum, which some class as the same species, but which are here distinct, in size and intensity of colour at least ; and behind all, and sending its sprays of flowers forward, are some plants of E. x O'Brienianum, the first Veitchian cross of the section. Among the hybrid Cypripediums, C. Jeanette (Leeanum X niveum) is a charming white flower, dotted with magenta-rose. Many others of the C. bellatulum section of crosses are in bud, some of which will probably be new, and others, doubtless, similar to C. x Chas. Richman and others already named. In the houses devoted to importations was found a fine lot of Cattleya Mendeli, and an equally good one of C. aurea, and batches of most of the other showy Cattleyas and Lrelias in smaller numbers, especially L. purpurata and L. tenebrosa, both of which promise to give a grand display of flowers in their season. In the cool-houses noted in bloom were many Odontoglossum crispum of the best type, some of them finely spotted ; 0. Halli, 0. cirrosum, O. polyxanthum, O. Rossi majus, 0. Cervantesii, 0. aspersum, 0. Edwardi, 0. X Andersoniatum, &c. ; and a number of the cool-house Oncidiums of the 0. Marshallianum section. Among the Masdevallias were M. Veitchi grandiflora, M. peristeria, M. x falcata, M. Chestertoni, M. bella, and M. Winniana, the darkest and best of its section. Among the Dendrobiums in flower were a number of hybrids of the D. x splendidissimum type ; a batch of D. HiUlebrandi, which, generally speaking, is not a favourite, but one variety in the batch was remarkably showy, and as large as D. tortile, with which it seems to suggest that D. Hildebrandi has an origin in common. Other good batches showing flower remarked were Oncidium concolor, Odontoglossum citrosmum, and some of the dwarfer Vandas, among which in bloom was a plant of the pretty light rosy-lilac Vanda :■; Charlesworthii. Here, as in other places where lath-roller blinds have been tried, they are found to greatly simplify Orchid culture, as the houses can be Bhaded without interfering with the necessary and all-important matter of ventilation. On the Orchid-houses, too, it is said that they are a great safeguard against exces- sive cold at night in winter, and consequently on the most important houses they are left up permanently. moderate attainments. Professor Green's book gives directions for the practical management of vegetables in the inclement climate of Minnesota. Professor Rolfs teaches horticulture in Florida, and his book therefore presents the sharpest contrasts to Professor Green's work. Both are necessarily quite local in their practical usefulness. Professor Bailey's Forcing Book endeavours to give plain directions for all the work connected with forcing vegetables for market in glass-houses. All these books should be commended for good printing, and for abundant and useful illus- trations. F. A. Waugh, Burlington, Vt. American Notes. NEW HORTICULTURAL BOOKS. American horticulturists have been more than usually prolific this spring in the publication of new books. Those of most interest are Professor Goff's Principles of Plant Culture, Professor Bailey's Forcing Book, Professor Green's Vegetable Gardening, and Professor Rolfs' Vegetable Growing in the South for Northern Markets. All these are written by pro- fessors of horticulture in our agricultural colleges. This is a fact worthy of notice. A few years ago our American rural books were written mostly by men like Peter Henderson, Andrew S. Fuller, and Horaco Greeley — men who were not professors of horticulture, and some of whom heartily despised the "scientific farmer " and the college graduate. What a profound change has been wrought in fifty years ! All of the books named above, the Forcing Book excepted, were written as text books for the classes of the respective authors. Professor Goff's work is an admirable elementary treatise of those parts of chemistry, botany, horticulture, and related subjects necessary in short courses of instruction, or with pupils of very Law Notes. A TREE-LOPPING CASE. Mrs. Florence Wallis and Captain Robert King are next-door neighbours at Elm Tree Road, St. John's Wood. Their gardens are separated by a wall and a row of nine Lime-trees. These grow in Mrs. Wallis's front garden, at No. 10, and provide for her an agreeable seclusion. On Tuesday, April 13, she sued Captain King in Maryleboue County Court for damages for " trespass," and sought an injunction to restrain him from lopping her Lime-trees. The parties were represented by solicitors. Plaintiff said she had no objection to Captain King pruning away overhanging branches which might prevent his flowers growing. But his gardener mounted a ladder, and sawed off the tops of her trees, and changed the appearance of her garden. Assistant-Judge Fitzgerald said, if defendant had only pruned overhanging branches he would have been within his legal rights ; but he believed de- fendant lopped them also, and for this plaintiff was entitled to damages. He allowed £3, and granted the injunction. Daily Mail. Trade Notice. Mr. C. Sprenger, formerly partner in and tech- nical manager of the firm of Dammann & Co., San Giovanni a Teducio, near Naples, has ceased his con- nection with that firm, and has established himself at that place as a landscape gardener, florist, &c, and cultivator of new plants for sale. SOCIETIES. MEETING of the GHENT CHAMBRE SYNDICALE. April 5. — At the meeting of the Chambre Syndicate des Hurticulteurs Beiges, on the above date, the following awards were made : — Certificates of Merit were awarded to M, A. Van Imshoot, for Miltonia vexillaria var. rubra; M. L. De Smet - Duvivier, for Anthurium Scherzerianum var. Madame De Smet-Dnvivier ; M A. Van Imshoot, for Randia maculate ; M. Ch. De Lpore, for Acacia Latrobei ; M. A. Van Imshoot, for Cattleya Luddemauniana ; Comte Joseph de Hemptinne, for Odontoglossum Wilckeanum var., and for Oncidium sarcodes var. ; M. Oct. Van der Cruyssen, for Azalea M. E. Chantrier ; M. E. Bedinghaus, for Tremaudra verticillata, and {par acclamation) for Yucca pendula (recurva) medio aurea picta ; M. J. Hye (par acclamation and avtc felicitations du Jury), for Lailio- Cattleya callhtoglossa (Laslio- purpurata x Cattleya gigas) ; and to M. H. Millet, for Livistonia robusta nana. Cultural Certificates were awarded as follows:— to M. L. De Smet- Duvivier, for Anoectochilus Dawsoniana ; M. G. De Saegher, for Veltneimia capensis ; MM. Duriez freres, for Davallia disSecta; and M. E. Bedinghaus (/w acclamation), for Acacia verticillata. A Botanical Certificate fell to M. A. Van Imshoot, for Bryophyllum prodigiosum. Honourable Mention was awarded to Comte Joseph de Hemptinne, for Cliveia miniata var. ; and to M. Oct. Vau der Cruyssen, for Azalea Memoire de Madame Oct. Van der Cruyssen. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Scientific Committee. April 13.— Present: Dr. M. T. Masters in the chair; Mr. McLachlan, Rev. W. Wilks, and Rev. G. Henslow, Hon. Sec. Mushroom* Raisedfrom Sportf.— With reference to this sub- ject, the following communication was received from Dr. D. H. Scott:— "Mr. Massee, of Kew, has referred me to what seems to be a thoroughly successful solution of the probltm. April 24, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 279 how to raise Mushrooms from spores. Two French authors, Costantin and Matrachot, have raised fine varieties true from spores, carrying on their cultures iu sterilised food solutions, and subsequently on sterilised manure. The whole develop- ment is said to take from six to seven months.— (" Comptcs Rendus," vols. 117 and US, 1803-4.,) Wirewomis, Cure for.— With reference to this, discmsed at the last meeting, Dr. Masters remarked that Mustard as powder, or dug in green, had proved to be effective in destroying this pest. Daffodil with Frilled Corona.— Dr. Masters exhibited a blossom having this peculiarity, which occurs also on Cycla- mens, Primroses. The structure of the fibro- vascular cords is peculiar in the Daffodil in having its elements rev. rsed in position from those of the perianth itself. It was received from Mr. Dick, of the firm of Messis. Cooper, Taber & Co. Anemone fvlgem. — He also showed specimens of this ttywer from the Riviera, and also the Greek form with rounded sepals. Several of the former were becoming double, just as in the case in South of Franco. Dr. Masters observed that the wild Anemone, A. tumorosa, had become double in his garden after tome years" growth. Mr. Hcnslow added that the same had occurred with him ; specimens originally single, received ten years ago from woods in Wiltshire, were now semi- double. L-rva of Bibio.—'Mr. McLachlan observed that an error occurred in the statement about propagating soil containing the larva* of daddylonglegs, in the report of the meeting on March 0th. It should have been that of a species of Bibio. Tulip Leaves Diseatted.—Mr. Thos. Wannock of Pole-gate, Sussex, sent specimens of leaves showing discolor ition. They were forwarded to Kew for examination. Cineraria cmentus. — Mr. Herrin of Dropmore sent speci- mens of the original form of this plant exhibiting different shades of colour as well as a cross between it and the garden form. The latter was of a deep crimson tint. Daffodils s^iant&ic— Rev. C. W. Dod sent two specimens, each consisting of two flowers, of which the stalks were fused for the entire length from base to flower ; they were the var. Empress. He observes that in one case " the union was by a superficial membraue only ; but in the other the combination was complete, the joint scape being hollow at the base, with- out any visible joining." Barthnutt.— Mr. Wilks brought specimens of this umhelhfer, which is common in the woods and hedges and open hills abjut Croydon, the tubers being much eaten by children in that neighbourhood. He remarked that two children, of the ages two and ten, had lately died, apparently poisoned by eating the leaves of some wild plant, but its nature could not be discovered. Fruit Committee. April 21.- The first meeting for the season of the Fruit and Vegetable Committee at Chiswick was held on" Wednesday last. P. Crowley, Esq., chairman, was present; a? also Messrs. W. Farr, J. Willard, J. Smith, W. Pope, C. Herrin G Reynolds, G. Wytbes, J. Wright, A. F. Barron, G Bunyard A Dean, H. Balderson, and J. A. Laing. The.chief objects before them were forced French Beans of which a large collection grown in rather large puts was ron ed in one of the houses. The Committee inspected some two dozen stocks, several being duplicates All were sow i on January 15. The earliest to furnish po's, short, fleshy WBrJfi?^66^^5 a Germm w" BmP°™ W,lll<™' which were fit to gather on April 1. It is not, however, so b.,shy and free cropping a variety as some others. The last of these all being ready on or about April 12, were Osborne's Forcing. « 'valuable for early work, Ne Plus Ultra, probably the ■ >e>t all-round and very prolific. Wythes' Improve I Mohawk, I^Mct of a cross between the old Mohawk and Canadian Wonder . \ eitch's Early Favourite, and Barr's Golden Wax- pod the best of the dwarf Butter Beans. These five varieties each obtained three marks as forcinEr Beans. Canadian Wonder ;"7;. Wythe's Hybrids and others had cropped fairly well! but did not seem to be so useful for pot culture as were the varieties named. A desire was expressed that the selected varieties, especially the little known Emperor Willi-mi he grown outdoors during the summer. A trial of a few first early Radishes m a frame from a sowing made exactly five weeksp e- vionsly sh- iwedYihnorin's Extra Early, to be much the earliest Olive Shaped White, and Scarlet, each of these being quite a week m advance of any others. These were unanimously awarded F.C.C.'s. for exceeding earliness as well as excel- lence. They are much earlier than the well-known French Breakfast. The scarlet variety known as Leafless, really a misnomer, because it lWleavcs, though very short ones is less useful than these named. The Committeej afterwards viewed some seedling Rhubarbs, but found nothing of special merit in them. There seems to be nothing superior to Hawke's Champagne and Victoria. CHESTERFIELD CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY'S SPRING SHOW. April 10.— The Exhibition of Spring Rowers iu connection with the Chrysanthemum Society of Chesterfield took place on Easter Monday, in the gardens of Tapton House, by per- mission of Mrs. Markham, who is President for the year, and a numerous company visited the show and inspected the gardens. The Society has been fortunate in having Presi- dents who are not only possessors of excellent gardens, but who are in sympathy with the objects of the Committee, namely, the fostering among the toiling masses a lore for plants and flower*. Thus, in 1805, Tapton Grove, with its Rock Garden and Daffodils, was the place visited. Last year Asbgate Gardens, on the other side of the town, was the place of meeting; and now this year Tapton House, well known as the old home of George Stephenson, was the place of exhibition. In going through the houses with Mr. Grimes, the gardener, we were pleased to see indications of fine crops of Grapes, while in the Apricot and Fig houses there was also plenty of fruit. Amongst the Peach trees in the houses, attention was drawn to one of Royal George, planted by Stephenson, in 1S46, which is carrying a promising crop of fruit. More than sixteen dozens of good fruit were taken from the veteran tree last year. In the exhibition tent, Messrs. Pearson & Sons of Chilwell, Nottingham, set up 100 buoches of Narcissus. R. F. Mills, Esq., of Tapton Grove (gr , Mr. Bloxham), also set up an excellent lot grown in a far less favoured locality than the Chilwe'l blooms, and he was awarded a 1st prize; a similir prize for 12 vars. of hardy flowers, and premier honours for Cinerarias. From the gardensof A. Barnes, Esq., of Asbgate (gr., Mr. Nelson), came the best pots of Hyacinths, Mignonette, Dielytras, Orchids, and bunches of stove ami greenhouse flowers. The first prizes for Deutzias, Ferns, Primula obconica, and specimen Azalea, were awarded to Mr. Austin, gr. to M. Britt, Esq , of Chesterfield ; while Mr. Polkinghorne, gr. to Mrs. E. Barnes, showed a finely flowered specimen green- house Rhododendron. J. E. Clayton, Esq., of Thornfield (gr., Mr. Hornsnall), was 1st for a group of flowering and foliage plants. Mrs. Botcher, of Rose Hill(gr. Mr. Money), was 1st for a cheerful looking group of smaller size. A very attractive group, not for competition, came from thleTgardens ofT. P. Wood, Esq., of BrambUug House (gr., Mr. Clements^, consisting of many well bloomed Paeonies with Japanese Maples intermixed, and edged with Dielytra spectabilis and Astilbe japonica. The hon. sec.,' Mr. Nelson, also staged a group, not for competition, in which some fine specimens of the old Spiraea Aruncus were very conspicuous, proving its amenability to pot culture. Mr. Burr, of Tapton Manor House, brought an interesting collection of hardy Ferns ; while another amateur, Mr. M. Marriott, of Chesterfield, staged a creditable miscellaneous collection of plants. The Weather. [The term "accumulated temperature " indicates the aggre- gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of temperature above or below 42" Fahr. for the period named : and this combined result is expressed in Day- degrees— a "Day-degree" signifying 1" continued for twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for an inversely proportional number of hours.] Temperature. Rainfall Brioht Sun. s» ^ \h II £ Jl IgJig^ ?lil Hill* £ 1 *- g |ISJI5 1J S.-ij SoSs o-S £. ?•£ J*J •3 rtOT 1 2M"' a S 3 Z? g o t! *o I +& 11 3* < J"8 n ■< In £3 1 Si =3 3 H i 1-9 I Day. Day- Day- Day- lOths deg. deg. deg. deg. Inch. 1ns. 0 i - 25 16 - 5 - 910 + 73 12-9 25 22 i Oaver 30 15 - 19 - 1 S + 66 8-2 33 24 2 0 aver 33 10 + 32 - 66 3 + 66 7 '3 26 25 3 0 aver 42 12 + « - 107 1 + 01 79 34 26 4 0 aver 38 9 + 21 - 102 6 + 04 9-4 29 21 s 1 + 36 0 + 45 - '.07, 2 + C2 10 4 30 26 6 1 - 26 9 - 20 - 19 12 + 68 13-1 23 23 7 1 - 32 8 + 25 - von + 71 9-9 24 23 8 Oaver 32 0 + 37 - 12611 + 77 160 25 26 D 2 - 20 12 - 25 + 5 9 + 7» 117 27 24 10 0 aver 35 1 + 2S - 37 10 + 74 11 r, 32 27 * 0 aver 4S 0 + 114 - 79 3 + S! 13 r, 29 28 The districts indicated by number in the first column are the following : — 0, Scotland N. Principal Wheat- producing Districts — 1, Scotland, E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, E. ; 4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London, 8. Principal Orazina, dtc. Districts — 6, Scotland, W. ; 7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, S.W. ; 9, Ireland, N. ; 10, Ireland, S. ; *Channel Islands. THE PAST WEEK. The following summary record of the weather through- out the British Islands for the week ending April 17, is furnished from the Meteorological Office : — "The weather continued In a very unsettled condition generally. Rain fell almost daily in tho west and north- west, and very frequently elsewhere.. Thunder and lightning occurred in many parts of the kingdom during the middle or the litter end of thf week "The temperature just equalled the mean in most districts but was slightly above it in 'England, S.,' and below it in 'Scotland, N. and W.,' 'England, N.W.,' and * Ireland, N.' The highest of the maxima were registered, as a rule, on the 13th, and ranged from fi3° in 'England, E.,' and 62° in the 'Midland Counties,' to 56° in 'England, S.W.' and 'Scot- land, W. ,' and to 55° in 'Scotland, N.' The lowest, of the minima, which were recorded on the 11th, varied from 25° in the ' Midland Counties,' and 26° in ' Scotland, E. and W.,' and 'England, E.,' to 35° in 'Ireland, S.,' and 37° iu the 'Channel Islands.' "The rainfall exceeded the mean in all districts. In the south and east of England, the excess was slight, but in all other localities it was very large, the fall in many cases being considerably more than twice as much as the normal. "The bright sunshine was less than the mean in all dis tricts excepting 'Scotland, E.' The percentages of the possible duration ranged from 34 in ' England, E.,' and 33 in ' Scotland, E.,' to 25 in ' Scotland, N.' and ' England, S.W 24 in ' England, N.W.,' and to 23 in ' Scotland, W.'" Markets. COYENT QARDEN, APRIL 22. cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They are furnished to us regularly every Thursday, by tho kindness of several of tho principal salesmen, who revise the list, and who are responsible for the quotations. It must be remembered that these quotations do not represent the prices on any particular day, but only the general averages for the week preceding the date of our report. The prices depend upon the quality of the samples, the supply in the market, and the demand ; and they may fluctuate, not only from day to day. but often several times in one dav. Ed.1 Cot Flowers.— Average Wholesale Prices. s. d. s. d. Orchids :— Cattleya, 12blma. 6 0-12 0 Odontoglossum crispum, 12 bm. 2 0-61 Pansies, doz. bun. 2 0-40 Pelargoniums, scar- let, per 12 bun. — per 12 sprays... Polvantljus.doz.bn. Primroses, 12 bun. Pyrethrums, 12 bu. Roses. Tea, per doz. — yellow (Mare- chal), per doz. — red, per dozen — pink, per doz. — Safrano, p. doz. Tuberoses, 12 blms. Tulips, per doz. ... 0 4-09 Violets (Fr.)Parme, per bunch 3 0-40 — — Czar, bun. 10-20 — — doz. bun. 0 9-13 — (Eng.), per doz. bun, 0 6-10 Wallflower*, doz. bn. 3 0-60 Orchid-bloom in variety. Pots. — Average Wholesale Prices. Anemones, per doz. bunches ... 16-26 Arums, p. 12 blooms 3 0-60 Azalea, doz. sprays 0 6-09 Bouvardias, perbn. 0 6-09 Carnations, pr, doz. blooms 10-30 Daffodils, various, dozen bunches ... 10-30 Eueharis, per dozen 3 0-40 Hyacinth. 12 sprays 10-20 — (Dutch l, boxes 16-40 Lilac, wh. (French), per bunch Lilium rJarrisi, per doz. biooms Lily of the Valley, dozen sprays ... Maidenhair Fern, per 12 bunches... Marguerites, per 12 bunches Mignonette, per doz. bunches ... 4 0-60 Narcissus, various, per doz. bunches" 16-30 3 0-40 3 0-60 0 6-10 4 0-80 2 0-40 4 0-60 0 6-09 16-40 0 6-10 2 0- 4 n 10-16 2 0-40 3 0-60 10-20 10-16 Plants : Adiantum, per doz. 4 0-12 0 Aspidistras, perdoz. 12 0-30 0 — specimen, each 5 0-15 0 Azaleas, per doz. ... 18 0-36 0 Cinerarias, per doz. 6 0-00 Dracaenas, each ... 1 0- Ericas, g. d. i Ficus elastiea, each 10-76 Foliage plants, per doz 12 0-36 0 Genistas, per doz... 6 0- 9 0 Hydrangeas, per plant 2 '- 3 0 , p. doz. 12 0-24 0 i Marguerites, p. doz. 6 0-12 0 s, per ' Mignonette, p. doz. 6 0-90 ... 9 0-1$ 0 , Palms, various, ea. 2 0-10 0 m Shrubs, — specimens, ea. 10 6-84 u in variety, doz,... 6 0-24 0 Pelargoniums, pel Ferns, small, doz.... 10-20 dozen 12 0-18 0 — various, doz. 5 0-12 0 Spiraeas, per doz.. Roois FOB the Ga Vegetables. — Averag s. d. s. d. Artichokes, Globe, per doz. ... 2 6-30 — Chinese (Sta- chystuberifera), per lb 0 2 — Asparagus, English, per bundle ... 4 0-5 0 Beans, French.p.lb. 0 9-0 10 — Madeira Kid- nev, per bkt. of*8 to 10 lb. ... 2 6-36 Cauliflowers. Corn- wall, per crate 16 0-1S 0 Cucumbers, home- grown, select., per doz. ... 2 6- 3 0 — 2nds, per dozen 2 0-26 Horseradish, Eng- lish, pr. bundle 2 6 — — Foreign, per bundle ... 16 — Mint, per bunch ... 0 ::- 0 4 Mushrooms (Indoor) per lb. variety coming very good. Wholesale Prices. Onions, English, p. cwt, Peas, ordinary 5 6-60 (Channel lands), per lb. . 0 8 — — Telephones (Channel Is lands', per lb. . 0 10 — Potatos, Now Kid- neys, Channel Islands, per lb. 0 5-0 5± Radishes, Channel Is., per dozen bunches Salad, small, per doz. punnets... Sea Kalo. per pun- not, 3J to 4 lb. woight Tomatos, Cauaryls lands, per case, about 12 lb. — (Worthing) p. lb. 0 0-0 8 1 0-1 3 0-3 6 lb. 1 0 0 7- 0 S — Channel \ PorATOs. till firm for Samples of good quality. Dun. His. to 90s. ; do. , Saxons, 70s. to 7Ps. ; nd Mainciops, 45s. to 70s. ; do., Giants, 50>- , £10 to £14 ; Guernsey do., £3? to £2§ The mart bar Mainci Lincoln Sa> to 60*. ; Cai John Bath, WtiUnctori Street, Covtnt Garden. 280 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 24, 1897. lectod samples 10 (Ml 0 per case, or- dinary samples 7 6-86 Endive, Channel Islands.perdoz. 0 6-08 Figs, per doz. ... 4 0-60 Grapes (new), Chan- nel Islands, per lb 3 6-40 — Belgium. perlb. 2 6-29 Melons, Channel Islands, each... 2 6-30 Nuts, Cob, per 100 lb 70 0-72 6 Fruit.— Avmraoe Wholesale Pricks. — Seconds, per doz Pears, New South Wales, pur case '. Pine-apples, St. Mi- chael, each Strawberries, morn- ing gathered, — packed in boxes, per lb — 2ndd, per lb. ... C-16 0 0-7 6 Flowers in Season.— Some flowers of Mr. William Bull's strain of Cinerarias which have been sent for our inspection, are remarkable for the velvety richness of their colours, especially the selfs of various shades of purple ; the clear, broad margins of others, and the size and substance of most of them. K the flowers are plenteously produced on the plants, nothing ia left to be desired. Notices to Correspondents. Annuals for South Australia : Australia. Any of the annuals indigenous to Australia (Swan River District), very beautiful ones ; those from Cali- fornia, Mexico, and the Cape of Good Hope. Those which are tender here would do well out-of-doors, if you have sufficient water supply. Begonias: F. Baker. It is always an advantage to remove the flowers of plants you desire to make rapid progress ; and this rule holds good of the tuberous Begonia. You might remove the female blooms only, or the flowers of both sexes, if you are not caring for the plauts to make any show til' they have increased in size. Camellias : H. J. McR. Your Camellia leaves are disfigured by scalding. The leaves have become heated when wet with water. Give ventilation earlier upon bright mornings. Camellias some- times require a slight shade. Correction : National Auricula Society's Exhibition. The 1st prizes in the leading class for twelve show Auriculas was reported in error to have been taken by Mr. C. Phillips, Bracknell, Berks ; whose collection was placed 2nd; and Mr. A J. Sanders, Bookham Lodge, Cobham, who was announced as being 2nd, was awarded the lBt prize. Mr. Sanders is to be congratulated upon having attained to this coveted position. TJie Reporter. Cuccmbers : E. S. C. Probably owing to check to growth caused by eelworms in the soil, examine the roots, and ascertain if there are wartlike excrescences upon any of them. If this is found to be the case, a fresh start had better be made with scil free from the pest. Diseased Tulips : G. T. L. Neither the manure nor the nature of the soil have had influence in produc- ing or in accelerating the spread of the disease. The bulbs were affected with a fungus, Peziza ceborioides, the sclerotia or grains of which existed within the substance of the bulbs when you bought them. So long as the bulb remained quiescent, the sclerotia were also inactive, but as soon as it begun to grow the latter began also to grow, even- tually causing the destruction of the tissues. Possibly the naked eye would have discovered minute, black, projecting spots on the outside of the bulbs when in the dry or dormant state. For figure and description, see p. 301 of Gardena'S1 Chronicle for September 23, 1888. Fig Branches Diseased : R. D. The branches are attacked by a fungus called Phoma cinerascens, Sac- cardo. This fungus is known for its injurious effects on fig trees in Italy and France. The only means of saving the tree is to cut out and burn all diseased branches. If the entire tree could be sprayed with Bordeaux Mixture, it would prevent further inoculation from the mature spores of the fungus, which are abundant in the examples sent. E. Massee. Getting a Livelihood : Star. There are many per- sons now getting a good living by growing Tomatos, Grapes, &c, and why should not you ? The neigh- bourhood of a large town offers advantages, but it has the drawback of high rents for land and house. We would rather not further advise you. Grapes: St. A. The fruits are affected with the "spot" fungus, Glrcosporium hcticolor. Cut out and burn forthwith all affected berries, dust the Vines and bunches with flowers-of-sulphur, and paint the hot- water pipes with the same, mixed in lime-wash. You must use sulphur freely in the dressing you apply to the vines another year, or make use of the Bordeaux Mixture. Insect : W. G. A weevil ; very destructive. Trap them with slices of Carrot or Potato, and go round the house at night. Lawn Grasses: IK B. If the grasses die out in four months, there must be something in the situa- tion or in the soil injurious to plant life. It is not the presence of worms, these doing good by bringing up soil from below to the surface, and by their burrowings aerating the soil aed giving egress to the water to lower depths. Is the lawn much shadowed by trees or buildings ''. If you will answer this question, we shall be enabled to give you the names of grasses best suited to the situa- tion. Lord Roseeery Potato: G. S. We are unable to find in any list of varieties a Potato of this name. Name of Fruit : W. J. B. Winter Queening. Names of Plants : Correspondents not anwered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number.— T. H. L. Viola odorata. — /. B. 1, Odontoglossum luteo-purpureuni ; 2, Ornithoga- lum nutans. — St. Clears. The large flower, Lrclia purpurata, grow in intermediate house lightly shaded ; Cypripedium barbatum grow warm and tolerably shady. Two short bulbs, Stanhopea species, grow in baskets suspended. The yellowish bulb, Oncidium sphacelatum. Both the last-named grow in warm greenhouse. — D. M. P. A. 1, For- sythia suspensa ; 2, Griselinia littoralis, rarely seen in flower. — G. D.t Water ford. 1, Pulygala Dalmaiseana; '2, Tiarella cordifolia ; 3, Potentilla fruticosa ; 4, Onychiura lucid um ; 5, Pteris serru- lata ; 6, Asplenium bulbiferum ; 7, Cyrtomium falcatum. — F. C. Arenaria balearica- — E. IK C. Populus balsamifera, the Balsam Poplar. — W. Cytisus prsccox. — H. E. G. 1, Spircea prunifolia, double-flowered var. ; 2, Kibes aureum ; 3, looks like Exochorda grandiflora, but the flowers are not expanded. — R. R. 1, Pulmonaria officinalis ; 2, Polygala Dalmaisiana ; 3, Cupressus Lawsoniana var. ; -i, Mvrica Gale ; 5, Polygonum cuspidatum ; 6, Spiraaa Thunbergii. — IK T. Kerria japonica.— Foreman. Swainsonia galegifolia. Peaches : A. Scott. The fruits sent are affected by mildew. Apply flowers-of-sulphur, and remove and burn forthwith the fruits showing any traces of mildew. If the trees are under glass, paint the hotwater pipes with whitewash and sulphur. Peach House and Aphides: T. L. You might use Richards' XL All Vaporiser and liquid, but do not fumigate with tobacco before the fruits are as large as filbert-nuts, and then only in a slight degree. Do not sacrifice the leaves because the insects may abound on them, but as soou as the flowers are set afford the trees a heavy syringing with clear water night and morning, and keep this up till the fruits begin to colour. Peach-roots : G. B. The roots are healthy. Very likely indeed the gas has done the mischief. Peach Tree Shoot : Wootton. The leaves are affected by the common Peach blister caused by a fungus known as Ascomyces deformans. It is thought by some observers that the cells of the loaves are first ruptured by an aphis or by spring frosts, and that afterwards the fungus appears. What is probably the more correct view is that of De Bary, who has found the fungus in an early stage as living inside the leaf amongst the cells, and at length only emerging to perfect itself upon the exterior. You might spray the leaves with a copper solution, or the Bordeaux Mixture. The fungus was figured in Gardeners'" Chronicle for July 31, 1895, p. 137, and mauy times subsequently. Petroleum as a Dressing for Killing Insects on Plants: B. Ward. A safe quantity to use is 1 wineglassful to 3 gallons of water. The water used should be soapy, such as that used in washing clothes, with which the oil more readily amalga- mates than with water only. The solution must be kept well stirred whilst being used, the oil otherwise coming to the surface. Plant Analyses: C. II. C. Several have been given recently in these pages, viz., Cyclamen, Carnation, Pine-apple, Cherries, &c. A small work by Dr. A. B. Griffiths on the Constituents of Plants was pub- lished a short time since by G. Bell & Sons, 4, York Street, Covent Garden. Profagating-hou.se ; H. Ward. The bed or beds for propagatiDg purposes may occupy a central position, or they may be built along the front or end walls of a house ; but not against the back. wall if it be a lean-to, unless it be a tall case to be used for tall plants, or for grafting purposes. A bed may be 1 foot deep measuring to the floor of it, or 3£ feet to the floor of the house. It should be provided with an oaken or stoue sill, rounded on the outer edge, but flat on the top. The brick wall enclosing the hot-water pipes may be of A\ or 9-inch work, provided with a few small outlets, fitted with wooden or metal doors. The pipes may number five or six, of 4] -inch diameter, and should not approach the floor of the bed nearer than 1 foot. It is well to have independent flow and return pipes connected with the set of pipes in each section ; the connecting pieces being furnished with clapper or screw valves for regulat- ing the flow of water. Some of the sections had better not be fitted with frames, as not all kinds of plants strike well in air-tight frames. Top heat should be afforded in suitable amount, by means of hot-water pipes placed against the walls of the bed, and close to the wall-plates of the house if it be one without side-lights ; and some top heat can be obtained by opening the small doors in the walls of the bed, a practice which is always advisable in cold weather. Too much light in a propagating* house is, for obvious reasons, not desirable ; and a propagatiug-house, if it be a lean-to, should face some point to the north ; and if it be a span it should ru i north- by- south, and the two ends should be of brickwork. What is wanted ia subdued light without the necessity of using shading materials too frequently. Seedlings : Ircsine. Your seedling Iresine, Mesein- bryanthemums, &c, have " damped off." This is a gardener'B expression for the death of young plants owing generally to the soil being too moist for the delicate young routs, hence their decay, and the consequent growth of fungous mould. As you fay you have kept the soil rather dry, it may be the result of the soil containing too much manure. Without intimately knowing the conditions under which they are cultivated, we cannot say positively. Vines: G. M. Your Vine is affected- with Downy Mildew. See answer to " W. H." in our last issue ; also Gardeners' Chronicle for July 21, 1S94, p. 75, where the fungus is figured, and remedial measures described. It may not be necessary to cut the Vine out ; follow directions given to '* W. H." — Vitis. After close examination of your further specimens, we find there is no fungoid disease present. The wretched appearance of the shoots is therefore due to some cause affecting the root — or, at any rate, some part of the plant which has not been submitted to us. It is necesiary to examine the culture upon the spot in such a case. The Apple-buds appear to have been attacked by birds, or possibly frost. — T. L. We take it that you know nothing about the cultivation of the Vine, The vinery was started with too much heat by night and day, and as a consequence the foliage is weak and thin, and liable to be affected by moulds of various kinds. If no bunches have ap- peared, there is no probability, judging from the size of the leaves sent, that any will show this season. We would advise you to purchase and read attentively some Manual on Vine culture. Walnut Tree : /. S. There will be about 1 5 cubic feet in the butt, worth if quite sound, an I the tree was a pollard, perhaps 5s. per cubic foot. If it have a good figure it would make handsome veneer, gun- stocks, furniture, &c. White Marechal Niel Rose : P. £ Sons. The variety is similar to one that has been exhibited at the Drill Hall on several recent occasions, and like it, is not pure white, though decidedly pale- coloured. Yours is a good bloom, and could be used amongst white flowers, if arranged judiciously. Communications Rkceived.— M. D.— A. M., South Yarrah.— W. W.— N. B. -H. C. & Sons.— J. D.— G. H. E.--J. W.— K. L. D.— A. W.— C. B., Hamburg.— C.W. S. (next week).— H W. W. (Be^uuias), vou should sun 1 a sample for inspec- tion -A. C. F.— Jno. M. R. T. (with thanks) — W. H. G. C. __A. B— C— C. Longmans.— D. T. F.— J. Bradshuw.— A, P.-R. D.— Harrison Weir. -A. D.— M. T-J. O'B.— H. O. P.— W. H. S.— J. R. J.— G. H. M.— H. M.-W. B. H. —J. Macdonald— Visitor. Specimens. PjiorocfiAPHs, £c., Received witb Thanks.— N. C. Mat 1, 1897.] THE GAB, DE NEBS' CHRONICLE. 281 SATURDAY, MAY 1, 1897. KEW. THE brave show of Daffodils and Hyacinths, the glowing colours of the show-house, ou which we have lately had occasion to com- ment, attract the populace, and no doubt effect a worthy purpose. These are things, however, that can be enjoyed elsewhere, whilst there are many other things that cannot be seen save at Kew. It is not the flower -beds that give Kew its pre-eminence. It is not the clouds of Snowdrops, nor the wavy sheen of Bluobells that render Kew so important an auxiliary to the development of our colonies, so serviceable to our home gardens and planta- tions, or so important as a scientific centre ; it is the richness and interest of its botanical contents. On these we now propose to make some comment. Beginning with the propagating pits, where only the privileged can get behind the scenes, batches of seedlings of such plants as Myrme- codia and Hydnophytum as fat as Turnips, may be seen, strange plants, swelling out at the base into fleshy tubers, hollow even here, but in their native countries channelled with in- numerable tunnels, the resorts of countloss mul- titudes of ants. Woe to the curious collector who puts his hand on such a shirt of Nessus. Now-a-days imagination comes to the aid of research, and so it is imagined rather than proved, that there is a sort of give-and-take arrangement between the ants and the plants, and that by virtue of such "symbiosis" both are benefited. It may be so, but at any rate in the pits at Kew, there is no obvious relationship to ba seen between the little hollow tubers and the ants. Perhaps the Kew ants are not of the right breed. Here also are Nepenthes Pervillei, the Sey- chelles Pitcher- plant, with crimson pitchers ; an extraordinary Dioscorea from Sierra Leone with stout spine-bearing roots emerging from a large tuber, for all the world as if meant to protect it from burrowing thieves of the rat order. This plant is exciting much interest among the botanists, as also is a Morrea from the Cape, which has roots of similar character, forming a cage as of barbed wire, about the clusters of corms. Here also are now Palms, new Ferns, a new Impatiens called Irvingii from New Guinea, and not unlike I. Sultani from tho other side of the African continent ; Disehidias of sorts growing vigorously, and developing podgy pitcner-like leaves ; and baby hybrids of Lisa, Streptocarpus, and Gonandron, with other still more remarkable crosses, to be heard of later on. A small tank contains young plants of throe distinct sorts of Victoria Kegia, one of which may possibly bo a new species ; and in a tub of water grows a Crinum with long, riband-liko submerged leaves, more like a Vallisneria, than a Crinum. This strange plant was discovered in the Niger territories by Sir John Kirk, and brought to Kew two years ago ; it has large pink flowers, which, in the distance, look like Nymph;oas floating on the water. A Crassula with tho habit of an Aloe ; large pans of Stapelia gigautea growing like Cactuses in a hot, moist house; a pair ot Wolwitschias raisod from seeds sent to Kew seventeen years ago, now with long leaves 2 inches wide ; new Aloes, new Agaves, new Cacti, most of them caviare to the general culti- vator, but of exooediug interest to the specialist. A variegated Agave from India, a golden Furcraea from somewhoro olse, an Aloe of extra- ordinary habit from the Hadramant, and another, mottled like a python, from Somali- land. These, and many moro uncommon plants, are to be seen in those pits. Among Orchids Eulophiella grows like a Leek, as also do Moorea irrorata, Bulbophyllum Ericsoni, with many other Bulbophyllums and Cirrhope- talums. C. robustum had just developed two large umbels of its enormous green and brown flowers. An odd-looking Eulophia from South Arabia, aud a batch of fresh arrivals from Sierra Leone, are of the kind that would delight studonts of the adaptability of plants. Iu tlie house devoted to nursing Cape plants are numerous Disas, Satyriums, Holothrix, aud other genera of Orchids ; Anemone Fannini, aud a distinct- lookiug Ranunculus from Natal, all of which are attrac- tive ; whilst on the roof, in full flower, is a plant, three years old, of the Pride of California— Lathyrus splendens, with flowers like Sweet Peas, coloured rich scarlet. The queer little Rosa berherifolia is also beariDg several yellow Cistus-Hke flowers ia the same house. An extraordinary Sanseviera, with long, thick leaves, like whip stocks, a recent introduction from Nile-land, and said to be a valuable fibre-plant, is represented by a large batch of plants, waiting for warm weather to be despatched to tho colonies. New Musas from Java and other places are being worked up, as also are the new rubber plant, Kickxia africana, and the oil-yielding Pentadesruabutyncea, both from West Tropical Africa. The Succulent-house.— A. big Agave Botteri has been iu flower here, its spike like a gigantic Eremurus, the flowers yellow, with brown stamens. Close by is A. Schottii, a small species, with a slender spike of large bright yellow flowers. Protea cynaroides, 9 feet high, with three enormous flower-buds is ou the point of opening. Pitcairnea ferruginea has a tall brauthed sp:ke, 6 feet high, bearing numerous large rust-red and watery white flowers, more suggestive of Puya than Pitcairnea. Aloe insignis is a remarkable hybrid raised by Mr. Cooper, of Redhill, who loves these plants as Baron Schroder loves Orchids. Nume- rous Gasterias form really beautilul floweriDg plants, as do a big specimen of Epiphyllum Gaertneri, bearing about a hundred flowers, many Phyllocacti, several species of Bomarea, the best of them being B. frondea ; and Aristea Ecklonis with numerous Bpikes of rich blue flowers. The enormous Iris from Lord Howe's Island, the unique specimen of Agave Morrisii from Jamaica, the great Cereus gigan- teus and Echinocactus Wisliseni from Arizona, and the striking groups of African Euphorbias are always noteworthy features of this house. Of the contents of the showhouso No. 4, we need say nothing, as it is only recently we alluded to them. /a the Ferneries one might spend many hours with profit, theie being so many plants to interest one. The Filmy Ferns are in fine condition, this collection being, no doubt, the finest iu cultivation. Gleicheniaj are also very good here, aud iu the house where they are growu is a plant of an Aspidium from Ceylon, with the bLck clusters of soil borne only cm the upper surface of the frond. It is the A. anomalum of Hooker. A collection of Marsileas, many of them iu ftuit ; magnificent examples o£ Lytopodiual, including one named iJalhousieauum, with stems I feet lung ; large masses of Selaginellas, always well done at Kew, and some good specimens of Platycerium may be noted in these houses, hi the Cape-house there have been aud are many beautiful bulbous plants in flower. Geissorhizas, Babiauas, Sparaxis, Lacheualias, and the rosy- spathed Richardia Rehmanni, really tinted with rose all over. It is probable that we shall yet dis- cover how to treat this plant so as to get the colour into tho spathes that it undoubtedly has in Natal. R. Elliotiaua, R. Pontlandi, and an unnamed one not unlike tho last, are also unfoldiog large spathes. A gouty-stemmed plant, with fleshy cylindrical leaves, enclosed in a net-work of thin wiry-looking branched stalks, which ou examiuation prove to be the old flower-stalks, is a singular inmate of this house. It is called Cotyledon reticulata (fig. 95, p. 282), and has lately arrived from the Cape. The Begonia-house contains scores of b3autiful Begonias in flower ; and the air is quite aromatic with the odours of Asarums, of which there are some half-dozen species at Kew, their Aristolochia-like flowers being produced in a dense cushion-like mass just above the soil. Their cousins, tho Aristolochias, are represented by examples of A. Goldieana with a purple and yellow flower the size of a coal - scuttle ; A. longifolia, and A. saccata, this last with a large cluster of hairy flowers hanging about the base of the stem like a swarm of huge bees. B:g plants of Tacca cristata are in flower in the stove, aud Aglaouema costatuui appeals to the love of the beautiful, with its glossy green and creamy- yellow leaves, with numerous white finger-like spadices pushing up from among them. In the Victoria-house, Bismarckia uobilis is magnifi- cent, as also are the double Cocoa-nut Palm ; a large specimen Mediuella magnifica bears scores of racemes of flowers ; and the giant Grammatophyllum specio- sum, which has never looked back since it was presente 1 to Kew by Messrs. F. Sander & Co. four years ago. It may help to render this Jubilee year still more memorable by flowering, as it certainty looks vigorous enough. Barringtonia samoensis, with a stem 6 feet high, large, oblanceolate, bright green leaves, aud long, drooping, whip-like racemes of large rosy Myrtle-like flowers, has also been an attraction in this house. The Orchid houses. — Here there is a collectioa which surprises oue when one sees the whole of it, and examine) it here and there ; such names, such pigmies, " such rubbish," many orchidists would say ; but to the botanist as interesting, often more so, than the big Cattleyas and Cypripediums. Here is a list of some now or recently in flower : Angraecum Geruiinyamun, Bulbophyllum barbigerum,( 'ymbidium tigrinum, C. aloifulium, Dendrobium Fui'lschii, D. Hil- debrandi, D. dixanthum, Diacrium bicornutum, Eulo- phiella Elisabethic, Epidendrum Parkinsonianum, Eri- opsisrutidobulbon, Lycaste (Colax)jugosa, Ltelia cinna- barina, Oncidium serratum, Odontoglossum Edwardi, 0. cirrosum maximum, 0. Reiehenheirai, Phahe- nopsis Boxalli, P. tetraspis, P. Luddemanniana, Phy- sosiphon Moorei, Cypripedium nigratum, C. niveum, C. Chamberlainii, C. Victoria-Marko. Of course, there are the commoner things also, such as big pans of Ciclogyne cristata, many long spikes of Cymbidium Lowianum, &c. Sarracenias growing in the porch of the Orchid- house, are always happy at Kew, and they are now pushing into the glory of bloom and new pitcht rs. lleliamphora, Cephalotus, Dionoca, and Darlingtouia are nicely represented. The poppy- flowered Drosera cistiflora has gone. The Palm house. — In this building is now in bloom Napoleona imperialis, bearing numerous crush- hat- like flowers ; the Clavijas with their stems decked from top to bottom with spikes of orange yellow flowi rs, with the odour of Raspberry jam ; Tibouchiua heteromala, with erect racemes of rich blue-purple flowers ; Passiflora racemosa ; Crinums, of sorts ; the rare Nicolaia magnifica, in bud ; Hehcouia Bihai, with boat-shaped scarlet bracts ; Musa rosac.a, a most beautiful plant, 10 feet high, with an erect spike, 282 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, [Mat 1, 1897. Deiring numerous bracts S inches by 4, aud coloured bright lavender-rose ; Erythrochiton hypophyllanthos, a plant with a long name, long stem, long leaves, and no flower-stalk, the white flowers being attached singly or in pairs t) the underside of the midrib of the leaf, about half-way up; Strelitz'ia Augusta, a big specimen, bearing many arm-like spikes of large white and blue flowers ; Coffba arabica, and the supposed hybrid cilled Maragogipe, both of them beiring crops of ripe Cherry-like fruit ; Macarangas, with enormous Plane-like leaves, and clusters of small flowers ; Browueas of sorts, and Saraca iudica. These are all, or were recently, in flower. In this house, too, is a good specimen of Wallichia densiflora, of which we received in due season a representation on a Christmas-card, from Mr. F. Im Thurn. Fig. 96, on p. 283, shows the Palm in question flowering in Mr. Im Thurn's garden in British Guiana. Palms and Cycads are, of course, the great features of this fine house. The Temper ate-housc. — Here Rhododendron Grif- fUhi, R. arboreum, It. ciliatum, K. kewense, R. serpylli- folium. It. glaucum, aud R. racemosum are finely in flower. Kauunculus graudifolius is flowering nicely. The new wing to this fine house is now in the gardener's hands, and is likely to be made a worthy addition to the gardens under glass at Kew. Of the Arboretum, the Pmetum, the Bamboo Garden, the Rhododendron Dell, the Rockery, we cannot speak now. Stachyurus pnecox (fig. 97, p- 28o), by no means a recent introduction, but which is still little known, flowered in the arboretum early in spring, before the leaves were expanded. Under glass both expand about the same time. Clearly, Kew cannot be seen in a day ! Orchid Notes and Gleanings. ORCHIDS AT HAREF1ELD HALL, WILMSLOW. The new rau^e of Orchid-houses which Elijah Ash worth, Esq., has built to provide space for his large collection of Orchids, has had good effect on the plauts ; many of the valuable and rare ones, which the lofty, old-fashioned old houses did not suit, are greatly improved. The new houses are connected with each other by a long one which abuts on them at one end, thus affording shelter, and making it easy to secure an even temperature. In this long house a fine collection of all the best varieties of white and coloured Lailia ancepa was remarked overhead, which must have made a fine display when the plants were in bloom. Hero, too, aud in the adjoining vineries, was found a large collection of the showier Den- drobes, some examples of which have been frequently observed at the Royal Horticultural Society's meet- ings, and notably the immense specimen of D. nobile nobilius for which Mr. Ashworth was awarded a Silver Medal. In the first division of the range above noted are the smaller crosses of Cypripedium, as well as some plants of rare species, among which were six Cypri- pedium bellatulum album, three of which were s'lowin^ flower-buds , a number of thriving crosses of O. Chirlesworthii, out of which some good novelties should be seea ; C. x Olenus and C. x Leysenianum in flower and bud, and C. x Germinyanum and others in flower. The next division of the range is the smaller Cat- tleya-housc, containing the collection of varieties of Cattleya Dowiana, and some of the best of the varie- ties of the C. labiata class, such as C. Mendeli alba or Blunti, of which there are several ; C. Triansei Nor- raani, and others. In the third h mse was a fine group of freshly- imported Cattleya Percivaliana, having a distinct habit of growth ; and a quantity of Dendrobium Phalteuopsis, among which were D. PhaUenopsis hololeuca, perhaps the only really pure white variety which has yet flowered. At the end of the house is a newly-constructed frame for the raising of seedling Orchids ; aud in the same house was a fine lot of Cypripedium caudatum Wallisii and C. Rothschildia- num, plants of the latter being in flower* Then follow several more houses in which were Cattleyas and Lrelias chiefly. In these the varieties of Cattleya Triamci, now nearly over, have been grand, and two or three of them have induced visitora to come from long distances to see the plants. At the present season the display consists principally of Cattleya Schroderse, one of the best formed and most sweetly scented of all the varieties of C. labiata. The plants of Lajlia purpurata are well furnished with flower sheaths, and among them are the fine white form, the nearest to an albino yet produced by this species, and which is unique ; and L. purpurata Ashworthiam, which is equally distinct in other directions. Plants that were noted in flower in the inter- mediate-houses, were g>od examples of the true Dendrobium nobile nobilius, and other varieties ; some very fine D. X splendidissimum grandiflorum, Spathoglottis plicata, S. Kimballiana ; some fine specimens of Miltmia Phahciopus, Phaius X Cook- album, D. Brymerianum, D. Hildebrandi, D. x Sybil, D. x Juno, D. x Owenianum, D. x melanodiscum, D. x The Pearl, D. fimbriatum oculatum, aud the pretty white and violet Epidendrum Eadresii. Traversing the Peach-houses, which, like the vine- ries, are in excellent order, and made available by Mr. Holbrook, the gardener, for resting Orchids on occasion, we came to the lofty old houses, which being built for ornament, are suitable for Palms Ferns, and foliage-plants, but not for Orchids. Iu the first one entered were large plants of the stronger- growing species of Cypripedium, and a few of Phalce- nopns. In flower were Cypripedium x Lathamianum, C. x Bartetii, C. x Measure*ianum, C. x Sedeni, C. x cardinale, C. x Adonis, C. hirsutissimum, C. bar- batum Warneri, C. Phalcenops'is Schilleriana, and Cym- bidium eburneum. In other lofty houses were Vandas and other tall-growing species of Orchids, and several well - flowered plants of ADgrcecuru sesquipedale. "J. 0*B. FrO. 9-5.— COTYLEDON RETICULATA, KEW. (SEE P. 281.) soni, a yellow and white form of P. Sanderianus, and Cattleya Lawrencaana ; a fine variety of the white, rose-tipped Chysis Limminghii ; a pretty white Cat- tleya Triamci, with a slight tinge of lilac on the lip ; C. x Har^yana, and the curious hybrid L&lio-Cat- tleya x Pittiana, illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle, March 3, 1894, p. 265. In the cool-houses the showier MasdevalHas were beginning to cxpan 1 their blooms. The varieties of M. Chimiera showing well, the M. Winniana already in flower being the darkest in colour. Here, too, are Sophronitis grandiflora, Ada aurantiaca, OJonto- glossum Rossh majus, andO. Cervantesii, 0. crispum, 0. triumphans, O. cirrosum, and several hybrids of the O. Andersonianum type, two of them with peculiar features. In another house numbers of fine Dendrobiums in bloom were remarked, one hybrid, probably ot D. nobile nobilius, being very remarkable. Other species and varieties in bloom were D. Findlayanum, and one or two of the white D. F. Ashworthiaaum, D. nobile nobilius, D. n. Vic- toria, D. n. Wrigley's var., andD. n. Ashworthianum, all good and distinct ; D. x Aspasia, D. Wardianum Vanda teres. This Orchid is now to be seen in superb character at Gunnarsbury Park. Mr. Reynolds has it in an elevated position on the west end of the stove-house) in which it is grown, near the glass, in a large box. There is a considerable number of plants planted out, the row nearest the glass being about a foot from it ; then comes a passage round to the front of the hous*1, and on the inner side of it a line of twelve more in 24-sized pots, standing upon the brickwork which sur- rounds the raised bed in the centre. The plants have made a free growth, and are now blooming abundantly, for there are fifty-four spikes of blossoms upon the twelve plants in pots, and a considerable number upoa tho3e planted out, especially upon the sizes nearest the glass. The plants are occasionally dewed over with a fine spray, and the hot moisture of the house keeps them in admirable condition. The late Mr. B. S. Williams once wrote of Vanda teres that it is a "shy-blooming species," but shyness is har.lly a characteristic of those under Mr. Reynolds' care at Gunnersbury Park, as they are decidedly floriferous. May 1, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 283 DlSA SAGITTALrS. A few years ago Disa uniflora, commonly called D. grand i flora, was considered the only species amen- able to cultivation, and it was not an uncommon occurrence that many persons failed to keep the plant alive. Since the introduction of D. tripetaloides and D. racemosa, and the production of a number of showy crosses between theni and D. grandiflora, we have a large number of handsome, easily managed, varieties, to warrant a greenhouse being set apart for them. There is still much to be done to extend the culture of these plants, for, as proved by the hand- some Disa pulchra, flowered by I he Houble. Walter Rothschild, and figured in the Gardeners' Chronicle, The flower is thesize of that of an ordinary 0. crispum, and well formed in all its parts. The dorsal sepal is broader than the inferior ones, and the others favour the ovate-acuminate form ; the basal portion is like 0. orispum in its grouud-colour, aud is furnished with a number of minute Indiau-rcd spots ; two-thirds of the segments towards the extremity have the pale-lemon ground-colour of 0. sceptrum, one of the parents, with from two to fuur large sepia-coloured blotches. The petals are ovate, ensiform at the extremity ; the white in the lower portion of their limbs is Btrongly suggestive of 0. crispum ; the Indian-red spots at this point are numerous. The upper portion ia like the other limbs, the blotches being less in mation that the plant was 'purchased some years ago as Houlletia from Chlriqui, and that it had not yet been identified. It is an ally of Acineta, and the plant resembles those of that genus, and the inflorescence is a stout pendulous raceme, produced after the manner of Acineta. The expanded flower U nearly 2 inches across ; the sepals and petals of a pale Peach- blossom tint, densely speckled with lilac ; the curious lip, which has a stalked front-lobe, which possibly suggested Houlletia, has the side-lobes erect, and white in colour ; the front-lobe speckled with purple. It is one of those sufficiently showy species which, being uncommon, always attract attention, J. O'B. I f*7 i ,«■:. ii«v\ \ % ( £* / // ' . I ' a, " A •***' * *T>I -^-A & % "4 VJMlL Fig. 96. — wallichia densiflora in mr. im thurn's garden; british guiana. (see p. 282.) Dec. 26, 1896, p, 785, there are still finer species available for cultivation and for cross-breeding. An example of Diea sagittalis, with many spikes of white flowers, which have a few purple lines on them, is now in flower in Mr. E. Ashworth's collection, Harefield Hall, Wilmslow, Cheshire. /. O'B. Odontoglossum Thompsonianum. This beautiful form is a cross in which the traits of both the parents are clearly defined. It is the property of Wm. Thompson, Esq., Walton Grange, Stone (Mr. W. Stevens, gr. ), and was exhibited at the meeting that inaugurated the founding of the Manchester Orchid Committee in the Memorial Hall, Manchester, the plant carrying eleven flowers, closely set together, forming quite a Hyacinth-like spike. size, and more numerous, and there is a shade of white over the lemon-coloured ground. The lip in form is not contracted at all in the middle, aud is more white in its lower lobo than any of the other limbs. An immense blotch of Indian-red ia planted at tho baso of the- ealli, and on cither side aro spots of reddish colour. The base of the calli itself par- takes of an orange ground, with red lines ; the column is prominent, and stands convexly, yellowish-white at the back, with a crowd of glandular hairs around it up to the stigmatic surface. J. Anderson. Lacuna si'EGTABILIS. A fine inflorescence of eighteen flowers of this rare species is sent by Frau Ida Brandt, Brunnenhof, Riesbach, Zurich (gr., Mr. Schlecht), with the infor- PRODUCTS OF THE CITRUS TEIBE IN SICILY. Reporting on the trade of Sicily, Mr. E. M. de Garston gives some interesting facts connected with the staple products, such as essence of Lemon and other produce of the Citrus family, the different trades dealing in these heing of a very interesting character. The Lemon essence industry is a very important one in Sicily, where tho abundance of raw material naturally renders the manufacture of the so-called oils of Lemon and Orange a very profitable undertaking ; 37,911 kilos, of these essential oils were shipped during the year 1895, over 32,000 kilos, of which was taken by Great Britain. Oil or esseuce of Lemon is obtained by pressing or bursting the oil-glands in the rind of the fruit, and this is done either by hand or by machinery ; that obtained by the first process being by far tho best in quality. In Palermo the essence is all pressed at night. The workmen are supplied with a certain quantity of rinds, divided into equal portions to each between so many gangs, each under the supervision of a foreman. Each man holds two sponges between the fingers of the left hand, and works the rind about in the best way to fracture the oil - vessels. This is caught in the spongey, which, when sufficiently charged with oil, are squeezed into an earthenware receiver ; a consider- able proportion of the product thus obtained consists of ordinary Lemon-juice left adhering to the rind, together with more or less of tho Lemon pulp. This, however, being heavier than the esseuce, sinks to the bottom of the receptacle, aud the essence remains on the top. As the first of these receivers becomes full, the workman blows the floating oil into the second jar through a species of channel formed in the side of the first, and when no more of the essential oil transferable by blowing, the remaining essence which may yet be floating in the origiual receiver is care- fully absorbed with a sponge, and thence squeezed into the second receptacle, which only contains pure essence. The remainder, namely, the essential oil which may still have been left in the rinds, is by some manufacturers extracted by distillation, and forms a second quality of essence. By others, again, it is expressed by subjecting the partially exhausted rinds to mechanical pressure in bags. To ascertain, how- ever, if the obtainable essence has been thoroughly squeezed out by the original hand process, the rinds are tested by a foreman, who presses the supposed exhausted peel into the flame of a candle, when, if any combustion is visible, it shows that the pressers have not done their work properly. The essence obtained by the foregoing process undergoes no further manipulation beyond being collected, an 1 after careful filtration through filter-paper it is ready for shipment in tho usual coppers of 100, 50, 25, 12, 5, aud 2 lb. each. When freshly expressed it has a delicious smell of the frui', which is greatly injured by distillation. From the leaves, flowers, aud fruits of the soveral species and varioties of the Citrus genus a largo variety of products is obtained. The blossoms in their natural state serve to flavour drinks aud sweet- meats. When distilled they yield two vory much esteemed products, namely, orange flower-water aud an essential oil known as Neroli. Moreover, when candied, they form a delicious sweet, much in 284 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 1, 1897. vogue in some regions of Sicily. The orange flower- water is made of equal portions in weight of blossom and water, which yield on au average about one-fifth of tho combined weight of water and flowers. Not- withstanding the abundance and excellent quality of the raw material, so to speak, still tho best manu- factories of Orange flower-water are to be found out- side Italy. As to candied sweetmeat concocted out of the blossoms, it is doubtless more wholesome as well as more palatable than many other productions of the confectioner's art. The flowers in the first place are selected with care, weighed, and im- mersed in cold water for twenty - four hours, after which they are dipped simply in cold water, re washed in cold, and finally spread out on a linen cloth or sheet to dry. When completely dry, they are laid out in low, wide dishes, each flower separate from its fellow, and are then Bprinkled with double their weight in sugar, administered at inter- vals during a period of eight days or thereabouts. Moreover, during the same period the flowers should be frequently moved and kept in the shade ; at the expiration of this time they are once more placed in the sun, whose rays dry them completely. The raw juices of all the different varieties of the species of Citrus, except that of the Bergaraot, are available for commerce ; but the juice of the Lemon is the more highly prized, on account of the greater amount of acidity it contaius. But the raw juice, " Agro-crudo," however rich in acid particles, can never vie in this respect with the same juice in a concentrated form with the " Agro-cotto," in which form it enjoys besides a great superiority over un- condensed juice in durability and in reduction of volume. This concentrated juice is prepared in the following manner. It is first of all clarified by being left to stand, then boiled in large cauldrons of tinned copper, one-third full, and the boiling liquid fre- quently stirred with an iron rod having its head wrapped in common canvas, or in rags which have thus to keep tho bottom of the boiler clear of all sediment ; those necessary additions to the boiling liquid which tho constant evaporation of the aqueous particles renders expedient are supplied by Binaller supplementary boilers in which the liquid is kept sufficiently hot to hinder any interruption in the ebullition of the juice contained in the large vessels. When the required density is obtained, a point which is easily ascertained through the medium of the citrometer, it is poured into vats to cool, and finally drawn off through ordinary funnels into casks. The adulteration of the acid or juice is facilitated by the ready absorption of certain well-known and easily- obtainable substances, which increase the weight of the acid-juice when concentrated. The most commonly employed substances for the purpose of adulteration are tartaric acid, chloride of sodium, and sulphuric acid. The methods employed in Sicily in order to detect the cheat, if not so scientific and perhaps less accurate than those in use in England, are at least inexpensive, simple, and sufficiently effective. Citrate of lime, which seems to be the safest form in which the acid principle can be conveyed, and is the substance whence the citric acid is directly manufactured, is now prepared to some extent in Italy, although up to within the last quarter of a century this preliminary process was considered impracticable from a remunerative point of view. A very well known authority on the subject laments in forcible terms the remissness and igno- rance of his countrymen in Sicily, which alone per- mits foreigners to reap that harvest which Italians neglect to gather and garner for themselves. The objections raised in bygone days, from the supposed impossibility of procuring at home a sufficient quan- tity of proper chalk, have been shown to be utterly mistaken with respect to the production of citrate of lime. Objections of a similar nature are now mooted with regard to the production of citric acid, and have been partially disproved already by the establishment of a British firm in Messina, which has undertaken successfully the manufacture of citric acid in con- junction with tartaric acid. With regard to the essential oil industry in Sicily, it is said to be both widespread and prosperous, Essence producers and exporters are numerous. Tho essential oils are derived from all varieties of tho Citrus group, though they differ considerably in quality, that expressed from Bergamut being the best, and then follow the Lemon, Orange, and Citron, tho relative value of the essences being in inverse order to that of the juices. The mode of payment of the workmen engaged in expressing tho essential oils is peculiar. Instead of being paid at a fixed rate per day or hour, or for.the weight or number of rinds expressed, he is remu- nerated according to the amount of essence he succeeds in extracting out of a given weight of rinds. It is stated that, though the bulk of the oil pro- duced in, and exported from, Sicily is quite pure, yet it is sometimes adulterated with other essential oils, and sometimes with turpentine, or even with resins. The occurrence of these adulterations seems to have discredited and unsettled the market value, so that it became necessary, or at least expedient, in some cases to submit it to analytical test before exporta- tion. Owing to these precautions, the character for genuineness of the Sicilian essential oils has been redeemed, or rather maintained. John R. Jackson, Kew. A PARASITIC AGARIC. A communication from the Pathologist's Branch of the Department of Agriculture, Melbourne, accom- panied by specimens, dried, and also preserved in corrosive sublimate solution, and in solid paraffin, of a small form of Hypholoma fasciculate, which is so common here about old stumps, gives the following information. This Agaric is found at the roots of Rasp- berry-canes, and is causing a great deal of damage. The copious white mycelium or spawn soon destroys the roots. As the ground is generally well cultivated, I had some difficulty in finding the fructification, but in a somewhat neglected plantation I obtained it in abundance. This Agaric grows in dense tufts, and is of a greenish-yellow to golden-yellow colour, becom- ing reddish at the top of the pileus, which is usually from 1 to 2 inches in diameter. The gills soon become of an olive-green colour ; the flesh throughout is yellow and intensely bitter. The spores, about 6 to 7 by 4 /u, are yellowish-brown under the microscope. The specimens received are much smaller than usual, but agree in all other points, even to the size of the spores above Btated, being from Australian specimens. Generally the pileus does not exceed from one-quarter to three- quarters of an inch in diameter in it3 parasitic condi- tion, but there is no room for doubt aa to its being the old familiar species. Hitherto this Agaric has been regarded as absolutely saprophytic, but there are evidently con- ditions under which it may beoome a destructive parasite. As it is so common with us, on old stumps everywhere, it will have to be watched for any exhibition of its parasitic proclivities. But little information has been given of its action in Australia, except that it attacks Raspberry-canes, and, by means of a copious white spawn, 'destroys the roots. That it is becoming a real pest is evident from the attention of the Department hiving been directed to its action ; but, as yet, it seems to confine its para- sitism to the Raspberry. We have no record of parasitism of this species in Europe, where it is extremely common. In the Australian colonies it is recorded for Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. Possibly the spawn originated from dead wood, or buried stumps, and impregnated the soil, but whatever the cause of this new development, it will have to be checked by attention to the soil, and the destruction of the pestiferous spawn, by exposure, the application of lime, and other fungicides. The fungus is regarded here as so thoroughly harmless that it may be found in profusion in almost any large garden, and never causes the least anxiety ; but these facts will sound an alarm, so that in future a watchful eye will be kept upon the spreading of the spawn of Hypholoma fascicular©. M, C. Cooke, SPRING GARDENING AT CLIVEDEN. The old reputation of Cliveden for spring gar- dening is being well maintained by the present owner, the Hon. W. W. Astor, and his gardener Mr. Wadds, tho borders under the terrace and the large beds stretching away on the lawn being just at the present time very gay, and in a perfectly well- kept condition. The large flower-beds, which are raised somewhat above the lawn level, although on grass, have a high Bos-edging which has during the past autumn been entirely replanted with fresh plant?, and trimmed into regular shape. A second terrace has also been constructed below the original and well-known one, choice marble pillars and balus- trading having been brought over from Italy and used in its formation, being in keeping and design in character with the surroundings. The Vandyke- shaped raised border under the upper terrace is gay with Violas, in which the varieties Blue King, Sky- lark, Souvenir, Cliveden Yellow, Mauve Queen, and Countess of Hopetoun are used, the sloping front being covered with Aubrietia, and the angles at the back filled in with Cloth of Gold Viola. All the beds on the lawn are now brilliant with Tulips in glowing colours rising from an undergrowth of Violas, about 25,000 of each being used. After the Tulips are over, the Violas fill up and carry the display on well into the summer. No summer bedding out is now practised, the spring-flowering subjects being allowed to remain until blooming is quite over ; but this season it is intended to fill the beds with Asters in distinct colours for a late summer display. Four large beds are filled with White Lady Violas and Artus Tulips, and the same number of beds with Belle Alliance bright red Tulips, with a groundwork of Yellow Prince Violas. Others are planted with La Reiue Tulips, white, tinged with rose, and a base of Souvenir Viola and Couronne Pourpre, dark crim- son Tulips, and another yellow Viola unnamed. Each of these beds contains some 1500 Tulips, and as many Violas ; while flowering in a series of beds arranged to form a large circle at a distant part of the lawn, 6000 Golden Prince Tulips, and Cloth of Gold Violas are very eSective. A new herbaceous garden has recently been formed, which in time promises to become one of the features of the place, although the arrangement in conjunction with clipped shrubs in fantastic shapes would by some be thought out of place, and can scarcely be considered in keeping with the occupauts of the herbaceous borders. Viola. HARDY JAPANESE AND CHINESE VINES. M. L. Lindet contributes to the Comptes Hendaa for March 15 a paper on "Acclimatising Japanese and Chinese Vines at Damigny (Orne), and on the Wine yielded by thorn." He says that — " The Depart- ment of Orne is situated beyond the extreme limit of the wine-growing districts, and its climate has hitherto been considered as unsuitable for the cul- ture of the Vine, and the ripening of the Grape. For a few years now, M. Capiat has succeeded in accli- matising at Damigny, near Alencon, certain varieties of the Vine, introduced from the cold, damp, and mountainous districts of China and Japan. These Vines were discovered by Pere David, and some seeds were imported into France by M. Henri Degron. Sown for the first time by M. Capiat in 1882, they have Bince been so far propagated, that it has been possible to send cuttings of them into most of the Departments. The matter has been made tho subject of study by Carriere and by V. Pulliat. The Japanese and Chinese Vines cultivated at Damigny are of vigorous and powerful growth ; the branches are lengthened ; the petioles, generally vinous- red or violet in colour, are equally loDg, sometimes covered with hairs, shaded from red to yellow (varieties of V. Romaneti), sometimes covered with spines (Spiuovitis Davids ; the leaves are some- times cordiform (Precoce Capiat), sometimes bi, tri, and pentelobate, and sometimes even laciniate (V. Romaneti and V. Pagnucoi) ; the bunches, from 8 to May 1, 1897.1 THE GABDENEFS' CHRONICLE. 285 1 2 inches long, aro formed of rounded Grapes, rather ftir apart, and generally covered with a thin but firm skin, shiniug, primrose, below whioh is a pulp alniosi always dark red, raroly rose-coloured. One of the most interesting characteristics of some iif these Vines is their earliness ; this is found iu a Japauese Vine, a seedling of V. Coignetifc (Precoc« Capiat), which at Dauiigny yielded ripe Grapes from the 15th to the 20 th of September. This date wai only a few days earlier than that of the maturity of other Vines grown iu this district (V. Roruaueti, V. Pagnucci) ; Spinovitis does not ripen until later — from October 1 to 15 ; Carrieri is still later. The trials of Preeoce Capiat, made in Burgundy, Cher, Haute-Garouue, and other districts, tend to prove that this variety resists the common diseases of the Vine well. M. Liadet publishes a table of analyses of wines made from the above Grape. " A mere glance,'" ho says, "at these figures will show that the quantity of alcohol equals that in our weaker wiues, but the quantity of extract, of acidity, of tartar, of tannin, and of ash, is twice as great as iu ordinary wines ; as to the colour, which is very clear and bright, it is of an iutensity four or five times greater than is generally admitted in the wine trade. "Analysis made iu 1896" of wine from the Preeoce Capiat, vintaged in 1805, shows, further, that these wiues lose little by age, the difference iu the com- position consisting almost wholly of the deposit of a certain amount of tartar. "It is easy to judge, fronTaualysis of these wines, of the advantages they offer for trade purposes, and for makiu g ' vim dc coupage, dils dc composition,' where they seem suitable for replacing the coloured wiue3 of Spain and Central France. "Japauese and Chinese Vines might, if cultivated in other places more temperate than the Normandy districts, and especially if these regions were always coul, yield still more interesting results ; but at pre- sent it is merely certain that, in a relatively cold climate, where wine-making is unknown, they can, owing to their earliness, and the special qualities of their wine, be made particularly useful for viti- culture." METHODS OF PEOPAGATION. {Continued from p. 248.) Forest and Ornamental Trees. — Wenowcometo a large class— that of forest and ornamental trees, which are raised in nurseries by seed usually sown broadcast. The seeds of some of these require a certain amount of preparation before being sown, and the commoner method is to " pit " them, viz , to dig a hole, and iu tl.is to put a mixture of the fruits as they come from the tree, with sand or some kind of light soil, aud then to cover with the surrounding soil, aud leave tho contents undisturbed till the following March or April. A better method is to select a plot of ground in a sheltered spot, make it solid and level with the spade, and then to spread the seeds of the Ash, Maple, or Sycamore, mixed with sand, kc , about a foot thick upon this, pressing it close together by trampling it, neatly levelling the edgert with a spade, and covering it with a layer of soil. It should be left undisturbed till the following March or April. On opening the heap, the "keys" or seeds will be found so decayed that the small oval kernels or seeds will come out by simply rubbing them between the hands ; or, if the winter has been a wet one, the " keys " may be sown direct from the pit or clamp. Some dis- crimination is necessary in the selection of the " keys " — as the winged seeds of the Ash and Maple tribe are generally called. As a rule, stunted and diseased trees aro the most prolific of seeds ; but seed should, it" possible, be gathered only from robust trees. Doing thi-i involves more time and trouble being espended. which is, however, well repaid in the vigour and free growth of the seedlings. Most ornamental trees are grown for their di.-tinct form?, the beauty of l heir foliage, and many for their flowers, and the bulk of them belong to tbe natural ord:r Rosacea?, which embraces the Rose proper, tbe Thorns, Aroma?, Crabs, Almonds, Cherries, Plums, Sorbus, and Amelanchier. Thcso produce abundance of blossom, which, of itself, makes tho trees desirable ; aud, in addition, they give us bright-coloured fruits, and foliage which, in the autumn, has pleasing tints, thus prolonging their attractions some way iuto the winter. The fruits afford tho natural and best means of propagating all of these which are not merely sports or seminal varieties. The Beed has to be made fit for the seed-bed in many different ways. Those of a Eeshy nature, as Crabs, Pears, Plums, and Almonds, by pitting; those of an intermediate cha- racter by mixing with wand and clamping ; aud lastly, those that have Foft succulent fruits, as Cberiies, Sorbus, and Amelanchier, by being rubbed iu sand between the palms of the bauds, afterwards allowed to get dry, and then town sand and all in diills, or in beds broadcast. There tbe seedlings miy be left for at least two years, when they should be lifted, the tap root shortened with a sharp knife, and the plant? quartered up in the nursery, leaving such a distance from plant to plant, and betweon the rows, as is best suited to height of the tree ; but it is a good rulo always to allow plenty of space, and then the subjects, whether deciduous or evergreen, will develop naturally and make good specimens. The fruits of floweriug and other shrubs may be similarly treated ; for instance, the juicy berries of the common Mezeroon (Daphne Mezereum) may be rubbed in Band and the seed sown forthwith, as may those of the Aucuba, which now fruits freely in most shrubberies, thanks to tho introduction of the male plant from Japan by the late Robert Fortuue. When grown from seed quite thirty per cent, of the young plants prove to be males, while every form of foliage results from the small green leaves of A. japonica viridis, to the large variegated ones of A, j.hotiuiaculata, and A. j. crassifolia ; and if berries have been taken from the variety called A. longifolia, which is the best to grow in pots for conservatory and winter-garden use, the still narrower-leaved kind will bo found among the progeny, called by some A. salicifolia ; indeed, there seems no limit to the varieties pro- duced. If the fruit is not food fit for man, we have the satisfaction of knowing that all birds of the thrush tribe aro very fond of it, and it therefore adds to the often scarce winter fare of these splendid tongsters of tho garden. I will now indicate a few mora tree3 and shrubs which are usually raised from home-grown fruits, though there are numbers raised in nur- teries from seed imported direct from the natural habitat of the plants, or iu some cases from the South of Europe, where these species have been natu- ralised. The following have all soft fruits that may be rubbed in sand to prepare them for sowing : — Ampelopsis Veitchi, and other varieties ; Arbutus, the Strawberry-tree, Berberis dulcis, B. Darwini, and others ; Cotoneasters, Hookeri and frigida ; Hollies, in variety (want pitting) ; Leycesteria formosa, Ligus- trum vulgare, and others ; Hypericum hircinum, and some others ; Rosa rugosa, &c. ; Sorbus aucu- paria, S. hybrida, and S. intermedia ; Sambucus racemosa, and others ; Symphoricarpos racemosus ; Chamreccrasus and Loniceras. Tho following can be either pitted or sown direct into the ground, the first being a saving of time, and perhaps more certain. Alnus(the Alder), all kinds in wet eoil ; Amorpha fruticosa and its varieties; Cercis siliquastrum ; Colutea arborescens ; Cytisua Laburnum and other Cytisuses ; Genista and Spartium ; Gleditchia triacanthos, and Robinia in variety ; Staphylcea colchica and pinnati (Bladder- worts). Expert. Trees and Shrubs. THE UPRIGHT CEPHALOTAXUS fC. PEDUNCULATA FASTIQIATA). I was agreeably surprised a short time ago to find no fewer than eight specimens of this uncommon shrub in an old Hertfordshire garden. They had iu all cases attained to full dimensions, were in robust health, aud showed the peculiar character for which this species of Conifer is remarkable — the lower tiers of branches horizontally arranged with the leaves iu two rows, while those further up are strictly fasti- giate with .- , irally arranged foliage. In several of the specimens the lower branches covered a spread of from 10 feet to 12 feet in diameter, the foliage being of an intense and healthy green hue. Pollen cat- kins were produced plentifully ou several of the plants, and on both the fastigiate and horizon'al brandies. The soil is a stiflish loam on chalk, and as showing how well adapted this Ophalotaxus is for planting in the shade, I might mention that several of the spacimens g->t little or n> direct sun- shine. I am now almost conviuca 1 thit there are not three i-pecies of Cephalotaxus, C. Fortunei [pedunculala 'J aud C. drupacea being identical. There are, however, wide differences iu tho male and female plants. A. D. Webster. [0. Fortunei is very distinct. Ed ] 286 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Mat 1, 1897. Colonial Notes. TECOMA STANS, Juss. On the sides of bills, along the cuttings by tho roadside, and in nearly all open localities in the lowland districts, this Tecotna is a feature of tho flowering vegetation this month (March) in Grenada. Our season, which should be, according to man's idea of the climate of Grenada, dry for the present time, and also for the next two months, is now like an Eoglish April month. Dry weather we have had for the past few weeks, and now the nice spring-like showers and the warm, bright sun are hastening many plants and trees into flower, and among them is this Tecoma. Grenada folk know it by the name of White Flambeau— although the colour of the flowers is a rich yellow — in contradistinction to the Red Flambeau, the Poinciana regia, a member of a diffe- rent natural order of plants, and a native of Mada- gascar. The opposite leaves of the White Flambeau are made up of a few long, pointed leaflets, toothed along their margins. The inside of the tubular flowers have several longitudinal red lines ; several flowers grow together at the tops of the br; nches. It is a small tree, or shrub- like bush, and its seed- pods in shape not unlike French Beans. TV. E. Broad- way, Grenada, The Week's Work. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By F. Harris, Gardener, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury. Cucumbers. — The early plants are now fbearing fruits, and should be liberally treatod, so as to keep them in vigour, and nothing is better in this direc- tion than top-dressings of the mixture mentioned in a previous Calendar, and manure- water afforded occa- sionally. The bine must be kept within bounds by pinching the points, removing old shoots and leaves, and allowing young bine to extend, all crowding being avoided. The Cucumbers, if setting freely, should always bo thinned out, so as to obtain good- looking fruits, and not exhaust the plants unduly. If red-spider or mildew should become apparent, the plants should be syringed for the former with flowers- of-sulphur mixed with water, and dusted with dry sulphur in the latter case when the leaves are damp. Where Cucumbers are obtained during the summer from hot-bed-frames, the present is a suitable time to start a few of them. Frames which have been in use for early vegetables may readily be adapted for Cucumber and Tomato culture. For Cucumbers the spent soil should be thrown out, and some fresh stable-dung and leaves stirred into the old materials ; and if dry, the whole ehould receive some water, so as to set up fermenta- tion. When this has occurred, put in small hillocks of roughish fibrous loam, and set out the plants, more soil being added as the roots of the plants find their way to the top. The treatment of these frames is similar to that recommended for early houses, covering the lights on cold nights, and taking pre- cautions against strong fumes from the dung. Sow more seeds at intervals in order to keep up a supply of plants. Strawberries. — The mid-season varieties, if they have been slowly forced, will be now coming into bearing, and if given plenty of air while ripening they will be of grand flavour and appearance. They will require careful attention in the matter of affording water, plants on shelves in forcing-houses requiring water in sunny weather twice if not thrice a day. It any plants get very dry, immerse them in water for a few minutes. The fruits of these varieties may be more freely thinned than was called for by the early fruiters, taking six as the average number of fruits to be left for ripening on plants growing in 32*s ; and smaller pots than this size should not be used for these, and later fruiters. If the shelves are covered with spent Mushroom- dung, or thin turves, and thin boards about 5 or 6 inches deep are placed edgewise on the shelves, much labour in watering the plants will be avoided. Such varieties as British Queen, Waterloo, and Dr. Hogg, which may be standing in cold frames, will be coming into flower, at which stage the ventilation must be well attended to, and the lights covered at night if frost be feared. Should aphides appear on these plants, fumigate them as soon as the flowers are set ; and if mildew be noticed, dip the foliage in a mixture of flowers-of-sulphur and water, which is more effective as a cure than dry sulphur. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Burford, Dorking. Cattleya* and La>lias. — C. Percivalliana, C. ainethy.stnglo^-sa, 0. Gaskelliaua,C. labiata autumnalis, C. Harrisoni, C. guttata Leopoldi, C. Schofieldiaua, C. Triancoi and its many distinct varieties, also such beautiful hybrids as C. exoniensis, C. Lord Rothschild, C. Harrisi, C. Pheidona, C. Fausta, Laslio-Cattleya elegans, kc, aro in various Btagcs of growth. Some of them have just done flowering, and are producing a number of young roots from the last made bulbs ; others are commencing to break, and as the new growths soon emit fresh roots, in such cases the operation of repotting or top-dressing should be pro- ceeded with at once. Any plants that have sufficient room fur further development should be relieved of the old material from their roots, and be re-surfaced with fresh compost. Unhealthy specimens should be turned out of their pots, and thoroughly cleansed, cutting away all dead roots and useless back pseudo- bulbs, repotting them into pots as small as they can conveniently be put into. In repotting healthy established plants, remove them from tho pots with as little mutilation of tho old roots as possible. Place the plants into pots of one or two sizes larger, but strictly guard against ovcr-potting. Let each pot be two-thirds filled with crocks, over which it is customary to place a thin layer of sphagnum to support the compost, which should consist of equal parts of the best sphagnum-moss and fibrous peat. After thoroughly mixing the compost, it is advisable to sift it roughly through a coarse-mesh sieve to get rid of the fine soil. Work some thick pieces of crocks in with the compost in order to prevent the soil from becoming sour. Pot the plants firmly, keepiug the base a trifle above the rim, and tie a few of the pseudo-bulbs to neat sticks, that the plant may be held firm. Afford water with great care during the first few weeks after re potting, as much moisture is likely to cause the old roots to decay. Until each plant is well re-established, simply moisten the compost around the edge of the pot, and keep the surround- ings fairly moist by syringing between the pots two or three times a day. By such methods the roots will soon grow and attach themselves to the sides of the pot, when the amount of water at the root may be gradually increased, affording it at moderate intervals in preference to keeping the compost constantly satu- rated. Until the roots are in full activity, the plants should be shaded from strong sunshine, or some of the older leaves may turn yellow and fall off. Plants of Cattleya Mendeli, C. Schilleriana, C. Mossiee, C. Skinneri, Lselia tenebrosa, and the different forms of L. purpurata, also Laslio-Cattleya Canhamiana x , L.-C. Arnolds; x , and others, whose flower-spikes are developing, will require extra large supplies of water at the root till the flowers expand, when they should be kept rather on the dry side until the new breaks appear. Any plants of the species or hybrids enume- rated that have failed to produce flower-spikes, or those that have deteriorated, may be re-potted at once, as the plants generally commence to root at this season. C. speciosissima may also be re- potted now, and suspended close to the roof glass of the Mexican- house. C. Walkeriana, now producing spikes from the apex of a small slender shoot at the base of the youngest pseudo-bulb, is quite distinct from all other Cattleyas in its mode of flowering, and in forming its new growth, which commences immediately the flowers fade, from the rhizome at the base of the old flower-stems. For this dwarf-growing species, teak- wood baskets are very suitable, and these ehould be suspended close to the roof-glass. Very little material is needed for them to root in ; in fact, they appear to grow more vigorously when the rhizomes push their way along the edges of the basket. During the resting season the hard, round pseudo-bulbs of this Cattleya rarely shrivel if they are properly matured, but remain plump for several months without receiving a drop of water at the root, and even during the grow- ing season very little water is necessary. C. Law- renceana now in flower should be placed at the cooler end of the house, and when the blooms have faded, the amount of moisture considerably reduced, but not sufficiently so as to cause shrivelling. C. Bowringiana is now at rest, and will require identical treatment. The same remarks apply to the lovely C. Schrodera3. Cattleya superba when com- mencing to grow may be rebasketed if necessary, or fixed to a piece of tree Fern stem, suspending it near the roof in the hottest house. Afford a moderate shadejand an abundance of water until the flowers open, when the plants may be removed to a light position in the Cattleya-house to mature their growth. Cattleya citrina now producing its handsome and fragrant blooms, should be kept in a cool sunny house, and afforded only a very limited quantity of water at the root. The flowers will then remain fresh for several weeks. The dwarf-growing Lielia pumila, L. pnestaus, L. Dayana, and L. marginata will require very little root-moisture ; and they should be placed at the warmest end of the Odontoglossum- Iiouse until growth recommences. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By G H. Mavcock, Gardener, Luton Hoo Park, Luton. Euphorbia Jacquinia'iora. — Cuttings of this plant which are rooted should be potted off without delay, and before the cutting-pots fill with roots. It is a delicate operation, and must be carefully done, or the plants will suffer greatly ; and some growers, to avoid root disturbance and its ill effects, repot without dividing the cuttings. If the stock is limited, it is the better way, as there is then no fear of loss of cuttings. Those that are potted must be kept in brisk heat for a time, not much water being afforded them before roots have fairly well filled the pots. Hippeastrum {Amaryllis). — As these bulbs pass out of flower in a cold-house, remove them to a warm one in order to keep them growing, and syringe the foliage night and morning on fine days, closing the house or pit soon in the afternoon. The withholding of water from these bulbs should not take place before the bulbs are thoroughly matured, and the foliage shows signs of maturity. In kinds that have the evergreen habit, the matured condition of the bulb is the only guide. Those who can grow them on a tan or leaf-bed may let them root through the holes in the pots, and when water is withheld they need not be disturbed before the autumn. When the foliage falls off naturally, the bulbs, if not standing in a bed, may be rested by turning the pots on their sides. Achimcncs. — Any varieties may now be introduced iuto heat as required ; and cuttiugs of desired varieties may be taken, which, if inserted in sandy peat, will take root readily. They may be struck in pots in thi3 manner so as to flower them without any re- potting. Afford the cuttings a temperature of 65° to 70°, and the tubers one of 55° to 70°. The latter degree of warmth will likewise suit the earlier successions. The Fernery. — The watering and syringing of the plants, and the keeping up of the necessary degree of humidity, are matters that require close attention at this season. Should the fernery be exposed on the south side, it must be shaded from the sun. Thrips aro apt to infest Tree Ferns, and must be watched for, and the plants freed of them by syringing and keeping the stems and surroundings humid, a dry air always favouring their increase. I do not advise the fumigation of Ferns, but if badly infested, some means will have to be taken, or the fronds will soon become disfigured. In such a case, the infested plants should be removed to another house for vaporising, not fumigating. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. ByH. W. Ward, Rayleigb, Essex. Figs. — It is wise to defer the pruning and training of Fig-trees until they begin to push into leaf, which may be about tho commencement of May or a little later. The wounds will now bleed but very little, by reason of the opening leaves drawing away the rising sap, which, if the trees were pruned earlier in the season, would flow through the wounds ; moreover, it can now be easily ascertained which of the shoots are best furnished with embryo fruits. These, as a matter of course, should be retained, cutting clean away as many old and less fruitful branches as are not required to cover the wall-space allotted to each tree. A space of 6 inches should be left between the branches, and the tree is best trained in the fan shape. One shoot of the current year's growth should be laid in between these in due time, and the points pinched out of any extra strong shoots when about 18 inches long, and the weaker ones at 2 feet. This will promote a balance of growth in the individual trees, assist the fruits to complete their swelling, and tend to the formation of fruits for the following year. Secure branches to tho wall by means of shreds and nails, and be careful to leave sufficient room in the shreds to admit of large growth being made — the same remark applies to trees which are trained to wired walls ; the ties of raffia or bast being made so loose that the bark will not be injured. As soon as the pruning and thinning of the trees have been completed, loosen the surface-soil for a space of 3 or 4 feet out from the Fig-wall with a digging-fork, Mat 1, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 287 and then give the entire border a good watering. Lay on a surface- dressing of short dung to the thickness of about 3 inches, and repeat the application of water at the roots several times during each month from May to August. The following varieties are excel- lent, viz., White Marseilles, Brown Turkey, Castle Kennedy, and Brunswick. The two last-mentioned varieties, under skilful treatment, produce largo hand- some fruits, fine in quality as well as in size — fruits which, on the exhibition- table or dinner-table are always admired. Removing Root-suckers from Wall Trees. — Root- suckers should be persistently removed, as they rob the tree considerably when allowed to remain. It is not much use to cut them off with the Dutch-hoe ; they should be pulled out, using the spade if neces- sary, but exercising care lest in severing these bunches of suckers from the main roots the latter become injured with the implement in the process. Suckers proceeding from the maiu stems (stocks) of grafted fruit trees should be rubbed off as Boon as they appear. Plums and other kinds of fruit worked on the Plum are the most troublesome in producing root-suckers, consequently a watchful eye should be kept on them. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By Charles Herein, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead. A nnuals. — In order to insure a fine summer display of annuals, sowings should now be made of the fol- lowing : — Bartonia aurea, Linum grandiflorum cocci- neum, which are excellent for filliug odd beds where the usual kinds of bedding plants are not desired, or the supply of the latter is not equal to the demand. For adding to the display in the herbaceous beds and borders, annuals are useful for filling vacant spaces. The best effects are produced not by an indiscrimi- nate mixture of many species, but by the employ- ment of a few, the names of which I give below. At Dropmore there are many large beds which are planted with Pseonies and other herbaceous peren- nials, and when the chief sowing of annuals is made at this date, the bare ground in these beds is sown with one species or variety of annual in a bed, the colours being varied ; as, for instance, Linum grandi- florum coccineum is sown in one ; in another Col- liusia bicolor, in others Clarkia marginata, fl.-pl., Nasturtium Tom Thumb, scarlet and yellow ; Gode- tias Whitneyi and Duchess of Albany, and others. Where taller subjects would make a nice display, and are permissible, the Coreopsis in variety, Lavatera trimestris, Malope grandiflora, blue Corn- flower, and Chrysanthemum Burridgeauum, and others, should be sown. Sweet Peas may be sown in rings, 2 to 4 feet in diameter, on the herbaceous borders, where sp.ice admits, placing a few sticks in the centre of each, which they will eventually cover with bine. A few days before the seeds of annuals are sown, the soil should be hoed, so as to kill weeds, and give to the surface a fine tilth, and, if necessary, it should be raked over, to render the surface level, and to remove stones, &c. The sowing of annuals in borders may take the form of lines, and large and small plots or patches, the seeds being scattered broadcast ; or in the case of large-sized seeds, sown in shallow drills. Very minute seeds should be sown on soil that is made firm and smooth, covering the seeds with fine soil from the potting-bonch, or the border itself. Some seeds may be left uncovered, but protecting them from the birds by pieces of netting, or by hand-glasses. If the seeds are known to be new, or a large percentage of them, as has been proved by testing them in pots in heat, are capable of germinating, they may be sown thinly, otherwise rather thick sowing may be advisable. Never let the seedlings get weak for lack of timely thinning. If slugs abound, use mixed lime and soot occasionally on moist evenings. Herbaceous P&onies. — These showy plants will require to be secured by ties of bast to short stakes, in order to prevent their falling over, and the flowers lying on the soil and being thereby spoiled ; moreover, the effect of a clump of Pajonies is finer if the flower- stems be kept erect. Stakes are unsightly objects if conspicuous, and it is my practice with all the stronger-growing varieties, especially those of P. offi- cinalis, P. Pottsii, and others of that type, to pass a piece of tarred string around each clump ju-t under the foliage when tho flowers are in bud, drawing the head together fairly tightly, and using no stakes. Treated in this manner they keep erect and spread open just enough by the time they are in bloom to look natural, and show oft the blossoms to advantage. For tall-growing varieties with slender stems I use one short stake, to which tho string is fastened, tho top of the stake being kept out of sight beneath the leaves. Forsythlas. — These handsome flowering ahrubs having now mostly passed out of bloom, require, in whatever form they are grown, some amount of annual pruniug, and the shoots made now, and those that result from this pruning, will furnish the flower- ing-wood for another year. The flowering shoots of this year should be shortened back to three or four breaks, and other pruning required may be done at the same time. Forsythia suspensa and F. viridissima are effective shrubs for planting in the open in the south of England, but in cold parts the shelter of a wall is required by both. As wall plants, the shoots should be nailed-in loosely. If the soil around the bushes is found to be exhausted, some of it should be replaced with turfy loam and rotten manure. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By W. Pope, Gardener, Highclere Castle, Newbury. Beetroot. — Seeds may now be sown for the main crop of Beet on land that was well manured for some earlier vegetable crop, fresh manure causing coarseness of growth at the top and bottom. If the seed be good and fresh, sow thinly in drills 15 to IS inches apart, and afford a slight dressing of common salt at the same time, raking it in whenjeoveriug tho seeds. Tho best kind of land for Beetroot is that which is rather light, fairly rich, and of good depth. Let the seedlings be singled in good time to a distance of 3 inches apart in the first instance, and then, if losses should occur, there are plants available for filling the rows later on. For transplanting to be successful, the plants must be allowed to attain a height of not less than G inches, and if the job bo performed in showery weather, good roots will result. At the final thinning, allow the plants to stand one foot apart. Good varieties are Dell's Crimson, Sutton's Blood Red, one of the beat for general use, the roots being of good colour, middle- size, and the crown short and compact ; Pragnell's Exhibition is larger, but handsome and good, and is better for exhibition and early consumption ; Chelten- ham Green Top is first-class, has green foliage, and deep red flesh. A little seed of the Turnip-rooted variety sown at the same time will be fit for use several weeks in advance of the long-rooted Beets, and is especially valuable in shallow soils. Crimson Ball is a greatly improved form of it. When thinning these Turnip-rooted Beets, they may be left at 6 inches apart. Beans. — The first sowing of Runner Beans may now be made, for it is only in favoured localities that it is safe to sow these out-of-doors before May 1, as besides their tenderness in a young state, seed sown at an earlier date, germinates badly, if at all. The soil for these should have been deeply dug, and made rich with manure. Sow in drills 3 inches deep, placing the seeds 3 to 4 inches asunder, and after- wards thin the plants to 1 foot apart. In this manner gappy rows are avoided. The surplus plants may be utilised elsewhere, as Beans bear transplanting well. Many prefer to sow double rows, the rows being about 9 inches apart; but for all practical pur- poses, single rows are to be preferred. The rows should run north and south, and be, at the least, 6 feet apart, a catch crop of some kind being taken from the space between the rows. The best and most succu- lent Beans are grown in trenches made as for Celery. If Runner Beans are required very early in the season, sow the required number of seeds singly in small pots, and place in a warm house or frame, and as soon as they are well up, repot them on into 32's, and when re-established remove to a cold frame, always allowing the plants plenty of air. Tie up the stems carefully as growth advances, and harden thoroughly before planting out in the third or fourth week in May. It proper care be taken of such an early sowing, Beans can be gathered a fort- night before those sown in the open ground. For exhibition or general use, nothing surpasses a true stock of NeaPs Ne Plus Ultra and Sutton's Best of All ; whilst those preferring a white seeded Bean will find nothing better than Chelsea Giant or Carter's Jubilee. A good breadth of Ne Plus Ultra Dwarf Bean sown now on a warm border will furnish plants that will bear pods some time before the Runners are ready. THE APIARY. By Expert. Fami'jathif} Hives. — At this season of the year, when the bee-keeper is busy with his stock, I would ofTor a word of warning to those who find it necessary to use a fumigator. On Saturday I had occasion to use the ordinary bellows-fumigator, and inadvertently handled a piece of rag that had been used for dres- sing an oil-lamp. Of course, instead of smouldering, a flame was urged up through the fumigator, igniting the netting, and enveloping my head and face in flames. I received a few nasty burns upon my ears and forehead. I trust this may be a timely warning to other small bee-keepers. Remedy for Bee-stings. — For the benefit of bee- keepers who have much to do with bee3, I want to give a word of advice to those who get stung more often than is quite pleasant ; that is, extract the sting as soon as possible, and apply a little of " Hudson's Dry Soap," mixed into a sort of paste over the place. I find it almost instantly relieves the pain, and stops the swelling. I am sure many bee-keepers will be thankful for the *' tip." Shade for Bees. — Shade is an advantage un- doubtedly, but we may have too much even of a good thing. I know of several cases where stocks are al ways Bhaded by dense foliage. The hives were consequently green and dirty-looking, and the stocks a little behind those, equally well cared for, standing in the open. Temporary shades might bo fixed over the hives during very hot weather, but in such a manner as not to be confusing to the bees when re- turning home from the fields. In America, one noted apiary presents a most pleasing appearance, and it has for the system of shading adopted been much copied. Ii front of the hive a Vine is grown, and trained to a fixed trellis-work. The foliage is a great protection to the hives, besides giving an unusual and picturesque effect to the scene. In England I am not aware that anything of the kind has been tried, pro- bably because we do not experience such a continuance of hot weather as our American cousins. Here, by outer cases to the hives, free circulation of air round the supers, a free entrance, and painting the hives so that the heat is reflected instead of absorbed, we get along without being troubled much by the heat. The Prospects. — Since my last notes appeared, a very gradual improvement has taken place in things apicul- tural. That all-important factor, the weather, has mended somewhat ; and though the bees are still backward, and all hope of very early supers aban- doned, there is yet ample time for bees to be got into condition for the main honey-flow. A late spring by no means foreshadows a bad season, but rather the contrary. As it was, however, March was a cruel month for the poor bees, and although it finished badly, April commenced worse. During tho first week of this month I stood watching the bees issuing from a longish row of hives, and within a few minutes counted several hundreds go forth, and did not see twenty come back. I estimated that during the prevalence of that chilling wind every bright hour cost my outside apiary not less than a pint of bees ; in fact, a subsequent examination of the stocks since the change has verified my estimate. Bearing in mind, then, that we are several weeks behind, and that this ground has to be recovered as speedily as possible, I have for the last ten days been syrup-feeding, giving good, thick, warm syrup every evening. Then as opportunity occurs, a little store from natural sources being obtainable, my charges are again getting into good heart. The 11th was the turning-point of the season ; on that day the air became once again scented with the delicious odour of spring flowers, and the bees at work bringing in honey-pollen. I was sorely tempted to put a rack or two of shallow frames on, but it is not to be just yet. I have this spring been able to verify the advantage of a bee-house as winter quarters for bees. No stocks of mine in the open equal in strength those indoors, comparisons averaging nine or ten frames covered with bees on indoor stocks against seven or eight frames, and even leas, outside. Spreading Brood. — I would advise all to hesitate before spreading brood nests at present, and even when "spreading" is ventured on, not to do it by inserting an empty comb or, still worse, a sheet of foundation, or may be a starter only. Enlarge the brood-nest if at all from the side, taking the last frame containing a little brood and insert it in the centre ; the queen if cramped for room will soon find out this comb, and that there are empty cells in it available for her purpose. Wait, however, till the warmer nights have come to stay before splitting the brood-nest in two by either an empty comb or a sheet of foundation, which is a veritable dummy for the time being, and should a sudden drop in the temperature occur it will cause the majority of the bees to cluster on the side where the queen is. This brings about to a certainty " chilled brood " along tho lower margins of the combs on the other side. 288 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. Iat 1, 1897. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be tent to the PUBLISHER. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants for naming, ihould be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Welling- ton Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications ihQIild he WRITTEN ON ONE SIDE ONLY OF THE PAPER, tent as early in the week as possible, and duly signed by the writer. 1/ desired, the signature will not be printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith. The Editor does not under- take to pay for any contributions, or to return unused com- municatiojis or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. Illustrations.— The Editor will thankfully receive and select photographs or drawings, suitable for re production in these pages, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, dc. ; but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury. APPOINTMENTS FOR MAY. THURSDAY, May FRIDAY, May SATURDAY, May TUESDAY', May FRIDAY, May TUESDAY, May WEDNESDAY, May FRIDAY, May SATURDAY, May MONDAY, May WEDNESDAY, May FRIDAY, May /Oprnintf hay of the Iiitorii:iti>>nril Exhibition at Hamburg, Ger- 1 -! Soci6te Fran^aiao d'Horticulture, London. lale of Wiffht Horticultural Society, Meeting. / Linnean Society, Meeting. J Ayrshire G an loner* Society, Meet, 'i Brighton and Susses Horticultural V Society, Show. 7— Royal Botanic Society, Lecture. 8— Royal Botanic Society. Meeting. 14— Royal Botanic Society, Lectun lfl/ Royal Botanic Society, Summe ( Exhibition at Rodent's Park. 21 — Royal Botanic Society, Lecture. 22 — Royal Bi 'tame Society, Meeting. /"Temple Show of the Roya Horti- „,.J cultural Society (3 days). | Gardeners' Koyal Benevolent Insti- ll tution (Annual Dinner). 28— Royal Botanic Society, Lecture. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. May 4^ Established Orchids, at Pro- \, theroe & Morris' Rooms. ['Japanese Lilies and Maples, Car- nations and Picotees, Green- house Plants, Ornamental Palms, Herbaceous Planta, &c, at Pro- theroe & Morris' Booms. Border Plants, Shrubs, Roses, Lilies, Bulbs, Palms, and Orna- mental Plants from Ghent, at Stevens' Rooms. WEDNESDAY, May 5 ! Imported and Established Orchids, from Messrs. F. Sander & Co., at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms. Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from Observations of Forty-three years, at Chiswick.— 52°, Actual Temperatures : — London. — April 28 : Max., 66° ; Min., 51°. Provinces.— April 28 (6 p.m.) ; Max., 65°, 9. Counties ; Mio., 44°., Aberdeen. It is conceivable that, in certain "r ,00 concurrent circumstances, our Supply. . food supply might be cut off, and we should be at the mercy of whatever enemy happened to be attacking us. As to the result, we shudder at its contemplation.* It so happens, happily, that there are a great many "ifs" in the case, and this being so, we can read Mr. Marston's pessimistic book with a little more complacency than would otherwise be the case. It is not within our province to discuss the political or the strategic aspects of the question, but any of us can see clearly enough * IPar, Famine, and our Food Siqyly, by R. B. M (Sampson, Low, Marston ii Co. . that if Mr. Marston's figures ami inferences be correct, we might be in very sad case indeed. Mr. Marston shows graphically that we now import over five times more Wheat than we grow. Moreover, it is evident to culti- vators that our climate is, relatively speaking, not favourable to Wheat-growing, and that the quality of the product is not so good as that ripened under more favourable conditions. Mr. Marston's idea is gradually to accumu- late un amount of Wheat equal to that im- ported in one year, and store it against the evil day. This project involves a compulsory exchange of it for the new corn of each year's importation, and other political and financial problems which we must leave to be discussed by those more familiar with the subject. The question we can concern ourselves with is this, what can we do to make our homo-grown loaf bigger P Can we do anything ? We believe we can, but not with the aid of Wheat. Our climate is too uncertain to permit of that. But there are other cereals, such as Barley or Oats, almost, if not quite, as nutritive as Wheat, which could be grown here with a greater degree of certainty than Wheat. Then there are the pulses — Peas, Beans, and the like — which are considerably more nutritious than Wheat, and which could be grown to help out under the distressing circumstances depicted by Mr. Marston. Potatos, too, might be of service, and green vegetables, roots of various kinds, and hardy fruits, would all serve to ameliorate our unfortunate plight. Of course, it would bo difficult to g6t stores of these things, and it would take time to grow them. At any rate, some of the items we have mentioned would be in store, so that wo should not be dependent wholly on the stock of Wheat there might be in the country. It must bo admitted, however, that our re- sources would be of extremely little importance in tho face of such a catastrophe as he shows is possible. Fortunately, it is not very probable that we shall ever have any such combination of circumstances to face. But if we do, the gardeners and tho farmers must do their parts. The market-gardeners, as it is, get a vast deal more out of the soil than the avorage farmer does ; and the increased knowledge brought to bear on cultural matters now-a-days has a ten- dency, which is already visible, to render us less dependent on the foreigner than we were. That we can ever be wholly so, it would be chimerical in the extreme to ex- pect ; and while we continue to be such good customers to our rivals, there is all the less reason for them to make war upon us. After all, Wheat is not the only food we require, and much of the food which is not derived from that source could, as we have said, be grown within our own boundaries. We recommend Mr. Marston's book to the careful perusal of our readers, for if its perusal has any influence in increasing the amount of our home supplies, and the increase of our food reserves, the feeling of alarm his book is calculated to arouse will be, in a measure, compensated for. An Uprooted Araucaria imbricata (Sup. plemcntary Illustration). — The heavy gale of March 3 last committed great havoc in various parts of the country, and many fine trees were levelled with tho ground, notably some of the Cedarsof Lebanon at Good- wood. Our supplementary illustration (fig. OS) shows a fine specimen, probably one of the earliest-planted Araucaria imbricata, standing in Sir Elliott Lke's grounds at South Lychett, near Poole, which was overturned by the gale. It was planted in 1832, and was 60 feet in height, and it seems to have had a diameter of 3 feet near tho base. Like most of the specimens that have acquired age, the stem was bereft of branches for one-fourth of its height, but the crown was massive and healthy, a fact that must have greatly contributed to its overthrow, Arau- carias being wide but not deep rooters. Royal Horticultural Society. — The following questions were put at tho late examination in Horticulture. Eight questions only had to be answered ; four from Division A, and four from Division B : — DIVISION A. Elementary Principles. 1. What are the three chief mineral ingredients of a soil ? Name garden plants or shrubs which delight in each kind respectively. 2. What differences may be expected from growing unripe, perfectly ripe, and long-kept seeds respectively ? 3. In transplanting, why is it necessary to preserve the extreme and most delicate tips of the root-fibrils? 4. Why does covering Bhubarb redden and lengthen the leaf stalks and stop the growth of the blade? 5. Describe the structure of a Hyacinth bulb, and explain why the Dutch method of slashing or hollowing out the bottom induces the formation of bulbils? 6. What are the essential conditions for successful grafting ? 7. How docs the structure of a Plum differ from that of an Apple? Explain the origin of each. S. Name the Natural Orders or Familios to which the following plants belong:— Cyclamen, Rhododendron, Cle- matis, Stock, Pelargonium, Borage, Potato, Onion, Parsley, and Turnip. DIVISION B. Horticultural Practice. 0. Explain the process of cross-fertilisation in garden flowers, and give examples of both hardy and exotic plants that have been improved thereby. 10. After seed of the Chinese Primula has been ripened, describe the method of sowing and subsequent treatment of the p ants up to the period of their flowering. 11. What is the native country of the Celery plant, and under what conditions does it grow naturally ? Give a short account of its culture, such as time of sowing and subsequent treatment. 12. When, and under what conditions, is Sea Kale found in a wild state? Describe its culture, and state the time of year it is in use. 13. Where is the common Asparagus said to be found in a wild state? State all you know of its culture, and for how long a period it may be had in use. 14. Give an account of the Apple. How are the trees pro- pagated? State what you know of its culture, and the diseases to which tho trees are liable, and the remedies. Name one good cooking variety for use in each month from August to April inclusive. 15. State all you know about the Raspberry. What sort of soil is best adapted to its culture? Give method of training and pruning, and the best varieties to cultivate, both yellow and red. 16. Give an account of the usual method of Gooseberry culture adopted in gardens ; and also the Lancashire method to obtain prize fruit. Name six of the beBt prize varieties, and six best for ordinary garden culture. " Kew Bulletin." — " Appendix ii., 1897" is devoted to an enumeration of all the new introduc- tions in the way of garden plants during 1890. Such lists are very valuable in botanical libraries, and on editor's tables. We trust that at the end of every quinquennium, an index of the names published in the preceding period will be issued. Hamburg General Exhibition. —During the last few days an important addition to the objects sent to the exhibition has come to hand from Messrs. W. A. Manua, South Orango, New Jersey. These will be exceedingly interesting to the German amateurs and gardeners, as they consist almost ex- clusively of novelties from Japan, and are still unknown on the Continent, as Lilies, Pjeonies, Acers, and carnivorous plants, said to be capable of endur- ing a continental winter. Among this contribution of Mr. Manda's are American novelties in Roses and Cannas. The Carrot-fly (Psila ros>£).— The Board of Agriculture has issued a leaflet dealing with the life-history of this injurious insect, and tho best meaus to adopt to got rid of it. Carrots are frequently much injured by the larvce or maggots of this fly, which bore into and feed upon their roots, living upon them, and causing them to become brown or rusty, and finally rotten. Early Carrots are not often Supplement to the "Gardeners- Chronicle," May 1. 1897. Mat 1, 1897.1 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. materially injured, as the fly does not, as a rule attack the roots until the middle of May. Carrots badly attached by this insect have deep cracks in the roots in which the larvae are found. These frequently extend to the centre of the roots, and cause them to rot. The tops become brown, and wither away, and in the early stages of the attack, when a3 yet there are only a few larvae in the roots, the foliage changes and betrays their presence. Copies of the leaflet can be obtained free of charge and post free on applica- tion to the Secretary, Board of Agriculture, 4, White- hall Place, S.W. Letters of application co addressed need not be stamped. The Late W. G. Head Fund.— This has now been closed, and the balance, after payment of medica', funeral, and other accounts, has been handed to the widow, who desires to most heartily thank all who so kindly assisted in meeting the very heavy expenses incurred during her husband's long and painful illness. Barley as a Base for Port Wine.— Agriculturists generally, and in the eastern counties especially, may bo pleased to learn that their Barley crops can be placed to other use than now obtaius, that, with the assistance of the laboratory expert, they may become manufacturers of port wine ! This is on the authority of H. B. M.'s Consul at Naples, who, in describing the operation, says: — " The Barley is first malted, then the bacilli of port wine are introduced into the mead, where they fecundate incontinently and transform it from immature beer into the richest port. When the animilculie have done their work they can be sterilised, a sufficient stock of microbes being preserved in the laboratory for further use." Perhaps the Board of Agriculture, or some energetic agricultural society, will take the matter in hand and furnish our agriculturists with a new industry, a new means of paying the rent ; or perhaps better still, those who now occupy themselves with brewing "a peck o' niaut," or larger quantity, may find it to their proat to turn out port from Barley-mead by tho hogmead. Orchids in Flower at Messrs. Protheroe & MORRIS' ROOMS. — At every Orchid sale at Messrs. Protheroe k Morris' llooms, Cheapside, an interest- ing display of these plants in flower may be seen, and probably many a casual visitor is thereby induced to commence cultivation of Orchids. On Friday, April 23, there was an unusually fine display, con- sisting of Cattleyas, Lawrence ana, Schrodene, Schil- leriana. Mossire, citrina, Acklandke,and Mendeli ; Lsclia purpurata, and others. Odontoglosmnis, triumpbans, crispum (some of tho forms being finely spotted), Pescatorei, Hallii, cordatum, Roezlii, cirrosuoo, Ruck- erianum, and many crosses. Among Cypripediums there were in flower about fifty different species and crosses. A large number of Dendrobiums, one fine specimen of D. Dalhousieanum being worthy of an exhibition stand. Of Oncidiums, Vandas, and other genera, there were also numerous representatives. NEW CORN PRODUCT.— The discovery that the pith of the corn stalk can be used in the construction of war vessels is likely to be of benefit to agriculture in more than one way. The chief use of this pith is for a packing between the inner and outer shells of the vessel, so that when pierced by a projectile it will absorb water and swell so rapidly as to close the open- ing before tho vessel leaks to a dangerous extent. Experiments with this pith have been so satisfactory that it has been adopted in the construction of all our new vessels of war, ami Kuropcan nations have com- missions for investigating the same material, so that the use of corn pith will make a market for what was once a waste product. In the process of extracting this pith the blades and husks are removed, and the stalks are cut into small pieces. When the pith is taken out from this stalk, the remainder is ground up into a flour-like substance which resembles bran. Some experiments with this " new corn product," as it is called, have been made at the Maryland Station with the remarkable result that it is found to con- tain eleven per cent, more of digestible matter and two per cent, more of digestible protein than the whole fodder does when shredded. It contains as much digestible matter as the corn blades, and more total digestible matter and half-of-one per cent, more protein than Timothy hay. It does not contain as much digestible albuminoids as Wheat-bran, but it equals that food in the total amount of digestible matter. It keeps as well as bran or Cotton-seed meal. It is in such condition that it can be uniformly mixed with any ground grain, and when used as a base it is possible to make a complete and normal ration for stock in one bulk without the necessity of feeding grain and hay separately. Animals fed upon such a ration eat it with relish, and keep in normal condition. Since there is only one pound of pith to fourteen pounds of blades, husk, and stalk, this new material amounts to a very considerable portion of the fodder. Garden and Forest. Bulletin de la Societe Francaise d'Hor TICULTURE DE LONDRES.— We have just received a copy of the annual bulletin for the past year, and are much gratified to find that substantial progress during 1896 has to be recorded. The French Horticultural Society of London has long been doing an excellent work, and its President, Mr. George Schneider, of whom a capital portrait is given as a frontispiece to the volume now under notice, is deserving of the warmest encouragement in his efforts to promote and extend good feeling among English and Continental gardeners and nurserymen. From a financial and numeric d standpoint, the Society mast be congratu- lated. Many of the leading horticulturists in Eugland and abroad have lent their support to the work that is being accomplished, and the interchange of situa- tions between young gardeners on both sides of the channel cannot fail to have a beneficial effect on those who have the courage to expatriate themselves for a while in order to enlarge their knowledge and experience. Briefly stated, the contents of the Balk- tin comprise the annual report, rules, lists of officers and members ; proceedings at the meetings, including the last annual dinner, which was presided over by Mr. Geo. Nicholson, of Kew, and was unquestion- ably one of the most successful ever held ; the balauco sheet, contents of the Society's library, and the best of tho papers read by the members on various sub- jects of horticultural interest. All particulars con- cerning the Society can be obtained from the Secre- tary, at the head-quarters of the Society, 19, Old Compton Street, Soho, W.C. OROBANCHE ON HuMEA.— Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons send us a plant of llumea elegans killed by the growth on it of Orobanche minor. We never saw the llumea attacked before. Doubtless, the seed of the parasite was introduced with peat. Phylloxera Regulations at the Cape.— We are pleased to see that the Cape Government has at last repealed the vexatious and useless restrictions on the importation of plants, other than Vines. Wo have protested against these absurd rules up till now in vain, bo that it is pleasing at length to see some signs of the abatement of these mischievous enactments. "One and All Gardening."— This is de- scribed as being a "popular annual for amateurs, allotmeutholders, and working-gardeners," and cer- tainly fur the price asked {'ld,\ is well worth the consideration of all these classes. It is edited by Mr. Eoward Greening, and published by the Agricultural and Horticultural Association, Agar Street, W.C. "GARDENING FOR All."— This handbook, by James Udalk, with an introduction by the Right Hon. Viscount Codiiam, is issued as a Worcestershire Technical Instruction Committee Manual. Its pages are devoted to tho consideration of soils, crops, and small collections of flowers, fruit, and vegetables ; and the reliability of the information given is quite to be depended upon. It is true that there aro now- a-days many books upon gardens and gardening, but it is also true that the reading and gardening public ia ever increasing. To meet their requirements, here is yet one more book which, for clearness of style and plainness of the illustrations, may be commended to their notice. Potato Eduard Lefort.— The well-known firm of MM. H. Vilmorin, Andrieux & Co., are dis- tributing a variety of Potato which deserves attention from the gardening world, not only for its high cul- tural value, but also as being the product of grafting the variety Imperator on the early Ashleaf (Marjolin of the French). This is certainly the first instance of a hybrid having been obtained in this manner, which combines the peculiar good properties of the stock and tho scion. The tubers are of middle size, round in shape, and keep in good condition for a consider- able period. The fl^sh is yellow, firm, mealy when cooked, and of good flavour. It is an early ripening very prolific Potato, with but little haulm. The raiser is M. Lefort, of Strawberry fame. Wiener Garten Zeitung. The Apple-blossom Weevil. — Mr. F. V. Theobald lias placed fruit-growers under an obliga- tion by printing, in a concise form, the account of the appearance and manners and customs of the destructive insect known as Anthonomus pomorum. The pamphlet may be had on application to Mr. Theobald, at the Agricultural College, Wye, Kent. The application of kerosene emulsion before the flower-buds open is recommended, and it certainly has an advantage over very poisonous substances, such as London-purple or Paris-green. Mr. Theobald calls attention, nevertheless, to a new insecticide in the form of arsenate of lead, the mode of preparation of which is detailed in the pamphlet before us. The cost is not greater than \d. per 100 gallons, and we are told that it is t( most successful in regard to leaf and bud- eating larvie, and is well worth a trial by all fruit- growers." Alternations of Generation.— We alluded to this subject in our last issue, and had we received it in time we should have mentioned a paper of M. Henrik Hesselman on the '■ Formation of Floral Leaves from the Scales of Bulbils in Lilium bulbi- ferum ; " in other words, transitional forms between the scales of the bulbils and the parts of the flowers. The paper is in Swedish, but there is a summary in German. LORD ROSEBERY POTATO.— Several of our northern correspondents have kindly furnished us with information concerning the origin of Lird Rose- bery Potato. It is stated to bo a seedling from Grampian— a much-esteemed Scotch variety, and it is one of tho finest round ooloured Potato j grown. Messrs. G. Bruce & Co., Aberdeen, catalogue it. Coming Exhibitions.— Schedules have been received from the following Societies : — Royal Botanical and Horticultural of Man- chester, for exhibitions to be held on the following dates ;— Juno 4 to 10, and July 10. The first of these is the usual Whitsuntide fixture, for which there are forty-one classes. Most of the flowering and foliage plants in season at that time are schedulod. The exhibition on July 10 will be one of Roses, and In conjunction with this a cottagers' competition will take place. The Bath Floral Fktb and Band Commcttei: have arranged for a Hose aud Begonia show ou Thurs- day, July 8 ; and a general exhibition of horticultural produce on September 1 and 2. Efforts have been made to make each of these a success. Leeds Flower Show and Gala. — This event is to take place in the Headiugley Athletic Grounds on Wednesday, July 7, and two following days. The schodule includes seveuty-two classes of varied and comprehensive character ; Orchids and groups of miscellaneous plant* are specially encouraged. West of England Chrysanthemum.— The annual exhibition is to be hold ia the Guildhall, Plymouth. on Tuesday, November 2, and following day. The schedulo includes classes for fruits and vegetables, and, in addition, many special prizes are offered for similar produce. The Chrysanthemum, however, will create three-fourths of tho show. 290 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Mat 1, 1897. The Feather-weight Bouquet.— We re- mark in a pictorial list of floral designs, issued by Messrs. B. S. Williams & Son of Holloway and Pic- cadilly, a novel kind of bouquet, consisting of long sprays of Asparagus, to which slender, pendent sprays of flowers are attached. Providing the flowers are of a suitable kind, a bouquet of this Bort has an elegant appearance ; and, being but a few ounces in weight, it imposes no arduous efforts on the part of the lady to keep it in her hand. Apples from the Antipodes.— When in February last wo noticed the arrangements for the supply of Tasmanian Apples to this market, the limit was in the vicinity of 100,000 boxes- that limit has been exceeded already, and to-day we have the fol- lowing from the officials of the P. & O. ss. Co. :— By the Orient Co.'s steamer Ophir, 16,000 boxes ; by the P. & O. Co.'s steamer Ballaral, due about June 2, 25,000 boxes ; and by the Orient Co.'s steamer Orotava, 5300 boxes. Royal Botanic Society.— Owing to the lata cold weather having kept back the flowers, the show of the National Tulip Society, which had been announced to take place in the Gardens on Miy 5 and 6, has been postponed to the 12th and 13th. Publications Received.— The Canadian Hor- ticulturist (published by the Ontario Fruit Growers' Association, Grimsby, Ontario), April. — Favourite Flowers of Garden and Greenhouse, vol. iii., No. 34. — U. S. Department of Agriculture, Division of Ento- mology, Some Little-knotm Insects Affecting Stored Vegetable Products, by F. H. Chittenden. Among the contents of this useful Bulletin are articles on : — "The Dried Currant-moth (Ephestia cahiritella)," "The Chocolate-moth (E. elutella)," "Notes on Grain-beetles of the Genus Silvanus," " Grauivorous and other Habits of Certain Dermestidic," "Weevils that Affect the Seed of the Cow-pea," " Development of the Common Bean-weevil," "A Little-known Grain-weevil (Caulophiluslatinasus)," "On the Occur- rence of the Grain-moth," " Invasion of the Coffee- bean Weevil," "Parasites on Flower and Meal- moths," and "A Foreign Parasite of the Grain- weevils." I^Plum, The Czar. — One of Mr. Rivers' seedlings, remark- able for itn u;irliiK:ss, prolific habit, and good flavour. But' UHn o? Arboriculture, Febmary. PTKROC'ACTrrs Kuntzei, K. Schumann, in Monatsschri/l f'tir- Kaltccnhunde. Romnf.va Coulteri, TtjdsehriJ't VOOT Tuinl'OUW, t. 5. Rosa moltiflora— 1, Aglaia ; 2, Euphrosyne ; 3, Tlialia. — Rosen Zeitung, February. Tillandsia Ducesii, Garden and Forest, February 3. Toups, Single Varieties.— 1, Cbrysolora ; 2, Canary- bird ; 3, Wouvermann, dull purple ; 4, Immaculate. All well known and approved varieties. Flordeuium Haarh«wnst; t. 8. , hort., Revue PLANT PORTRAITS. iEsCHYNANTHus speciosus, Garden, March 13. Allamanda nobilis, Moore, in Qard, Chron., 1S63 p. 180; Revue Hortiole, February 14. Asplenium Fil.ix-K'KMIXA, Meekans1 Monthly, February. Cassia occidentals, Revue Horticole, April 1. CattleyaxGkossii (bicolorhown, including a few with long stems possessing bright healthy foliage (Silver-gilt Flora Medal). Mr. W. Bshmsey, Joyning's Nursery, Waltham Cross, London, N., made a good display of Rose blooms, and also of plants fc> pot*. Of the latter, there were numerous varieties represented by small plants, and there were s.veral large boxes filled with blooms of diverse varieties (Silver Banksian Modal). Mr. Frank Cant or the Braiswick Nurseries, Colchester, made a group of Roees in pots upon the floor near the entrance door. The plants were young and dwarf, in capital health, and possessed of good foliage. The varieties included were fairly numerous The following were con- spicuous amongst them :— Captain Christy, Marie Baumann, Camilla Bernardin, Shirley Hibberd (a pretty little yellow Rose), Mrs. Harkuess, Mrs. R. G. Sharmau Crawford, Chas. Lefebvre. Varieties of the Polyantha type skirted the group (Silver Flora Medal . Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, showed a group of Roses in pots, a few meritorious Hippeastrums, and several species of hardy plants in flower. Also a plant of Moms albus pendula, or a weeping variety of the White Mulberry. This latter was recommended an Award of Merit, and a Silver Flora Medal was awarded to the group. The genus Primula was represented by a collection of Alpine Auriculas and varieties of P. Sieboldi, from Mr. Charles Turner, Royal Nursery, Slough ; among the fbraier being some newer sorts raised at Slough. The gold ccntro is easy to get in the Alpine Auricula, and the nearer it approaches a deep bright gold, the ereater is the contrast with the marginal colours. A few of the leading varieties were Fred Knighton, of strong growth, and which throws a very strong stem, bearing an unusually large truss of bloorn ; the ground-colour maroon, .shading to decn lilac-rose; the pip flat, and circular, and a fine exhibition variety, though a little late in blooming. A plant of this variety was submitted to the Floral Committee by Mr. R. Dean, Eiling, and an Award of Merit was made to it. Others of the golden-centre section were :— Silvii, broad maroon ground, with slight Bhading of crimson; John Beswick, hiving a maroon ground, broadly shaded with bright crimson ; Mr. Watts, in the same way, but the yellow ccntredeeper— this is a fine variety, having a symmetrical, flat, smooth pip ; Joseph Bates, pale centre, with a black blotch to each segment of the corolla, shading to rosy-salmon— a variety of con- siderable refinement ; Comet, bright gold, slight dark ground, with broad edging of rosy-salmon ; W. L. Walker, pale gold, the maroon ground shading to rosy-lilac— largo flat pip of high quality ; Alarm, having slight dark edges, with a broad margin "f rosy-salmon ; and Adventure, having a d-irk ground extending nearly to the edgo, with a slight wiro shading of lilac. The white centre is much more difficult of attainment, as so very few varieties open white, and then maintain it bright and clear. Some which open white quickly fade to a deathly appearance, while the marginal colours are bright and effective. Others open pale yellow in the centre, and bleach to white ; but in the case of such a variety, the truss has a confused aupearance, as pips have different tinted centres, according to tueir development. The purest and most living white centres are generally associated with lilac, violet, mauve, or purple in the marginal colours, though the white centre is sometimes found in combination with a crimson shaded margin. Three of lh? best of the newtr white centred Auriculas are to be found in Winnifred, Mrs. Harry Turner, and Countess, all having dark ground colours, shading to pinkish and rosy-violet. Others were Dora, with dark blotches shadiDg to pink, and deepening to rosy-lilac, fine pip; Countess of Stamford, black ground shading to deep rosy-cerise ; Duchess, cream centre paling to white, dark ground shading to lilac ; and Pantaloon, a charming variety, black ground, distinctly laced with Klic-rose. Mr. R. Dban had a white centred flower named J. W. Wilkinson, the lilac shading on tho margin being much reticulated. Mr. Turner had several pans of P. Sieboldi in variety, each pan being filled with small plants in pots. The darkest was Victor, bright magenta ; then rather paler in colour came Ruby Gem ; Harry and Arthur, pale soft rose ; Polly and Mrs. Crossland, of still softer tints ; Mrs. Ryder and Fairy Queen, blush ; Alba grandiflora aud Queen of Whites, the best whites. Beautiful and easily grown as are the varieties of P. Sieboldi, yet they do not appear to take the public taste as much as they deserve (Silver Flora Medal). Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nurs ry, Chelsea, were awarded a First-class Certificate for a new hybrid greenhouse Rhododendron, named R. X superbissi- mum. It has large white blossoms, exceedingly fragrant, of the same type as Princess Alice or Lady Alice Fitz William ; one of the parents used was R Fosterianum. Pretty plants of Cupressus Lawsoniana var. versicolor anl C. L. var. Miformis were noticed, and a few excellently grown and finely-flowered plants of Carnation Winter Cheer and Strep- tocarpus Polyanthus, with numerous rather small mauve flowers, produced like a Polyanthus. Messrs. J.\s. Veitch & Sons also exhibited plants in flovcr of Cytisus pneeox (standard), Andromeda specio3a casstm foli i, Exocliorda grandiflora, and Cydonia JUulei. A fe* well g own plants of Boronia serrulata an I Coprosma Baueriana vari^gata were exhibited by Mess s. W. Bai.chtn & Sons, Hassocks Nurseries, Brighton. An extraordinary variety of Lily of the Valley, with Urge inflorescences, and beds of uncommon size, was shown by Messrs. Laxton Bros., Bedford. Messrs. Barr & Sons, K ng Street, Co vent G trdeu, mad3 a Urge display, with Tulip Bowers of mmy diverse va' icties. May 1, 1897.] THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE. 293 Iso were represented, including T. elegant, . e. variegata, T. fulgens, T. acuminata, a species with extraordinary attenuated petals; T. retro- flexa, yellow ; T. viridiflora pnecox, &c. (Silver Flora Medal). Messrs. J. James & Son, Farnham Royal, exhibited a few crosses of the garden Cineraria, with Scnccio cruentus which were submitted afterwards to the inspection of the Scientific Committee. No. 1 was the result of a cross between S. cruentus and the pollen of an ordinary Cinerarial Nos 2, 3, 4, and J were the result of crossing this hybrid (No. 1 erect stout stems, to the number eight ur nine flowers upon each. A slight tinge of lilac could be observed upon the exterior ot the umbel. Mr. H. B. May, Dyson's Lane Nurseries, Upper Edmonton, showed five varieties of the Fern, Lomaria ciliata. A dis- tinct variety, named Major, was recommended an Award of Merit ; and another one of very pleasing appearancej named Grandis a First-class Certificate. Mrs. Powvs, Cornwall, showed Myosotidium nobile, from the open ground. It is tho only species, and belongs to Probably, in consequence of the Hamburgh Show, there was a smaller display of Orchids than usual, but the show made was bright and interesting. Odontoglossums formed the chief feature, and of these Welrore S. Ellis, Esq., of llazelbourne, Dorking (gr., Mr. Barrell), and R. Brooman- Wuite, E.sq., Arddarrocli, Garelochead, two amateurs famed for the cultivation of OdontoglossumB, bad good groups of these favourite flowers, the former gentleman securing a Silver Flora, and the latter a Silver Banksian Medal. Mr. White's group contained the only plant which was Fill. 100. — MYOSOTIDIUM NUBILE. with S. Heritieri No. 6 of S. Horitieri with pollen of S. cruentus. No. 3 had white flowers, with foliage similar to that of S. Heritieri. It is pretty, and would make a useful greonhouse plant. Some samples of metallic labels were submitted by Mr. J. a. Horrjl, 295, Southampton Street. Camberwell, which appeared to possess considerable merit. An Award of Merit was recommended to Primula Trailli shown by G. F. Wilson, Esq., Weybridge and Wisley. The plant is evidently closely related to P. involucrata. It has similar oblong lanceolate leaves. The flowers were pure white, with a yellow ring at the apex of ube, svpport^d on Boraginew. It s semi-hardy, and difficult of cultivation, rarely seen in llowcr in the open. It produces large, fleshy caves, aud white flowers with blue centres. (See fig. 100.) Orchid Committee. Present; Harry J. Veitch, Esq., in the chair; and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (Hon. Sec.) ; De B. Crawshay, H. J. Chapman, R. Brooman White, W. H. Protheroe, W. H. Young, F. J. Thome, W. H. Whito, J. Jaques, Thos. Statter, W. Cobb, E. Hill, J. Douglas, S. Courtauld, H. Williams and H. M Pollett. awarded a First-class Certificate, viz., Odo&togiOSbum crispu heliotropium, a variety with fine y-formed, light rose-coloured flowera, the petals bearing many, and the lower halves of the sepals fewer bright reddish purple spots. The group con- tained several excellent forms of O. criepum and O. x Ander- sonianum ; and two plants of the pretty Arddarroch cross- bred Cattleya x Lawrenceana-Mossias. In Mr. Ellis's group, the specially noteworthy plants were Od^ntoglossum erispum "Cecil Clay," a fine form of the O. c. Trianaji class, with largo blotches on the sepals ; 0. c. " Emily Ellis," another finespottel form ; O. c. roseum, O. c. " Geraldine Mitchell, " <">. Pescatorei, Hazelbourne variety, with petals 294 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Mat 1, 1897. apottod with purple, and which had been previously certifi- cated ; O. x Andersonianum, Hazelbourno variety, a very handsome flower ; O, citrosmuni, Cattleya eitrina, with nine flowers on a single plant ; Fpidendnira ciliare, Lycaste aromalica, &c, Messrs. F. Sander & Co., St. Albans, were awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a good group, in which a con- spicuous figuro was Sobralia macrantha alba nana, a fine pure white variety, growing only 1 foot in height. At the rear of the group some fine spikes of Oncidium Marshallia- num, Odontoglossum luteo-purpureum, and O. erispum ; well-flowered plants of Miltonia voxillaria, M. v. leucoglossa, the pretty little M. PhaIa>nopsis, Masdevallia X Mundyana, the singular salmon-coloured Coelogyne tomontosa, Phala?- nopais Aphrodite, a very singular and pretty Lycaste Skin- neri, with pure white lip, and tips to the petals; Miltonia Warseewiczii, Dendrobium Fhalsenopsis Schroderianum, and Vanda BensoDi, were noted. Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Clapton, staged a group, in which were Odontoglossum ;■; excellens Lowi*, a very fine form, with bright yellow flowers, spotted with chestnut- brown, the spiko carrying fifteen flowers, and secured an Award of Merit. Plants were shown of Bulbophyllum elaptonense, resembling a very dark-coloured B. Lobbi ; Cattleya Lawrenceana concolor, with flowers entirely of a lilac hue; Odontoglossum Andersonianum flaveolum, an unspotted variety ; a number of fine Cattleya Mendeli, Odon- toglossum crispura, and other Odontoglossums, Lselio- Cattleya x Sehilleriana, Oncidium papilio, < >. phymatochilum, O. sarcodes, Dendrobium liens, mia', 1> lituitlorum, Cypri- pedium Curtisii, C. x grande, and its darker variety atratum (Silver Banksian Medal). Messrs. B. S. Williams & Son, Victoria and Paradise Nur- series, Upper Holloway, N., received a Silver Banksian Modal for a very effective group, consisting of fine varieties of Cattleya Mendeli, C. Lawrenceana, a large number of showy i Moutoglossums, Calanthe veratrifolia, Dendrobium Dcvonianum, D. crystallinum, and D. thyrsi floruni, Eulo- pbiella Elisabetha?, Lycaste Sehilleriana, a singular and pretty variety of Miltonia spectabilis, with some purple marks on the petals, and several radiating dark rose lines on the lip ; Cypripedium x lo grande, C. Boxalli, C. bar- batum Warneri, C. x vernixium, Oncidium concolor, O. Phalienoppis, the very pretty Trichocentrum tigrinum, Vanda suavis, Ad* aurantiaca, &.c. Major Joicey, Sunniegdale Fark, Sunningdale (gr., Mr. Fred. J. Thome), ahowed a splendid example of the bright orange-coloured Luddemannia Lehmanni with a heavy pendulous raceme of seventy-four flowers (Cultural Com- mendation), and a tine inflorescence of Eriopsis rutidobulbon with greenish-gold and purple sepals and petals, and pure white lip spotted with purple. The Marquis of Camden, Bayham Abbey, Kent (gr., Mr. A. Methuen), received a Cultural Commendation for a noble example of Dendrobium thyrsiflorum with twenty-seven spikes, averaging over forty flowers each ; and which was purchased at Messrs. Protheroe and Morris' Rooms as a single piece some two or three years ago. F. W. MaRter, Esq., Lake House, Byfleet, Surrey (gr., Mr. P. Bradley), showed a fine Jsinglo specimen of Lselia pur- purata with two spikes, the one bearing seven, and the other five fine flowers. Wm, White Palmer, Esq., Rutland Lodge, Kent, showed a fine single specimen of Dendrobium infundibulum, with a large number of white flowers with yellow blotch on the lip (Cultural Commendation). H. T. Pitt, Esq., Rosslyn, Stamford Hill (gr., Mr. Aldous), showed Odontoglossum Halli, Rosslyn variety, a very hand- some form, with broad sepals and petals with very dark marking, and pure white lip blotched with brown. Malcolm S. Cooke, Esq., Kingston Hill, showed a group in the centre of which was a finely-flowered Miltonia vexil- laria, and with it good Odontoglossum erispum, O. Hallii, Masdevallia x Chelsoni, and s'ophronitis grandiflora (Bronze Banksian Medal). E. J. Sidebotham, Esq., Bowden, Cheshire, showed Den- drobium nobile roscum, with flowers tinted with a peculiar pale cherry-red hue. Narcissus Committee. Present: Messrs. C. R. Scrase-Diekins, Jas. Walker. A. Kingsniill, W. Barr, J. D. Bennett Poe, Miss Willrnotr, and others. The display of Narcissi was naturally less in quan- tity than on the 13th ; but flowers from the North, and from Holland, where the season seems backward rather than early, were still Bhown in fair abundance, and excellent in quality. Messrs. Barr staged an imposing bank of the various sections, the prominent feature being a large gathering of their fine new bicolor Ajax, Victoria, a flower of fine form and stout substance, which gained an Award of Merit. The large new Trumpets, Shakespeare and Fred Moore, also attracted attention (Silver Flora Medal). Messrs. Veitch included in their exhibit, which was very tastefully so*, up with foliage and Ferns, a considerable number of their own seedlings, one of which, a medium- sized flower, with brilliant red shortened crown— Ivanhoe— the committee desired to see again when more fully ex- panded. The white Trumpet — Madame de Graaff— was exceptionally good in this stand (Silver Flora Medal). Mr. [J. W. Wilson, Drewton Stray, South Cave, Yorks, obtained a Silver Banksian Medal for a considerable and varied collection, which had travelled well. The Rev. G. H. Engleheart showed a small selection of new hybrids, noticeably a strain of poeticus, intermediate between the early-blooming ornatus and the late i and verus, yielding circular, firm-petilled flowers, inter- mediate in form and season. A late incorjiparabilis, with sulphur-white divisions, and very broad, open, yellow crown, took the prize for the best seedling of the mooting, and a very graceful hybrid between poeticus and triandrus, with several delicately tinted flowers on each stem, was awarded a First-class Certificate. The Rev. W. Wilks, Shirloy Vicarage, Croydon, showed an extraordinarily large-flowered and robust form of N. biflorus (Award of Merit). Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present .- Philip Crowley, Esq. (chairman) ; and Messrs. Jos, Cheal, Jas. H. Veitch, A. F. Barron, A. H. Pearson, J. Wright, Alex. Dean, W. Farr, J. W. Bates, Geo. Woodward, Jno. A. Laing, Geo. Wythes, F. Q. Lane, Jas. Smith, J. Willard, and Robt. Fyfe. Mr. Wythes, gr. to Earl Percy, Syon House, showed a select lot of vegetables in season. We remarked in varieties of Po- tatos .-—Sutton's Al, Early May, like Mona's Pride in shape ; Bharpe's Victor, English Beauty Improved, and Myatt's Ash- leaf. Of Broccolis, there were Sutton's Late Queen— surely out of season (?), and Vcitch's Model; Cabbage Sutton's Early Favourite, and apparently early hearting varieties ; some very robust heads of Seakale ; and ripe and green Tomatos, as grown on the same hunch. Fig St. John, a variety of a vivid green colour in the ripe state. Very fine Royal Sovereign Strawberries, taken from plants averaging eight to ten fruits on each ; and Keen's Seedling, of good size, from plants carrying the sime number. Some new and old black and white Grapes came also from Syon. An Award of a Silver Banksi-m Medal. Messrs. Hurst & foN, Houndsditch, contributed some heads of a fine large Broccoli under the name of Hurst's Early April. It is somewhat cone-shaped, the curd creamy- white and firm. Mr. Russeix, Farnhiirough, showed a new variety of Straw- berry, named Rally Giant, a large corrugated fruit, of poor flavour, said to have been raised from Sir J. Paxton and Grosse Sucree. It is surprising that the flavour is not better, coming from such good sources. Mr. O. Thomas, gardener to the Queen, Frogmore, showed capital yellow- -fruited Tomato Royal Windsor, a fruit of large size and fine flavour. It is oblate, and slightly corrugated. The information was accorded that it is the result of a cross between Golden Princess and Frogmore Selected. Judging from a piece of stem shown, it is a prolific variety (Award of Merit). Fruits of the latter were also shown— smooth, crimson-coloured fruits ; also, some of a new Strawberry, called Sir Trevor, out of La Grosse Sucree and Royal Sovereign, The fruits throughout were of a Cockscomb shape, large, and of good flavour. Dwarf French Beana Ne Plus Ultra and Early Favourite were shown by Messrs. J, Veitch ; the former being likewise shown by Messrs. Watkins & SiWPSON ; Dwarf French Beau Emperor William by Mr. Ernest Benary, Erfurt — abroad, flat pod, with prominent seeds ; Mohawk Improved French Bean, by Mr. G. Wythes ; and Golden Wax Bean, by Messrs. Barr & Sons ; Osborne's Forcing, by Watkins & Simpson ; and by Dammax & Co. ; received an Award of Merit. In the competition for the highest flavour in Apples, which has now greatly fallen off in regard to the number of exhibits, the 1st prize fell to Mr. C. Herri n, Dropmore, with Sturmer Pippin; 2od, to Mr. Tallack, Bury St. Edmunds, with Brandy Pippin. A few other varieties of Apples were shown, including Baxley's Pearmain, ( laygate Fearmain, and Scarlet Nonpareil. Messrs. Hillier, Winchester, showed handsome fruits of Hillier's Easter Orange Apple, said to have a tender flesh and pleasant flavour (an Award of Merit). The Lecture. In the afternoon Mr. Alex. Dean read a paper upon "Winter and Spring Bedding." The lecture was prefaced by a few general remarks upon the whole- subject of " bedding out," or the planting of beds with diverse plants to create effect. Mr. Dean spoke of instances where such planting ha'i been practised skilfully aud with very favourable results, but admitted that extremists had sought " vulgar effects," and had made "garish combinations." Later, when speaking of spring gardening more particularly, a stronger view was taken, and the massing of Tulips and Hyacinths in square flat beds severely deprecated. Those who profess to admire such displays of bulbs as are to be seen annually in the London parks and elsewhere, were placed in the same category as persons who prefer the dis- played posters upon tbe hoarding in the streets to the exhibits in the National Gallery. Mr. Dean referred in appreciative terms to the manner hi which the beds at Cliveden and Heckfield were furnished by Fleming and Wildsmith respectively, and added, that since their days, particularly Fleming's, there had been placed within rea h of the gardener a large number of coniferous and other plants particularly suitable for the purpose of furnishing beds during winter and spring. In referring to a paper upon the subject, read before the Royal Horti- cultural Society a few years since, by the Rev. W. Wilks, Mr. Dean criticised the view then expressed, that the plants should be kept in pots, to be merely plunged in the beds. Conifers and other evergreen plants, also deciduous flower- ing shrubs, if moved twice during the year, would make comparatively little growth, but they would develop a mass of fibrous roots, and by means of such escape injury. A very long list of plants suitable for planting in bods was attached to the paper, but not read, Mr. Dean remarking that, apart from Conifers, there were Skimmias, Aucubas, Pernettyas, Daphne Mezereum, Periwinkles, Ivies, flowering Currants, variegated Comfrey, Ribbon-grass (Phalaris aruu- dinacoa variogata), variegated Cress, &c. Tulips, Hyacinths, Squills, and other bulbs, though not desirable when masaod, were nevertheless invaluable to plant with discretion among the other plants. The Chairman, the Rev. G. H. Engleheart, was not pre- pared to endorse Mr. Dean's distaste of massing spring- flowering plants and bulbs, and thought that if we were to give up "massing" our colours altogether: we should be ignoring a lesson frequently taught us by Nature, instancing the sheet of colour produced by the wild Hyacinths in Hamp. shire.1 The Rev. Mr. Wilks said he remained perfectly unconvinced in the matter of transplanting his shrubs and plants twice each year in preference to keeping them in pots. He would defy Mr. Dean by the system he recommended to successfully treat " tree" Ivies, and if he discarded these he would discard one of the most useful and suitable plants for furnishing beds in winter. The " tree " Ivy is the form that Ivy assumes after it has reached the top of a wall, and therefore ceased to climb. If these shoots are cut off and struck, they maintain the "tree" shape already assumed. All Ivies are impatient of transplantation or interference with roots and " tree " Ivies especially so. MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF ENGLAND ORCHID. April 23. — At an adjourned meeting held in the Memorial Hall, Albert Square, Manchester, on the above date, George Shorland Ball, E;q., of Ashford, in the chair, the following proposals were made and seconded by various gentlemen present.— That the society be called the Manchester and North of England Orchid Society, with an entrance fee of one guinea, and an annual subscription of one guinea ; that the Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, M.P., be invited tj become the first president; that E. Ashworth, Esq., Hare- field Hall, Wilmslow, be appointed chairman of the Society and of the Orchid Committee, and W. Thomp- son, Esq., Walton Grange, Stone, vice-chairman; G. Sho - land Ball, Esq., Ashford, Wilmslow, honorary treasurer; and W. A. Gent, Esq., 41, Faulkner Street, Manchester, honorary secretary. The following twelve gentleman were elected members of the Committee, viz , Messrs. J. Ande-- son, W. Bolton, H. Greenwood, Capt. G. W. Law Schofield, Thos. Statter, E. J. Sidebotham, W. Stevens, A. Warburton and P. Weathers. The Honorary Secretary intimated that twenf y-nine gentle- men had declared their willingness to become members, and it is expected when the thing becomes properly known, that that number will be at least doubled. The object of the promoters is to get up a sufficient fund to provide, first and foremost, the necessary expenses, tben to set apart so much for providing medals and prizes that may be awarded from time to time. It is also contemplated that at the great shows of the Royal Botanic, prizes shall be given from this Orchid Society to such exhibits, more individual than collective, as are of sterling merit. It is not intended that the meetings held in Manchester should clash with the meet- ings of the Royal Horticultural Society, so that on each alternate Tuesday the meetings will be held. In this wtty it is just possible we may see some of the choicest Orchids at both London and Manchester. The new venture will, in fact, be an auxiliary, not subsidiary to the central body in London. The aim is to get only the choicest of Orchids, come from where they may, rather than indiscriminate lots for mere show. For all particulars, Mr. W. A. Gent, 41, Faulkner Street, the Hon. Sec., and Mr. Geo. Shorland Ball, 1. Princess Street, the Hon. Treasurer, will supply the necessary information. The following plants in pots, all beautifully flowered, were sent for tbe inspection of gentlemen present :— A new and beautiful hybrid Odontoglossum, elsewhere described, a natural cross between O. erispum and O. sceptrum ; a splendid plant of O. Wilekeanum with two spikes 30 inches long, and the flowers very large, and beautifully developed ; an equally noteworthy O. luteo-purpureum ; a magnificent Halli xanthoglossum, and a Cattleya Lawrenceana with about twenty-four fluwers of such brilliancy as one does not often see with a huge lip— one of the dwarf pseudo-bulbed varieties ; the whole lot in perfect health. These came from Wm. Thompson, Esq., of Walton Grange, Stone. A very choice Odontoglossum erispum, with immenso flowers, came from John Leemann, Esq., West Bank House, Heaton Mersey; each flower would measure about 4 inches by 4 inches, of white ground colour, with great prominent deep chestnut blotches, looking all the better because of the purity of the ground colour. The segments were a bit open, but for adorning a lady's person, the spike with ten flowers in it would be picked by a lady expert, before such close-segmented sorts as those that you have from time to time illustrated in the pages of the Gardeners' Chronicle; the committee, although partly formed, did not adjudicate upon them, but all othors that maybe sent to future niettin-js will be recgni-ed. In case of any difference of opinion, if a vote requires to be taken, it will be taken by ballot. /. A. May 1, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 295 Forestry. TtfPES OF BRITISH WOODLAND. [Continued from p. 270.) Mixed Plantations. — The formation of mixed plantations on the British method is probably due to two principal ideas. One of these is that variety of species leads to a varied effect in the appearance of the plantation, and the other that amongst a number of different species one or more is sure to thrive, and lead to a promising plantation. In the majority of cases, however, neither of these ideas is justified by results. A certain amount of variety undoubtedly exists in mixed woods, but not in proportion to the number of species used, nor more than may be found in many a pure or nearly pure wood, composed of common forest trees. On the contrary, indiscriminate mixtures planted with mathematical precision have as little effect in making a varied landscape as the particular pattern of a wall-paper has in varying the general artistic effect in the decoration of a room. Harmony rather than variety should be the aim of the landscape planter, and although other than aesthetic considerations may have to be Btudied, there is no reason why sound principles should not be introduced in forming plantations of this kind, which combine economy and taste without a wide departure from existing customs. As a sylvicultural success, again, the ordinary mixed plan- tation forms rather the exception than the rule. Experience proves that tal), clean timber is most eisily produced when the trees in a wood all belong to the sime species, ami arj of about the same age at the start. On economical grounds, however, it is sometimes desirable to introduce other species, which have a subordinate office to fulfil, such as preserving the fertility of the soil or increasing the bulk of timber on the grjund. The ordinary nrxture neither furnishes useful timber in proportion to the planted area, nor is the ground utilised in an economical manner, although exceptions to this statement may b ) met with now and again. Trees which vary greatly in their rate of growth, their longevity, or their shade-bearing cap ibilities, sooner or liter lo3e touch with their neighbours, and are killed out altogether, or assume an unrestricted hioit of growth which seriously decreases their valje as timber-trees. No doubt careful thinning miy do much to improve matters and remedy these defects, but the time and attention necessary for this are not always forthcoming, and the plantation, under the most favourable conditions of growth, usually becomes oue of thosi arbori-sylvi- cultural combinations so dear to the heart of a certain class of forester. But while it may be easy enough to find fault with the existing state of things, it is more difficult to find an effectual remedy. Planters have to consider their reputations, and all are not in the doubtfully-happy position of a gardener to a certain noble duke, who, when instructed to thin a plantation by his employer, replied that his repu- tation might suffer by so doing. " Do as I wish you," said the Duke, "and I will take c*re of your reputa- tion," which he did by erecting a notice-board at the edge of the plantation, stating that the latter hid been thinned by himself, contrary to the advice and opinion of his gardener. The British forester who planted his woods without the orthodox mixing formula would be risking the loss of a good name if the species selected did not prove altogether a success on the soil and situation. With a comprehensive catalogue before him, it seems almost like tempting Providence to stake all upon one or two kinds of trees, although our predecessors of two or three gene- rations back appear to have adopted this plan with tolerable success— but perhaps they knew no better. At any rate, they had no opportunity of making a selection from several hundred exotic trees, all of whichj if we are to believe their introducers, are invaluable as timber producers. That tht-y do not always fulfil the high expectations aroused in the minds of planters, however, is due to no fault of the trees themselves, nor to those who, meeting them in their native hibitat, see them as they ought to be, and not as they become when planted in unfavourable soils and situations in this country. If, by a happy combination of circumstances, fresh, introductions happen to be placed in sites which suit them, their success is frequently regarded as indicating their suitability for extensive planting in this country. If, on the other hand, their growth, is not satisfactory, they are prematurely condenned before a fair trial has been granted them. Hence arise those contra- dictory statements regarding the value of a particular species for our climate, and the uncertainty existing in the minds of planters which results in the planting of mixtures in which variety is more conspicuous than congruity, and which deprives British woods of a good deal of their British character. A, C. Forbes. (To be continued.) Nursery Note. DAFFODILS AT SPALDING. I had recently an opportunity of inspecting the Daffodil Farm of Mr. J. W. White, of Spalding. He has 20 acres of Lent Lilies, divided into two portions, but practically contiguous. The dark soft loam, no doubt covered with water in times past, greatly rosembles the soil of the bulb farms of Holland, but is rather heavier, and it may be said to suit Narcissus and Tulips admirably. There is a depth of 15 inches or so, resting upon a subsoil of silt, which may be de- scribed as a fluviatile sediment of mud hardened iuto mould, and when taken in the hand it readily crumbles to powder, bein* of a soft floury nature. In preparing the ground for planting, a kind of bastard trenching is done. The top spit is thrown over, and then the fork is plunged into the silt, simply loosening it, but not turning it over in any way, and so making it porous. Mr. White has had the land under culti- vation for the space of twenty years ; and as he brings to the work keen intelligence and foresight, it is not surprising that his success has beui commensurate with his en'erprise. Mr. White grows Daffodils to supply the trade, and the quality of his bulbs being high, they are in great demand. When one eees bed after bed, and plantation after plantation, of one variety, a3 at Spalding — 300/.00 of this, a quarter of a million of that, some idea of the popularity of the Daffodil is realised. Toe varieties are in some cases in beds, seven bulbs in a row, following the practice of the old Tulip-growers ; and these beds seem innumerable. Then there are huge plantations of varying lengths, some 10 yards io width, and some 12. Imagine a bed of N. bicolor Empress, or one of N. poeticus ornatus, 150 yards in length, by 12 in width ; and, seeing that the strong bulbs — those which will be offered for sale in late summer — produce four and five, up to Bix and seveu blossoms each, the impres- siveness of the mass can be imagined. I was struck with the order and cleanliness everywhere, scarcely a weed divides with the Daffodils the rich plant-food in the soil. Mr. White confines his collection to a few lealin^ varieties, which are among the most popular, and in the greatest demand. Of the Ajax or Trumpet Daffodils, Emperor, Empress, grandis, and Hoislieldi lead the way ; and the double Van Sim, which here is superbly double and symmetrical, thousands of blooms attract the eyo and compel admiration. Of the medio-coronati section, Sir Watkin, of the double Incomparabilis type, Albus pleuus aurantius (Orango Phoenix), and of the Barri type, Conspicuus, and one or two others. I leave out of mention Glory of Leyden, Madame de Graaf, and a few newer forms which find a placo on the farm in necessarily em ill quantities at present. Mr. White is swift to see what are likely to be popular varieties ; the commoner forms, whose commercial value rapidly declines, he leaves to others. As a matter of course, beds are seen containing bulbs of differiug development. Thero are those of young offsets planted last autumn, there are those a year older, and those a year older still ; it requires from two to three years to produce a good fat round bulb of first quality for sale. At this period of the year thousands of cut-blooms are sent to market ; this being a most active industry, giving employment to many pairs of hands while it lasts. At the end of the summer comes the harvesting, the drying, select- ing of the bulbs, and the execution of orders, the bulbs being despatched to their destinations in hampers, so as to admit of air circulating among them while in bulk. It may be added that Mr. White does a large busi- ness with double Snowdrops, as they do remarkably well in the district, though apparently at times some- what fastidious as to soil and position. He purchases from the small growers, and in this way is enabled to execute orders for large quantities. The culture of Snowdrops is thus also a notable industry in the locality. In one corner of the farm I saw a huge patch of Winter Aconites growing with amazing luxuriance, producing plump tuberous roots. In specially constructed houses of considerable dimensions, Mr. White grows Tomatos on a large scale, the plants already approaching blooming. The houses are employed in winter and spring for forcing Narcissus into bloom. The roots are placed in boxes, and yield a supply of bloom when prices are best. R.D. The Weather. [The term "accumulated temperature " indicates the aggre- gate amount, aa well aa the duration, of degrees of temperature above or below 42° Fahr. for the period named : and this combined result is expressed in Day- degrees — a "Day-degree" aignifying 1° continued for twenty-four hours, or any other number of degreea for an inversely proportional number of hours.l Thmperaturb. Rainfall. Bright Bun. ACCCJMT/LATCD. L XI ii ±i 1 ■ Ii Em 1 s a 1 1 1 n 8.J9 | I1" |g»- ill n If 2 r Day- Day- Day- Day. lOths deg. deg. deg. dog. lech. Ins. 0 1 - 31 16 + 4 - 12 4 - 75 131 60 25 l 2 - 32 18 - 18 - 2 3 - 68 83 41 25 i 1 - 25 10 + 28 - 70 3 - 69 7'4 41 26 3 1 - 33 8 + 38 - 114 1 - 68 8-2 42 27 4 2 - 36 9 + 15 - 109 0 aver 67 9-8 44 26 5 1 - 37 1 ■f 40 - 175 2 - f4 107 51 28 6 2 - 35 14 - 18 - IS 3 - 70 13-3 51 25 7 2 - 29 6 + 20 - 76 2 + 74 10'4 48 25 8 1 - 35 3 + 31 - 130 1 - SO 16'4 41 27 0 2 - 35 11 - 27 + 6 1 + 81 12 3 45 36 10 1 - 39 0 + 24 - 44 1 - 77 15'3 41 29 * 0 aver 54 0 + 123 - SJ 1 - 86 140 37 29 The districts indicated by number in the first column are the following : — I), Scotland N. Principal Wheat- producing Districts — 1, Scotland, E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, E. ; 4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London, S. Principal Grazing, dec. , Districts — 6, Scotland, W. ; 7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, 8.W. ; 9, Ireland, N. ; 10, Ireland, S. ; "Channel Islands, THE PAST WEEK. The following summary record of the weather through- out the British Islands for the week ending April 24, is furnished from the Meteorological Office :— "The Weather continued unsottlcd, with rain at times, during the earlier part of the period, but liter on it became dry aud fine— first in the north and wott, and subsequently in the other parts of tho kingdom. " The temperature was raiher bcluw the mean in all dis- tricts excepting tho ' Channel Islands." Tho highest of t maiima, which were recorded during the earlier part of tho week:, ranged from 63° hi 'Ireland, N.' (at Londonderry), and CI3 in the ' Channel Islands, ' to 57° in 'Scotland, W.,' and over central and eastern England, and to 54° in ' Eng- land, N.W' Tho Lowest ol the minima were registered on the 23rd, and ranged from 25° in 'Scotland, E .,' and 27° in ' Scotland, N. and W.,' to 30° in the ' Midland counties,' 87° in '.England, S./ and 33° in the ' Channel Islands.' 296 THE GARDENERS9 CHRONICLE. [May 1, 1897. ■ " Tho raiu/all was rather nioro tbau the mean in ' England, N.WV and ' Ireland, N.,' and just oqnal to it in the * Midland counties ; ' in all other districts, however, there was a deficit. "The bright sunshine, exceeded the mean in all districts cxeopt 'England, S.W.' and the ' Channel Islands.' In the extreme north, tho excess was very largo. Tho percentage of tho possible duration ranged from o3 in ' Scotland. N.' to 51 in 'England, 3.' and 'Scotland, W.,' and to 37 in the 1 Channel Islands.' " M ARKET 8. COYENT GARDEN, APRIL 29. e cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They are furnished to US regularly every Thursday, by the kinduess of several of the principal salesmen, who revise tho list, and who are responsible for tho quotations. It must ho remembered that these quotations do not represent tho prices on any particular day, but only the general averages for the week preceding the date of our report. Tho prices depend upon the quality of the samples, tho supply in the market, and the demand; and they may fluctuate, not only from day to day, but often several times in one day. Ed.1 Cot Flowers. — Average Wholesale Prices. i. d. s. d. Anemones, per doz. bunches ... 16-26 Arums,p.l2bloom8 2 0-40 Azalea, doz. sprays 0 6-09 Bouvardias, perbn. 0 6- 0 9 Carnations, pr. doz. blooms 10-30 Daffodils, various, dozen bunches ... 10-30 Eueuaris, per dozen S 0-4 0 Hyacinth (Dutch), 10-20 LUac, wh. (French), per bunch ... 3 0-40 Lilium Uarrisi, per doz. biooms ... 2 0-40 Lily of the Valley, dozen sprays ... 0 6-10 Maidenhair Fern, per 12 bunches ... 4 0-80 Marguerites, per 12 bunches 2 0-40 Mignonette, per doz. bunches ... 4 0-60 N; 16-40 per doz. bunches 16-30 j. d. s. d. Orchids : — Cattlcya, 12blms. 6 0-12 0 Odontoglossum •ispum, 12 bm. 2 0-fli" r.u Pelargoniums, sear let, per 12 bun, — per 12 sprays.., ro1yantl.us,doz bn. Primroses, 12 bun. PyiLthrums, 12 bn Roses. Tea, per doz. — yellow (Mare- chal), per doz. 1 ■ 3 0 0 6-10 2 0-40 10-16 6 0 10-40 10-20 10-16 0 4-09 — red, per d<>7.y,u — pink, per doz. — Safrano, p. doz. Tuberoses, 12 blms. Tulips, per doz. bun, Violets (Fr.) Parme, per bunch 3 0-40 — — Czar, bun. 10-20 — — doz. bun. 0 9-10 — (Eng.), per doz. bun. 0 6-10 Wallflowers, doz. bn. 2 0-30 Orchid-bloom in variety. Fruit.— Average Wholesale Prices. *. d, s. d. s. d. s. pies, New South Nuts, Cob, per Wales, selected 100 lb 70 0-72 upies ... 11 0-12 0 Peaches, selected, ordinary — Tasmam;in, per case, selected samples 8 I per case, or- dinary samples 5 0 Figs, per doz. ... 4 0- Goosebsrr es, p. qt, 0 6 Orapes. Hamburghs, per lb 3 6 — Belgium, per lb. 2 0 Melons, Channel Islands, each.., 2 0 7 0-90, Seconds Pine-apples, St. Mi- chael, eaoh Straw berries, morn- ing gathered, — packed in boxes, per lb. — 2nd *, per lb. ... 1 I Plants in Pots.— Average Wholesale Prices. Adiantum, per doz. 4 0-12 0 Aspidistras, per doz. 12 0-30 0 — specimen, each 5 0-15 0 Azaleas, per doz. ... 18 0-36 0 Cinerarias, per doz. 6 0-90 Dracaenas, each ... 10-76 — various, p. doz. 12 0-24 0 Ericas, various, per do2cn Evergreen Shimbs, in variety, doz..., Ferns, small, doz. ... *. d. m. d. Ficus elastica, each 10-76 Foliage plants, per doz. ' 12 0-36 0 Genistas, per doz... 6 0-90 Hydrangeas, per doz^n 9 f-lS 0 Marguerites, p. doz. 6 0-90 Mignonette, p. doz. 5 0-80 9 0-3 S 0 Palms, various, ea. 2 0-10 0 ! — specimens, ea. 10 6-84 0 6 0-24 0 Pelargoniums, per 10-20 dozen 12 0-18 0 5 0-12 0 Spiraeas, per doz.... 6 0- u 0 nd Roots for the Garden in variety coming very good. Vegetables. — Average Wholesale Priceb. «. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. Peas, ordinary (Channel Is- lands), per lb. . 0 6 — — Telephones (Channel Is- lands', per lb. .0 S- 0 9 Potatos, New Kid- neys, Channel Islands, per lb. Bedding Pla Artichokes, Globe, per doz. ... 2 6-30 Asparagus, Worces- ter, per bundle 16-19 Beans. French. p. lb. 0 8-09 Cauliflowers, Kent, per crate ... 12 0 — Cucumbers, home- grown, select., per doz. ■ 3 0 Salad, small, per i- 0 4 doz. pun Sea Kale, per pun- net, 3£ to 4 lb. weight 1 Tomatos, selected smooth, per lb. 1 — Chmuel Is., lb. 0 — 2nds, per dozen 19-20 Horseradish, Eng- lish, pr. bundle 2 0 — — Foreign, per bundle ... 16- Mint, per bunch ... 0 3-04 Mushrooms (Indoor) per lb 0 8-09' Potatos. No alteration in prices of old Potatos since last report. Dunbar Mainerops, SOs. to 90s. ; do., Saxons, 705. to 75s. ; Lincoln Saxons and Mainerops, 45s. to 70s. ; do . Giants, 50*. to 60s. per ton. Canary, new. IDs. to 13s. ; Guernsey and Jersey do., 24s. to 30s. ; Malta do., 9*. to 14s. Lisbon do, 9s. to 10s. per cwt, John Batk, WtUington Street, Covent Garden. Enquiry. Would solqo reader of the Gardeners Chronicle kindly inform M. F, if dressings of Kainifc would destroy the kind of eel-worm (Tylcuchus devastatrix), which attacks several species of grasses, doing con- siderable damage to pastures, &c, and which, when, tho infested turf is used in potting plants, and in making Cucumber and Melon-bods, is so very destructive ? Notices to Correspondents. Acacia dealijata : B. S. Wood. The loaves might fall from the plants from a variety of causes. It may have got very dry at the root on the journey from Cannes, and that would be sure to result in the fall of the leaves. The deprival of fresh ait might be another cause, tho plant having been grown out of doors ; or gas in the study might be a cause. As you do not possess a greenhouse, the plant should bo stood near the light in an un- occupied room, facing south or west, and afforded ventilation from 8 a m. to 6 r.M., and towards the end of June it may be stood out of doors, with, the pot plunged to the rim in a flower border, with a handful of coal-ashes beneath it. Let it be in a fairly sunny spot. The plant may need repotting, or at the least, tho drainage put in good order. It must not have large shifts when repotted, or it will not flower well. If you do not pot it forthwith, it may have a shift into a bigger pot in July. Tho best kind of compost for the plant is peat two-thirds, loam one-third, and sand a little. When well rooted, Acacias, during the summer, need plenty of water, but a plant that is plunged will not require water so often as one that stands on the surface. Daily By ringing in hot weather does good, by keeping red-spider at bay. It should be done not earlier thau 6 p.m. If there are shoots which have flowered, cut them back to about half their length. Anemone : T. Bihby. The foliage shows no fungus disease, nor do the roots. It is possible that in a more advanced stage, there might be evidence of the presence of a "rot-mould" similar to that of the Potato-disease. The appearance resembles that of plants attacked by Pla^mopara pygmcea, but as yet there is no direct evidence Watch for a small whitish mould iu patches on the leaves. You may try the application of oue of the copper solutions, and transplanting. M. C. O. Cheeuues Destroyed whilst quite Small : C. We found no insects in or on the fruits, but doubtless the injury was due to an attack of the small citer- pillara of the winter-moth, eo destructive out of- doors to the Apple. The caterpillar of Cheima- tobia brumata is light-green in colour, with three white stripes on the sides. It eats a hole in the fruit on one side. There is no remedy now, the caterpillar having slung itself down to the ground, where it will turn to a pupa, to reappear late in the year. In October, tar-bands should be put rouud the stem, and the latter washed with lime dissolved in skim-milk. In October, the whole of the crust of the soil in the pots, and of the bed on which the latter arc placed, should be cleared away to the depth of 5 or 6 inches, and buried deeply in the kitchen-garden, or charred by placing it over the gaiden bonfire. Fundus on a Lauch Post: A. C. F. It is a large Myxomycete, in an early and imperfect stage, called Reticularia lycoperdon. It becomes when ripe a powdery mass of umber-brown spores. M. 0. C. Insects on Peak: F. W. Thomas. The caterpillars sent are those of the winter-moth. Spray the trees with Emerald (Paris) Green at tho rate of A-lb. to 50 gallons of water, first mixing the Paris Green in a small quantity of water, and then add it to the whole supply. It must be kept constantly stirred to keep it iu suspension. If this quantity of Paris Green does harm to the foliage it must be lessened, so it is better to proceed cautiously. Do not use it in wet weather, or when the trees are in flower. In three or four days give the trees another dressiog. It is extremely poisonous, aud should not be applied to fruit or vegetables used for food soon afterwards. Emerald Grem is the EuglUh, Paris Green, the American name. Let the bag be labelled POISON, and be kept locked up safely out of the way of children. The person who uses the powder or wash should not have cracks of the skin or wounds on the hands or face, aud not inhale the powder when mixing it. — JVortkleigh. Bibio Marci (St. Mark's Fly.) See Gardeners' Chronicle, 1844, Nov. 16, for fig., &c. The best remedy against the larvie is hand-picking, which is not attended with any difficulty, for the localities they inhabit are readily discovered in the spring by tho fine earth which is turned up by them, where they live in societies. Mossy Lawn : Moss. AVith an iron rake scratch off all themossvou can, then dress the surface with loam three-quarters, and one-quarter sifted wood- ashes made from green twigs, leaves, and wood. A second dressing may be given in July in showery weather. If the laud is wet, it is in need of drain- ing, and no measures will have a permanent effect till this bo done. M"SU ROOM GILLS ATTACKED BY A MoULD : A. B. It is not uncommon for Muihrooms to be attacked by the mould on the gills. It has nothing to do with the spawn. This is the first stage uf a kind of Hypomyces, which has never btien fully developed, and is generally confined to the bed in which it appears. Nothing will save the Mush- rooms iu the bed so attacked, but spreading should be prevented by destroying the bed, aud disinfect- ing the place. M. C. C. Name of Fruit: IV. H. o7., Groxton. Apple Dutch Mignonne. Names of Plants: Correspondents not answered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number. — C. L. 1, Dendrobium chryso- toxum ; 2, Odontoglossum triumphaus ; 3, Odon- toglossum luteo-purpureuui ; 4, Odontoglossum luteo-purpureum sceptrum ; 5, Odontoglossum tripudians. — D. M. P. A. 1, Quercus glabra ; 2, Ilex, dipyrena ; 3, Lonicera xylostcum. — A. E. M. A Stanhopea, but of which species cannot be deter- mined until you send flowers. Grow in a hanging Orchid-basket, the flowers protruding through the basket. — J. B. 1, Oncidium pnetexium ; 2, Ouci- dium Marshallianum ; 3, Deudrobium infundi- bulum. — /. CO. 1, Daphne laureola ; 2, Ruscus hypoglosaum ; 3, Corydalis cava ; 4, Primula den- ticulala ; 5, Muscari botryoides. — J. M. Dendro- bium thyrsiflorum. — S. L. 1, Amelanchier cana- densis; 2, Spircea Thunbergi. — A. S. C. Ribes aureum. — Interested. 1, Polygonatum officinale ; 2, Adiautum Paccoti ; 3, Adiantum pedatum ; 4, Selaginella denticulata ; 5, Adiantum gracillimum ; 6, Pteris cretica albi ; 7, Corchorus (Kerria) japo- nica. — if. ]V. Posoqueria macropus, figured in our volume xix., third scries, 1896. — G. R. T. Skim- mia Fortunei. — E. S. R. 1, Saxifrage (VIogasea) cordifulia ; 2, Anchusa italica ; 3, Saxifraga hyp-, noides ; 4, Sedum reflexum ; 5, Primula denticu- lata ; 6, Narcissus odorus ; 7, Narcissus, probably a hybrid. — B. Ashton. We will endeavour to identify the seed. Peaches: Auratam. Mildew; remove the infected fruits, and burn them. Use sulphur on the hot- water pipes. See our issue for April 24, p. 230. Sutton's Forcing French Bean: A. C The variety was not sent for trial. Vines : Tkirtle Brothers. If the points of the shoots turn brown in colour, and become leathery, and the malady subsequently attacks the leaves, the Vines are suffering from the so called "browniog," an obscure disease caused by a slime-fungus. You might use a mild form of the Bordeaux Mixture, or flowers-of-sulphur against it. Should these signs of the fungus disease not be present, the browning of the leaves is due to errors in venti- lation.— T. L. We are sorry that we misunderstood your letter. The Vine Manuals are not dear — one by Mr. Molyneux, and published by L. Upcott Gill, 170, Strand, costs but Is. Doubtless, the bundling up of the canes whilst the leaves were still upon them, in the autumn, hindered the ripening of tho wood. Unless the rods are of great strength, twenty bunches are too many. In re- moving superfluous bunches, take the small aud ill-shapen ones. Keep the viuery rather dry, bat not arid, as that might result in the premature shrivelling of the flowers. Vines are never exposed to arid or even dry conditions in a vineyard, and, except in windy weather, the plants are wet with dew every night, and rain has no perceptible effect on the setting of the blossoms ; so do not en in keeping the vinery very dry. Communications Rkckived. - D. T. F. - W. II. M. B. - A P- A. H.M., Stockholm.— M.D.—C H P.— F. G.— G. P. — L G— Dr H rz, Hamburgh.— F. V. T —Lord C— Dr .1. \V. C. Kentucky (letter follows)— E. N. G-— W. G. S.— . G H.— C. H.— AiiL'ihh Yillurs.-I). 1! W. - 1. nu- A: Mather. -J A -R. C -A O.-E. C.-Il. C. P.- A. I). W.-R. L. H. — W H W.— R. B. Luird & Suns.— A. C. F.— W. P.-J. 1>. —J J. W.-F. H— G. W.-G. H. E.-J. a.— G. F.— S. B. Dicks.— II. 11.— J. Simpson— W. Early.— A. B. May 8, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 297 white sepals and petals, and light orange disc to the Up, the anterior portion of which has a slight tiuge of pink. With the Cattleyas were arranged good forms of Lyciste Skinneri, Cymbidium eburneum; fine specimens nfDendrobiuui densiflorum, D. thjrsiflorum, D. Phakenopsis, D. Findlayanum, and other Dendrobiums ; Miltonia vesillaria, M. Phalamopsis, &c. In the large Dendrobium-house were iu bloom the latest of the Dendrobium nobile, of which there is a very fine collection, two of the best and most distinct being the true I), nobile nobilius, and the blush-white D. n. Ballianum. Also in flower were D. x JSchneiderianum, D. x Aspasia, D. luted urn, D. Findlayanum, D. Devonianum, and many fine specimens of D. Phahenopsis Scbroderianucn. Near the glass end of the house and in a position where Philippine Islands. After having at first collected some plants which bore no flowers, but which revealed a novelty by their habit, he was suddenly abandoned by the prisoners who had been given him as an escort. 'I was then obliged,' writes M. Roc- belen, ' to descend to the plain, and after a somewhat Lengthy palaver with the chief of the tribe, he con- sented to supply me with any number of carriers, provided I handed over everything iu my possession, and particularly my umbrella, which he wanted for his wife. (<'I set out the same day about 10 am., and at 6 p.m. reached the dwelling of a transported Spaniard, who cultivated a few Cocoa trees around his miserable hut. I remained with him some days, in order to pack my plants, and it was he who accompanied me the first day in his little boat, having no servants at his disposal. On landing in the evening, I saw at the top of a tree some flowers, which appeared to me to be those of a Vanda, and some minutes afterward?, Fig. 101.— oatalpa syringifolia at hkyw< I'ESTP.ruV, W 1LTSHIKE. In the first place, the natural earth forms the floor, and over this are neat and durable wood-work trellises extending the whole width of the paths. This arraugement is the best possible for Orchid-house flooring, and if in houses where the baneful concrete- floors still exists were removed and the natural earth with trellis over substituted, immediate good results would be secured. Secondly, the houses are not painted, but the wood-work is simply coated with some preservative ; and thirdly, the houses are fitted with the lath roller-blinds running well above the glass, and thus admitting a maximum of clear light without fear of scorching by the sun's rajs. With these and many other sanitary arrangements, Mr. Ball has secured a model block of Orchid-houses, with the result that his plants are in splendid condition in every department, In one house used for arranging together some of the larger species when in flower, we found a very fine display made up of well-flowered examples of Cattleya Schroderae, C. Schroderre alba, and other Cattleyas, among rihich was a very handsome variety they could feel the influence of the outer air, some fine specimens of D. Falconeri were flourishing. On several occasions we have seen this plant, which many growers utterly fail satisfactorily doing well in a similar position. The Cattleya-house contained a good collection of Cattleyas, together with Epidendrum Wallisii and other species ; the Cypripedium houses a rare and valuable selection, including C. callosum Sanderse, C. Law i enceanum Hyeanum, and C. inBigno Sandene. In bloom were the handsome C. x triumphans, and other hybrids and species. The cool-houses had a good show of Odonto- glossums, MasdevallUs, fra, all in the best possible condition. /. O'B. Vanda Sanderiana. " M. Roebelen, to whom the honour of discovering this brilliant species (Vanda Sandeiiaua) belongs, has related, in the Journal d&s OrchitUes for 1894, the conditions under which he procured it, towards the end of 1881, in the neighbourhood of Davao, iu thfc n spite of the very p dpable protestations of the ants which disputed my right to the plant, I held the beautiful Vanda in my hand. All my miseries and all my fatigues were at that moment forgotten. It is necessary to have travelled in order to realise the joy experienced at the discovery of a new plant, and that such an one as Vanda Sanderiana. The little plant had three stems and forty-two flowers.' Litulaiia, t. DXLVII. CATALPA SYRINGIFOLIA. We are almost as familiar with the Catalpa as with the Horse - Chestnut, but, in both cases, familiarity does but enhance our estimation. The Bignonias, to which group this tree belongs, are moBtly climbers, but the members of this particular genus are trees — natives of the United States and Japan. The species first introduced was the one, an example of which is figured on this page. It made its appearance originally in 1726, and its noble foliage and showy flower-panicles soon brought it into favour ) Mat 8, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 299 moreover, it forms an excellent town tree, and may, or might recently have been, met with in the enclo- sures of the Temple and Lincoln's Inn. The specimen figured is in the garden of Lord Justice Lopes at Heywood, Wostbury, Wilts. A specimen 40 feet in height, and 170 feet in cir- cumference of the head, is to be seen at Thorno Hill Park, Bitterne ; and another large specimen was figured in our columns in January, 1876, NOTE ON AMERICAN ERYTHRO- NIUMS. Mr. R. Wallace, of Colchester, has lately brought me fine living plants of an Erythronium I was very pleased to see. It has flowers as large and peduncles as tall as in E. giganteum (Bot. Mag., t. 5714), but the flowers are bright mauve-purple instead of creamy-white. The leaves are conspicuously mottled, and the style distinctly trieuspidate, with three fal- cate stigmas. It agrees with E. revolutum of Smith, described in 1810 in the thirteenth volume of the Cydopcedia or Universal Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, and Literature, edited by Dr. Abraham Rees, F.R.S., F.L.S. This plant was collected by Menzies in Van- couver's Island, and was the first Erythronium described from Western America. Hooker, in his Flora Boreali- America?, called it E. grandiflorum, Pursh, var. Smithii ; but in point of fact revo- lutum is an earlier name than either graadi- florum or giganteum. There is in the Kew herba- rium one of the original specimens gathered by Menzies, and with this Mr. Wallaces plant entirely agrees. When Smith described E. revolutum in 1819, only three species of the genus were known, Dens-canis, americanum (which, as it was not the only American species, he proposed to rename flavum), and revolutum. When I monographed the genus in 1S73, in the fourteenth volume of the Journal of the Linnean Society, five species only were known. Since that date the American species have been studied very carefully by the botanists who lived amongst them, and one of the last papers written by the late lamented Dr. Sereno Watson was a new monograph of the genus, published in 1891, in the eighteenth series of his contributions to North American botany, in the twenty-sixth volume of the Proceedings of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He does not seem to have been acquainted with the genuine E. revolutum, but describes an E. revolutum var. Bolanderi, to which the plant now cultivated by Mr. Wallace and others, under the name of E. Smithii, seems to belong. The following is a classified list of the American species as they now stand : — Group I. — Eastern species. Scapes short, always one-flowered. Inner petals not crested. * Offshoots produced from the base of the corm. 1. E. americanum., Ker., Bot. Mag., t. 1113. Flowers yellow, often tinged with purple, and finely dotted. 2. E. albuhtm, Nuttall. — Floweia white, with more or less of a bluish or purplish tinge. 3. E. mesochlamum, Knerr. — Very near the last. ** Offshoots produced from the sheathing portion of the base of the scape. 4. E. propullans, A. Gray. — Flowers small, rose- coloured, with a yellow base. Southern Minnesota and South Ontario. Group II. — Western species, with usually tall scapes, and inner petals with prominent gibbosities at the base. * Style distinctly trieuspidate. 5. E. grandiflorum, Pursh., Lindl., Bot. Reg., 1. 1786. — Leaves not mottled. Flowers bright yellow, 14 to 2 inches long. Idaho, Washington, and British Columbia. Gardeners'' Chronicle, June 2", 1S74, p. 831. Var. E. NuttalUanum, Regel, Gartcvjlora, t. 6951 ; now R. and S. — Scape shorter. Flowers rather smaller. Northern Utah to British Columbia, more common than the type.1 6. E. Jiartwegii, S. Wats.— Leaves mottled. Flowers one to three to a scape, 1 (o2 inches long, pale yellow, with an orange base. Sierra Nevada of California. See Gardeners' Chronicle, 1S96, xx., p. 361. 7. E. revolutum, Smith. — Leaves mottled. Flowers bright mauve purple, 1£ to 2 inches long. British Columbia. 8. E. Johnsoni, Bolander. — Flowers bright purple. Southern Oregon. Gardeners' Chronicle, 1896, xix., p. 549. 9. E. Bolanderi, S. Wats.— Flowers white, with a yellowish centre, H to 2 inches long. California, in the Sequoia region. 10. E. giganteum, Lindl., Bot. Mag., t.5714. — Scape tall, one to six-flowered. Flowers white, with a bright yellow or orange base, 1 to 11 inch long. Lower Columbia, southward to Sonora and Men- docino Counties, California. Gardeners' Chronicle, 1894, xv., p. 621. 11. E. montanum, S. Wats. — Near the last, but more or less abruptly contracted or rounded at the base. Flowers white, with an orange base, often drying pinkish. High Mountains of Washington Territory and Oregon. ** Style not trieuspidate at the apex. 12. E. citrinum, S. Wats.— Scape three-flowered. Flowers light yellow, with an orange base, their tips becoming pinkish. Southern Oregon. 13. E. Hendersoni, S. Wats., Bot. Mag., t. 7017. — flowers purple, with a dark purple and yellow base. Southern Oregon. Gardeners' Chronicle, 1888, iii., p. 193. 14. E. purpurascens, S. Wats. — Seape,'one to eight- flowered. Flowers, | to 1 inch long, light yellow, with a purplish tinge, deep orange at the base. Sierra Nevada of California, 15. E. Howetti, S. Wats. — Scape one to three- flowered. Flowers pale yellow, with an orange base, becoming pinkish. Southern Oregon. J. G. Baker. GARDENERS' FRIENDS. The Song thrush. By Harrison Weir. (Coptright.) TnE song-thrush, throstle, mavis, grey-bird (Turdus musicus), if not the finest, is one of the finest of Eng- lish songsters, all things considered, not the least of which is the length of time that he is " in song."' Per- haps no other song-bird is better known among our British birds, nor more universally admired. With few exceptions, one of which is the robin, no bird sings so continuously as" the thrush. Early in the spiing, late in the autumn, and even in winter, when the ground is covered with snow, ever and anon his voice may be heard, strong, loud, sweet, and musical. Though, of course, there is a great similitude, still there is much difference in the arrangement, and in the number and variations of the voice, the sweet- ness of tone, and the general harmony, which may be noted by the close observer. In some the voice is very loud and shrill, while in others [many of the cadences are supremely soft, rich, and enjoyable. To none possibly is this better known than to the pro- fessed "bird-fancier." As one of these very quaintly remarked to me many'years ago — "Some birds, sir," he said, "are worth their weight in gold, some a pound, some a shilling, and some not worth a s^ng." At the present time, there is a remarkably fine songster that sings in a tall tree Btanding in my garden, early and late it affords me very great delight to listen to the various changes and complications of voice in which he constantly indulges. The thrush is a very early riser ; as soon as it is light, or, I may say, ere day- light begins, he is out and about, and it is quite necessary that he should be, for he is one of those birds that not only wants, but gets, the proverbial " early worm." When it has been almost too dark to see distinctly the actual form of things, I have noticed the thrush and the blackbird peering about, with curious eyes, on the grass plot. A few hops, and the head descends ; a quick succession of smart tugs, and out from his muddy home is drawn a worm. It is dashed down, the bird looks at it, puts his foot on it, a tug or two, then more observations ; again and again the worm is dashed down, " thrown up, dashed down," and then a jerk, and it is gone. Another or two is sought for, found, killed, and swallowed. Then, perhaps, a snail, aud breakfast is done. The thrush looks about, flutters his wings to shake off the dew, takes a few hops among the wet grass to clean his feet, aud after cleansirjg his bill by transverse action on the wet grass, he mounts into a tree, then higher and higher, until he nearly or quite reaches the topmost bough, when he bursts forth into glorious song, " bidding the sun good-morrow." After a while, he again descends, more food is searched for ; but in about twenty minutes he is up again, aud there is a flood of far-reaching harmony. By this time, many other insect-eating birds are awake, and the "early worms" have a sad time of it. But the thrush is mute, and he de- scends among the boughs, and he will, after taking a little more food, compose himself for a short nap, when he suddenly awakes, looks about sharply and quickly, shakes himself, then away to some water — the edge of a pond or sandy side of a stream — and soon he will commence his ablutions, and after getting thoroughly wet will recline on his side, with one wing raised, and bask in the sunlight, enjoying the warmth, aud also the comforts of cleanliness, then off and away to other feeding-grounds, and for other kinds of insect-food. If it is the breeding season, and the hen is not sitting, she is generally close at hand, and sometimes the cock-bird will look for and put before her one of his best finds in the way of worms. The snails are taken to a particular stone, and then Master Greybird hammers off the shell, and with the look of a gourmet — "he feeds." The thrush seems to remain paired during the greater portion, if not the whole, of the year. I have certainly seen them so, late in autumn, and very early in spriDg, as well as in summer. The hen much resembles the cock, though less bright in colour ; this varies so very much, that in some districts or localities a hou bird may be brighter in colour than cock birds in others. Haviag been one of the judges at the Crystal Fa'ace bird shows for many years, I have had ample opportunities of comparing diifereut birds of much excellence in every way, and it has been a matter of deep interest to me to observe the varied forms and tint3 of brown and orange there Bhown — some having the spots on the breast black on a white ground or ash colour, others deep chocolate on an orange ground, the other parts cor- responding. Some are large, and thickly made, others slim, and finely formed, with colours of great rich- ness. While on the subject of markiugs and colour, it will not be out of place to say that on one occasion I had a nest of young thrushes offered, the whole five of which were entirely white. I have also seen fawn coloured specimens ; aud for some time there was one iu my garden that was much splashed aud marked with white. The white birds show the .spots and markings by the different formations of the web of the feathers in the same way that the spots are clearly visible on the tail of the white peacock. A few years since, when with Mr. R. D. Blackmore, the author of Lorna Doonc, who, besides being so talented a novelist, is also a great bird-lover, and a close observer of Nature, he informed me of a very curious thrush, of the ordinary colour on the back, head, and tail, but the breast was a light ash tint, without any spots thereon. It was not in confine- ment, but in common with others and some black- birds. It was very tame, coming to be fed from the hands of Mr. Blackmore. This is the only specimen I ever heard of without spots on the breast, the other parts being of the usual colour. He also mentioned some curious blackbirds, to which I may refer subsequently. The thrush breeds very early in the year. I was informed in March this year of a nest with five young ones, and have known of nests and young at the end of February. The nest is built of dried grass, roots, aud moss, lined with clay. The eggs are generally a bluish light-green, spotted sometimes heavily at one end with black, at others lightly all over ; and 1 have seen them quite blue, without a spot, in Che same nest with others spotted or lightly marked. 300 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Mat 8, 1897. Colonial Notes. ■NEW HEBRIDES. I enclose herewith for your examination a speci- men of Agathis obtusa (Damuiara), with male catkins (fig. 103, p. 301), a species that is not likely to be common in collections. It was obtained on the island of Aniteuin, New Hebrides, where a saw-mill has been in operation for some years, though, from all accounts, at a pecuniary loss, attributed by many to the company sending out imperfectly seasoned timber. The humid climate, however, may have some influence in retarding the seasoning. Unfortunately, I did not secure auy female cones. There seems to be a good deal of difference of opinion among syste- matic writers as to the number of species of Agathis, The shape of the leaves does not appear of a reliable character, as those of a tree in the Sydney Botanic Garden are larger, less stiff, and less rounded at the apex than those of the specimen sent you, while the latter show among themselves a tendency to form a point. I enclose also a photograph of one of the largest of the tree3 (fig. 102), which measured 23 feet 9 inches in girth at 5 feet from the ground. [Of this species, formerly known as Dammara obtusa, Mr. C. Moore writes : "The habit of this species, and of that found upon Vanikollu, is very similar to the Kaurie of New Zealand. In whatever situation I found them, they were invariably the monarchs of the forest ; the steins of all three are robust and erect, throwing out branches from 30 to 40 feet from the ground, the branches spread out con- siderably, but all have a stiff, rigid appearance."] It was at the suggestion of the late Baron Von Mueller that I went last winter to the New Hebrides to collect botanical specimens. Tho Baron thought new species might be found on the summits of the hills on these islands. Specimens were obtained up to 2700 feet elevation above sea-level, but a preli- minary examination, as far, at least, as the genera are concorned, made at the Melbourne Herbarium, with tho help of Mr. Luehmann, who has succeeded the late Baron there, seems to point to the conclusion that the flora of the group is chiefly composed of plants derived, probably, from the other islands of Oceania and from Eastern Australia. Eromanga and Efatd were examined, but the higher mountains on the more northern islands may possibly yield greater novelties. Alex. Morrison. Manchineel (Hippo mane Mancinella, L.). The fruits or Apples of the deadly poisonous Manchineel are now (April) seen strewn aloDg our Beosh ores— Grenada — in great quantities, and also floating about on the surface of the sea to be drifted in the course of time by currents of the Carribean Sea, and cast ashore on distant islands and countries. But long ere they reach their goal, the fleshy portion of the fruit will have either rotted away by the action of the salt-water or been nibbled by fish, leaving but a skeleton-like shell, wherein lie the few small seeds. Mr. Lunt, of the Trinidad Botanical Department, when recently engaged upon the successful re-dis- covery of Saccoglottis amazonica in Trinidad, gave it as a fact from observations made by himself last year, that bats were the agents that reduced the famous drift fruit to its skeleton condition by their feeding off the fleshy portion of the fruit. The Apple of the Manchineel is very much like the wild English Crab Apple of English copses in shape, size, colour, and smell, and sailors in their wanderings have often suffered through this similarity, not knowing the danger of this deadly sea-fruit, and in some cases their eating of it has caused death. In cutting any portion of the tree, a virulent white milk flows out, and if by chance it settles on the skin blisters it, and sores will follow within a day or two after. Salt-water, which is always near by, is said to be an antidote. This is hardly my experience, for I found upon one occasion in particular, that, although I bathed in the sea shortly after getting a little of the milk on my body, the blisters and sores appeared t vo days subsequently. Some of our people before planting their Indian Corn seed (Maize), usually put it into a calabash, and gashing the bark of a large Manchineel tree, allow the milk to drop over the corn so as to prevent rats eating the grain after it has been sown, for, as elsewhere, rats are among our many pests. The drift-seeds met with upon our shores are chictly S iccoglottis amazonica, Manicaria saocifera (the sea Gru-gru), Termioalia catappa (Almond), and the Manchineel. W. E. Broadway, Grenada. Local Designations. " We are unhappily flooded with local designations, made up by anybody, anyhow, and applied in the loosest way, quite haphazard. Does a native Cape plant come into notice for good or for evil ? the chances are that someone calls it by the name of some In the next division, Tarchonanthus, a composite little tree, is <( Wilde Salie," in virtue of its having a crinkly, rugi.se leaf. Elsewhere a similar sort of foliage earns the title for Buddleia salviaefolia. And it becomes a little perplexing to have to correspond and explain on the basis of these names about the presumed medicinal virtues of, say, Wilde Salie, which may be any one out of the three. The writers argue each for the absolute correctness of their nomen- clature, and resent being told what Salie is, and what a Thutle ought to be. They have heard the plant so called from their youth up, therefore it is correct, and all other names are wrong." Report of the Government BotaniH, Cape of Good Hope. Fig. 102. — agathis obtusa in the forest of aniteum. (From a photograph by Mr. Morrison.) perfectly differs nt English plant. This is thought to be giving it an English name, and making it easily recog- nisable by English people. The resulting confusion isdistractmg. A MexicanPoppy (Argemonemexicana) springs up on the spoil-heaps at Kimberley from a chance seed, and increases so fast as to become a nuisance. It is feebly prickly, hence is dubbed by some careless person a "Thistle." The next man calls it a " Scotch Thistle," imagining that Scotland has a monopoly of these things, and that every Thistle must be Scotch. Next, tho ridiculous mis- nomer gets upon the minutes of municipal boards and divisional councils concerned in a crusade against weeds. After that the chances of the Poppy holding its own are few and small— it becomes a Scotchman naturalised by force. With local names in the "taal"of the country the case is much the same. In one place, the appellation " Wilde Salie," is quite properly applied to Salvia clandestina, a true Sage. The Rosary. A FEW REALLY GOOD NEW ROSES. Although somewhat late in the season for planting Roses, from the fact that almost all of our newer and scarce varieties are grown in pots, and can, conse- quently, be planted out at any time of the yen-, one may- still add any or all of the following to their collections. There are a great number of new Roses, but I propose to confine myself to six from each of the three chief classes, viz., the Hybrid Perpetual?, Teas and Noisettes, and Hybrid Teas. Hybrid Perpetuus. — Bladud, a magnificent bloom during a cool and dry season, the flowers of much the same form as in Mdlle. Bonnaire, but in every way twice the size. The colour is a silvery-white, with a delicate pale blush in the centre ; particularly good in the autumn. Laurence Allen, a very promising Mat S, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 301 new R'-se, somewhat resembling in habit and form B iro^ess Rothschild and Spenser, but having greater depth of colour and a better form. I know of no Rose with a more agreeable fragrance, which in itself is a great recommendation, especially among pink Roses, a class that is peculiarly deflcient in this lespect. Mrs. Rutusey is another fine addition to pink Rose-, very free blooming, each flower borne upon strong shoots, the foliage of an intensely green tinge ; it has the merit of being mildew proof. Helen Keller, a variety which gained the National Rose Society's Gold Medal, has blooms of ideal shape, fair tize, and distinct colours, a bright rosy cerise ; the plant grows with vigour. El'en Drew is a pport from Duchess de Moray, p<«s- Fessiug the good characters of that splendid Ro;e, differing only iu bung a light silvery pink, with peach shadings ; all rose-growers will recognise its value larger, fuller, and brighter. Beauto Lyonnaise is white, upon a slightly yellow-tinted ground, very large and full. Alice Furon, a large globular flower, yellowish-white, correctly described as an improved Gloire Lyounaise ; the beautiful dark green foliage keeps clean and handsome throughout the season. Charlotte Gillemot is a distinctly imbricated blossom, with large, thick petals ; colour clear, French white, described by some as clear ivory-white— a really good new Rose. Teas and Noisettes. — Muriel Grahame is a sport from Catherine Mermet, which has already given us eeveral valuable additions, in The Bride, Waban, and others. The only distinction is, that it is a very pale cream, slightly flushed with rose; and we do not find it quite so full, as a rule, as the majority of C. Mermet blooms, but some grand examples occasionally appear. Bridesmaid is another epoit from C. Fig. 103.— male catkins and shoot of agathis obtusa, (see p. 300.) Mrs. R. G. Shaiman-CrawforJ is auother grand Ro3e. Once I described it as being likely to rival Mrs. John l.aing very closely, and lately 1 have more than once written that some persons prefer it to that beautiful variety ; it is quite rose, with a distinct form and colour, of good habit, very free blooming, a deep silvery pink, with fle?h shadings outside. All of the above six were raised in this country. Hybrid Teas. — Matjorie is a free and compact grower, one of the best Roses for cultivatirg under glass, every flower coming perfect in form, but in size rather small, according to the present day standard; the colour is a soft creamy-white, suffused with f-almon-pink, and it is a very floriferous variety. Antoine Rivoire, one of the grandest hybrid Teas we have as jet received from Messrs. Fernet Ducber, a plant of a vigorous habit, free flowering, of large size, good form, rosy flesh shade, with yellow ground, and bordered with carmine; a particularly striking bloom, and one that is sure to please. Clara Watson, a good giower, deep salmon and pink shade, after the 6tyle of Souvenir de Paul Neyron, but much more reliable, Mermet, of a deeper colour than the parent form. Occasionally a flower of the type comes equally bright, but Bridesmaid may now be considered a fixed sport. Sylph has a flower with a high centre, and large stiff petals slightly tinted with violet and peach. The bush is a good grower and a free bloomer, espe- cially when grown under glass. Mrs. Pierpoint Morgan is a very bright, larger, and altogether improved form of Madame Ctisin. It has been good here ; aod we also have such high authority as that of Dean Hole respecting its great usefulness and beauty in the United States, from which it was distributed. Souvenir de Catherine Guillot, altho igh not yet ?eeu tuffieiently large and heavy for the exhibition-box, ii a beautiful and distinct Rose ; a yellow ground, tinted with carmine and orange-red, quite a unique combination among Roses. Fiametta Nabonnand originated from crossing Niphetos and Papa Gontier, the result being a long-pet tiled flower, white, tinted with carmiue — a vety pretty bloom, and owing to its free-blooming and excellent grosth one that is sure to be much liked. It wou'd be ea«y to name several more that are well worth growing, but I believe the above eighteen to be the pick of those sent out iu 1895, 1896, and 1897. Maman Cochet, Mrs. W. J. Grant, Marchioness of Downshire, and others from their respective classes, were distributed one year previous to those named in my list. An exception is made in Mrs. R. G. Sharman-Crawford, on account of its extra sterling qualities in a class where really good new Roses have been scarce of late years. A. P. Mummy Roses. From the Compte-rcndu of the Seance of Nov. 10, 1888, of the Sociote* Royale de Botanique de Belgique, we abridge the following account of the remains of Roses found in the tomb3 of the necropolis of Arsinoe of Fayoum (Egypt). The writer, M. Francois Cre'pin, mentions that, in the previous June Dr. Schweinfurth sent him word from Cairo of the discovery of Roses in Egyptian tombs, and that these fragments had been sent to London. It was from Professor Oliver that some specimens were sent him from Kew for examination. These samples included nine flowers on their stems, the petals were fallen and mixed with the stamens and anthers. All nine flowers came from the same variety or species. So far as could be judged from suoh imperfect specimens, their closest affinity was with a Rose cultivated in Abyssinia, in tho Tigris province, around churches or other religious buildings. Speci- mens of this Rose, gathered by the Frenoh travellers Quirtin-Dillot and Petit, had beeu described by Ach. Richard under the name of Rosa sancta. Richard stated that R. sancta resembled R. centifolia iu appearance, but differed by its glaucous, glabrous, and glandless branches, furnished with a small number of slender and curved thorns, and by its much smaller flowers. The resemblance traced by R;chard appears warrantable by the fact that R. sancta seems to belong to the Gallicaore section. It is probably a variety of It. gallica, and not a native of Abyssinia, but a cultivated form introduced into the country many yeara ago. So far, among the many varieties of R. gallica now grown, no form is exactly like that of R. sancta. To return to the Rose from the Egyptian tombs, which seems more nearly to resemble R. sancta. There is reasou to suppose that it came from plants cultivated in Lower Egypt, and perhaps eveu from near the locality where it was discovered. The Egyptians cultivated Roses largely, and supplied them to Rome during the winter previous to the invention there of greenhouses. This mummy Rose is no more indigenous to Egypt than is R. sancta to Abyssinia It might have been imported from Italy, Greece, or Asia Minor, where R. gallica is indigenous. Egypt has no indigenous Roses, the nearest place to find them being the Abyssinian mountains, where grows. R. abyssinica, a variety of R. moschata. Dr. Schweinfurth comments upon the interest of these comparisons. Mr. Flinders Petrie showed him some fragments of Rises which he had found in the necropolis of the town of Arsiuoe, Fayoum, near the pyramid of the Labyrinth, and which were strung on s-ring like a thin garland of the first and second centimes after Christ. These were the same tombs wherein were found certain interesting portraits in coloured -wax. [Messrs. Paul k Sou, of Cheshunt, have plants of It. sincU in their nurseries. Ed.] Trees and Shrubs. CYTI3U3 PR.ECOX x. Although, curiously enough, mention of this Broom has been omiited from nearly all the popular works of reference, there is n?ne among the early- fl >sreriug Cyti^us which better deserves cultivation. It is a hybrid obtained by crossing C. albus and C. pur- gans, but by whom or at what date the cross was effected, I have not been able to ascertain. It has been iu existence for more than twenty years, at any rate. It commence* to flow.er 13 mid-April, about the same time as C. purgane, 302 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 8, 1897. .but i9 considerably in advance of the other parent — C. albus. It is a shrub of graceful habit, pro- ducing a mass of Blender, wiry shouts, sparsely fur- nished with simple linear leaves, half an inch or so long, aud covered with a silky pubescence. The branches made last year are now covered with sul- phur-coloured flowers in a profusion scarcely equalled by any other Broom. It is naw a conspicuous feature at Kew, several large masses of it being iu full flower. If it has one drawback — it is the powerful aud none too plcasaut odour of the blos- som. It ripens seeds freely, but only a small proportion of them come true ; some revert more or less to the golden flowered C. purgau.*, the majority simply producing C. albus. It can best be propagated by putting iu cuttings during August iu very sandy soil, under a bell-glass, in some shelteied corner, or in an unheated frame. The plants should frequently be shortened back when young to get an abundance of branches near the ground, and thus delay as long as possible the lanky character it even- tually assumes in common with all the taller Cytisus and Genistas, Cytiscs A re oi n i r. This is the earliest of the dwarf semi-prostrate species of Cytisus to burst into bloom, and it is now covered with its rich golden-yellow flowers. As a plant for the rock-garden, or for furnishing the ground beneath taller shrubs, it deserves especial notice. We use it in both the^e ways, and in the latter case it is planted in a bed beneath some Cara- ganas, whose thin foliage admits sufficient sunlight to allow it to thrive. This is a point to be remembered, for it is by no means a shade-loving plant. It rarely grows more than from 6 inches to 12 inches high, its tiny trifoliate leaves being do*ny, and the leaflet! ovate. Although Maggridge was not the first fco discover it, he was the first to bring it into notice by figuring it in his Flora of Mentmie in 1871. It was found by him at the top of Mont Cima d'Ours near Mentoue, to which, along with two other mount iu summits near that town, he states that it is confined in a wild state. It is rarely found bearing seed in its native home, owing to the continual nibbling of the shoots by animals, which perhaps explains its rarity as a cultivatad shrub. It can, nevertheless, be recommended as one of the mo;t beautiful of its class, being perfectly hardy, and valu- able as flowering so early as April. Berberis stenofhtlla x . The work of the hybridisor among&t hardy shrub i has produced many beautiful things, but in none per- haps has his ideal— which is the production of a plant distinctly better than its parents— been so notably achieved aB in this Berberis. It is a cross between B. Darwinii and B. empetrifolia, and was first sent out, I believe, from the well-known Hands- worth nursery of Fisher & Holmes. So distinct is. it, that doubts have frequently been expressed as to its origin, but there is sufficient proof of this in the fact that it rarely comes true from seed, revert- ing generally to B. Darwinii, and occasionally to B. empetrifolia. At the present time it is one of the mo3t beau'iful shrubs in bloom. The long arching branches, thickly set with linear, mucronate leaves, half an inch long, and of the deepest green, are now transformed into wreaths of rich yellow blossom. So lie of the shoots are 2 feet long; the nodes are half an inch apart; and as ten or a dozen flowers are produced at each node, some idea of its free- flowering nature may be conceived. Not only is it a much more graceful plant than B. Darwinii, but it is also hardier. I have never seen it damaged in the slightest degree, even by the severest of frosts in the London district, which is more than can be said of Darwin's Berberry. Pyrus FLO.RIBUNDA. This is the proper name for what is commonly known as Malus floribunda and Pyrus malus flori- bunda. Along with P. spectabilis it is the loveliest of the numerous Pyrus now in bloom. Of the many glorious shrubs we owe to Japan, there are few that can claim a greater share of our admiration and caro than this. Just now, when half its myriad pendent blossoms are open, and the othor half still iu the bud- state, its beauty, perhaps is greatest ; for the open ones are of a soft pale rose, whilst intermingled aud contrasting with thorn are the jewel-like buds, who?e unfolded petals are of a deoper, richer hue. There are now several varieties of this Pyrus in cultivation, the finest of which, probably, is atro-sanguiuea, who3e flowers, even when fully open, are of as rich a rosy red as the buds of the type. The double- flowered variety (tlore-pleno) is generally called P. Parkmauui or P. Halleana ; it may possibly be a hybrid between this species and P. spectabilis. The shrub sent out from the Continent under the name of P. Schiedeckeri is also a form of this species. W. J. B. Nursery Note. CINERARIAS AT FARNHAM ROYAL. Although: reference to these beautiful spring flowers becomes an oft-told story, yet is it impossible to see them in all their variety, numbers, and effec- tiveness as I saw then: recently, without feeling that they merit all possible publicity. The collections of several dozens of plants sometimes seen at the Diill Hall, always make their mark, aud attract full atten- tion ; but at Farnham Royal I saw but the other day enough of plants, all of about the same dimensions, and all in 6 inch pots, to quite fill the Drill Hall, aud if so exhibited they would constitute a splendid show. It is better to see the collection when all the diverse hues of colour are selected and grouped, for the big masses of hundreds of plants produce a fine effect. Altogether there were some 2,800 iu all iu full bloom, probably the largest, as also the best, collection of the garden Cineraria in the kingdom. There are blocks of pure white, and grand blooms too ; cerise, magenta, red, deep red or crimson, purple, blue in shades — some light, aud some very deep aud rich. Then come batches of plants with edged flowers, the margins being generally broad and striking. This is a peculiarly effective section, the heavy hues being so pleasingly lit up by the white centres or rings. There are at this time of the year in greenhouses few floral sights which so well repay a visit as do the Cinerarias which Mr. W. James has this season. I noticed that he has a break from crossing Cinerarias crueuta and lanata, the plants about 13 inches in height, and some of these show a pyramidal branching form that is distinct and pleasing. A. D. The Week's Work. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By W. Pope, Gardener, Highclere Castle, Newbury. Brussels Sprouts. — This vegetable is in most gardens one of the most important autumn and winter crops, and the time has arrived when good breadths of those plants that were raised from seed sown inside may be got out. In moat south country gardens the plants that were sown and forwarded under glass for a time will have been already planted., and will be making progress. Let the ground be stirred fre- quently with the hoe, and as the stems lengthen, afford them a slight earthing-up, which will steady them, and prevent wind-waving. In some much- exposed gardens it is advisable to place a stake to every plant, securing them with broad b.ist ties. The most suitable quarter in the kitchen garden for the main crop is that which is of good depth, has been heavily mauured, and deeply trenched, and that has not carried a crop of the Cabbage tribe for two or three years. If the land be not firm, it must be made so by trampling it, a loose soil invariably meaning loose, soft sprouts. Let the plants stand from 2 to 2\ feet apart each way, according to the nature of the soil, or the size to which the varieties grow, ou strong land the wider distance being advis- able for all. For affording a late supply of plants, seeds of a good strain of imported or the Covent Garden variety may now be sown. Savoys and Kales. — Seed may now be sown of Dwarf Curled and Drumhead Savoys, and any of the small early varieties that may be deemed desirable. For small gardens the Tom Thumb aud Early Ulm Savoys aro useful oues, as they can be planted thickly, aud ou the score of good quality they leave nothing to be desired. Sow thinly, and do not allow the plauts to become crowded in the seed-bed before planting out. Of the varieties of Kale, none is more generally useful than the Curled Scotch, especially the dwarf form of it, with the Jerusalem or Aspa- ragus Kale for late use. [Those who have ground to spare should sow the LJraganza Cabbage, Couve Tronchuda. It is not very hardy, but it is delicious eating, aud cau be had iu perfection up to December. Ed.] Tomotos for Planting Out of- Doors. — These should now be in a cool-frame with plenty of air aflorded by day, drawing oft' the lights entirely on bright days. Secure each plant to a stake, and avoid crowding. When planting, press the soil very firmly about the balls, aud afford water carefully till the roots have taken possession of the new soil. Remove the lateral shoots as fast as they appear, keeping the plants to one stem. Vegetable Marrows and Ridge Cucumbers. — Plants raised in heat, but grown lately under somewhat cooler conditions may now be put into their summer quarters. A mild hot-bed is requisite to give them a good start, aud they should be covered for a timo with hand-lights, or some form of glass protection, and night coverings afforded for a few weeks. Seeds may now be sown under the same conditions if plants from early-sowings are not available, a brisk bottom- heat and top protection being required. Turnips.— Thin the outdoor Turnip crop as foou as the plants are large enough to handle, leaviog them a little closer than is desirable for a crop, and thinniuj: finally a few weeks hence ; or they may be chopped out into clumps with the hoe, and thus left iu bunches S or 10 inches asunder, the surplus plants being pulled out after. DuBt the plants over with freBh. soot, or soot and lime, or spent Hops, as a means of scaring the Turnip-fly. When sowing after this date, apply a little superphosphate of lime in the drilh with the seed, it will accelerate growth, and htlp to push on the plants at that stage when the fly is most troublesome. THE FLOWER GARDEN, By Charles Herrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead. Dahlias. — Plants recently struck in small 60-sized pots should be given a shift if likely to become und uly root-bound, as another fortnight must pa?s before it is safe to plant these out in the borders. Remuvj the lights in warm weather from the frames in which they are standing. Old roots that are merely split up before planting, and have been kept almost dor- maut up to the present, may be put out about the middle of the month. These will furnish useful flowers in quantity, but the ne^ly propagated ones will give the best. A mulch of rotten manure is advisable for Dahlias after planting, and especially so if the soil is of a light nature. For garden decoration the free- flowering Pompon varieties are most telling, and several together of one variety producing masses of colour have a better effect than too many colours. The following are six good Pompous, White Aster, white ; Isabel, bright orange scarlet ; Phoebe, deep golden orange ; Mars, bright scarlet ; Nerissa, soft silvery-rose ; and Douglas, deep maroon. For use a3 cut flowers no section is equal to the true Cactus type, these having the advantage over the single varieties of lasting longer in good condition. In the garden, perhaps, their worst feature is that they fail to throw the flowers well above the foliage, but by a system of disbudding this may in some measure be avoided, and those most subject to this failing should be omitted. The following comprise some of the best for general purposes. Of new one3, Mrs. WU-on Noble, pinkish salmon, free; Mrs. Francis Fell, white ; Harry Stredwick, dark crimson-maroon ; Mis. Barnes, pale primrose, tipped pink ; Harmony, red- dish-bronze, yellow centre ; Mrs. Montefiore, crimson scarlet ; Fusilier, salmon pink. Good older varieties are, Bertha Mawley, cochineal colour, very free ; Delicata, soft pink ; Matchless, velvety maroon ; Lady Penzance, sulphur yellow ; Gloriosa, bright red, rather tall grower; Ernest Cannell, red; Mrs. A. Peart, creamy white ; Mrs. Turner, deep yellow ; Robert Cannell, magenta ; Countess of Radnor, deli- cate salmon ; and the old Juarezii, bright crimson. Alpine Auriculas. — These pretty &pring-flowcring plants are useful for small beds or borders, and seeds Mat 8, 1897.] THE GAB DENE F S' CHRONICLE. 303 may be sown now for raising plants to fl..wer next year. From a packet of good seed a great variety of colours may be obtained. As the seeds often germi- nate slowly and irregularly, they are best sown in boxes of rather light soil, just covering the reeds, afterwards standing in a cold frame where shade may be afforded until the seedlings appear. The soil should not be allowed to bi come dry. Old plants may be pulled in pieces as soon as flowering is over, and be dibbled in, in some shady spot ; and these, will make strong plants for another seasc n, larger than those raised fioin Eeeds now. Primroses and Polyanthuses may aUo be raised from seeds forthwith, to flower next spring. A shady border or frame on a spent hotbed will be a suitable position for sowing the seeds, scattering them thinly in shallow drills, drawn out a few inches apart. Any special varieties now in bloom, of which it is desired to save Eeeds, should be marked, and if possible, isolated from others. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. ByH. W. Ward, Bayleigh, Essex. Wall Trees. — The thinning, pinching, and training of young growths upon wall trees require almost daily attention at this season. Especially is this the case in regard to young trees in order to obtain sym- metrical well-trained trees that will cover the space allotted to them on the walls, and yield profitable crops of fruit in as short a time as possible. Strict attention must be given to details of a routine character, retaining only as many young shoots of the current year's growth as are absolutely necessary for the formation of the individual trees, rubbing out in the bud state the surplus growths of Peach- trees, and pinching those of Apricots, Plums, Pears, and sweet Cherries not required for the building-up of the trees, back to one well- developed leaf, which will promote the formation of fruit-buds. The points should be pinched-out of any growths which are likely to rob the weaker ones. The young growths that are to be retained should be trained at equal distances on the wall in the manner recommended in a previous Calendar. Young shoots of Peach-trees and the Morello Cherry should be laid in between the several pairs of branches with twigs, taking care not to injure them in doing so. The object should be to encou- rage and maintain a free healthy growth in the trees. It will be necessary to keep the soil moist about the roots, and to prevent the shoots and leavesfrom attacks of aphis and mildew. Weakly-growing trees and plants, like animals, are more subject to the attacks of disease or pests than those of an opposite descrip- tion; consequently, the trees must be constantly observed during the whole of the summer months, and prompt action should be taken upon the first appearance of either aph;s or mildew, by washing the affected trees in the afternoon with the solutions recommended in the Gardeners' Chronicle for April 17 last. In order to prevent attacks of red-spider, as well as to promote a free, healthy growth in the trees, Peach-trees should be well washed with clean water, applied from the hand garden- engine every afternoon on bright warm days. Frost Blinds. — The cloths with which the blossoms of Peaches, Green Gage Plums, and choice Pears have been protected, together with the poles, coping- boards, kc, should be removed forthwith. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Barford, Dorking. Saecolabiums. — In the case of plants of Saccolabium Blumei, S. giganteum, S. guttatum, S. ccoleste, S. retusum, S. pia-morsum, S. violaceum, and the white S. Harrisoniannm in a weak condition, it is advisable to remove the flower-spikes as soon as they appear, and to give the plants generous, growing treatment. It is also a good plan to remove the sphagnum-moss from the plants, and to fill up the space with clean crocks. Suspend each plant near the roof glass in a moderately shady posi'ion, and each afternoon when the house is closed and damped down pour plenty of water through the crocks, and well moisten the roots that are clinging to the exteiior of the Teak wood basket. Evergreen Calnnthes. — C. veratrifolia, C. niasuca, and C. Dorniniana x , must be constantly examined for insect pests. Brown scale is apt to be troublesome at this period, and if not checked will cause some injury to the foliage and flower-stems. If any green and yellow aphides are detected, place the plants in some house which is being fumigated. Specimens of these Calanthes that are in a weakly condition should be relieved of their flower-spikes as they appear. The proper time for repotting such Calanthes is imme- diately after the flower-spikes are cut ; but the present is a good time to repot unhealthy specimens from which the spikes have been removed. They lequireratherlarge pots, and these shouldbeabout one- third filled with crocks, over which a thin turf of loam with the grassy side downwards should be placed. The compost should consist of fibrous yellow loam, with the addition of a little leaf- soil, coarse silver-sand, and small pieces of charcoal or broken crocks. Pot the plants moderately firmly, allowing about half an inch of space below the rim of each pot, to permit of efficient watering. They should be grown in the intermediate-house, hut they will also grow vigorously in the ordinary stove. Placo them in a shady part of the house, and where they may obtain a moderate amount of fresh air daily. Plants of the hybrid Phaius Cooksoni and P. Martha? x , that have recently passed out of bloom, should be kept in the intermediate house until growth recommences. Allow the plants to rest as long as possible by keeping them moderately cool, and give only a sufficient amount of water to keep them plump; they will then start away strong, and produce back breaks with greater freedom than when subjected to strong heat con- tinually. P. tuberculosus often suffers from small yellow thrips ; these tiny insects frequently obtain a foothold low down in the young growths before the grower is aware of their presence in the house. Now that this pretty species is starting to grow, the new growths should be closely eximined every day, and if any tbiips make their appearance, the XL All vaporiser should be employed for their destruction. Before the new growths commence to emit roots, the plant may he afforded fresh rooting material. Shallow pans or Teak -wood baskets may be used, and should be two-thiids filled with drainage, over which a thick layer of sphagnum-moss may be placed ; afterwaids, a layer of peat and moss, upon which the pieces of the plant should be placed, filling up closely to the rhizome with fresh growing heads of sphagnum. Place the plants in a moist shady coiner of the hottest house, and keep the compost moist at all times. A slight dewing overhead at closing-time will conduce to strong growth, and also check the attacks of insect pest*. FRUITS DKEBB GLASS. ByF. Harris, Gardener, Ea.'tnor Castle, Ledbury. Cherries. — The very early trees in pots on which fruit is nearly or qirte life, must be kept moist at the roots, but not to be subjected to overhead syringing, this being generally discontinued as soon as the fruits begin to colour, otherwise there is danger of the fruits splitting. If any suns of this be noticed afford the trees plenty of air and only sufficient water at the roots to keep the fruits pi imp, and to enable them to ripen properly. Tre s from which the fruit has bem gathered should be removed to some sunny spot out of doors, ai d plunged to the rim in the soil, taking precautions against woims entering the pots Such plunged trees must be afforded abundance of water at the roots, and a gootl springing in the afternoon on suuny days, so as to keep the foliage treen till it drops. Liter successions of Cherry-trees under glass should be closely inspected once a week at the least lor maggot an 1 black aphis, the last the worst pests that affects Cherry-trees. The best remedy against these aphides is syringing with tobacco or quassia wa'er, as it requires such a large quantity of tobacco-smoke to kill them that it injures the trees. [The XL All Yaporhcr is excellent for the purpose. Kir] Plumr. — The aboie remarks concerning Chenies apply also to the Plum, the only difference being, that the fruit requires a longer p-riod of time to ripen. Afford manure-water occasionally to trees in pots, and syringing the heads till the fruits exhibit traces of colour, when it must be discontinued. Let the lateral shoots bo stopped at the second or third leaf fiom the joint, and also the points of any leading shoots which are growing too vigorously; or stop them back toala'eral shoot that is well placed, and let this sene as the Wading shoot. Pines. — The early Queens are now ripening fast, and should be kept dryer at the roots as soon as colouring i- noticed in the fruits, manure being no longer applied. If the ripening of the fruits is pro- ceeding too fast, or there are too many plants together which have reached their full size, some of the fonvardest may be placed in an early vinery where they will ripen properly if care be taken that they are not supplied with much moi lure at the root. Any plants carrying ripe fruits may be mored to a coil -shed, or the Grape-room, where they will keep iu goud condition for a week or longer. Plants that have gone out of flower may be assisted by- liberal supplies of liquid manure when they require water at the root. Be sure that the bottom heat is maintained at 85" to 90°, any check at this stage causing a loss of size in the fruit. Maintain a moist state of the atmosphere by clamping walls and the surface of the bed, but not the plants, except on very bright days, when very fine dening overhead may be afforded at closing time. Let all fruits inclined to topple over be properly supported before the crowns get awry ; and all superfluous suckers not wanted for increase be twisted off. Tomatos. — The fruits should be removed as soon as they are completly coloured, so that the later ones may increase in size rapidly. Remove all the lateral shoots, nipping them back to one leaf from the stem if the plants are grown on single stem*. A lateral shoot coming out near the bottom may be left to cover the bare stem. The plants are grown on a trellis, and allowed to spread ; the shoots may be tied in thinly, and if the foliage is very dense, a por- tion of each leaf may be cut off. As the crop of fruit increases, afford frequent top-dressings and weak liquid-manure as often as water may be required. If the later plants have been prepared as directed in a previous Calendar, plant them without delay where they are to fruit. Such plants will begin to fruit shortly after planting. Plants intended for out-of- doors fruiting should be removed into cooler quar- ters, and gradually hardened off in readiness for planting towards the end of the month. Seeds may be sown in order to raise plants to succeed the earliest fruiting-plants. PLANTS UNDER GLASS By Q H. Matcock, Gardener, Luton Hoo Park, Luton. Chrysanthemums,— The plants intended for flower- ing in the late autumn should be potted for the last time as soon as possible after this date. For most varieties, pots of 9 inches in diameter are sufficiently large, and these must be new ones, or others made clean by washing, and be well crocked, although numerous crocks need not be UEed ; and the best soit are those that are convex, which should be laid the concave side downwards, evenly, not thrown in at random—a depth of 2 inches will suffice, and over them should come a layer of bits of turfy 1. am. The potting must be dene fiimly, a wedge-shaped rammer being made use of for making fiim the soil between the ball and the pot towards the bottom ; and but a sn all quantity of soil should be placed in the pot at a time. If the putting-soil was mixed up as ad- vised, it will now be in good condition for use. Afford the lepotted plants the protection of a cold-frame for a week afterwards, and sriinge the tops occasionally dining the early part of the day. If, however, f, r want of space, the plants must te placed out of-doois, a temporaiy shelter should be provided for them, and it is well to take the piecaution to stake ea. h plant before it is r< moved frem the pottingshed. General Hoi*. — A sowing of Mignonette seed may be made iu jots, so as to foim a succession to the earlier sowing, and if these are 1 1 flower iu 5 inch | ot*, let the lateral growths be pegged down to the soil in a circle, and these will furnish good spikes of bloom. The flower spikes should be pinched off zonal Pelar- goniums when small, if the plautsare intended toflower during the winter months. Palms should bo kept well sjiingcd, more air allowed, and plenty of water ifforded the soil, pot-bound plants being supplied occasionally with liquid manuie. Divided Aspidis- tras lurida, when re-established, should be removed to a cool-house or low pit, placing them where tin y will receive some amount of direct sunshine. To Drive Away Ants.— Trobably pharmacists are more often consulted on a means to drivo away ants than on any other entomological subject, except- ing the ever present " blackbeetle," which is with us always. We have found that a solution of naphthidin in carbon bisulphide is excellent for outdoor use, but is of course too dangerous to use indoors. For use in the house, a saturated solution of napbthalin in carbolic acid is almost equally efficacious. Bisulphide is also effectual -for destroying moles on lawns, and for suffocating wasps. It should be poured down tlio entrance to tho nest at night, and t tie orifice imme- diately closed with a eld of earth. Journal of the Pharmauutital Socittu 304 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Mat 8, 1897. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be tent to the PUBLISHER. L. -iters for Publication, as well at specimens and plants for naming, should be addressed to tlu EDITOR, 4t, Welling ton Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications should be WRITTEN ON ONE SIDE ONLY OP THE PAPER, sent as early in tlu week a3 possible, and duly signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith. The Editor does not under- take to pay Jar any contributions, or to return unused com- munications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. SATURDAY, May S— Royal Botanic Society. Meeting. TUESDAY May 11 f ^°va* Horticultural Society's Com- * I mittees. (Exhibition of Tulips and Confer- WEDNESDAY, May l'?-[ ence at the Royal Bolanic I Society's Garden (two days). (Beddin( ( Room Bedding Plants in variety, On Plant* and Ferns, Ca . &c. , at Protheroe & Mo Rooms. t Japanese Lilie.-., ( 'ulcuoLirias, Tube- WEDNESDAY, May 12-j roses. Dahlias, Pinks, &c, at \ Protheroe & Morris' Rooms. {Established Orchids : also Impor- tations of Orchids, Bulbs Lilies Plants, Palms, Arc, at Stevens Rooms. May 14 ^ Established and Imported Orchid: I at Protheroe &. Morris' Rooms. Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from Observations of Forty-three years, at Chiswick.— 53 "6°. Actual Temperatures : — London.— May 5 : Max., 59° ; Min., 45''. Provinces.- May 5 (6 p.m.): Max., 65°, E. Counties; Mie., 42°., Sumburgh Head. The main interest in matters Horticulture horticultural this week is centred in Germany. Both at Hamburg and at Berlin vast exhibitions are in pro- gress. Of the two, the Berlin is the less important, as being relatively of a temporary character, but it says much for the energy of our German friends that two such large exhibi- tions should be held at the same time, more especially as the two cities are relatively not far apart, and are connected by a direct line of railway. It is no fault of the Hamburg authorities if their exhibition is not well known among horticulturists. For months past a flood of programmes and notices of various kinds have been poured on us, and we could not take up a horticultural journal, whether in this country or on the Continent, without seeing the device adopted by the authorities, viz., a little plant about to be lifted by the spade. The Hamburg Exhibition has so far achieved complete success, owing to the enthusiasm of the Hamburg people, the excellence of its management, the funds at the disposal of the committee, the dis- tinguished patronage, and last, but not least, its good general organisation. Among the principal members of the committee are Dr. Rodolf Hertz, Dr. Klebahn, Dr. Zacharias, and other indefatigable and zealous organisers. Upon Mr. Jirgens has devolved the formation of the design and the carrying out of the entire work. All sections of the exhibition -permauent, horti- cultural, and industrial competitions, the formation and laving out of the park, the arrangement of the plans of the buildings, the tent containiog illustration) of various floras, the hall with representations of the public promenades in the chief European cities, the miles des fetes, the electric lighting of gardens and buildings, the deiorations and superintendence, in fact, the entire organisation of an enterprise which will for five months be the pleasure and pride of Hamburg, and make its mark in horticultural annals, is under the supervision of " Burgomaster Dr. J. G. MuQckeberg, Magnificenz." The spring show was opened with due ceremony by the Burgomaster on May 1 in the presence of many visitors. This temporary exhibition occupies the large hall of the principal building, which measures nearly 8,000 square metres (l£ acres}, various rooms and galleries, all connected olc with the other for a length of nearly 2,000 feet. All these rooms a*e lined with plants. The principal building, planned in the German style, with a large central nave, supported by massive columns, with galleries, corners with low and semi- circular platforms, is turned into one large garden of great beauty. A lawn, with a pretty lake and cas- cade, whence the water passes under a viaduct sup- porting a group of statuary ; a passage leading to the park, large chandeliers of incandescent la-nps, and various other decorative features form the background of a picture whose foreground is constituted by glorious groups of magnificent plants. At the end of the hall a sloping bed, occupying the entire width of the nave, is planted with Indian Azaleas, hardy Azaleas, and Rhododendrons, and edged with hundreds of Lilies of the Valley. Behind these, at the base of tall Palms, is a wealth of flowering plants, principally Cliveiai ; on each side is a pyramid of blooming Horfensias, whence spring splendid Tree Ferns with fine effect. On each side of the large hall, before the two flights of steps, is a magnificent arrangement of hundreds of ornamental and flowering plants, beautifully disposed. At the entrance another fine bed of Indian Azaleas is bordered with Livistona rotundifolia. In the four corners of the centre of the hall are groups of mixed plants, one group, composed principally of Crotons and Pandanus, attracting much attention from their excellent cultivation. In the lawn round the lake and in other places, baskets of flowering and foliage plants, specimen Palms and Araucarias look well against the green turf. The hall is well planned ; the paths are very broad, though scarcely sufficiently so to permit, on the opening day, the number of visitors to move easily. All is, however, on a large scale, as is evid nt at a glance. Among the innumerable exhibits which adorn the galleries and intersecting halls we must note, in this rapid general account, the interesting contribution of Orchids, amoug them those from Baron Schroder, which form one of the features of the present show ; new and rare pilots, splendid Caladiumj, flower- ing Bromeliads, Lilac-3, Hortensias, with splendid trusses ; very fine Amaryllis, Carnations, Hyacinths and Tulips, Primulas obemica and Sieboldi, Arau- caria and Agave, Bertolonia, Anthuriums ; these and many other treasures too numerous to mention. The work outside is done in a bold and most effec- tive manner, the grouping of the trees, shrubs, &c, being done separately, so as to display each family or distinct form of plant to tho best possible advantage ; thus, one part is a fine group of Picea pungens (the Blue Spruce), in others groups of different species, and again in others are groups of Golden Yews, &c. Later on, the Roses, which are planted in large numbers, should prove to be a fine sight The President of the International Jury is M. Ana. Siebert, Gartenbau-Director, and Manager of the Palm-gardens at Frankfort-on-the-Maine ; M. Wil- helm Lauche, Hofgarten- director to the Prince Johann von end zu Lichtenstein, is Secretary - gentral. Among tb^ members gathered from nearly every country in Europe, we were pleased to notice many representatives of the horticultural Press, who may well feel gratification at their connection with so successful a horticultural exhibition. To give our readers some idea of the cost of the exhibition, it may be stated that the buildings and the groundwork, &c, involved an expenditure of no less a sum than 200,000 marks (£10,000). The enterprise exhibited by the executive is highly commendable. The English section of the jury comprises Messrs. Ballantine, Gordon, Hudson, and Sander. To Baron von Schroder (gr., Mr. Ballantine) 'u awarded a Gold Medal, for his exhibit of Orchids ; and to Messrs. Sander & Co, St. Albans, a Gold Medal and special prize of 100 marks, for Dracaena Godseffiana, as the finest new plant and novelty in the exhibition. Tho plant in question is a remark- ably fine example. Having been shown in England, any further description would be superfluous. The Berlin Exhibition is held in commemora- tion of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Society with a forbiddingly long name, which we may shorten to that of the Prussian Horticult- ral Society. It was opened a day or two before the Hamburg Exhibition, by the Empress of Germany, and is the most exten- sive show of the kind ever held in Berlin, the space enclosed being no less than 14,000 square metres, of which 10,000 are covered in. The Roses occupy the grea'est amount of space, but it is to be deplored that the dull cold weather in April proved so unfavourable to the forcing of Roses, so that numerous plants had only a few of their blossoms expanded. Next to the Roses the Palms are the most numerously represented, and, most fortunately, some extensive collections containing many diverse and rare species, and a few large and beautiful example?. Orchids are poorly represented, and are not so good as in 1890. Among foliage plants, the Caladiums in large collections are deserving of special mention ; also the variegated Crotons (Codiae-im), which are now har- deneloff in Germany in rather low temperatures, and in consequence they are available for employment in apartments without suffering. The most remarkable display of flowering plants is made with a collection of the best varieties of Rhododendrons, arranged ou a large rockery. Of Azalea indica, the plants observed are sma'l in point of size— 1 foot in diameter in the case of the smallest ; examples of from 2 to 3 feet in diameter being entirely missing. The collections of zonal Pelargoniums are very good ; Cyclamens are shown in moderate numbers, but amongst them some specimens of the finest quality, carrying about 200 gigantic blooms (raiser, Carl Eiirend, at Zielenzig) were noted. The Cyclamen previously mentioned in these pages as being shown by H. Tubbentiial are inferior to these plants. The specimens of Hydrangea hortensis, with red and bins flowers, are numerous, likewise Fuchsias. Most remarkable are the Cape and New Holland plants, which are at length receiving attention. Ericas are shown in large collections ; and Boronias are shown by Messrs. Spielberg k De Coene, of Pankow, in excellent examples. In accord with the taste of today, herbaceous plants are largely shown, inclusive of Primulas and Auriculas, and in particular those from H. Backer, of Pankow, are excellent. A new feature at exhibi- tions are the "room plants," shown by persons who cultivate them without professional assistance ; and especially numerous in such exhibits are species of aquatics and Cactus. Valuable and extensive collections of Cacti are displayed by various com- mercial cultivators. Among hardy subjects Conifers are very fine, the best collection coming from H. Lorberq, Berlin. Two small plans of gardens made and shown by students of the horticultural schools for girls at Friedenau are worthy of notice. These are intended to show the best manner in which an Are (100 square metres) of land can be laid out and cultivated. The idea is to exhibit to the poorer class of Berlin in which way the many vacant building-plots in the vicinity of the metropolis awaiting the builder, but which can be rented provisionally, can be made to grow vegetables. And with the intention of showing at what cost, and with what profit this can be done, every expense, exclusive of rent, and the cost of labour, and all takings, aie given. In the technical section, a novelty is shown of a window - plant cill or board which prevents water dribbling on the pedestrian when the plants are afforded water. It was exhibited by H. Hildebrandt, of Laukwitz, a place scuth of Berlin. Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle," Mav 8, 1897. 3 t S> a Mat S, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, 305 Royal Horticultural Society.— The next fruit and floral meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society will be held on Tuesday, May 11, in the Drill Hall, James Street, Westminster, from 1 to fi p.m. At 3 o'clock a lecture will be given by Mr. <«. Masske, F.L.S., on " Diseases of Plants, especially of Orchids." The Crystal Palace Fruit Show of the Royal Horticultural Society— The subjoined letter explains itself: — " I feel inclined to bead my letter ' Lost, Stolen, or Strayed, £100/ for though not Moat,' or 'stolen,' the £100 required for the Autumn Show of British-grown Fruit certainly seems to have 'strayed ' into the all-devouring capacity of the many-mouthed Diamond Jubilee projects. You will remember that when the Autumn Fruit Show, which had been held from time immemorial at the Crystal Palace, had fallen through, the Royal Horti- cultural Society offered to revive it as a Show uf British-grown Fruit, with prizes to the value of £250, on condition that those interested in the encourage- ment of fruit-growing in this country would sub- scribe not less than £100 towards the unavoidable expenses. For the last few years this £100 has been forthcoming, and magnificent shows have resulted, teaching thousands and thousands of spectators what fine fruit can be grown in Great Britain, and in- structing very many planters as to the best varieties with which to stock their orchards and gardens. Alas, sir ! this year of especial grace, the £100 has strayed -it is not — or, at least, is not as yet. Letter after letter reaches me to the effect, ' Very sorry, but am so bled with Jubilee projects, that I cannot help this year.' In fact, Peter is to be robbed in order to pay Paul. May I be allowed to appeal to all interested in British fruit not to let our great annual show fall through for lack of £100. Imme- diate help is wanted, as the schedule is all ready for issue—all ready with this one all-important excep- tion. W. Wilka, Sec, B.H.S., Vicar of ShirUy, Croydon. Hamburg General Horticultural Exhi- bition.— The following gentlemen have been selected by the French Minister of Foreign Affairs as delegates of France at this exhibition :— M. Vigpr, formerly Minister of Agriculture, aLd successor to the latj M. Leon Say in the office of President of the Horti- cultural Society of France ; M. ,Chatenay, general Secretary of the same society ; M. Nanot, Director of the School of Horticulture, Versailles ; and MM. Truffaut and Martinet. FANCY PanSIES.— We have received from Mr. H. Kempshall, Lamport Hall Gardens, Northamp- ton, some very beautiful Pansy blossoms. The strain from which the seed has been procured is proved a good one by the size of the blooms, many of them being upwards of 3 inches aero.- s either way. The colours are fine also, and the plants ha\e evidently been skilfully cultivated. The Surveyors' Institution.— The next ordi- nary general meeting, in usual course, will be held on Monday, May 10, 1897, whtn a discussion will take place on the paper read by Mr. J. H. Redman (Associate), at the last meeting, entitled, '* Some Legal Incidents of Tenancies of Urban Property, as illustrated by Recent Decisions." ANEMONES.— Mr. Hartland sends us from Cork a box of very fine Anemones of the S. Brigid strain. In spite of being travel-worn, they revived in water, and presented a striking appearance. Fever in Plants. —Mr. H. M. Richards, who has previously studied the effect of wounds on plant- respiration, now describes {Annals of Botany, xi., 29) a course of experiments on the evolution of heat by wounded plants. He finds that accompanying the increased rate of respiiation is an increase in the temperature of the parts affected. A kind of fever supervenes, and as in the case of respiration, the disturbance runs a definite course, and attains its maximum some twenty-four Lours after injury. It is interesting to note that the attempt to rally from an injury is accompanied by somewhat the same symptoms, increased rate of respiration and evolution of heat, in plants as in animals. O wing to the nature of the case the re-action is less obvio.is in the former than in the latter, and a delicate thermo-electric element was required to appreciate the rise in tem- perature ; but compared with the ordinary tempera- ture of plant* in relation to the surrounding medium, the riaa after injury is uaa great, if not greater than in animals." The maximum in all the plat-ts investigated was between two and three times the ordinary excess above the surrounding air. Potatos proved the most satisfactory object* for experiment, and it was found that in massive tissues (such as Potatos or Radishes afford) the effect of injury was local, whereas in the case of leaves (e.g., Onion-bulbs) a much greater extent of tissue was eympa'hetically affected. Natural Science. ABIES BRACTEATA.— We are indebted to the Earl of DfClE for the following measurements of this tree, which was planted at Tortworth probably between 18 JS and 18G2 :— Height, 52 feet; circum- ference at 1 foot from the ground, 6 feet ; spread of branches, 3G feet. The soil is old led sandstone, the aspect much exposed to S.W. winds, and about 2G0 feet about the sea. Male catkins of this tree and of Picea sitchensis were also obligingly forwarded by his lordship. A Jubilee Wall Decoration.— The lojalty of the British public is this season to find expression even on such articles as wall decorations. Messrs. Alfred Chapman k Co., of Rathbone Place, W., have brought out a specially-designed frieze and Blling to commemorate the preseut j ear of Jubilee. The wall-filling shows a design of Roses, Thistles, and Shamiocks, and part of the frieze is in accordance with this, but is intended to be a setting for one or more "picture" panels. These panels represent the Queen overlooking troops of dancing children bring- ing offerings typical of various British and Colonial arts and sciences. Wall-filling and friezes can be had in green or in terra-cotta shades, and seem espe- cially well adapted for use in public rooms or other buildings in which Jubilee business may this year be transacted. The firm above mentioned have also ready some transparencies an I window decorations useful to those who wi.*h to illuminate. " Culture des Chrysanthemes a la grande fleur et a takle basse." by g. Chabanne and A. Chodxet { Lyons : Rivoire et Fils). — We have just received a copy of this cultural manual, dealing with the production of dwarf large- flowered Chrysanthemums, or, as the authors call their method, " culture Lyonnaise." The work was first issued about a year ago, but it appears that a second edition has been called for, and although the contents are in many respects similar, the new issue is revised and enlarged, and contains several fresh illustrations. Besides the ordinary cultural direction? in the body of the book, there is a calendar, and a list of varieties. The Totley Hall Daffodils, owing to the kiudness of their owner,' Mr. Milner, are becoming very well known to such Yorkshire folk who admire a floral display. The garden* have recently been again thrown open to the public, when about 500 persons visited them. Daffodils are treated as a spteialitt at this seat near Sheffield, and the collec- tion includes such rare and valuable varieties as Glory of Leiden and Weardale Perfection. Mr. T. Birkenshaw has charge of the gardens. "Encyclopedia of Horticulture."— The Macmillan Company announce that the compilation of an Encyclopaedia of American Horticulture has been beguu under the editorial supervision of Prof. L. H. Bailey, of the Cornell University. There has never been a really good and adequate presentation of American horticulture, and this book proposes to make good the want. It is to cover horticulture in its widest sense, pomology, floriculture, vegetable gardening, greenhouse matters, ornamental garden- ing, the botany of cultivated plants, and the like. The work will consist of signed articles by specialists , profusely illustrated by eDgravings made expressly for it. The article3 will be arrange 1 alphabetically, and it is expected that the number of entries will be about 6030, compri-ed in three large volumes, dated 1900. The earnest ooperation of every student of horticultural pursuits, and every lover of rural life is solicited, in order that the work miy be worthy of the opening of the twentieth century. Botanical Gazette, March. PHORMIUM COLENSOL— In regard to the com- parative hardiness of this plant, and its propagation by means of seed, we have received the following interesting note from Mr. A. Pettighew, the well- known gardener at Cardiff Castle : — " This fine orna- mental plant stands well planted out in the open shrubberies here, and is seldom injured by frost iu the severest winters. It has on several occasions, during the last sixteen year^, flowered freely, and produced abundance of well-ripened seeds, which, when sown, germinate freely ; but, strange to say, I have not succeeded in saving any of the plants. I have tried to raise them from seed for several years, but utterly failed to produce a plant which had chlorophyll in its leaves. The leaves are white, and the plants seem strong, but when they have grown to about an inch in height, they dwindle off and die." WlREWORM AND PROTECTIVE PLANTS. — On reading a note in a contemporary on "Capture- plants" being cultivated in some German gardens to clear the land of eelworms, we are reminded of that which was not an uncommon practice many years ago here, in regard to quite as dreaded an insect foe, the true wireworm. So greatly infested was the soil in s-ime gardens as to make it an impossibility to grow roots of Carrots fit to put on the table, or to raise sufli :ient Parsley to meet the demands of the kitchen, unless rjws of Lettuce were sown alternately with the plant it is desired to protect. The wireworm is evidently a creature of very decided predilection as regards the food it imbibes, and although passionately partial to the juices of Carrots and Parsley, it deserts them both to feed on Lettuce. Another instance of tLe protection that one kind of plants affords another oc:urs in the case of the mole-cricket, Gryllotalpa vulgaris, a voracious feeder on the roots of plants ; aai a* some aver on worms, larvae, &c, which prefers a Potato-tuber to anything else, but abominates the roots of the Cucumber, although it will burrow in the loose, rich soil of Cucumber frames in search of food, committing plenty of havoc in doing so. Hence, in countries where the nule-cricket is more common than it is in Great Britain, it is a general practice of gardeners to set Potato-tubers just beneath the soil as food for them. Beech.— Dr. Fiiidjlin Krasser has receutly published, in the Annalcn des K. K. Naturhistorischcn /It if Museums, Vienna, a monographic sketch of the genus Fag us and its allies. Four species of Beech proper are retained, viz.: 1, sylvatica ; 2,Sieboldi; 3, japo- nica ; 4, ferruginea, Aiton (=s F.Americana Sweet). The other Beeches, sixteen in number, ire included in the genus Nothofagus, characterised by short styles ; male perianth cup-shaped, irregularly lobed ; stamens thirty to forty ; scale3 of the involucre free. LONGEVITY OF THE LARCH.— The Ch/onique Agricole du Canton de Vaud contains various records concerning the age attained ia Switzer- land by the Larch. There are at Mayens-de-Sion two old Larches which measure from '20 to 22 feet round the base, and G5 fret in height. Both are referred to in a plan of the grounds dated 1540, where they are mentioned as " the two Larches before the house." They were then a good age. and now are 351 years older. These years do not seem to have weakened them, as they are in full vigour. Anothei Larch is found on the Alp de Torrent, near Albinen ; it is called the boundary-tree, as every hundred yeard the people of Albinen and Louechc- les-Bains go out to it to re-mark the bouudary. On its trunk a sort of niche has been cut in the bark, and on the exposed wood are engraven the dates 306 THE GABDENEBS* CHBONICLE. [May 8, 1897. from 1400 to 1700. Larch wood has considerable durability; the above journal mentions a chalet at Loueehe-les-Bains where the piece of wood which supports the ceiling is of Larch, and bears the date 1536. An Apple-Pear Tree.— K. Th. Bieler com- municated an interesting fact at the meeting of the Soci&e* Vandoise des Sciences Naturelles, at Lau- sanne, on Nov. 4 last. He brought forward a fruit intermediate between the Pear and the Apple, a sort of "Apple-Pear," gatberel in, 1893 in an orchard in Canton Vand, on an espalier Apple, Bedfordshire Fou -idling, several branches of which intercrossed with those of a neighbouring Pear-tree, Marechal de la Cour. The fruit bore traces of both species ; it had the eye of the Apple, and the stem was inserted in the oblique manner of the Pear. M. Bikler thinks that it is a case of impregnation, not of simple hybridisation, an example of " xeuia," according to M. Pockk's terminology. Xenia is very exceptional. It consists of a sort of cross-breeding, evident in the seed and in the fruit, although, usually, the fecunda- tion of a flower by pollen from a different species results in a seed having the characteristics of the seed of the mother-plant, while the plant growing from such seed has the characteristics of the male parent. M. Bieler observes that if there be already examples of a Pear-Apple, an Apple-Pear is not yet known. Further, he does not guarantee the certainty of the phenomenon in the present instance ; since 1893 no Apple-Pear has been produced, but the thing is pos- sible, and in 1893, the similarity of the blossoms of the two trees was noticed. This is rare, as the Pear usually blooms before the Apple. MAIZE AND TEOSINTHE.— In the American Museum of Natural History, New York City, there is an ear of corn displayed in the room on the ground- floor at the left-hand side of the main entrance, which was collected by Carl Lumholz, the explorer, among the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico. It is iden- tical in all respects with the form which I described in Garden and Forest (vol. ix., p. 522), as produced by crossing, For three seasons successively, Teosinthe (EuchUeua luxurians) and Maize. It is interesting to note the occurrence of this form among a wild tribe which comes little in contact with white men. Dr. Nicolas Leon, of Mexico, informs me that this hybrid iB encountered among the Mixes and the Zapotecs inhabiting the State of Oaxaca, and that there it ia called Maiz de los Gentiles. Another interesting fact concerning Maize and Teosinthe is one made known by Dr. William Trelease, of the Missouri Botanical Garden. It is well known that corn-smut, Ustilago Zea-Mays, fastidiously confines itself to the Maize-plant, being found on no other plant. Dr. TreleaSB discovered that it also grows parasitically on Teosinthe, a fact which also points to the close affinity of Maize a d Teosinthe, if they are not identical, J. W. ffarsliberger, in" Garden and Forest." INSECT POL'CE.— We take the following extract from an article of Mr. H. C. Perkins, published in a recent number of Nature, p. 499: — "The first importa- tion of Coccinellidce to destroy hordes of scale-insect- iu the Hawaiian Islands was made in 1890, when Vedalia cardinal is Muls., a native of Australia, was sent over by Mr. Albert Koebele. At that time many trees were in a deplorable condition from the attacks of Icerya, Monkey-pod trees being particularly badly infested — so much so that they were being largely cut down as the only recourse. The Vedalia was a complete success ; it became perfectly natu- ralised, increased prodigiously for a time, practically cleared the trees, and then, as the Icerya became com- paratively scarce, decreased in numbers, while at the present time it is evident that the number of the scale and its destroyer has arrived at a fixed pro- portion. Previously to its introduction here the same 1 idy-bird had done excellent service in the fruit orchards of Lower California In many parts of the islands the Bamnas and Palm-trees have been severely attacked by the larva of a species of Pyralidina. There is little doubt that in course of time this plague will be entirely kept under by a fine Chalcid (Chalcis obscurata, Walk.), introduced from China aud Japan, which has already multiplied enormously at the expense of these caterpillars— so much bo, indeed, that in mauy localities the treea have no.v entirely recovered. Again, within the last few years a Lamellicorn beetle (Adoretus utn- brosus) has been introduced from Japan. This insect speedily multiplied prodigiously, and soon destroyed nearly every Kose-tree in Honolulu, and subsequently attacked the foliage of many other trees. The culti- vation of Roses — once a feature of the city — became impossible, while a remedy seemed hopeless. One day, however, Mr. Koebele discovered a parasitic fungus, and by cultivation of this, and infecting healthy beetles, soon spread it far and wide. Whether the fungus will prove entirely effective is not at pre- sent certain, but in any case it will be a most useful aid. The writer has seen the ground under trees which were attacked literally strewn with dead beetles— all killed by the fungus— and beneath the surface of the soil the larvre had likewise perished. It is at least jertain. therefore, that myriads of the beetles were destroyed very shortly after the fungus was spread around by the individuals that had been infected.' Publications Received. — The Genealogical Magazine, a Journal of Family History, Heraldry, aud Pedigrees (Elliot Stock, Paternoster Row). This is the first number of a well got- up magazine, which we commend to the notice of genealogists and antiquarians. — English Illustrated Magazine. The May number includes, among other interesting contents, an article upon the various homes in which Queen Victoria lived in her youth.— European Mail, a useful periodical for absent friends. — Expanded Metal, and its C'ses in Fireproof Conttructions, pub- lished by the Expanded Metal Co., Ltd , 39, Upper Thames Street, London, E.C. HOW TO DIS-ESTABLISH BRACKEN. I envy your correspondents who cannot get the common Bracken to grow in their woods. Here- abouts, the difficulty is to prevent it getting the upper hand. Mr. Fish's rough-and-ready plan of "clothing the landscape and woods" with it is the best, where transplanting is adopted, but by seed is the easiest. Transplanted about this season, the wounded rhizomes bleed and die, or become so weakened that they do not soon recover, and that, probably, is one reason why transplanting sometimes fails ; but dug up as soon as the fronds turn brown, it will grow like a weed. I, however, caution owners against introducing Bracken into their woods, because it is a fertile cause of H res, and very injurious to the underwood and young trees. Old workmen in the woods here have assured me that they remember the time when somo of our most extensive woods weie comparatively free from Bracken, and full of under- wood that was readily sold with the timber that was felled ; but in these woods at the present day the Bracken form one unbroken mass from 4 to 6 feet high ([ have found single fronds 12 feet long), and all the underwood (Hazel, &c.) is destroyed. Before the Bracken came, the underwood used to grow freely again from the stools ; but wherever cut down after the Brack eu had got dense, it never grew again, being smothered in the first at-d second years by the latter. In a wood of 00 acres, from which a good crop of underwood was sold in 18G8, there is now not a stick, the Bracken having smothered it. It would be the same with young plantations were I not to employ squads of men and boys to beat down the Bracken at the stage when it bleeds freely when beaten ; and this practice his to be continued till the trees get their tops above it, otherwise the tree-crop would be lo3t. This beating ths Bracken down when the fronds are just unfolding and brittle certainly weakens, and finally kills it ; but it is expensive work, and the cutting of Heather and other rough herbage is nothing to it. It is a veritable nightmare to anyone having the charge of woods where it abounds. As to (ires, we have one Oak wood of some 1400 acres on this estate, almost every acre of which has been swept severely by fires caused by railway locomotives during the past twelve years, and all owing to the dead Bracken, which, between January and June, gets as dry as tinder and fires as readily. In every case sparks from the railway engines of fast trains have caused these fires, and a decision in the higher law courts on a claim for damage (by a nobleman whose name I forget) last year, has brought the frequency of, and responsibility for, such confla- grations into notice in some of your contemporaries. In the case of the wood here, the railway traverses the wood for about 4 miles, and on windy days the sparks from the engine are blown among the Bracken at the side of the line, and in a few minutes after- wards the wood is ablaze, a wall of fire rushing through it that nothing can resist, and it has to burn itself out. In one fire, a few years ago, the flames traversed a mile or more of wood in one direction in a broad belt, destroying, among other things, about 450 old and tall Hollies, which were burned to their topmost twigs. These were all valued separately. The damage to the Oak and other timber trees con- sisted in the scorching sustained by the trunks of the trees, killing many, and enfeebling all more or less, s) that they had to be felled and sold. TI19 history of the valuation of the damage caused by these fires would form a unique chapter in forestry. I am told by those who know, that we have quite beaten the recnxl. The late Mr. Bruce Findlay, of the Manchester Botanic, acted for the radway people, and we always got on fairly. Until the railway company adopted my suggestion and beat down the Bracken within a certain distance of the railway these fires were all of almost annual occur- rence, and many a wander in the Bracken I and Findlay had. I cannot forget his coming one hot day when the Bracken was waist-deep, and held you like a rope, hi* turning round aud asking, "Is it all like this, Simpson?:" and when I assured him cheer- fully that the exceptions were worse, he sat down on the nearest &tone, and his remarks on " Ferns" need not be here repeated. I know I offered to supply him with any quantity of roots, " put on to rail " free of cost if he would dig them up, aud when we got among the Blechnum, ho took me at my word, and not a few of these used to or may now adorn the shady corners of his " Botanic.*" If Bracken could be employed for any useful pur- pose, it would be different. There is a big paper-mill near one wood where Norway and German wood-pulp from Spruce is used iu enormous q-iantlties, but I cannot persuade them to take our Bracken. It will make paper, as they have proved, but it wants too much cleaning to get at the fibre. I have not, how- ever, given up hope, as I fiud the stdks of the fronds, where the ftbrd is dead, can be almost shaken free of the leaf portion, and if these stalks could be ollected at a reasonable rate, the above objection might have less force. Meanwhile, if you can tell me of any plan of getting rid of Bracken as easily as it can be transplanted, you will oblige. Reverting to the subject of claims fur damage to woods and farm crops caused by railway engines, I may say that in the law case referred to above, the claim was by a nobleman in the &outh of England for a large amount for damage to woods, and that he lost beciuse the railway company pleaded successfully that all reasonable care had been taken, and the case is likely to afford a precedent for the future. The subject is important, because fires amongst crops are continually taking place near to railways. As these fires are almost all caused by fast trains (the speed of which has been increased) on windy days by the sparks being blown from the engine funnel, there is only one way of preventing the sparks reaching fields or woods, and that is by causing the sparks to fall on the track. This has been done, I am tuld.in America and also on the Highland railway, by a device for turning a spark-guard over the mouth of the funne when required. I suggested this strongly to the head engineer of one well-known line, but his objection was that anything of that kind checked the draught and speed ou gradients, and tint on windy diys, when Mat 8, 1897.] TEE GARDE NEBS' GEBONIGLE. 307 fires were most likely, tho wind-pressure on the train caused the wheels to bite the rails more closely, and this, in its turn, had to be overcome by harder firing, which caused the sparks to fly. I leave it there, but 1 still think a wire guard above the funnel practicable. If railway companies intend to plead non-liability it will bo a hard case for some. I have naturally had a gooi deal of correspondence on tho subject from parties whose crops have suffered. Woods, corn crops, Hay crops, and timber yards soem to be most liable to catch fire. I find the railway poople are already acting on the recent judgment referred to on dark nights, as I have special reason to know, the stream of sparks left behind tho engine resemble the tail of a comet more than anything else, but fires never occur except when the wind is strong enough to blow the sparks off the rails where there is nothing to catch fire— a fact which suggests the means of prevention. On these windy days tfic railway com- pany do take precautions by posting men along tho line with brauchos in their hands to beat the fires out at the first ignition. If that is not done, the flames get beyond control in a few minutes, and all the fires mentioned have occurred in spite of those pro- ANTIION V WATERER; above. Quite lately, the owner of a small wood told me that he had planted it up, and had it turned either two or three times. On the la%t occasion, the company did their best to keep the fire within bounds with their own men, but declined to pay for the trees killed. He has now planted it again, and warned the company that they will be held responsible in future for such frequently-repeated destruction. The ques- tion is where does the " due care " and preventive obligations of the railway companies end ? Our wood here is traversed by the fastest trains in the world (between London and Liverpool), according to an article in the Strand Magazine. The incline begins at the one end of the wood ; there the stoker begins to poke his fire up, and cautions. Those who only know the common " Brake" in its dwarfer habit, as found on poor soils or exposed situations — as, for example, on the bleak coast of the Isle of Man. where it is about 6 inches high— may wonder at its rankness here, where it takes a man over the head, forming, when the fronds fade, one of the most imflammable masses possible. About thirty years ago a fire, tupposed to be caused by a spark from some one's pipe, consumed 40 acres of wood. This was all replanted, and a few years ago this young plantation, which contained thousands of fine Cor- sican and Austrian Firs, was swept out of existence by a railway fire, the Bracken setting the green trees iu oue sheet of flame in a fuw miuutes. J. Simpson, Worthy. ANTHONY WATERER. Many of our readers will be pleased to see a like- ness of this typical English nurseryman, whose loss we have recently had to deplore. The illustration here shows Mr. Waterer when in the prime of life, aud it is not difficult to read in his countenance the straightforwardness and determination which characterised the man. For him a plant was good or bad for its purpose ; if bad, its fate was elimination, sharp and sure. A sketch of Mr. Waterer's career was given iu our columns at pp. 628, 757, vol. xx. LOWTHER CASTLE. Lowther Castle has an air of princely magnificence about it, and standing as it does in a well-wooded park of about 800 acres, with the River Lowther running through the grounds, the approach to the mansion is picturesque and beautiful. The Earl of Lonsdale is the present head of the ancient family of Lowther, which has figured iu history for at least 500 years. " Nature and art to adorn the scene combine, Aud flowers exotic grace this northern clime." I was reminded of these lines after walking past the mansion and peepiug for a few minutes into the sculpture gallery. Passing through the conservatory at the west end of tho mansion, we came upon a natural dell, the sloping sides of which have been turfed and planted with choice shrubs — a fit setting for the beautiful geometrical garden laid out in the centre. Here Mr. Clarke has shown for several seasons how well the tuberous Begonia is adapted for bedding purposes. There are handsome vases studded about the garden in suitable positions. The tloping sides of the dell and the surrounding woods help to break the force of the high winds prevalent in the district. This lovely spot is termed the Countess's Garden, aud during last summer we lingered here to admire the effect of well placed flowers and shrubs. The visitor next passes through into the Yew Avenue, composed of trees of immense size and great age, the stems curiously fluted in a twisted manner. They are so closely planted, that the branches are all inter- twined overhead, and form a delightful shade in summer. There are also, outside the aveuuo, Fpleudid examples of the ne^er species of Conifers. Some eighteen or twenty years ago, the Gardeners' Chronicle gave an account of Lowther and the dimen- sions of some of these notable Coniferos. At that time Abies Douglasii was 75 feet in height and 6h feet in circumference 3 feet from the ground. Mr. Clarke very kindly measured this and other tre:s, and found it to be now 100 feet in height, and at 4 feet from the ground it is now 9 feet in circum- ference. Abies Menziesii was 65 feet high, and the girth at 3 feet from the ground was S feet. It is now 90 feet high, and at 4 feet from the ground the girth is S feet 7 inches. Abies cephalonica was 50 feet high, and at a yard from the surface of the ground its girth was 4 feet ; now it is 70 feet high, aud at 4 feet from the ground, its girth is 6 feet 10 inches. When the report above referred to was given, a fine Abies Pinsapo was 10 feet high, but it was unfortuuately blown down by a gale of wind in December, 1895. Tsuga canadensis was 42 feet in height, aud 3 feet iu girth ; it is now 50 feet high, and 5 feet 4 inches in girth. There are two immense Ash trees, designated Adam and Eve, but Adam is tho larger of tho two. It was 21 feet in girth, 5 feet from the ground ; it is uow 23 feet. We leave the shady avenue of Yew trees, taking a lingering look at the noble Conifers, and are soon in the midet of a delightful Rose-garden — and such a garden ; it is 3/. acres in extent, and contains up- wards of 500 beds of Roses. Most of tho beds contain but oue variety, and all tne best varieties of Roses are here. The Crimson Rambler is trained to poles, and in this way is very effective. The old Rose Vivid is grown as a pyramid, and Madame Plantier was well to tho front. Lord Penzance's Sweet Briars are also planted freely. When I add that the beds are cut out of bea'utifully verdant turf, osme 308 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Mat 8, 1897. idea may be formed of the charming effect it has, but beyond this it owes much to the surrounding treeB and shrubs. CarnatiouB — "the fairest flower of the garden" — are well grown here. The Carnation seems to succeed better out-of-doors in the North of England thau in the South. The cooler, moister atmosphere, and probably greater rainfall, is apparently enjoyed by the plants. I have noticed particularly the vigour of the Carnations in the Thames valley. The rainfall at Lowther is about 40 inchea each year. Under glass, Mr. Clarke had 6ne plants of the Tree-Cama- tions Mdlle. Tberese Franco, Miss Jolifie, and Winter Cheer. Some of the more notable growers of winter- flowering Carnations inform me that they have discarded Miss Joliffe for Mdlle. The'rese Franco ; the latter has much larger flowers of the same delicite pink tint. Some ofthe old fashioned New Holland plants still find a congenial home at Lowther. The Swainsonias are fine, especially S. alba ; it is a handsome sub-climbing plant. The Gardenias are grown well, and as Gar- denias always ought to be grown, namely, planted ( ut in peat and loam. Besides the old, well-known G. florida, the varieties G. intermedia and Fortunei are cultivated. Mr. Clarke grows very excellent fruit in the houses under his care, and Cucumbers also. The best Pepcbes are Stirling Castle, Crimson Galande, and R'iyal George ; thede are forced early. In the late- house are Barrington, Noblesse, and Princess of Wales Peaches, and the Stan wick Elruge Nectarine. There are many objects of interest at Lowther, and few places in the North are so well worth a visit. J. Douglas. Home Correspondence. RHODODENDRON CAMPYLOCARPUM IN ARGYLL- SHIRE.—I send a truss of Rhododendron campy lo- carpum. It may be of interest to many of the Gardeners' Chronicle readers to know that the bush from which this truss is cut waB planted out-of-doois twenty years ago at Poltalloch in the West of Argyll- shire. The plant is healthy, and flowers regularly every year, although net profusely. 1). S. Melville, Poltalloch. [See fig. in Gardener*' Chronicle, 1892, ii., p. 699. Ed.] VIOLETS. —"I am much interested in all that concern the varieties of this family, and I naturally perused with pleasure the article from Mr. U. T. Fish in the last issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle. I observe he mentions a white Neapolitan, and that its history is somewhat obscure. I have nevtr heard of one of this description, except occasion; lly, and then of ihe habit and growth of Swanley White, which is 6upposfd to be a somewhat delicate variety, and by some thought to be a sport from the well-known mauve-coloured Neapolitan. Assuming that I am right respecting its origin, fdthuugh its reference is rather ambiguous, and that its history is apparently ob- scure, allow me to say "No ; it is nothing of the kind.1' I purchased the stock direct from Comte Brazza in Italy, consequently, I had a just right to give it what name I thought proper. I also obtained a dark- coloured variety, and named it Venice, but it proved to be of no value. The name Swanley White was suggested by Mr. El Bland, of Fuchsia fame, who saw and admired the first few flowers produced in this country — from here it was sent out, and ultimately Certificated ; and from the fact of it being such an acquisition, and probably not liking its proper name, the name Comte Brazza was erroneously used, and the variety advertised as being much better in several re- spects than Swanley White, but which time has proved to be fallacies. StraDge to say, although I protested, editors have to this day thought it correct to allow its false name to be used. It has also been publicly stated by gardeners, who have grown the supposed two distinct varieties side by side, that they were identical. As a further proof, I supplied it in large quantities to expert groweis in America, where it is to this day highly appreciated, and, I am grateful to say, always honourably called by its correct name, Swanley White. I hope after this explanation its fictitious name will no longer be used. Mr. Fish asks what distinction is therebetween De Parme, Lady H. Campbell, Marie Louise, and New York? These are all of the same colour, or practically so, and to a casual observer would be thought to be one and the same ; but if the four were planted out, and allowed to stand all the winter in the open, it would be seen that they differ in growth and in hardiness. Duchess of Edinburgh and Marguerite de Savoie might also be classed as similar, but they can well be dispensed with. Marie Louise is decidedly tho best, although Lady H. Campbell is late, and flowers splendidly when the others arc almost over. Henry Cannetl, Swanley." I have been interested reading in your paper the opinions that have been expressed about Violets, and in particular I noted what was written about the variety Princess of Wales, some of which I am able to confirm. I may say that this variety has had my close attention for at least eighteen mouths, and compared with about a dozen other varieties, I am of opinion it is by far the best. It is very hardy, of free growth, a profuse bloomer, the blossom rich in colour and large, the flower-stalk long, and very fragrant. I can also bear testimony that up to the present I have not seen a diseased plant in beds containing a few thousand plants. I have grown Violet Wellsiana, V. odoratis- sima, V. The Czar, V. Victoria RegiDa, the Russian Violet, and others (in singles), for a long time. Each of these has its good feature, but none anything like so favourable as the Princes?. Amiral Avcllan {new^ I have te.-tcd to a certain extent, and like its colour and habit. Violet California does not appear to be at home at present in our soil, except in a frame. If its hardiness does not improve, I am afraid I cannot e-peak of it succoeding in this locality. Pied. Perkins, Northampton. ALLOTMENT GARDENS AT HIGH WYCOMBE.— Notwithstanding tha fac^- that Lord Carriugtoo has disposed of Wycombe Abbey and a portion of the i-urrouuding land, a considerable part of the estate remains iu his lordship's possession, and also the numerous allotment gardens for which High Wycombe is famous. At the present time there are 1200, averaging in size from 16 to 20 poles, and all these are in the parish of High Wycombe. The price p*id by tho tenants is an annual one of from 2d. to 4)2d. a pole, according to the position of the allotment and the quality of the soil. A memorandum of agree- ment bttween Lord Carrington and the tenant is duly signed, the tenant agreeing to properly cultivate the ground, keep it clean, free from weeds, well manured, and in good heart and condition. If the tenant erects a pigstye or any other building, he is at liberty to remove it at the end of his tenancy, or be may sell it to th-j succeeding tenant ; but Lord Carrington does not undeitake to take orer the same by valuation. His lordship claims under this agree- ment to take possession of any piece of i round let as allotments on giving three calendar months' notice ; and in case of such determination of the tenancy, tho landlord pays for the cultivation or crops on the ground such a sum as may be agreed on, or as the same shall be adjudged to be worth by auy valuer the said landlord and tenant may appoint, all rent due and half the charges of the valuer being deducted from the valuation. Rents are paid annually at Michaelmas, and Lord Carrington makes a point of returning Is. to every holder who pays promptly. His lordship maintains all the boundary fences enclosing a piece of ground set out in allotments, and he pays all rates upon the ground ; if the holder of an allotment desires to fence in his plot from his neighbours, he must do so at his own expense. The allotments are occupied by labourers and artisans chiefly, and some by tradesmen. Occasionally rent is unpaid, but cases of such are few. No action is taken by Lord Carrington as to the way in which the allotment is tilled ; some are much better kept than others, which is usually the case. It is, perhaps, to be regretted that in parts of the country allotments are too frequently allowed to lie untouched during the late autumn and winter months, when they become covered with weeds. Lord Carriugton allows tenant-right in the case of an allotment being yielded up to another tenant ; but, as a matter of course, an agreement with his lordship has to be signed, as no tenant can underlet or part with the possession of the ground or any part thereof. Lord Carrington will have allotments on all his estates ; and in the case of High Wycombe, if a piece of land used as allotments lying near the town is required for a buildiDg site, a corresponding piece is set apart for allotments else- where. It will interest many friendB of Mr. G. T. Mills to know, that in addition to having had charge of the gardens at Wycombe Abbey for the space of forty years, he has also taken the superintendence of the allotments during that time, and has bad the satis- faction of seeing them greatly grow in number, conferring substantial benefits upon the community. _M. D. ... THE RENASCENCE OF THE HOLLYHOCK. — I am glad to note that "D. L. M."' heartily welcomes the Hollyhock back to the mixed border, of which its colour and stature were so long the graudeur and glory. But would-be successful growers had need be careful in following his advice, lest instead of a renascence of the Hollyhock, they have a revival of the Puccinia, aud the last estate of the Hollyhock- disease prove worse than the first. There is no objec- tion to begin with the best possible seeds of the finest strains. But why, if stocks are really clear of disease, and one, two, or more true to name can be had from the grower already named, the days of budding, strikiog from cuttings, and grafting Hollyhocks are past and gone, is by no means obvious. As a matter of fact, all these processes are in full operation to the production of thousands of named Hollyhocks. Such mode3 of propagation were only laid aside while tbe Puccinia malvacearum ruled, and reigned, and wrecked our Hollyhocks. But now that colonies of clean and vigorous Holly hocks are raising their heads in various directions, the best strains are being per- petuated and multiplied on the only absolutely Bure and possible lines. It is also found that fine strains of Hollyhocks under cool treatment and careful quarrentine resist the fungoid pests as well or better than seedlings. '• D. L. M." may or may not be right in writing the best time to sow Hollyhock seeds is in the second week of March, but he U emphatically wrong in adding the seed-pot being put into beat ; and the potting* first into CO's, and then into -48's, and successive hardening off in time to plant in the open in May are all superfluous, and conse- quently worse than useless. The time is short, tbe processes are many, and the plants are necessarily hurried through to their vital aud constitutional (nfeeblement. More likely proc sses for tl.e conver- sion of the entire structure of tbe Hollyhock to a nucleus, for the nurture of the Puccinia pest can hardly be imagined. The raising in heat, the shift', the hardeningoff, tho forcin/, and the checks can d*» no possible good, and may do the plants irremediable mischief. Supposing " D. L. M." sowed his seeds in the open air in March or April, and left them severely alone, aud kept them clear of weeds throughout tha summer and autumn, the plants would assuredly b? strong enough to p'ace out in their blooming quarters in September or October. Or the seeds may be sown in their blooming quarters at once. The Hollyhock is hardy if we do not coddle or cover it into tenderness. Cool open-air treatment from the first will relieve growers from the litter and labour of screens of Spruce Fir stuck round about and over their plants. Strong, sturdy, rather than rank growth is the secret of the perfect hardiness of Hollyhocks. I flowered about two thousand Hollyhocks a year before ihe wreck and ruin wrought suddenly by the Puccinia. And through all these years our weather losses were never heavy nor serious, and could easily be made good from our surplus stock of divided stools that were laid in by the heels, or planted out in the late autumn. I am glad to be able to agree with '■ D. L. M." as to the desirability of a frequent change of soil for Holly- hocks as often as practicable, and that the stations for the plants should be trenched and manured, and the plants receive good attentiou throughout the summer, affording water and manure when necessary. Also that seed should be sown annually to maintain a vigorous stock of plants, enough and to spare, to fully furnish the Hollyhook-quarters with the charms of novelty, as well as with the more staid and reliable, well-proved named varieties. D. T. F. MODERN TREATMENT OF SPRING FLOWERING BULBS. — Hosts of growers are at a loss at this season of the year, when their spring- flowering bulbs are past blooming, to know what to do with them. How to dispose of them, in fact, in the readiest manner — economically, and with regard to their safety and identification later on of kinds and varieties. Peds in which they have bloomed have to be dug up and planted with summer -flowers, and this has to be done in a brief period of time, owing to the aany calls on the gardeners' time at this season. What seems to be the readiest way to overcome the difficulty i*s to chop out trenches upon vacant ground, place the different kinds of bulbs therein iu their varieties, and stick to the end of each row a label with the name plainly written thereon. There is, however, danger when this plan is followed of the labels becoming displaced when the leases have "died down," of their being mixed when dug up, to say nothing of decay during wet seasons— espe- cially Ihe latter when the soil in out-of-the-way corners is ■ rmv*-. Now that varieties of Narcissi are 1197.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 309 so numerous, and the bulbs are, in many caseB, valu- able, the above make-sbift plan does not fecm very commendable. Mr. Jordan, the Superintendent of Regent's Park, has perfected a method, which for Hniplicity as regards nomenclature, &c, deserves to be known. The bulbs, when dug up, which is done early in the public parks, have their leaves cut off at about 1 inch from the top of the bulbs, they are then placed thickly in a layer in shallow boxes, and are covered overwith lightmauure, or similar material, wherein they ripen off well and perfectly. Owing to the immense numbers grown, special arrangements have been made for the winter storing, a shed capable of taking ad the boxes having been specially erected, having numerous lightly-constructed stages to receive them. It is imogiued bulbs in the parks are all pur- chased for planting each year ; the real fact is, that great care is taken of those that have flowered. That Mr. Jordan's plan is a good one, needs no evidence of mine, when the Sue quality of the floral display in this park in the spring is taken into consideration. William Earlcy. CINERARIAS.— Tie efforts now being made with a view to determine the exact parentage of the garden Cineraria, and to develop new forms, will doubtless render the following extracts from the Florist and Garden Miscellany for 18J9 both interesting and useful. Writing as a florist on "the proper- ties of a good Cineraiia," A, Kendall of Stoke Newington, a well-known and successful raiser of new varieties, says :— The petals should slightly cup ; a perfectly flat flower will pass, but if the petals reflex it is a fatal poiot, and cannot be overlooked." In an earlier partof the same article, the writer stateB that he " hopes yet to see every pip as large as a half crown, and as round as a full-moon." In another part of the same volume appears a beautifully executed coloured- plate of the following varieties, Kendall's Princess Seedling, Sanspareil, Kichard Cobden, and Hender- son's Carlotta Grisi. Assuming that the natural size of the flowers is here shown, the best of them (Richard Cobden, a blue), barely attains the standard size. In each case the flowers lack substance, breadth of petal, and fulness of form. The illustration repre- sents in every particular, except colour, a flower taken from one of the plants exhibited by James in 1896, the diameter being !3g inches. It will thus be seen that Kendall's hopes have been more than realised ; and, judging by the improvements effected during the past ten years, we may reasonably expect very shortly to fee even better things. In the mptter of colour, Kendalls' dreams are to a certain exUnt unfulfilled, for while some beautiful shades of crimson and white are in existence, the scarlet and yellow that he considered possible have not yet appeared. Judged by the standard of points laid down in the foregoing extract, many of the largest flowers in our best collections would have to bo con- demned, as they are mostly reflexed. Happily the florists' code of points is no longer like the laws of the Medea and Persians, and one may fairly ask the ques- tion whether, in face of recent developments, it is not desirable to frame a new code ? The Cineraria appears to he rising in popularity every year, both in Europe and America, and if our horticultural socie- ties will do what lies in their power to encourage and reward the men who have done their best to make the plant popular, our judges will soon need some such code to guide them in the diechai^e of their important duties. While the French and German growers have been working hard at the improvement of the Cineraria, it cannot honestly be oharged to insular prejudice that the results of their efforts are not as highly appreciated in England as they doubt- less are in their own countries. The flowers of the French strain, although very much larger than of yore, and in many respects embodying Kendall's ideal of form, are nevertheless much too loose, and also lack substance. On the other hand, the colours are generally very bright, and the appearance of the plant is very effec'ive. If the German strain is fairly represented in the coloured plate recently issued by Mr. Benary, it may fairly be described as "large and singular." Only two flowers in the group at all approach the English standard, the others have two, and in some cases three rows of petals, each perfectly flat, and not in any way resembling the double varieties which are shown ou other parts of the same plate. The range of colours is large and varied ; but one very glaring defect is, that the colours of the centres are ae varied as those of the petals, while our best English growers hold a dark centre to be a sine i/ud non. Judging by a display recently made at the Drill Hall, the double Cineraria is as susceptible of improvement as the single form. At the same time they cannot be fairly described as a success from the commercial stand- point. Some of these days a startling development in colour will reward the patient and persistent grower, and then it is quite possible they may " catch on." S. B. D. LIME-RUBBISH AND CANKER.— Very recently, when looking through a small orchard near Farnham, Surrey, and on rather stiff soil, I noticed some Cox's Orange Pippin trees, about ten years planted, that were in perfect health, making clean growth and carrying ample bloom. Yet on the main stems of the trees were evidence of canker haviDg existed, in the form of big gaping wounds or eruptions. The owner of the orchard, an intelligent amateur, stated that when he saw the trees were becoming diseased, be had a dressing of well-broken mortar-rubbish lightly forked into the ground about the trees, and since then has given other occasional dressings, and to these he attributed the pre-ent fine healthy appear- ance of the trees. This matter is well worth know- ing, because so many whose trees suffer from the canker-epidemic can try a timilar experiment at trifling cost. Where mortar-rubbish is not at dis- posal, then fresh slacked lime strewn over the ground and forked in, may suffice, but there can be no doubt but that the silica found in mortar- rubbish is a useful element in the case, and particu- larly so in stiff soils. Such a fact as is here shown tells forcibly that cauker is more the product of omission in the soil of a needful constituent than of any mere fungoid attack. A. D. FRUIT TREES IN HEDGEROWS.— Mr. McDonald has pretty well summed up the merits and demerits of this matter, and his decision is certainly antago- nistic. Practically, the country has nothing to gain by the growing of inferior fruit, such as would inevitably result from planting trees in hedge-rows. What with inferior fruit, and thin broken hedge- rows that are really intended to become fences both against human beings and cattle, there would be loss in each case. The only form of fruit culture needed in thiB country is the very best. We have had too much bad culture, if the term " culture" can bo rightly used, of inferior varieties in the past, with the result that we have nothing to be proud of. Were we so hard driven for ground to produce f i uit that it was absolutely needful to plant trees in hedge- rows, we Bhould have to make the best of the case : but it would be, indeed, a bad one. As it is, we have millions of acres of fine land delightfully situated and adapted for the purpose that may be most profitably utilised for fruit production provided it be on tho best modern lines, and with the beBt varieties. To [ roduce tho fruit wo so much need for the benefit of our home industry, as well as for our national reputation, we need the best of culture, fruit of as high quality as our fruit nurseries and best privato gardens produce ; but obtained not in bushels merely but by thousands of tons. Hedge-row culture will never give us that. Unfortunately, the needs of the case seem to be too imperfectly recognised. What immense results might be obtained ultimately would the Government but be aB willing to sink a million of money in starting fruit culture as now in building ironclads or arming big battalions ! A. D- Scotland. have been gathered in common with other places in the district. Frost is generally severe in the place3 referred to, but the position of the gardens is elevated, and they are well sheltered from the uorth and east winds. The success attained at Dunkeld with wall fruits generally has often been chronicled, and we should like to learn what Mr. Fuirgrieves' prospects are this season at that fine Highland seat. It is a matter for remark how little headway Apricot culture under glass makes in Scotland, very few gardeners attempting it under glass in Scotland compared with what one may meet with in many parts of England. It may be that the late spring frosts in the south, accompanied with the forcing power of the sun, renders the aid of orchard-houses more needful in the south. Still, where orchard houses are well managed in Scotland (take Drumlanrig Castle as one of the best examples), they are very valuable adjuncts — in gardens ; as quantity and quality far exceeds that of any culture in the open. In England Apricots are often well done, the pota and tubs being taken outside and plunged in ssheB after the crop is gathered where the wood is ripened ; at which time the orchard- bouse is at liberty for other purposes. Some cultivate Apricots, with the roo's planted in firm soil very succesfully where tre lights can be removed in the autumn, and the system of ventilation is in accordance with the requirements of the plan's. This last is perhaps the chief point in the successful fruiting of the Apricot ; and the quality of the soil has much influence in the production of fine fruits. I have before me a lettfr from Mr. McTaggart, the gardener at Arniston, Midlothian, in which he gives some details of his management of the Apiicot. He referred to the splendid results obtained under rIuss last autumn which I saw in a simple lean-to house erected for other purposes, about 12 feet wide and over 12 feet high, with ventilation at the front 3 feet above tho wall. Holes are formed for the (mission of roots, and no doubt this is a good plan for fruit trees, as they will be induced to make plenty of fibre beforo they reach the open border. Mr. McTaggart writes that no special preparation was made for the Apri- co's beyond trenching the Boil and mixing plenty of lime rubbish in it— this abundance of lime in the soil has much to do with the fine fruits and trees to be seen in Oxfordshire and Wiltshire on walls aud buildings. The Apricots at Arniaton carried a great crop, and the trees crop more or less heavily each year. The trees make short spur like growth, possess healthy foliage, and ihey are kept to a certain height (about half-way, or lesB), up the front near to tbe gla^s, which permits abundance of sunshine to reach the Plum and Peach trees traine 1 on the back walls, which also bear fruit capitally. Air is admitted abundantly, but never a-? cutting draughts. The garden at Arniston lies rather low on land that slopes towards the north. I think that the good natural soil, abundance of lime-rubble, holes to allow of the egress of roots, and abundance of ventilation, have much to do with success in fruiting the Apricot at that place. M. Temple, Can-on, N.B. APRICOTS UNDER GLASS. The Apricot crop so often suffers from frost and cold weather that many owners of gardens have given up its cultivation where at one time good crops were common. The present has been one of the most untoward seasons for the setting of the bloom of the Apricot in Scotland of which we have any record. March was damp and cold, and at the end of the month there was severe frost almost every night, and April was not much better, the month being moist, with northerly and easterly winds. "When the bloom opened, it suffered severely, for no sort of protection seemed capable of warding off frost. In the midland and more northerly parts of Scotland they were generally much earlier than others many miles southward. In some parts of Perthshire the best Apricots are grown in Scotland. As, for instance, at Dupplin, where Mr. Browning has given them special attention for many years, and been well rewarded for his pains ; at Kinfauoe Castle fine crops SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Scientific Committee. April 27. — Present : Dr. M. T. Masters (in the chair) ; Rev. W. Wilks, Rev. G. Ilenslow, Hon. Sec. Tulips Diseased.— With reference to the Tulips " Goldon Crown" stmt to the last meeting by Mr. Thomas of Polcgato, the following is the report received from Kew :— " The leaves are attacked by a fungus called Rotrytis vulgaris, a destruc- tive parasite to various bulbous plants. The mycelium of the fungus travels down tho tissues of the host plant, and f>rms minute sclerotia or lumps in the bulb and al^o in the SO'I in which the plant is growing. Those sclerotia remain dormant during the winter, and commence to *row the following spring when tho young leaves appear. Your correspondent is right in supposing that he will got no blooms. The wisest thing to do would be to remove all tho diseased plant*. It wo.ild not be wise to plant bulbs in the soil whoro the dis eased plants have grown for the next two year*. If thi cannot conveniently be avoided, then let him plant ' trap. 310 THE GA.8DENEBS' CHRONICLE. [Mat 3, 1897. plants ' — that is, comparatively worthless bulbs— to take up the sp Is. fid. (including Leopold de Rothschild £10, and An thony Waterer <£!>) ; Covent Garden friends, per J. Assbee, £4j 10s. ; Rothschilds, £26 5s. ; N. Sherwood, £3S 2s. ; Baron Schroder, £25 ; A. W. G. Weeks, £20 8s. ; Alfred do Roths- child, £10; W. Low Euston, £10 4s. ; Dicksons, £10 105. ; Harry J. Veitch, £10 10*. ; J. Veitch & Sons, £10 10*. ; Barr & Son, £10 10*. ; D. P. Laird, £0 10?. ; W. Poupart, £9 ; W. G. Baker, £8 Ss. ; W. J. Nutting, £7 17?. 6rf. ; F. F. McKenzie, £S 3s. ; K. Drost, £7 7s. ; J. F. McLeod, £7 5s. ; E. Gilbert, £5 UK 6d. ; Geo. Bunyard, £5 5s ; A. H. Smee, £5; A. W. Sutton, £5; W. Walker, £5; T. Whil- lans, £5 12*\ 6d. ; P. Crowley, £7 2s. ; G. A. Dickson, £5 5s. ; Blackwood, £5 ; T. C. Wjrd, £5 7s. ; G. H. Richards, £5 ; S. M. Segar, £b ; W. H. Holmes, £5 5s. ; Geo. May, £4 13s. ; H. Eckford, £3 8s. ; J. Wright, £3 3s. ; H. Balderson, £3 3s. , J. Smith, £3 2s. ; P. Sternmann, £3 3s. ; Laing & Sons, £3 3s. ; W. L. Corry, £3 3s. ; H. J. Jones, £3 3«. ; R. Dean, £3 3s. Total, £670. T B E HAMBURG HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION. Mav 1 to 9.— The first of the series of special horticultural exhibitions arranged to be held at Hamburg during this season opened on Satuiday, May 1. Of these shows there are to be six, extending from the above date at intervals until September 30. If the present exhibition is to be taken as a criterion of those that are to come, the executive may be congratulated on the success that will be attained. The present display is on a most imposing and extensive scale, nearly all of the planned available space being filled by the exhibits. These are distributed through several large, well- built structures. They are of considerable dimensions, and in the case of most of them, the arrangements are such as to provide the utmost protection for those plants which are of a tender character. These erections are suffi- ciently light for the plants to be seen to good advantage. The largest building, an immense one in every sense, is at that point of the grounds furthest from the chief entrance. To make a guess at the dimensions of this building would be hazirdous. It stands on nearly two acres of ground, not counting the space gained by the many undulations. Viewed from the balcony at one end of the interior, the effect is magnificent. Groups. In the distance the colour effect is decidedly fine and im- posing, whilst, immediately beneath is a superb group of Indian Azaleas, which could not possibly be better placed. In the distance on the opposite side. Azaleas both Indian varieties and the forms of A. mollis, tell with great effect, as do the many examples of Rhododendron by which they are flanked. The Azaleas in this case are grouped as regards their colours, the. central portion _ consisting of white varieties in the shape of a Y reversed, the triangular inner space being occupied with small plants of a salmon-coloured variety ; whilst, on cither side of the white, purples and crimsons tell with fine effect. Further in the distance is an immense group of flowering and foliage plants," these, too, being arranged so as to give the best effect in the distance ; in the centre of this group are to be seen numbers of Cliveias with fine heads of bloom, and on either side groups of Hydrangeas, these all being arranged in a pyramidal form, each one being sur- mounted by immense specimens of Tree-Ferns and Palms, these being again backed up in the distance by somewhat smaller ones en masse. The effect of all this grouping on such an immense scale is grand in the extreme, such as we in England could scarcely hope to equ-1, and certainly not surpass. On either side are the largest groups of fine- foliage and flowering plants ; these, too, tell most effectively in combination with groups of Lilacs, Prunus, Gueldres Roses. Magnolias, &c, of which there is an immense quantity. Under the balcony are placed the largest examples of Sweet Bays, grand plants, some 10 to 12 feet in height, and clothed to the base. Through the centre the designs and arrangements are worked out on grass. These consist of groups of Cinerarias, Oranges in fruit and flower, small Azaleas, Tillandsias, and kindred plants ; Anthuriums, Lilies of the Valley, small examples of Rhododendrons, Cliveias, &c, all of which tell mostetlcetively. Thepresenoe of artificial rockwork upon a bold scale, with a strong force of water ending in a stream in the centre, add to the effect. Upon some of the rockwork are arranged groups of Azalea mollis and A. sinensis Here and there are groups of Fandanus Veitchi, Dracaena Liudeni, Crotons in variety, and other telling plants of colour are associated, so as to enhance the effect as a whole. The green grass and broad walks give each In its own way an excellent finish to the whole. This collective grouping is carried out in other parts of the show, in most cases as designs on grass. One notable instance is the large erection which contains the greater portion of the forced or pot plants, as Lilacs, Roses, Prunus, &c, as well as Amaryllis, Carnations, and a fine mass of Anthurium Scherzeriauum with extra large spathea. Throughout the eniire exhibition there is no lack of Palms. In some instances these preponderate above eve'y- thing else, yet the effect is excellent. The permanent portion of the exhibition is not yet complete, and its completion will date from May 15, although sufficient may now be witnessed to enable the visitor to form a pretty correct conclusion. ' It will equal in fine effect anything that has been seen elsewhere. Here are to be seen by thousands plants of Azalea mollis, Rhodo- dendrons, Roses, and other flowering plants well furni-hed with flower-buds, as well as an immense quantity of Conifers which throughout are arranged with good effect. Abies, Piceas, Pinus, A rbor-vitae (chiefly the American) are in most instances grouped for effect. Hollies and Araucariasare how- ever deficient in numbers, as are Bamboos. The undulating nature of the ground favours the disposal of this, the outside or permanent part of the exhibition, but it has only been brought up to its present, admirable condition by a consider- able degree of- skill and labour. Groups of Plants for Effect. In the largert class, that for a space capable of receiving 150 to 200 plants, a superb arrangement is made by Mr. F. L. StOeben ; in thi3 group there is a singular absence of small plants, but tre finish is all that could be wished. Immense specimen Palms foim the background, these being finished off with finely-flowered Azaleas, Rhododen- drons, and Amaryllis, &c, with further colour effect by such plants as Marantas, Viiesias, Draeama Lindeni, &c, all of which are finely grown. This exhibit gained the large Gold Medal, a prize of 300 marks, together with a special prize. In another large class, the 2nd in point of size, Mr. Rucker-Jenisch, has an exceedingly choice group, con- sisting of large Palms, and many other choice foliage plants, notably Anthuriums, Alocasias, Pandanus, Cala- diums, &c, with choice Orchids, Amaryllis, &c, of flowering s lbjects, the whole forming a remarkably fine display, the reward being the premier prize in its class, with a special in addition. Another premier group in its class has for its eolour effect ehiefly Prunus triloba, and Roses, Lilacs, Magnolias, and Azaleas, all being well dispose J, but striking the beholder as being a trifle too strong. This was from Mr. Sevderhelm, Hamburg. For a group of fine-foliage plants alone, Mr. A. Haag- stRom, Hamburg, was easUy 1st, the plants very clean and bright, and of a useful decorative size, and the effect was excellent. Flowering Plants. Orchids.— The finest collection beyond any question is thatof Baron Schroder. It embraces many of his choicest rarities ; the Odontoglossums are very fine, as are like- wise the Cypripediums and Dendrobiums (notably a plant of. D. infundibulumj ; an extra fine Luddemanuia is also staged, as well as Vandas, the latter having suffered some- what in transit. This was purely an hocorary exhibit, but a Gold Medal was awaaded to it. Messrs. F. Sander & Co. win the special prize of 400 marks, offered by Baron Schroder for a group of Cattleya Schroderce, this group including the very finest and best coloured examples. For 100 Orchids, Dr. Nanne, Hamburg, is 1st, showing small plants in good condition, for the most part consisting of Cattleyas, with a few good Odontoglots. A rather smaller non-competing group, from Mr. C. Stoldt, Wansbeck, contains some well-grown and freely- flowered examples of the best varieties of Odontoglossum, and several particularly good varieties of Lycaste Skinneri and Cattleya. For five specimen Orchids (small ones) there are only two exhibits, the best consisting of good plants of Cypripedium villosum, and Cymbidium eburneum; these are shown by Mr. Runde, Wandsbeck. In addition, there are some few exhibits in other parts of the show, but the Orchids do not compare favourably with English-grown examples. Azaleas and Rhododendrons. — These are all important features in the show, the plants being loaded with bloom in aU cases. The large class for 100 plants brings forth a grami exhibit from Mr. C. Petrick, Ghent ; these throughout bear blooms of large size, the varieties being of the best, the colours brilliant, various, and well-balance 1 ; the predomi- nating shape is that of the umbrella. With fifty smaller plants, Mr. Petrick is also 1st, the same fine quality being evident in this lot as in the bigger oue. the form being that of sandards. . May 8, 1897.] THE GA RDE NE R S ' CHE O NI CL E. 311 Messrs. R&ICHERS& Sun, Hamburg, are 1st for a now Azalea, of which they showed no fewer than 100 plants, with small, dense heads of (lower, colour salmon-pink and white, named Fnui Amalia Reichers. The same firm a*e 1st, with larger plants in other classes, the wholo of these several exhibits being grouped together and produce a grand display. A. pontica and A. mollis, from the same firm are splendidly flowered, and in each case are awarded 1st prizes. Some beautiful examples of Azaleas, as well as of Rhodo- dendrons, are sent by Mr. J. T. Seidel, of Dresden ; these were hi two separate places, the plants in each case very dwarf, and profuse in flower, the vigour of growth betokening bigh-elass cultivation. AnthuHums. -These consist chiefly of A. Schcrzoriauum, of which there are several groups in various clisses. For twenty live plants, Mr. Otto Thalackeii is 1st, with middle-sized examples in robust health, and bearing very fine broad spatbes. A larger collection of fifty plants was staged by Mrs. Otto Dehne in another class, but theso arc not of such good quality. Amnryllis, — Some excellent exhibits arc staged, tbo quality and the culture bcingof the best. Notably in the 1st prize collection shown by Mr. Otto Thalacker is this apparent, the spikes being short, the foliage sturdy, and the trusses large, with line flowers in capital varieties. Cinerarias.— Several groups are exhibited, the best as regards quality and culture being that from Mr. H. F. Kirsten, Flottbeck, the growth very close and dwarf, and the flowers large with a good assortment of colour. The effect in this case is enhanced by an edging of Funkia variegata. Carnations.— These, from the standpoint of our home- grown examples, are not first-class, the best came from Mr. OttoThalacker. Lilacs, and other Shrubs in Pots.— These are grand features, and add greatly to the eff ct of the show in several places. Of Lilacs, a superb exhibit comes from Mr. F. Harms, who has exhibits in four classes, being well ahead in nearly every case; the culture of these plants ib of the \erybest, the trusses being large, the colours good, and the varieties of the choicest, with a choice lot of the doub e kinds. Other forced shrubs comprise in several instances remarkably well-grown plants of Primus triloba, the colour being very deep rosy-pink ; this Primus was shown both as bashes and as standards. Ro.es in Pots —These are not exhibited as large speci- mens, but chiefly as standards, the Tea-scented and La France being the favourite binds; the best are shown by Mr. F. MttNCHMfcVER, comprising neat heads with line blooms of Marechal Niel and Madame Hoste, of standards, and of La Fiance as dwarfs. For fifty forced shrubs, Mr. T. Kitzingeh is 1st with a brilliant display, this group included Magnolias in variety, Prunus triloba. Lilacs, and Ribes, all in the best and freshest order. Ortnn/es.— These are shown in flower and in fruit, in both instances being mo&t effective. The fruiting examples are (like the flowering ones) of moderate size and dwarf, being literally loaded with high-class fruits. These come from Mr. F. W. Bottcher, of Hamburg, and are models of high- class culture. Palms, and other Foliage Plants.— These are largely &hown, aud in sveral places. The finest group of Palms, perhaps, is that from Mr. Winter, of Bordighera, Italy. These are in many cases of immense size and in tine health. Caladiami and Alocasi.as.—The former of these aro nut so good as we see them in England, the best collection coming from Mr. A. Haagstrom. Some Alocasias, however, in mixed groups, are particularly fine. New Plants.— Almost the only exhibit of these comes from Messrs. F. Sander & Co, St. Albans and Bruges. Of these, the premier place must be given to Cypripedium Oakes Ames (C. Rotbschildianum ■: C. ciliolare), a very fine hybrid, with large and bold flowers, the petals being of extra width, and fully 4 inches long, spotted with dark vinous purple, the dorsal sepal beiug large and well marked, in the way of Cypripedium LawreDceanum, aud the lip large, as well as well formed, and in colour a bronzy-purple. The spike was twin flowered, and the growth robust. To this plant a large Gold Medal is awarded. From the same source comes a fine specimen of Dractena Qodseftiana, which b'ds fair to rival D. Sanderiana itself; Araucaria excelsa, Sander's variety, a very c impact form, and quite distinct from the type; Caladhira albanenso was also included, this is a distinct species, with long linear leaves, bronzy-red and green, singularly distinct; Canna Sanderisna, anew vaiiegated variety. To these plants the special prize of SOU marks for new introductions has been awarded. With this exhibit was also staged some grand plants of Licualagrandis, a noble-locking Palm, and a fine specimen of Heliconia iitustris ruin icanlis. THE GROWTH OF TROPICAL FRUITS IN MADEIRA. In a Foreign Office Report on the fruits aud fruit- trade of Madeira, some interesting notes are given on the principal tropical fruits cultivated in that favoured island. The Avocado Pear (Pursea gratiesima) is said to have been introduced probably within the last forty years. It attains a height of from 20 to 30 feet, aud forms a treo of tall, slender growth, with smooth, green, Laurel-like leaves. The fruit, which is shaped like a large Pear, grows in clusters, the number of fruits in a cluster varying from three to five ; when ripe, they assume a dark purplish-brown colour, and each fruit contains a more or less globular seed, around which, and connected to the very thiu skin, is tho pulp or edible portion, which, in some of the French colonies, is known as " vegetable butter." Tho local name for the fruit in Madeira is * ' Peara da Mauteiga, or Butter- Pear.'* The pulp, as these names imply, has the consistency of butter, with a delicate nutty flavour, which is much appreciated by those who have acquired a taste for the fruit. It is usually eaten as a salad, being seasoned with pepper and salt, to which is sometimes added a little vinegar, or the juice of a fresh Lime, which is said to bring out the flavour ; others prefer to use it as a dessert fruit, with the addition of a little sugar, much after the manner in which Melons aro eaten. The fruits are in season from the middle of Sep- tember until the end of February. The bulk of the fruit is consumed in the island, as there is scarcely more than sufficient to supply the local market, but a small quantity is sent to England, and also to Lisbon, chiefly to the order of private consumers. The taste for the fruitj like many others of tropical growth, being acquired, the shippers do not export it unless to order, but it offers no difficulties for exportation beyond those incidental to Custard Apples and Mangoes, it likewise being gathered in a partially-ripe condition, and allowed to mature afterwards. The tree is usually propagated from seed, the resulting plant seldom bearing fruit before it has attained an age of from five to seven years. Sometimes the seed is suspended in water, after the ma-iner of Hyacinths, aud on germiuation is transplanted in the ground ; it is said that trees raised from seed struck in this manner do not bear fruit so early as those grown from seed planted direct in the ground. Of late years it is stated that much more caro has been given to the cultivation of this fruit, the trees being well manured, and the branches supported whilst tevriug fruit; bone-mauure has been used with great success in its cultivation. A large number of new trees have also been planted in recent years, which should yield a fair supply of fruit in the course of a short period, so that it is hoped that the increased supply may cause a reduction in the price, which at the present time ranks about tho highest of the island grown fruits, and therefore prevents the exportition in any but small quantities to the English market. Tho Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) grows freely in Madeira without any attention being paid to its cultivation. In the early spring it yields great quantities of fruits, which are made into a preserve, much in favour with tho visitors to the island. The pulpy nature of the fruit appears to preclude its exportation. The Madeira name for the fruit is " Tomate Ingles;," or English Tomato, (ro be continued.) Markets, CO VENT QARDEN, MAY 6. Cot Flowers. — Average Wholesale Prices. *. d. s. d. Anemones, 12 bun. 16-26 Arums, p.l2blooms 2 0-40 Azalea, do/., sprays 0 6-00 Bouvardias, porbn. 0 6-00 Carnations, pr. doz. blooms Daffodils, i bunches . 10-30 10-30 Orchids :— Cattloya, 12blms. Odontoglossum criapum,12bm. Pansies, doz. bun. Pelarguuiums, scar- let, per 12 bun. — per 12 sprays . i 0-12 0 ! 0- 6 1 16-09 Eui.'haris, per dozen 3 0-40 l'uK:Lnthus,~doz.bu. 10-26 "6-10 s, p. doz. bun, ... 3 0- 6 0 Primroses, 12 bun. Lilac, wh. (French), Pyrothrums, 12 bu. 2 I per bunch ... 3 0-40 Roses. Tea, per doz. 1 1 Lilium Harrisi, per — yellow (Mare- doz. biooms ... 2 0-10 chal), per duz. 1 Lily of tho Valloy, — red, per dozen 2 1 dozen sprays ... 0 6- 1 0 — pink, per doz. 3 1 Maidenhair Forn, — Safrano, p. doz. 1 1 tier 12 bunches ... 4 0-80, Tuberoses, 12 blms. 1 ■ Marguerites, per 12 ! Tulips,perdoz.bun. % 1 bunches 2 0-40 Violets (Fr.) Parme, Mignonette, per per bunch 3 doz. bunches 4 0-00 — (Eng.), per Narcissus, various, doz. bun. 0 per doz. bunches 16-60 Wallflowers, doz. bn. 2 Orchid-bloom in variety. Fruit.— Average Wholesale Prices. s. d, s. d. , s. d. t. d. Nuts, Cob, per 100 1b 70 0-72 6 selected, oz. ... 10 0-12 0 per 8 0-9 0' — SecondB, 3 0-40 Kij/s. per doz. Giio.seherr es, p. qt. 0 6 Orapes, Hamburghs, per lb 2 6-30 — Belgium, per lb. 2 0-26 Plants i Pine-apples, St. Mi- chael, each ... 4 0- 7 b" Strawber des, morn- ing gathered, per lb 3 6-40 — packed in boxes, per lb 10-16 ... 10-201 — 2nds, per lb. ... 16-20 Pots.— Average Wholesale Prices. #. d. s. d. t. d. *. d, A'iiuilnm.perdoz. 4 0-12 0 Foliage plants, per Aspidistras, perdoz. 12 0-30 0 ' doz 12 0-36 0 — specimen, each 5 0-15 0 Fuchsia, per doz.... 6 0-00 Azaleas, per doz. ... is 0-36 0 Genistas, per doz... 6 0-90 Ciner irias, per doz. 6 0-90 Hydrangeas, per Dracaenas, each ... 10-76 dozen 9 f-18 0 p. doz. 12 0-24 0 Marguerites, p. doz. 6 0-90 Mignonetto, p. doz. 5 0-80 9 0-1S 0 Palms, various, oa. 2 0-10 0 1 Shrubs, — specimens, ea. 10 6-84 0 ty, doz.... 6 0-24 0 Pelargoniums, pei all, doz.... 10-20 dozen 12 0-18 0 1, doz. 5 0-12 0 Spirmapalmati.doz. 12 C-18 0 Ficus elastica, each 10-76 Spirwas, per doz.... 60-90 Bkudino Plants AMD Roots for the Garden in variety coming very good. Vegetables. — Average Wholesale Prices. 8. d. s. d. 8. d. s. d. Artichokes, Globe, per doz. ... 2 0-26 Asparagus, Worces- ter, per bundle 1 ti- 1 9 Beans, French. p; lb. 0 S- U 9 Cauliflowers, Kent, per crate ... 12 0 — Cucumbers, home- Ericas. Evi.'T^lC in rar grow . per doz. select. , Peas, ordinary (Channel Is- lands), per lb. . 0 6 — — Telephones (Channel Is- lands', per lb. .0 S- 0 9 Potatos, New Kid- neys, Channel Islands, per lb. 0 3|- 0 4 3 0 Salad, small, per doz. punnets... 16 — Sea Kale, per pun- net, 3$ to 4 lb. weight 1 6-18 Tomatos, selected smooth, per lb. 0 10- 1 0 — Ch-uncl Is., lb. 0 8-09 2nds, per dozen 19-20 Horseradish, Eng- lish, pr. bundle 2 0 — — Foreign, per bundle ... 16 — Mint, per bunch ... 0 3-04 Mushrooms (Indoor) per lb 0 8-09 Potatos. No alteration in prices of old Potatos since last report. Dunbar Maincrops, 80s. to 90s. ; do., Saxons, 70s. to 75s ; Lincoln Saxons and Maincrops, 45s. to 70s. ; do., Giants, 50*. to 60s. per ton. Canary, new, 10s. to 13s. ; Guernsey and Jersey do., 24s. to 30s. ; Malta do., 9s. to 14s. Lisbon do, 9s. to 10s. per cwt. John Batht Wellington Street, Covcnt Garaen. SEEDS. London: May 5. — Messrs. John Shaw & Sons, Seed Merchants, of Great Maize Pond, Borough, London, S.E , write that there were but few buyers on tq-day'a seed market. Small retail sowing orders for Clover, grass, and other field seeds still drop in, which are executed at the low rates now accepted. The Clover seed stocks to be carried over will be in narrow compass. For Lucerne there is a good sale. San- foin is slow, and Tares keep dull. Full prices are asked for Mustard and Rape seed. In the Bird seed trade there is nothing new. Rye is wanted ; whilst for Peas and Haricots there is an improved sale. Lima Beans are dearer. Linseed FRUIT AND VEGETABLES. Glasgow: May 5. -The following are the averages of the prices current here during the past week :— Apples, 2g. to 3s. per stone ; Tomatos, Guernsey, 6d. per lb. ; Grapes, home, 2s. to 3s. do.; do., foreign, Ad. to bd. do. Vegetables : Tur- nips, white, 2s. fid. to 3s. per dozen bunches ; do , Swedes, Is. 3d. to Is. 6d. per cwt. ; do., French, new, Is. per bushel ; Carrots, French Horn, new, la. to Is. '2d. bunch ; Cabbages, Id. to .Sd. per dozen ; do., Dutch white, 2s. to 2s. Gd. do. ; Dublin, 6d. to 9d. do. ; do., rod, 3s. to 3s. 6d. do. ; Cauliflowers, Dublin, 2s. Gd. to 3s. per bunch ; Parsnip*-, 5s. per cwt. ; Horbs, ;msorted. Id. and 2d. per bunch ; Leeks, Is. Gd. to 2*. 6d. per dozen bunches ; Mint, green, 0'/. per bunch; Onions, Dutch, 3s. Gd. per bag; do., Portugal, Is. to Is. 31. por stone ; do., Globo Onions, Sfi 6d to If. per cwt. ; Parsley, 2s. iV. per stone ; Greens, Irish, Bff. tii/. to 6s. per 100; Potatos, best, Gd. por stone; Carrots, 2*. Gd. to 4s. per cwt. ; Broccoli, 2s. Oti. to 3s. 6d. per dozen ; Artichokes, Is. 3d. to Is. iid. per stone ; Peas, French, 6s. lid. por basket ; Asparagus, French, Is. Gd, to Is. '.id. per bunch; Cucumbers, 5s. per dozen; Let- tuces, French, Is. to U. $d. per dozen; do., Cos, 8», 6ket ; Endive, Is. Gd. to 2s. per dozen ; Spinach, 2s. to 3s. Gd. per atone. 312 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Mat 8, 1897. Liverpool: May — Average of the prices current at the undcrnotcd markets :— Bt. John's : Potatos, Sd. to 10<2. per peck ; do., new, 2d. to 6d. per lb. ; Asparagus, 3s per box ; Cucumbers, Ad, to Gd, each ; Carrots, 5s. to ps. p=r cwt. ; Mushrooms, Is. 3d. per lb. Birkenhead :— Potatos, Sd. to 10d. per peck ; do., new, -Id. to 6d. per lb. ; Peas, Sd. per lb. ; Asparagus, 2s. 6d. to 3s. (id. per 100 ; Cucumbers, 4d. to Gd. each ; Apricots, Is. per dozen ; Gooseberries, Sd. per lb. ; Grapes, foreign, Is. do. ; Cherries, Sd. do. ; Strawberries, 6s. per lb. ; Mushrooms, Is. Gd. do. ; North Hay :— Potatos, per cwt., Imperator, 2s. to 2s. id. ; Giants, do. ; Main Crop, 2s. Gd. to 3s. ; Champions, 2s. to 2s. 4d. ; Bruces, 2t. 4d. to 2s. 9d. ; Swedes, Is. 4d. to Is. Od. per cwt. ; Carrots, 5s. to Gs. do. ; Onions, foreign, tis. Gd. to 7s. do. ; Cucumbers, 2s. to 3s. per dozen ; Cauliflowers, Is. 6d. to 2s. Gd. do.' ; Cabbages, lOd. to Is. 3d. do. CORN. Average Prices of British Corn (per imperial qr.), for the week ending May 1 , and for the corresponding period or 1896, together with the difference in the quotations. These figures are based on the Official Weekly Return :— Description. 1896. 1897. Difference. Wheat t. d. 25 8 s. d. 27 9 s. A + 2 1 Barley 22 fi 20 5 - 2 1 Oats 14 3 17 3 + 30 The Weather. [The term "accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre- gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of temperature above or below 42° Fahr. for the period named : and this combined result is expressed in Day- degrees — a "Day-degree" signifying 1" continued for twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for an inversely proportional number of hours.] Temperature. Raintall. Bright Sun. %a ACCUMULATED. a la 1 !§.. ri s* S 1- fl ijsS 1 5 © 1 o «t-i' « ,j» ij'jjiS 2 * "i. J ll u V 3. Is ince Jan r the We of possib e Jan. 3, -4 1 sis sil, gj8 - i li £ -S.2 eS li£ Day. Day- Day- Day- lOths deg. deg. deg. deg. Inch. ln». 0 2 - 32 14 + 7 - 13 0 aver 79 13-7 28 25 l 2 - 39 17 - 15 3 aver 2 — 71 85 SO 26 2 1 + 40 3 + 35 - 77 0 aver 73 7-8 37 27 3 2 + 58 4 + 47 -r 121. 2 + 71 8-7 40 28 < 2 + 58 3 + 25 - 118 1 - 70 10-1 39 27 5 2 + e4 0 + 53 - 180, 1 - 66 11-0 47 29 6 1 - 4) 6 - 17 - 21 i" + " 13S 44 27 7 0 aver 44 3 + 24 - 80 0 aver 77 10-7 42 26 8 2 + 58 0 + 42 r- 135 1 + 84 17-0 41 28 0 2 - 37 9 - 33 + 8 1 + 85 12 S 35 27 10 1 - 45 0 + 21 - 49 S - 81 15 6 23 29 1 + 60 0 + 137 - .ML* - 1 90 14-3 39 30 o registered, as a rule, during the earlier part of the period. They ranged from 26° in 'Scotland, E.,' 28° in * Scotland, N.,' and 30° in 'England, E.,' to 36° in 'England, S. and S W.,' and to 44° in the ' Channel Islands.' Frost occurred on the grass on some occasions in most parts of the "The rainfall did not differ very materially from the mean, being rather deficient in some districts, and a little in excess in others— more particularly in ' England, E.' ; while in 'Scotland, N.' and 'England, N.E. and N.W.,' the fall just equalled the normal. "The bright sunshine exceeded the mean in almost all the English districts, and also in ' Scotland, W. ; ' in ' England, S.W.,' aud the other parts of the kingdom the aggregate values were less than or just equal to the mean. The per- centage of the possible duration ranged from 47 in ' Eng- land, S.,' and 44 in 'Scotland, W.,* to 2S in ' Scotland, N.* and ' Ireland, S.r " The districts indicated by number -in the first column are the following -— 0, Scotland N. Principal Wheat-producing Districts — 1, Scotland, E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, E. ; 4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London, S. Principal Grazina, die, Districts — 6, Scotland, W. ; 7, England,. N.W. ; 8, England, S.W. ; 0, Ireland, N. ; 10, Ireland, 8. ; "Channel Islands. THE PAST WEEK. The following summary record of the weather through- out the British Islands for the week ending May 1, is urnished from the Meteorological Office : — ''The iceatker during this period was of two distinct types During the earlier half of the week it was fine and dry in the north, and somewhat unsettled, with occasional rain over the southern districts, and with thunderstorms on Tuesday or Wednesday. Later on, the conditions improved very considerably in the south, but became unsettled and showery in the north. " The temperature continued below the mean in Ireland aud Scotland, but way rather above the normal in nearly all the English districts. Its rauge was considerable. The highest of the maxima, which were recorded on April 27 over England and Ireland, and on May 1 in Scotland, ranged from 70° in ' England, S.W.," and 69° in ' Englaud, S.' and the 'Midland counties, to 60° in 'Scotland, W.' and 'ire- land, 6.,' and to 59* in 'Scotland, NV The lowest of the ELLACOMBE. — On the 30th April, at Bitton- Vicarage, Gloucestershire, Emily Aprilla, wife of Revd. Canon Ellacombe, Vicar of Bitton. R.I.P. Notices to Correspondents. A Foreign Seed : B. A. The seed sent is that of a species of Mucuna, apparently M. ureas, a native of the West Indies and South America. It is known by the several names of Ass's-eye, Horse- rye, or Ox-eye Bean. J. R. J. Ants in Houses : O. N. Id. The Ballinkinrain Ant Destroyer. See paragraph in our present issue, p. 303. Also treacle in saucers, and carbolic acid. Apple Blossoms withoit Petals: Ecklinville. Suppression of the petals in flowers of some varie- ties of Apple is not uncommon. It is a curious phenomena iu your case, but will probably not hinder the blossoms from Eetting properly. Aucuba Berries : J. R. B. When ripe, layer them in a small pit or large flower-pot with damp sand, say, two layers of berries and then a layer of sand, and so on. When the pulp is decayed, rub it off the seeds, and sow the latter iu drills in the open, or in boxes 4 inches deep, filled with a sandy, loamy mixture, and keep in a cold pit till germination takes place. A Yellow Rose for a Hian Greenhouse: A. E. William Allau Richardson, Jaune Desprez, or Cloth of Gold. The first two are highly sc.-nted. Book-keeping : W. S. Q. We are not aware of any book that teaches a method particularly suitable for the nursery trade. For learning Pitman's system of shorthand, you should obtain Pitman's Shorthand, of any bookseller. Books : E. M. Enquire of Mr. J. Douglas, Barking- side, Ilford. Chrysanthemums: W. G. We regret that it would be too great a demand upon our space to give you a list of all varieties of Chrysanthemums that should figure in one collection. Consult a cheap book upon the subject, such as that by Ed. Molyneux, or that by W. Wells. In the latter is given a selection of seventy-two varieties in dozens, according to their merit as exhibition varieties. The price of this book is Is. from W. Wells, Earls- wood Nurseries, Redhill, Surrey. In regard to your second question, consult Messrs. H. Canuell & Sons, Swanley. Correction. — Our valued correspondent, Herr Wendland, tells us that the Wallichia figured on p. 283 is Wallichia disticha, and not W. densiflora. Cucumbers: F. F. P. Th*1 Cucumber is attacked by no fungoid disease, nor do the roots show the least trace of eel-worms. We suspect the injury is due to syringing during sunny weather with insufficient ventilatioD, hence scalding ; or, pos- sibly, to defective glass, which is a frequent means of plant-burning. Electro Culture : X Y. Z. Experiments have been carried out, and the results embodied in their bulletins by the Massachusetts' Agricultural Col- lege, Amherst, Mass. ; and the College of Agricul- ture of the Cornell University, lthaka. New York County, U.S.A. ; and you could doubtless be sup- plied with the various bulletins on application to the College authorities. No such experiments, fully carried out, have been made iu this country. Notices have appeared in this Journal p. 790, vol. is., 1891 ; pp. 616, 704, vol. 10, 1891 ; p. 42, vol. xi., 1892 ; pp. 214, 311, 466, vol. xii., 1892 ; pp. 273, 394, vol. xiv., 1893 ; p. 143, vol. xv., 1894 ; pp. 221, 756, vol. xvi., 1894 ; pp. 14, 397, vol. xvii., 1895. Gardening Advertising Media : X. Y. Z. La Su- rname Horticole, 101, Rue BJliard, Brussels; Revue Horticole, Librarie Agricole de la Maison Rustique, Rue Jacob, Paris ; Sevue de I' Horticulture Beige, M. Edward Pjnaert, 132, Rue de Bruxelles, Ghent. Lite Pruning of Fruit Trees : W. S. 67. The results of hard pruning on the fruit trees would be very late growth, and the consequent insufficient ripening of the shoots thus made, the lower parts of these being probably matured, but the upper parts would be immature, and likely to suffer from frost ; but the entire length of shoot would ripen the next year, and probably set some fruit- buds on the more thoroughly ripened parts of shoots. The predisposing cause of ordinary canker is to be looked for in the soil, although there is a species of canker (gumming) brought about by frost rupturiDg the bark, and thus admitting fungus, Nectria ditissima. Lilium Thomsonianum of Lindley : W. T. You are quite correct in your orthography. If you will consult the Index Kewcnsis, you will find therein — Fritillaria Thomsoniana, D. Don (1839), referred to Lilium Thomsonianum, Lindl. (1845) ; F. macrophylla, Don (1825), to Lilium roseuin, Wall. (1832) ; and L. Thomson- ianum to L. roseum, Wall. Cat., whence we take it that if you think it is a Fritillary. you should call it F. macrophylla, D. Don (1825), but if you prefer to call it a Lily, then the name must be L. roseum, Wallich (1S32). You will see by the dates given that the plant was named many years prior to Dr. Thomas Thomson's travels with Sir J. D. Hooker ; but we have not at hand the books necessary for ascertaining who the Thomson was that is thus celebrated. Mus'jrooms attacked by a Mould: W. T. See answer to "A. B." in hist week's issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle. Name of Fruit: Sir Chas. S. We cannot say with any degree of certainty at this late season ; rkin much bruised. Names of Plants : Correspondents not answered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number. — B. M. E. Sempervivum ar- boreum. — J. R., Villenog. BiaBsia Keiliaua, a species varying much in colour, that form sent being sometimes called B. cinnamomea. — C. H. 1, Epidendrum Stamfordianum ; 2, Epidendrum alatum— X L. C. R. Phalaris aruudinacea varie- gata. Some seedsmen may supply seed, but the usual method of propagation is by means of the underground stolons, as in Co.'ch-grass. — /. O. 1, Bifrenaria Harrisouise ; 2, Dendrobium thyrsi- florum ; 3, Anthuriuni Scherzerianum ; 4, Dendro- bium primulinum ; 5, Nephrodium molle ; 6, Pteris serrulata cristata ; 7, Euphorbia splendens ; 8, Acalypha tricolor or Macfeeana ; specimen poor. We cannot name Pelargoniums from leaves. — T. Thompson. 1, Dendrobium undulatum ; 2, Dendrobium Johannis ; 3, next week ; 4, Celsia cretica ; 5, Epimedium alpinum. — R. A . Yes, Tulipa sylvestris. If the specimen was found wild, we should be pleased to learn privately in what locality it was found.— A". Y. Z. Probably, Begonia dichotoma. Rhododendrons : W. S. B. If you can obtain good fibrous-peat, leaf-mould, and some sort of sand free from sea salt and iron, it would be wise to remove the plants and treuch the bed?, mixing with the staplo a large proportion of the fresh materials, and replant at wider distances apart. Is the drainage of the land what it should be ? Rhodo- dendrons like a moUt soil, but not one iu which the water stagnates. Is lime found in large quantities in your soil ! Xanthoceras sorbifolia and Caryopteris Mas- tachanthus. S. H., Newport. The first comes from Mandchuria and Northern China, and was introduced by Pere David in 1868. The second was introduced by Fortune from China in 1844, and again later by Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons and others. It was figured in the Gardeners' Chronicle for February 2, 1884, p. 149. Communications Received. — Ludwig Moller. Erfuvt. — GET ~H. & M.-W. W.-W. & X.— Earl of Ducie.— T. S. — L G — HerrWendlaucJ.— Ch. DoB.— J. B.— National Rose Society. -C. N.-J. G -B. & Sons.-T. T.-X. Y. Z.-T.S. -M. D.-W. E. S.-T. S. B.-A. C. F.-D. T. F.-R. h . H. _J H— U. Datomer.-W. C.-L. G.-R. D.-.T. J. W.- F. R.— P. G.— F. P.— J. G. Ma? 15, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 313 THE <$artora'(!ptnmklt SATURDAY, MAY 15, 1897. RETROGRADE SELECTION. T SHOULD be grateful if any of your eorre- -*- spondents would kindly give advice on the details of an experiment I bavo ia prospect. Suggestions are more especially desired as to the most suitable plants for the purpose. The experiment is intended to bo carried on by a process of " backward selection," or in the opposite direction to that followed by breeders, whether of plants or animals, when they attempt to create a new variety. They select for the parents of each coming generation those individuals of their experimental stock, whose characteristics approach most nearly to the ideal type pictured in their imagination. My aim is the very reverse of this : it is to begin with a variety that has become established, and to breed back to the original form. The primary object is to learn tho number of generations that must elapse before the original form is reached, under specified conditions of culture and selection. By this process it is hoped that a practical means of measuring the stability of strains, varieties and races, may ultimately become systematised, that more light will be thrown on the steps through which changes of type take place, and that many matters of high theoretical importance may be cleared up. relating to the distribution of variations and to the varying degrees of continuity or dis- continuity in regression, which are too technical to be discussed here. Whatever may be ultimately done in this direction, it teems clear that the earlier attempts should be conducted under the easiest condi- tions, and especially by employing the plant that seems best adapited to the purpose. The principal desiderata are : that it should be a hardy annual, in extensive cultivation, consist- ing of an original race, and of a distinct and well- established variety that has been recognised for a considerable time. Also that the plants, both of the original race and of the variety, should admit of being grown in a healthy state, in small flower-pots. It would furthor greatly facilitate the experiment if the main difference between the race and the variety lay simply in their sizes, the one being a dwarf form of the other. Any- how for the first trial, a plant ought to be em- ployed in which the differences are, in some way, . strictly measureable. Units of length are serviceable for height of plant and for length and breadth of leaves, &o. ; units of number, for number of leaves, spots, serrations, &c. ; units of time, for period of sprouting, budding, &c. The first enquiry that I make it, What plants best fulfil the above requirements? Next, as to the soil in which to grow them, foi the tendency of a variety to relapse into its oi iginal form greatly depends on the character of the soil. There are two desiderata to be fulfilled. The first is, that whatever soil be employed, its quality should admit of cloar definition, so that the experiment could be simul- taneously carried on by different persons, and be hereafter repeated under precisely similar con- ditions, so far as that important element is concerned. The second desideratum is not immediately felt, as it relates to the possibility of future experiments of the same general character being hereafter made on numerous different jjlants, in which case it would be well to employ a limited number of different and well- specified soils, or perhaps only two of them, a light and a heavy, with possibly the occasional mixture of some definite dose of a chemical ingredient. A reasonable method of meeting the difficulty would be to obtain the soil annually from localities well known for their horticultural and chemical peculiarities. There- fore, the second enquiry that I make is, What well-defined soils would be suitable for these experiments ? There are many other details of procedure that require to be determined, referring to mode of planting, exposure, watering, avoidance of cross-fertilisation, &c, which could no doubt be clearly systomatised on a carefully-considered plan, so as to ensure uniformity of treatment by different experimenters, but I will not at present ask particularly about these. Assuming that we have fixed on a plant of the original stock K, and on its variety V, severally planted in suitable and specified soils, and that the experimental series x, planted in the same soil as E, is intended to change v back into E, the proposed experiment would be some- thing of the following form : — There would bo a few, say a dozen, specimens of both K and v, and fully 100 of X, each planted in a separate flower- pot, requiring the use of some 1 24 pots altogether. E and V would be annually raised from seeds procured from the same seedsman, to serve as references, for they and the experimental set would be equally affected by the varying peculi- arities of the climate, &c, in different years, as well as by^the permanent environments of the locality. For simplicity of explanation, let us suppose the noticeable difference between R and v to consist in their height at the time when they begin to bud, v being a dwarf variety. Also that the change backwards occurs gradually, and not by sudden jumps on the part of individual plants. Some days before the expected period of budding, a provisional attempt would be made to so arrange the pots that the plants shall stand in orderly sequence, beginning with tho shortest, and ending with the tallest. The pots of R and of v would be arranged on the same principle. When the buds begin to show, the orderly arrangement of the three sets would be carefully and finally revised, and the class-place of each plant in its respective series would bo chalked on its pot, No. 1 signifying the lowest place. Conse- quently tho two middlemost of the R series would be S and <>, tho two middlemost of the v series would also be 5 and 0, while those of tho x sories would bo 50 and. "11. A single class- place makes little difference except towards the extreme ends. The next step is to see by direct comparison whether E 5 or R 6 coincides iu height with any one of tho v series, placing them on either side of it. In the first tear, probably, tho middlemost of the R would bo taller than the tallest of the v set. Iu that case, set aside the, say, five tallest of v, viz.. Nos. 96 to 100 for seeding, and pinch off every bud from every other plant of all the sets, so that no risk of cross-fertilisation may subsequently arise, while a sufficient number of seed-plants are preserved to avoid the injurious effects on their offspring of close interbreeding. Or it may happen, if not in the first year, then in some subsequent year of the experi- ment, that a match to r 5 or R 6 may be found at some particular class-place in the X sories, say at the 80th class-place. Then keep No?. 78, 79, 80, 81, 82 for seed, and destroy all other buds as before. In all cases, make an exactly similar comparison between v "> and V 6 and the x series. Lastly, obtain a photo- graphic record of all the three series of plants, X, E, v, by putting the pots in orderly arrange- ment, with their chalked sides foremost, upon five shelves fixed to a vertical wall, twenty- five on each shelf; then setting the camera squarely in front of them, the whole can be photographed on one plate, without distortion. Tapes of inches, or the like, should be fixed to the shelves to give the scale of the photograph. By these means every desirable measurement of tho plants admits of being leisurely made by the statistician, who will treat his measure- ments according to modern methods, and deduce the required information from them. Proceeding year after year in this way, the mean height of x will increase, but it would be inadvisable to wait until the middlemost plant of x closely coincided with the middlemost of E. The increase in height of x may bo very rapid during the earlier years, but will become gradually slower, and at length so slow that close coincidence will not occur for a long time ; and, again, when it does so, the precise epoch could not be determined with confidence. It would be much better to complete the experiment at an earlier stage. That which I would propose is the first year on which the x-plant, which occupies the 75th class- place, in a series of 100, fairly coincides in height with tho middle- most of R. Technically, this would be termed the "upper quartile " x-plant, because it stands one-quarter of the way down from the top-end of the class. The height of the upper quartile plant (as of that occupying any other- specified class-place), is independent of the number of plants iu the series, so long as they are sufficiently numerous for statistical purposes. The upper quartile is very easily ascertained, whatever the number of the plants in the series may be ; it is an easily-remembered class-place, and it is one that plays an importaut part in the higher methods of statistics. Had V been a large variety, and not a dwarf variety of R, tho lower quartile, or the twenty-fifth plant in a sories of 100, would have been employed. It is hardly necessary here to speak at length on such changes of the process as would be needed in the very probable event of some few of the x-plants making a sudden change to E, because the reader can easily foresee them. The process just described, except the photo- graphic part of it, is not restricted to single and measurable characteristics, but is genorally applicable, so long as tho individuals admit of being classed in orderly sequence, whether by measurements, by intercomparison, or by marks awarded accordiug to the judgment of an examiner. Thus, when plants, or animals, are submitted to prize competitions, the judges have to take simultaneous note of numerous " points," and to give their marks and classify accordingly, and they do so with fair precision, as shown by the accordance between the judg- ments of different experts. Therefore, although the measurement of a single character and the 314 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 15, 1897. opportunity of direct intercomparison by moving the flower -pots into different positions, may reasonably be insisted on in the earlier experi- ments, a much wider field of work lies open to the future, after the practicability of the simplest and most direct method shall have been assured. I am painfully conscious of the shortcomings of this too brief sketch of the details and of the full purport of the experiment in view ; but I send it all the same, because it adequately explains what I am particularly desirous to learn, and because a complete explanation would take up too much space, and be necessarily very technical. Should further information of the latter kind be desired, I would refer to a paper and calculations just published by myself in Nature, April 29, p. 605, which I worked out with reference to one phase of this very topic. Francis Qattan, 42, Rutland Gate, London. AQUILEGIAS. There are not many flowers that possess higher qualifications than these for garden cultivation. I am greatly surprised that their culture should be comparatively limited in Scotland, where they can always be grown successfully. They are for the most part hardy, vigorous in growth (especially the hybrids from A. ecerulea and A. chrysantha), and highly deco- rative in general effect. Many of them are contem- poraneous in their period of bloom — such, for example, are the " Canadian" and the " Golden " Columbines, which are, in my opinion, the most reliable, hardiest in character, and longest lived of all. They are not less valuable than the fragrant Viola and the many- coloured Spanish Iris for artistic value ; but, unlike those somewhat evanescent flowers, they survive for many years even in situations where other more tender plants would soon die. Aquilegias, like many other alpine and herbaceous plants, have a wide distribution. They are chiefly discoverable among the loftier mountain ranges of Europe, Asia, and America. We need not, therefore, be surprised at their capability of euduring the great severity of frost, when we remember the regions whence they have come. Indeed, it may be said that so far as regards such truly alpine forms as A. glandulosa, which finds itself at home in the High- lands of Scotland, a comparatively cold climate is requisite for their success. It has been asserted by several writers on Aquilegias that many of the finest varieties of the plants require to be treated as bien- nials, and grown periodically from seed to ensure perpetuation ; but I find that this is not necessary, in my part of the country at least, for the continued existence of A. ecerulea hybrida, A. canadensis, or A. chrysantha, which, so far from perishing prematurely, like their unreliable associate. A. glandulosa, after one thort season of limited bloom, seem to grow stronger and more massive every year. It is possible that they might be found more transitory if grown further south ; yet I caunot but remember that some of the grandest hybrids from ecerulea, chrysantha, and other notable varieties have been cultivated as perennials by the Messrs. Veitch of Chelsea, Mr. Thomas Francis Rivers of Sawbridgeworth in Hertfordshire, and Mr. Harry Turner of the Royal Nurseries at Slough, all of whom are enthusiastic admirers, like myself, of this Orchid-rivalling flower. It i-i somewhat remarkab'e that the Scottish culti- vator, who has given us the most vigorous and the most enduring, also, perhaps, the loveliest and most frngant of Vi das — the miniature, rayless variety, entitled Violetta — should also have originated the most evanescently beautiful of all Aquileg'ins, viz., A. Stuarti, a highly interesting hybrid (as I am in- formed by the raiser), between A. glandulosa and A. Wittnanniana, which requires to be treated invariably as a biennial, and cultivated very carefully in deep, fertile soil. It was, I understand, named by the late Professor Balfour at Edinburgh, and introduced into cultivation by Messrs; Cocker of Aberdeen. I RDS free 60 confess that, notwithstanding all my efforts, I have not hitherto been very successful with Aquilegia Stuarti, probably because the best situa- tions in my garden having been previously occupied by Roses, Tigridias, Irises, Narcissi, and Eastern Lilies, I was unable to give it a sufficiently- rich soil ; and though I have had it occasionally in flower, I have found that its blooms, however imposing in dimensions and artistic in aspect, are comparatively rare. Nevertheless I affirm, that notwithstanding the limitations indicated, it is well worth growing for its attractiveness. It is a distinct advance on Aquilegia One of the finest and earliest in flowering of the Caliiornian varieties is A. ecerulea hybrida, mani- festly a cross between A. ecerulea and chrysantha ; for the former, which precedes this fine hybrid by nearly a fortnight, is entirely destitute of any primrose hue, which consequently was the result of cross-fertilisation. This, possibly, may have been the work of insects. Here this variety, not less than its parent, is a true perennial, demanding little attention in summer, no protection in winter, and showing no diminution in vitality at the end of tea years. Aquilegia Skiuneri, a native of the northern regions of South America, I have not found so vigor- ous as A. californica or A. canadensis, of which the former, with its brilliant scarlet hues, is unquestion- ably one of the showiest of all the American Columbines. It is even finer than A. canadensis, which, I am informed, originally came to this country from Virginia. Its grows abundantly in the North American forests, and generally in extremely rocky situations. It is, I may incidentally observe, a variation from this interesting flower, of considerably stronger constitution than the original, which is generally cultivated in European gardens. I have not found it under any circumstances or climatic couditions arduous of cultivation, having experi- enced much more difficulty with other varieties, such as A. alpina superba, A. glandulosa, and — as I have indicated — A. Stuarti. Among the most beautiful of recent hybrids are those which have been raised and introduced by the Messrs. Veitch ; many of these have a very distinguished appearance, quite unlike that of their predecessors, for which reason they are worthy of general cultivation. A celebrated writer on Rose-culture has somewhere said, that if he were strictly limited by any unkind fate to one variety of the Ro e, he would choose that most vigorous and most prolific of all climbing varieties, Gloire de Dijon. If I were similarly restricted with reference to Aquilegias, I would, without hesitation, and for similar reasons, select the beautiful Aquilegia chrysantha. A plant stronger in constitution, more exuberant in growth, more luxuriant in flowering, and more singularly artistic in floral formation, and in aspect, for garden ornamenta- tion does not exist. David R. Williamson. American Notes. NEW VARIETIES OF FRUITS. The report of the Pomologist of the United States Department of Agriculture for 1895 has just been distributed, and though as tardy as any Government document, it is worth notice. As usual, the matter of greatest importance is the report on " Promising New Fruits," under which head are described the various Apples, Pears, Plums, &c, which have been recently introduced and brought to the notice of the Division of Pomology. The list includes 100 varieties of Apples, mostly quite new, 1 3 varieties of Pears, 3 of Apricots, 11 of Cherries, 25 of Peaches, 17 of Plums, 2 of Grapes, 4 of Oranges, and 1 of Pomelo. This record for a eingle year indicates that the American fruit list is increasing with all desirable rapidity. Of course, these records represent a very large country, with many very diverse conditions, wherein a considerable number of these varieties achieve only a local importance. But it is easy to see that our fruit list will Boon become so tremendous as to frighten the Conscientious student of pomology ; and a Complete revision oF Mr. tJoWning'e bbbk has already become an impossibility. It may also be seriously doubted whether the further wholesale introduction of new varieties, especially to the Apple list, is worth while. Of the introductions in question, two of the varie- ties of Apple, one of Apricot, and four of Cherry, are of Russian or Polish origin. A great deal has been said in recent years about the additions to the American fruit list from the Russian importations; but it is probable that the figures here given repre- sent with fair accuracy the relative importance of those introductions. The Russian fruits are making proportionally much the greatest headway in the Cherry list. The Russian Apples are gaining some attention in very cold sections of the States and tho Dominion, while the Russian Plums remain practically unknown. The American fruit list is growing to be more and more — almoBt exclusively — American, which means only that American seedlings are proving to be better adapted to local conditions than their parent varieties imported from Europe. And that is only what might have been expected. Forest Reservations. A strong fight is being made at Washington against the large foreBt reservations made by President Cleve- land during the last days of his administration. Cattle-men, miners, railroad men, and many other private interests with which the reservations inter- fere, are bringing every political influence to bear on President McKinley and on Congress to have the order rescinded. It seems probable at the present time that some concessional modifications may be made in the executive proclamation of reservation, but it is hoped and believed that no general abroga- tion of the order will be attempted. F. A. Waugh, Burlington, Vermont^ April 28. METHODS OF PROPAGATION. (Continued from p. 2S5.) Conifers from Seed.— If only a few trees or shrubs of any kind are required, and it is desired to raise them from seed, sow the seed in boxes or seed- pans, and place them in a cold pit, where they should be watered as often as necessary. Transplant the seedlings into the quarters as soon as they are large enough, and thus prevent the roots becoming matted together. Conifers are always best when raised from seed ; they can then develop naturally to the acute pyramidal form, that makes these trees so useful to the landscape gardener. When planted for orna- mental purposes, they should never be crowded, but if grown for timber only, it is necessary to plant them closely, as they draw one another up, as it is called, and may be thinned out when they reach the desired height by simply cutting down, as they do not, like many other trees, " stool,'' or throw up young growth from their roots. The cones generally do not attain maturity till the second year after forming. The structure of the wood, as viewed in section under the microscope, is unique, the pitted cells, which are always present, determining at once that the tree from which the eection has been cut was a Conifer. The most important northern timber trees belong to this order, but a few only are grown largely in this country as forest trees, the great bulk of the Fir timber being imported from Norway and Sweden, from Canada, and other parts of the New World. But this need not be a permanent condition, as thousands of acres of land which are now almost idle miyht be profitably employed to grow this class of timber. The seeds of all the genus are securely imbedded in the cones, and in some cases are very difficult to free. The cones should be collected in late autumn, and stored in a dry warm place, in boxes, such as that over the hot-water boiler, where the temperature is regular and dry. Thus treated the scales of the cone will split open, and the seeds will generally be freed, if the cone be taken in the hand and struck sharply at its point on some hard substauce. Having fanned away the scales and abortive seeds, the rest may be sown in light peaty soil, in an outside pit, protected in bad Weather by feed of straw niovable lights, or if there ia mUch quantity the seed ma'y be sown oft Mat 15, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 315 once into beds in the open air. In the case of the Larch, Scotch Fir, and other hardy kiods, this is preferable, but the exotic species need some kind of protection. The small seeds of the Larch separate free'y from the cones, if these be kiln dried ; but for a 6mall withal so resinous that it is often imperative to saw them through in the direction of their axis, to get out the seed ; while in contrast to this, the seedB of the Araucarias are as large as Brazil-nuts, and come freely from the immense cones, by simply drying them gradually. These seeds are edible when cooked like Fig. 106.— lathyrus sm,endens : flowers scarlet (kew). will descend into the soil ; but the first young shoot will often not appear till the following year, or it may even take eighteen months to show itself above the level of the soil. As soon as these attain to 4 inches in length they may be lifted, and either potted at once into single 3-inch pots, or into stores, viz., 5 or 6-inch pots, placing four to six round the outside ; again, they may be quartered out in nursery beds at once. If potted singly, take care they do not get corkscrew-rooted, and are shifted into a larger-sized pot as soon as the roots touch the pot. It may be here noted that the seeds of Conifers do not do well as a rule if covered heavily with soil ; half an inch deep will be ample for most kinds, but for the small light seeds of the Thujas and Cypresses, half this depth will suffice. The surface of the soil should be covered with moss or Cocoa-nut fibre, to keep the soil uniformly moist and warm. It is better not to use artificial heat, though tho gentle warmth of a spent hot-bed will do no harm, espe- cially when the seed has been three weeks or a month in the soil. The Lebanon and Deodar Cedars are both raised from seed in nurseries, but it is rare, at any rate, except in the south, for good, ripe seed to be pro- duced, though I have seen some fully-matured cones in Sussex and Kent. Cephalotaxus, Juniperus, Podo- carpus, and Taxus, are usually treated alike wheu raised from seed. The berries are gathered when quite soft and ripe, and either rubbed in sand to get rid of the sticky pulp that envelops the seeds, or dried, and then sown thinly in boxes and pans, the first method being the quicker of the two, and cer- tainly preferable for the Yews, the berries of which are very full of a sticky, sweet juice, that makes them attractive to birds, especially the thrush tribe. Varieties of Conifers do not reproduce themselves true from seed, so that if it is desired to perpetuate any one form, the only sure way is to graft, or to raise it from cuttings or layers. Experience. (.Tobc continual.) quantity one may use a large earthen pan, into which put the mature cones in a thin layer, aud then place the pan on the hot-water pipes in a forcing-house, when the scales will split asunder, and the seeds will fall into the pan ; but be careful to avoid over-heat- ing, or the germ may bo killed. The cones of somo of the Abies, notably Wcubiana and grandis, are not only very hard and compact, but Chestnuts ever a slow tire, and, according to Humboldt, form the staple vegetable food of some Indian tribes. The best way to put these into the soil is to hold them by the thick rounded end between the finger and thumb, and to push the pointed end into the soil as thickly as the cook puts raisins into a pudding, at an angle of about 45°. The radicle in three weeks or a month, according to the freshuess of the seed, LATHYRUS SPLENDENS. This handsome creeper has been iu flower for some time past in the Cape House at Kew, where its brilliant scarlet flowers attract much attention. It has been likened to a Sweet Pea, but to our thinking is more like the perennial Pea. It is a native of California, and is known as the ''Pride of California." For the specimen whence our illustration (.fig. 106) was taken, we are indebted to the authorities at Kew. CASTLEROY, BROUGHTY FERRY. A short climb, a week or two since, brought me to the summit of Castleroy, the residence of Mrs. Gilroy, where the scent of the sea and the odour of the Austrian Pine and spring flowers saluted me. The sea is about a quarter of a mile distant. Castleroy, a handsome modern mansion, is about 150 feet above sea-level, and commands distant views. It is unsheltered from either the north or the south ; and the chief portions of the gardens are on the creBt of the brae or hill, aud these are fully exposed to the wind on either side of the incline. When it is known that this exposed gardeu stauds on nn impenetrable stratum of rock, the wonder increases that bo many crops aud plants are found in such fine condition. The whole of the soil has been carried up by the present gardener, and for twenty years or more the garden has been in course of construc- tion, aud much of it, previous to planting, has had to be made again and again, because trees and shrubs, after being established, have had their leading and other shoots snapped by the wind, or have been torn out by the roots. Disasters such as these have, however, neither daunted the CQurage, nor exhausted the resources, of Mr. Dickson., the gardener, who has won many ttrikng victories over the elementa on this bleak hill-top during the last twenty or more years. 31G THE GABDENEIiS' CHRONICLE. [Mat 15, '.897. For example, most cultivators pruue their shrubs and trees to improve tho beauty or convenience of their sky-lines, enhance their fertility, or support or enhance the effect of surrounding objects. But Mr. Dickson's first necessity was to prune hia plants, so as to reduce their size, and render them less liable to iujury from the storms. Conifers and other plants, lifted and planted intact, are often swept clean out of the soil ; hence, branches and stems are reduced, and soil is heaped over the roots of the trees to more than average depth, this additional mechanical weight affording increased anchorage to the roots. I noticed au excellent method to secure a maximum of shelter at a minimum of labour. In all gardens there is waste, and its final destination is tho fire heap. At ( 'astleroy, every form and variety of waste was and is converted into shelter. Prunings, up-rooted, dis- eased trees or shrubs, and rubbish of all sorts, are built up into banks or rough boundary lines, and made thus to furnish the ever-desired shelter at exposed points, earth being freely mixed with this dibris, and trailing plants set out, as well as annuals sown or planted, so that some of these shelters are objects of beauty of a very original character. Much skill and forethought are also displayed in the selec- tion of the best sites for fruit-trees and bushes, vegetables, and flowers ; and the space being limited in extent, the utmost is made of it by means of walks, shrubberies, lawns, flower-beds, and borders ; and so well have these features been planned and carried out, that, exposed as the site is, there are few days in the year that some sheltered spot cannot be found for exercise or repose in the open air. Within a few yards of each other in these gardens, the most perfect shelter and the most desolate exposure may be found. The views are wide and pleasing, and take in the mouth of the Tayand the open sea. Far away on the land side is a narrow fertile plain, backed by mountains in the distance. On the highest point of the ground towards the centre, what is known as the Dalkeith curved group of beds is placed ; and mainly furnished with hardy Chrysanthemums. Near here, too, is a Rose arbour, in which the hardier Teas and other Roses, including Turner's Crimson Rambler, thrive. Roses also grow well in other parts of the grounds, while just over the hill the Broughty Ferry Rosary of the Messrs. Crolls may be said to join the picturesque and beautiful gardens of Castleroy. The growth of trees is somewhat slow, especially after they reach a hoight of 20 feet. Most of them hesitate to go higher, because of the wind, and tho result is peculiar ; other leaders rushing up to the front, where the first have been arrested, being stopped in turn. Hence the tendency of most of the trees to spread, instead of growing ("upwards. Mr. Dickson put the matter yet more pithily, by remark- ing that of those at Castleroy, <: the Weeping Birch went straight up the best." The Austrian Pine is by far the best Conifer, but it is very difficult to keep erect when it gets to a large size. Several other Pines do fairly well, but none approaches the Austrian as a wind-resistcr, and it seems to thrive ou the salt spray, and only suffers check or wreckage from the strength of the wind above and the lightness of the soil below, as already described. Spruces and Silver Firs will only grow when they are young, and surrounded by other trees, aud are of no use alone, the exposure killing them, the common Spruce being as bad as the rest. Of deciduous trees, the two best are the Oriental Plane aud the Weeping Birch ; the Beech, purple Beech, Roman or Mountain Ash, Service-tree, Norway Maples, Geans, Prunua PisBardi, and others, also thrive fairly well. Horse- Chestnuts and Limes also grow pretty freely, but the Chestnuts especially look weather-beaten after a few severe tussles with the wind and the brine. The Sweet Bay, and varieties of Cherry Laurel, such as rotundifolia and colchica, Mr. Dickson con- siders his most valuable evergreens. He propagates and plants these by the thousand on bank*, edges of shrubberies, and as undergrowth or shelter to other trees or shrubs. Their shining green leaves seem wholly indifferent to the fiercest winds and the sea-spray, and I have never seon a finer, healthier atock of these two Laurels than in this wind-swept garden. The Holly is porfoctly hardy, but grows slowly. Rhododendrons are not a great success, owing chiefly to the dryness and thinnesa of the soil, 18 inches to the solid rock being a fair average. All Weigelas grow freely, and make a brilliant show in season. The Mock Oranges grow freely, and bloom profusely. Spirceas, all the shrubby species do well, S. arisefolia and S. Lindleyana especially so, and they are grown extensively. The beautiful Now Zealaud shrub, Olcaria Haasti, is quite at home, and reaches its highest beauty in August ; it may safely be added to sea-side plants anywhere, and will make a splendid companion to the Sea Buckthorn. The Ailanthus glandulosa grows rapidly, and looks well, headed down to tho ground every year. Laurustinus lives and grows, but never blooma — altitude too high for it. CupressuB of sorts are fairly hardy, but need the shelter of other trees. Of American Arbor-viUe, there are several of the varieties which do well, and furnish valuable plants for clothing the ground iu winter. Several Retino- sporas thrive well in a young small state. Dimorphan- thus mandschuricus has fine foliage, and thrives in these gardens. Diplopappus chrysophyllus thrives and blooms beautifully here every year, as does also the all-too-seldom-seen Colutea omenta. It should be stated in connection with these and other shrubs in these gardens, that Mr. Gilroy, the son of the present owner, travels a good deal abroad, aud mikes large collections of plants, tree?, and shrubs for Castleroy Gardens. Fruit, flowers, and vegetables, inside aud out, are well grown in these elevated gardens. There are also a large conservatory aud greenhouse, and two lofty roomy vineries, span-roofed, SO feet long, 15 feet high, and 21 wide. One is furnished with Hamburghs ; the late-houee, with Lady Downe's, Alicante, Treb- biano, Grcs Maroc, and Gros Colmar. The Vines have seen many fine crops, and are still vigorous and healthy. If there are to be any Diamond Jubilee Medals this year, and they are given to those who have vanquished the greateat difficulties iu com- manding horticultural success, surely Mr. Dickson has earned high honours for making this wind-raked, sea-washed crown of Castleroy rejoice and blossom as the Rose. D. T. F. LILIUM HARRISII AND THE ELECTRIC LIGHT. At a recent meeting of the Horticulturists' Club of Cornell University, Mr. G. Kains presented notes of experiments with the Easter Lily. As to the effects of the electric light in its cultivation, he said that the bulbs were potted in the middle of October, plunged in a solid bed late in December, and the electric light turned on January 1. A globeleas arc lamp was used. It burned from 5 r.M. until 6 a.m. daily for the following four months. The bed was divided into three sections. The first was exposed to the full glare of the naked light ; in the second.^the light passed through a large pane of glass, which cut out some of the ultra violet rays, but did not impede the passage of the light ; the third section waa sepa- rated from the light by a black canvas curtain, which was drawn across the bed each night before the lamp waa lighted. When the light was first turned on, the plants were of uniform development, but in six weeks changeB appeared iu the foliage, which gradually became more pronounced. The plauts in the lighted sections grew very tall and spindling, had long peduncles, narrow and sallow-green, very much curved leaves, far apart on the stems. These effects were most apparent under the naked light. The plants in the uulighted section were more robust, had deep, glossy-green leaves, were more stocky, less subject to disease, and, on the whole, more evenly developed. After the buds were formed these dif- ferences did not become more pronounced, but the buda. under the naked light soon began to show a dark brown streak on the surface most exposed to the direct rays from the lamp, and this burn increased as the buds grew and expauded into blossoms. The seared petals were much more curled than is ordi- narily the case with healthy blossoms, and the stripes of brown were in some case3 a quarter of an inch wide on each of three petals. No such trouble was experienced with the plants in the light which had passed through the pane of glass. The earliest flowers appeared ou plants in the naked light, and in this section they lasted on the average nine days. Four daya later the plants in section two flowered, and lasted here nine and a half days. The plants in the unlighted section were nine days later than those in section two iu coming into blossom ; but the flowers, though slightly smaller, lasted eleven days, and were more robust. The flowers in the lighted sections, like the plants which bore them, were spindling, but not unsightly, excepting those which were burned. A plaut with two remarkably evenly developed stems was taken from the unlighted section, and so placed that the curtain could be drawn between them, the one stem being in the unlighted section, the other among the plants behind the pane of glass in section two. A second twin-stemmed plant was also taken from the unlighted plot and placed in the naked light, but the larger of the two stems waa covered each night with a tube of manilla-paper to exclude the light entirely. Iu each case the stem in the light blossomed a day before the other stem. Some other plauts of uniform development were marked, and a part of them removed to the lighted sections, the others being left in section three. The former bloomed seven days before the latter, the last blossom iu the former group being throe daya earlier than the first blossom in the latter group. The blo3soms were perfectly healthy, and lasted as long as those iu the unlighted section. From these experiments it is con- cluded that it will probably pay commercially to use electric light in cultivating Lilium Harrisii when the buds are an inch long, in order to hasten their expan- sion, and that the light must pass through glass to avoid burning the petals. S.t in Garden and Forest, PROGRESS OF THE CYCLAMEN.* Qti the occasion of the discussion on " Variation in Plants and Animals," which took place on February 25, 1895, it occurred to mc that it might be useful to give an illustration of the amount of change which had been effected in a plant by continuous selection under cultivation in a comparatively short time. I, therefore, placed upon the table an example of ihe wild and of the cultivated form of the garden "Cineraria" (C. cruenta). The choice of this species was purely accidental. It was, however, violently impugned. It was con- tended that the garden Cineraria was not the result of the development of a single species, but that it was of multiple origin, and the result of the intercrossing of several species. It was further contended that its change from the wild form had not been gradual, but by discontinuous steps or "sports." Neither conten- tion seemed to me well founded. But I admit that, owing to the lapse of time since the so-called "improvement" of the Cineraria commenced, it is impossible to give formal proof that t hi process has been what I described. Mr, Darwin met with the same difficulty. He remarks : '* We kubw hardly anything about the origin or history of any of our domestic breeds."! As is, however, well known, he regarded them as the result of accumulation by selection of successive slight variations. But he aho tells us that " the chance will be infinitely small of any record having been preserved of such slow, vary ing, and insensible changes." It seemed to me important, therefore, to obtain the history of some cultivated plant which would not be open to the objections urged in the case of the Cineraria. After some consideration, I selected the plant known in gardens as Cyclamen persicum. Owing to * "The cultural evolutionof Cyclamen latifoliutu, Si-MAorp." By W. T. Thiselton Dyer, C.M.G., CLE., F.R.S. Read March IS, 1897, before the Royal Society. f Origin, 6th ed., p. 29. Mat 15, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 317 the kindness of the skilful horticulturists who have worked upon it, I am able to place on record a nearly complete history of the changes it has undergone. The genus Cyclamen belongs to the order Primulacese, which in its affinities is somewhat isolated. Cyclamen itself is distinguished from the rest of the tribe Lysimachiero, to which ifc belongs, by the reflexed segmen's of the corolla. Cyclamen persicum, Miller, is a name given by gardeners to a form slightly modified by cultivation of C. latifolium, Sibthorp, a species confined to Greece vated forms in existence are descendants from tlrs one individual. The assertion canuob ue proved, but is not improbable ; it is known to have been a variety with white flowers. As will be shown, the forms now in cultivation have been derived from a white-flowered one, which in turn might well have been derived from the Lille plant. Such a modified form was, iu fact, that described by Miller, in 1768, in the eighth edition of his Gardeners Dictionary, under the name of Cyclamen persicum. He describes the flowers as "pure white (Shuwuby llieSt, :. 10?.- tv Ce„ i \ (eca,t. 185; it has pink flowers, with a ring of darker colour at the throat. The species is said to have been first cultivated in Europe at Lille in 1731,* having been introduced from Persia. There must have been some error as to its origin, for Boissier points out that the species is not found in that country.f In all probability it was obtained from Syria. The Lille plant ultimately went to Ghent, and it has been asserted that all the culti- " Lq Semaine HorticoU, 3*07, p. 23. t ttotti Oriental**, vol 4, p 12. with a bright purple bottom " It was fi^urtd in tl e Botanical Magazine in 1787, t. 44, and it has co».e down little altered to our own day. In 1875 Boissier describes it as " forma hortensis a me nunquam spontanea visa." It still exists in cultivation, and is the (old) "crimson and white'' of Messrs. Sutton. It seems always to haze been popular in cultivation on account of its agreeable fragrance. This confirms the Syrian origin of the origiual stock, for a white- flowered form ,b is found in Palestine which is very fragrant." * Rnyal II-, \iltural Socj tyjo , N : ol. I'.p. lh Early in the ceutury some colour variations were in cultivation. Several as well as tl e typical C. persi- cum were figured in the Flore des Serrea in 1877, t. 2345. These record the amount of change from the wild type which had been accomplished in a century and a half. One striking seminal sport (C. persicum, var. laciniatum) is figured in the Botanical Register in 1827, t. 1095. It is remarkable for spreading corolla segments broader than usual, and cut at the edges. It does not appear to have been perpetuated, but in some degree it anticipated some of the remarkable modern developments. I am informed by Mr. James Martin, the accom- plished propagator of Messrs. Sutton, that the recent remarkable development of the Cyclamen began about 1860, and, at any rate in their hands, started with the old "crimson and white." It will be seen from the accompanying figures how little this differs from the wild type. Fig. 107 represents a flower of the latter from a plant imported by Messrs. Sutton from Syria after six years of cultivation ; it is not appreciably altered. Fig. 108 represents a flower of their " crimson and white ; " it only differs from the wild typo in having shorter, broader, and less twisted corolla sogmonts. In considering the progress which haa been made t-iuce 1860 under the skilful hands of Mr. Martin and others, it is important to be..r in mind that there is no question of bybridity. Cyclamen latifolium has resisted every attempt to cros3 it with any other species. We are dealing, then, with the evolution under artificial conditions of a single species. Further, in the following statement, I have confined myself to the result of continued self-fertilisation, and have not thought it necessary to investigate the results of crossing races which have assumed characters more or less distioct. Size, —Mr. Martin strongly insists on the principle laid down by Mr. Darwin from de Vilmorio, that " the first step is to get the plant to vary in any manner whatever." * As Mr. Martin puts it, " the breeder must work with nature." It is his practice to Beize the smallest deviation, even so small an indication as the slightest difference in a cotyledon of a germinat- ing seed. The first direction of work would, however, for commercial purposes, be to develop the size of the corolla. Messrs. Sutton have sent me photographs of the largest flowers hitherto produced by them. [We give at fig. 109 an illustration of real size of a variety recently exhibited. Ed.] These represent the con- tinuous work of forty years. As the work was not done for a scientific purpose, the whole of the pro- gressive steps have not been preserved or recorded. But Mr. Martin denies that they have been attained by other than progressive selection, or that they have been reached by leaps and bounds. In developing any particular character it is, to use his own words, alwayB done by a " ladder," i.e., continuous self-ferti- lisation and selection. One ttage owes its preserva- tion to its having retained fragrance. Beyond this atage fragrance has been lost. An interesting question is whether there is any limit to the extent to which an organ can be developed, and if so, what? It is to be hoped that Mr. Martin will continue his work in this direction, and strive, if only as a matter of scientific interest, to increase the size of the corolla to the maximum possible. The only check will probably be found to be the general balance of nutrition. Spreading. — I was much struck to find amongst a magnificent series of specimens, kindly sent me by Messrs. Sutton, forms with the segments of the oorolla spreading instead of reflexed. I have received even more striking examples from Messrs. Hugh Low & Co. Th's is remarkable because, as I have already pointed out, the latter is a distinctive grnerie character in Cyclimen. Although the alteration in the appearance of t'.ie flower is enormous, the btruc- tural change is Blight ; it is merely a matter of direction of growth. It amounts, however, to the loss of a generic character, and a reversion to a more generalised type. The change is therefore essentially atavistic. 318 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Mat 16, 1897. I was unable to obtain from Mr. Martin any explanation of how this particular variation had come about, but he informed me that it had been of fre- quent occurrence. Spreading flowers had always been destroyed as departing from a desirable type. More recently, on account of their Orchid-like habit, they had taken the popular fancy, and had been Beside Buch indoor plants as Chaman'ops excelea, Aspidistra lurida and the variegated variety, Gre- villea robusta, Phoenix reclinata, and Aralia Sieboldi, there is one good greenhouse plant with fine foliago, which is very rarely seen, in spite of its hardiness and endurance. This is Lomatia ferruginea, with which may be coupled L. heterophylla (Bilaifolia), with dentate foliage, very sturdy for indoor cultiva- tion. Louis Gcntil, Kew. ' Doubling.— Even in the wild type there is a ten- dency to a slight multiplication of the corolla segments. 'Mr. Martin has worked upon this, and has pro- duced flowers [semi-double]. He seems to think that there is no limit to which this multiplication cannot be carried practically, and hopes in time to produce "mop-headed" flowers like a Chrys- anthemum. The so-called doubling of flowers, as in the Rose, is a teratological phenomenon, and is due to the conversion of stamens into petals. But in Cyclamen this is not the ca-e. The stamens, which are normally equal in number to the corolla seg- ments, are also multiplied. Although a quiuary Symmetry is general in the Priniulacea?, Trientalis, a near ally of Cyclamen, ordinarily exhibits a con- siderable range in the number of parts of the flower. Here again Cyclamen, under artificial conditions, shows a reversion to a more generalised type. (To be continued.) NOTES FOR AMATEURS. Indoor Plants. — Under this title. I wish to speak especially to those who have not even a veranda or cold frame, and are obliged to grow their few flowers in the parlour or office. How many are disappointed after buying a fine Palm or variegated Aspidistra, to find that it soon slowly dies, and its beautiful colours fade away. This gradual dwindling is prin- cipally owing to the conditions uuder which the plant grew before it was brought into the house. It assuredly developed rapidly in a high temperature, with abundant moisture ; and then found itself sud- denly deprived of elements which influenced its life and growth, so grew yellow, dropped its leaves, and at last died. When seeking an indoor plant, it is well to get it direct from the florist, choosing it not from a hot- houBe, but from a greenhouse, wherein the tempera- ture more closely approximates with that to which it will afterwards be subjected. It is not wiae to select from plants grown for market, as these are usually raised in quantities, or are unduly forced with heat, water, and manure, being suitable as temporary deco- rations but not for permanent indoor plants. The grower is not concerned if a plant, when once sold, lives but a month afterwards. The flower-lover should select a dwarf specimen, free from defects and blemishes, rejecting " drawD " plants with over long and weak stems. What is the right course to pursue with indoor plants ? What care do they need ? Should they be re-potted or manured to make them do well ? No ; the plant should be kept just as it is when it comes from the florist's greenhouse. It should neither be forced nor retarded, as for one perfectly-grown plant we find many poor, weakly, and stunted. The first consideration is usually what quantity of water to give each week. The watering of indoor plants is a difficult question, requiriug much care, as on it the life and beauty of the plant depend. Usually the air of living-rooms is dry and warm, and much of the water given is absorbed by the surrounding air ; also, there may be a fire burning. The drainage of the flower-pots may or may not bo efficient. The earth also may be porous or heavy, compact, and scarcely permeable. The rule is to water plauts when they are thirsty. Partial watering is to be avoided, as then the upper part alone is wetted, the soil appears moiBt, but below where are the roots, is dry, sometimes in a saudy state, which it is impossible to moisten. The plant will suffer le;s from lack of water thau from a continual excess of dampness. If too dry, its whole appearauce shows it, it lacks vitality, but the would-be gardener knows the remedy, most plants (Ferns excepted) regaining their natural condition after copious watering. With excess of water the roots rot, the soil becomes sour, and the whole thing a mass of mud, the plant certainly dying unless returned to the florist to be started again. '•It is a mistake to remove tho drainage from the bottom of a pot ; the more perfectly the stones act, the better will the roots thrive. The Week's Work. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, B uford, Dorking. Cattleya Luddcmanniana (spedosissima) and its several varieties, are essentially late summer-flowering plants, but being a comparatively shy species to bloom, it is frequently disappointing to the culti- vator. No difficulty is experienced in getting the plant to grow freely, but when treated as are other Cattleyas, itseklomshowsanyincliuatiou to flower, and although the loaves and pseudo-bulbs produced under such oonditions are large, they are not of a sturdy character. After being rested during the past winter months, the plants will now be making numerous roots at the base of the last made pseudo- bulb, aud this is the best time to repot the plants or afford them some fresh rooting material. Shallow pans with perforations around their sides are prefer- able, as they afford acouvenient means of suspending the plants from the roof. Afford liberal drainage, as this species may be given water more frequently during its growing season than most Cattleyas. The compost should consist of equal parts of peat aud sphagnum-moss. Pull the peat in pieces, and sift out the greater part of the dust through a coarse meshed sieve, cut up the moss roughly, then mix the two ingredients well together, aud work in with it a few clean crocks. Suspeud the plauts in the Mexican or Dendrobium-house, where they will obtain plenty of air and direct sunlight. C. Luddemanniaua produces its flower-spikes on the completion of its growth; and if no spikes appear at that Btage, tho plants should be subjected to the ordinary resting system. Calthya Eldorado and its varieties, spleudens, cro- cata, and Wallisii, bloom during the months of July and August, a period when other Cattleya flowers are scarce. Like the preceding species, the flower-spikes come up together with the new growth, and push up out of the sheaths just before the pseudo-bulbs are made up. The bloonis, when open, have a delicious fragrance, and if placed in a dry atmosphere, they will last in beauty for several weeks. At the present time the plants are starting into growth, and should be placed in the East Indian-house, or an ordinary plant- stove, and they will need to be shaded from strong sunshine. During the earlier stages of growth, afford just sufficient water to prevent the compost from becoming dry ; any excess at the root at this period frequently causing the young growths to turn black aud decay. When the flower-sheaths are seen pushing up, afford water more freely, but the quantity should bo diminished gradually after the first blooms open, and only enough being given to prevent the stems and leave3 from shrivelling. Re-potting is best done immediately after the flowers fade. Lcelia rubescens (acuminata) and L. Gouldlana being now at rest, should be placed where a little more warmth exists than that of an ordinary green- house, but with more air and le3s atmospheric mois- ture than is given to any Orchid-house, very little water being needed at the root to keep the pseudo-bulbs plump ; aud even if they are allowed to shrivel slightly, it will do no harm. Cyrtopodiums. — Such large and distinct looking Orchids as C. Audersonianuoi, C. Saintlegerianum, C. punctatum, C. Ericssoni, C. macranthum, and C. suavissimum, are deserving of extended culture, their tall branching spikes producing numerous showy flowers, which open continuously for several weeks in suecessioo. These species are now commencing to grow, and if necessary, they may be repotted, but plants that are showing their flower-spikes should not be disturbed uutil the spikes are cut. Use fibrous loam and coarse sandy peat in equal parts, to which may be added some leaf-soil and sphagnum-moss. Ample drain- age must be provided.and being heat-loving plants, they Bhould be placed in the highest available temperature, and where they may obtain plenty of sunlight at all times. When tho growths arc completed, the plants should be placed in a warm sunny greenhouse, so that the pseudo-bulbs may become thoroughly ripened. Dendrobiurns. — D. cymbidioides now commencing growth may be repotted or top-dressed. Cultivate the plant in a shallow pan, and suspend it close to the roof-glass in the Cattleya- house. D. Bensonise is fast pushing forth both young growths and flower-buds from the last-made pseudo-bulbs, but tho grower should not be tempted to afford the plant water until after the flowers fade, as the young growths are liable to damp off from over wetness. The same remarks are also applicable to plants of Dendrobium transpareus, D. crystallinum, D. tortile, D. amcenum, D. aqueum, T>. Dalhousieanum, D. Parishii, aud its varieties. Platyclinis tiliformis is generally grown in too great heat, so becoming a prey to red-spider. Although it is a native of the Philippine Islands, the atmosphere of the East Indian-house appears unsuitable to it. The intermediate or shady part of the Cattlcya-houso is the best place for it at all seasons. Suspend the plauts close to the roof-glass, but out of the course of the currents of dry air from the top ventilators. On clear and bright mornings it is good practice to take the plant down aud slightly bedew the grassy foliage over with tepid rain-water. The plants are now starting to grow and throw up flower-spikes in con- junction with the young breaks ; and from this time until the growths are fully completed, abundance of water at the root and in the atmosphere is necessary. Repotting is best deferred until after the flowers fade. P. glumacea must be afforded plenty of water now to assist the proper development of the current l's growth. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By Charles Herrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead. Ornamental Plants intended for damp situations in the pleasure-grounds or semi-wild garden, usually grow very freely if planted out early this month ; clumps of Bamboo aud similar plants from the open may be safely transplanted. In sheltered dolls, or upon the margins of lakes and by the side of streams, Bamboos in variety are appropriate subjects. The soil best suited for hardy Bamboos is that of a rather heavy nature, and one capable of retaining moisture, although stagnant water about the roots should bo guarded against, and where likely to be too wet slightly raised mounds should be thrown up on which to plant them. Tho following are some of the handsomest and hardiest of the species, aud they have made fiue specimens at Kew. Arundinaria japonica (BambuBa Metake) is a good grower and hardy, although it does not form so handsome a bush as some other species. A. Simoni is a strong aud erect grower, established clumps growing to a height of 10 feet to 15 feet. A. nitida, a species with bright green foliage and very hardy, grows to a height of about 10 feet. Other handsome species are Phyllustachys Henonis, P. flexuosa, P. nigra, P. aurea, P. mitis, a tall and erect- growiog Bamboo, and P. viride glauce6cens, a tall free-growing one, aud one of the best for general planting. Bambusa palmata, dwarfer in growth than most of the preceding, is distinguished by its broad and Palm-like foliage. Other plants suitable for these situations are Rodgersia podophylla, Heracleum giganteum, the giant Cow- Parsnip ; Arundoconspicua Oyuerium argenteum (Pampas-grass), and Elymu.s glaucifolius. Roses. — The cold nights, accompanied with north- east winds, have prevented free growth in Roses on walls, aud when thus stunted the shoots are more liable to the attacks of green-fly. If this is already in evidence, the trees should be well syringed with some approved insecticide — such as Bentley's QuasBia extract. This remedy being prepared in a concen- trated form, can be readily UBed by simply mixing it with the desired quantity of clean cold water, and for syringing Roses aud other subjects infested with green or black aphis, it is a cheap and effectual insecticide. General Work. — This is a busy time in the flower- garden department. Propagating of such subjects as Heliotrope, Ageratum, Nasturtium, Coleus, and others that form roots quickly may still be practi-ed in any hot moist house or frame. Alternantheras should be dibbled in thickly in frames ou a hotbed and a little light soil, where, if kept close, they will strike in a few days, and the tops may be taken off in a week or ten days later to be struck in a similar way. The gradual hardening oil of bedding-plants generally must receive due attention, as the time for putting these out into the beds is now approaching. The inclement weather by day, and the frosty nights, have necessitated considerable care, and no tender plants should be left exposed at present, especially when coming fresh from under glass. Annuals sown in frames or small Mat 15, 1897. J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 319 boxes should not lip allowed to become matted together ami drawn, up, but be pricked off singly before overcrowding takes place. Early-sown Carna- tions should uow be ready for planting iuto the borders, and seeds may yet be sown for a late supply of plants. Border Chrysanthemums may also be planted out, and if they have been previously har- dened off properly, a slight frost will not injure them. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By W. Pope, Gardener, Highclere Castle, Newbury. Potatos. — The early crops in pits and frames will now be nearly over, and any that remain and are matured sufficiently may be lifted, and stored in a cool, dark shed, until required for use ; the frames may then be utilised for Cucumbers, Melons, or Dwarf French Beans, which, if sown now under glass, will come into bearing some time before those already planted outside. Ash leaf, and other early sorts of 1'otatos now showing through the soil, should be hoed through to check seedling weeds, and loosen the soil, preparatory to earthing- up the crop, winch should be done when the plants are about il inches high. Any artificial manure it is intended to apply to these is boat put on before the first hoeing, scattering a handful or so round each plant, according to strength of the manure. In tho case of sharp frosts, sometimes ex- perienced during the ihi d week in May, protection of some sort should be afforded, such as a doubled herring-net, stretched over, but clear of the tops. Chicory.— A few rows of the improved form of Chicory, known as Witloef, should mw be sown. If this be done too early in the season, flower stems are thrown up in the autumn, but at this feasou it is quite safe to sow. Any fairly rich soil is puitable, provided it be not shaded by trees. The rows may be 15 inches apart, thinning early to 6 inches from plant to plant. Endive.— If Endive is likely to be required early in the avitumu, a pinch of seed should now be sown very thinly in shallow drills ; and when large enough, transplant the seedlings carefully on to rich soil, in an open situation, at 9 inches to 1 foot apart each way. The Round-leaved Batavian is the most useful, though by some the Moss-curled is preferred. Pickling Onions.— To obtun small Onious for pick- ling aud other purposes, sow a small quantity of seed now on laud that has been made thoroughly firm by treading. The seeds miy be sown broadcast, aud r.ither thickly, overing them with half an inch of fine soil, after which roll or beat down firmly. The Silver-skin aud the Queen are the best varieties. Thinnings from the maiu bed also form useful bulb3 for this purpose if dibbled in thickly together in poor soil. Kid cy Beans. — A good sowing of these may now be sifely made in the open, the increasing warmth in the soil being conducive to the germination of the seed. Plants from this sowing will be quite safe from the late spring frost-3. Any that may be showing through the soil must be given some kind of protection in all ex*ept the most favoured local tie.'. As a guard ag.unst cold winds, a few leafy twiirs, stuck along one or both sides of the rows, will beofjerviee. Plantsraised under glass for plant- ing out, must be kept fully supplied with air, tying each to a stake as growth advances, and shifting them into pots a size larger if likely to become pot bound. A good breadth of Canadian Wonder may be got in where Dwarf Beans are apprec'ated, or in place? where Runners may not succeed. In such cases, the Climbing French B»an may be recommended, not being a tall grower, and as affording a longer suc- cession of la' go handsome pods of the same tyj e as the dwarfs. FRT3ITS UNDER GLASS. By F. Harhis, Gardener, Eastn&r Castle, Ledbury. Succession Pines. — These plants, having now a good rootdiold in the new soil after re-potting, ami being in active growth, should, in order to ensure robust and sturdy growth, have every attention in regard to airiug and affording water at this staj»e, for giving first-class fruit, no after-methods of cultivation remedying spindling of the leaves. Never allow the plants to get very dry at the roots, or premature fruiting may occur ; on the other hand, a very moist state of the soil must be avoided, the main point in their culture being plants furnished with large quantities of heabhy roots. The time at which the house is closed should be made later by a few minutes each week ; the ventilation must also be increased, and a moister state of the air maintained by sprinkling the paths, &c, the plants being bedewed at closing time if the day has been very hot. In some sunny parts of the country a slight amount of shade in the middle hours of the day is necessary. Suckers. — These, if now making growth fast, must be afforded ample space for the due development of the leaves, or drawing will take place, aud be afforded more water at the root, the small amount of soil iu the pots soon drying up iuhut weather. If the stock of suckers is less than the requirements of the place, and strong suckers are available, a few may be detached from the parent-plants, and potted. The Early Peach-house.— The, fruits will now be approaching ripeness, aud if lime exists in the water syringing with it must be discontinued ; but if clean rain-water be available it may be used, placing it in the house a few hours before using. Let all the leaves be drawn aside from the fruit, or removed where shading it undu'y, for often a single leaf will spoil the otherwise fine colour of a fruit. Keep laterals pinched to a joint or two. Ascertain if the border is sufficiently moist, and should it be getting dry, afford water abundantly, which will suffice till the crop is gathered. On warm, sunny days afford air abundantly, especially if the houses are flat-roofed ; for unless this matter be closely attended to, the fruit will be apt to get scalded on the sunny side. To prevent this, where the lights are movable, pull down each alternate light so as to let the air into the middle of the house. Iu houses of this sort, the thermometer is not a trustworthy guide on a hot day, as it will probably hang below the trees. To pass the hand through the tree, and between it aud the glass is a better test, as the warmth there felt will be very different from that indieited by the thermometer. PLANTS UNDER GLASS By G H. Mavcock, Gardener, Luton Hoo Park, Luton. Abutilons for Winisr-flwatring. — Plants which were struck from cuttings iu the autumn will now be so well rooted, as to require putting into their flowering-pots For these a compost should be used of equal parts loam, peat, and leaf-mould, with sharp sand in liberal quantity, and a small quantity of small lumps of char- coal. If the flower-house is a small one, pots S inches in diameter, will be a suitable size. The potting-soil should* be placed, round the ball firmly, aud to do 1 this a wooden rammer should lie used, the soil being merely made somewhat compact, but not rendered impervious to water, as some beginners are inclined to make it. The plants being repotted, remove. to a warm house, and keep them well sj ringed ; and about tlie""end of "June place them in a deepish pit or garden-frame, plunging the potato the lim in tan, coal ashes, &c. During the autumn the lights may be dra vn off altogether, in order to mature the wood, and prevent over-luxuriant growth ; and it being essential that the wood be well ripened to havo plenty of flower in the winter, the plants must have a sunny po itiou. The plants require stopping twice or thrice whilst making rapid growth. For furnish- ing large greenhouses and conservatories, older plants will be found better than young ones ; and, assuming these were pruned hard back in the spring, growth will now be progressing. These larger specimens do well if they are planted out in the open ground when all danger of frost is past, that is about the first week iu June. In order to obtain good growth, trenches may be made as for Celery, iu the sunniest part of the garden, an 1 iu these place some of the soil of which the ingredients are given above. The plants should be set out at 3 feet apart, and afforded some slight protection against the wind for about a week. Let the plauts be well syringed in fine weather, and supplied with water when the soil is getting dry. Under this sort of treatment, the plants will attaiu to a large size by the middle of the month of Sep- tember. At that da'e a bright spade should be pushed down round each, so as to prepare them for lifting and potting about the end of the month, or sooner should the we ither become cold, and if the plants be afterwards well shaded for a week or two, and the lifting has been cuefully done, very few leaves will be lost, or the plants suffer in any way. Abutilon Roule de Neige is one of the best for winter flowering, Canary Bird and Yellow Prince are also line varie'ies. Hatd-xoOoded Plants— These plants of whatever genera must not be allowed to suffer through inat- tention at this season, and the small plants in pots which will flower in the autumn aud early winter months, should be potted and tied-out, and afforded ample space to grow, otherwise the lower branches will be much weakened or killed. Plants of large size should be turned round, at the least twica a week. In the case of Ericas, a watch must be kept for mildew, which if found to be preseutmust be dressed with flowersofsulphur, first spraying the plants with a fine-rose water can, to make the sulphur adhere. tu twenty four hours the sulphur should be removed by the syringe, laying tho plants on their sides, to prevent it being washed into tho soil. Red-spider soon spoils Pimeleas, often before it is detected, and a close examination of these plants should be made at short* intervals of time. Fresh afr should be admitted In increasing volume, and in all cases the plants should be thoroughly moistened at the roots when water is needed. Correas and Eriostemons should be well syringed, and in general treated similarly to Boronias, Tetrathecas, &c. Greenhouse Climbers* — The shoots of all climbers should be carafully trained, and the growth of old. established plants assisted with weak liquid-manure- Lapagerias should, as regards the young growing shoots just springing up from the roots, be kept free of slugs, either by dusting with Tobacco-powder, or protecting the young growths by means of cotton- wool, using the fluffy parts of it round each growth ; a search should also be made every night for them. Syringe the foliage daily with rain-water, aud fumigate the plants, to make sure that no thrips harbour on them. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. ByH. W. Ward, Rayleigh, Eases. Tkinnhvi-out the Fruits on Peach Trees.— Healthy, fi ui'ful trees invariably set heavy crops of fruits if the blossoms are protected from the frost, and severe thinning of the fruits becomes necessary. A know- ledge of the size to which the fruits of the several varieties attain under good cultivation is desirable < n the part of those entrusted with the operation. Fruits of such varieties as Alexander, Waterloo, June Amsden, Hale's Early, Stirling Castle, and -Belh - garde, being of medium size, may be left a couple tf inches closer on the trees, say, 10 inches apart at the time of thinning, than fruits of Royal George, Violttte Hative, Prince of Wales, Chancellor, ar-d Teton de Venus ; whilst such largc-gtowing varieties as Har- ripgton. Golden Eagle, Exquisite, Princess of Wale?, Late Admirable, Sea Eagle, and Salway should be afforded still more space on the trees. Therefore, thin out fruits upon the varieties indicated to f> inches, 6* inches, and 7 inches apait, according to size, reducing the numbers by one-half a few weeks later, leaving, as a matter of course, the nio-t even- sized and best-placed fruits to form the crop on each tree. The fruits left should be 2 or 3 inches clear of the nails (where nails and shreda are- employed to secure the trees in position on the wall), in order that the individual fruits can obtain to full dimensions without coming iu contact with them. Much injury is caused through insufficient space being allowed for the fiuits to swell to full tize without touching the nails.' Protecting Strawberry Flowers. — Garden netting, which is used to preserve ripe Strawberries and other fruits from the ravages of birds, may be applied with advantage to preserve the open blossoms from the effects of late frosts. Place a few forked sticks into the ground at short intervals in breadths of Straw- berry plants to be thus protected, eo as to keep the netting clear of the blossoms. If the netting be doubled or trebled iu thickness, it will necessarily be more effec ive. A thin covering of s'raw would also have the desired effect. Watering.— Owing to the dry winds which have prevailed during the last few weeks, surface-rooting fruit plants like Strawberries and Raspberries, which are growing in light and perhaps shallow soils, should be well watered at sufficiently short intervals to main- tun the ground about the rcots in a moist condition. Wall-trees occupying south-west and east aspects should also be given attention in this direction. Valuing Nursery Stock.— In the article by Mr. Kreeman, Q.C., on "The Humours of Arbitra- tion," in the first number of the Land Ufaf/uzine, there is a story of a counsel who was examining a nervous expert in the valuation of nursery-stock. The witness was hostile, and counsel took him through the list thus : '* What do you put down for the riatycodou Main si ' " He did not know. " Really ? Well, what for the Eccremocarpus ecaber, the Leptosiphon androsaceus, or the Echeverii eecunda glauea?" S* ill no answer. Counsel went on : "I'm afraid you're not much used to valuing ' plants ! At lenBt you know the Lophospertnum scandens ' " " No.'1 "Nor the Matricaria eximia corymbosa? "' "No." "Well, what t!>> you know/ . Do you know a Cabbage?" Witness (in despair): "Yes, thoroughly.' Counsel': "So 1 thought." At this point the jury intimated that they were thoroughly satisfied about the claim. 320 THE GAliDENEhFV CHRONICLE. [May 15, 1897. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be tent to the PUBLISHER. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants for naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Welling ton Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications ihould be WRITTEN OH ONE BIDE ONLY OF THE PAPER, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly signed by the writer. 1/ desired, the signature will not be printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith. The Editor does not under- take to pay Jor any contributions, or to return unused com- munications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. Illustrations. — The Editor will thankfully receive and select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction in these pages, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, &c. ; but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Local News.— Corres-pondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice ofltortiaulturists. Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. wirrwFqnAY VavIQ^80^1 Botanic Society, Summ WEDNESDAY, Mat 19 1 Exhibition at Regent's Park. FRIDAY, May 21— Royal Botanic Society. Lecture. WEDNESDAY, May 19 { house Plants, Gladioli, Ac., at \ Protheroe iz Morris' Rooms. ( Imported and Established Or- FRIDAY, Mat 21-! chids, at Protheroe & Morrio' I Rooms. Average. Temperature for the ensuing week, doduced from Observation* of Forty -three years, at Chiawick. — 55"4°. Actual Temperatures : — London.— M a y 12: Mai., 49' ; Mln., 37°. Provinces. — May 12 (6 p.m.): Max., 60', Valentia ; Mm., 36°, Sumburgh Head. Vegetable and The Consular report for the past Dairy Farming year on dairy and vegetable in France. farming in the district in France of which Cherbourg may be taken as the centre, and drawn up by Mr. M. C. Gurney, the present consul, seems to be exciting a good deal of attention in this country, and with much reason. In showing how great is the success of the French dairy farmer and market gardener, the consul reads the English and Irish farmer a lesson, which we, in our monthly stock-taking paragraph endeavour to enforce. Now and again we tell of enormous imports of dairy-farm stock. Mr. Gurney, in the report for 1896-7 tells the full tale, for which we have no space here, but which the Board of Agricul- ture would do well to curtail and scatter broad- cast over the length and breadth of the land. This we say advisedly — having the idea that only in this way can the most be made of the valuable services of such a man as Mr. Gurney. The full report can be had from Messrs. Eyre & Spottiswoode, East Harding Street, London, E.G., for the low price of 2i the height of three cubits, set and garnished with leaves, also like the precedent, but much lesser. Which stalke oftentimes doth alter and degonerate from his natural round- nesse to a flat forme as it were, a lath of wood fur- rowed or chaneled alongst the same as it were ribbes or welts. The flower.* growe at the top like the former, saving that the leaves doe turne themselves more backward like the Turke's Cap, and beareth many more flowers than our English white Lillie doth. Our English white Lillie groweth in most gardens of England. The other groweth naturally in Constan- tinople and the parts adjacent, from whence we had plants for our English gardens, where they flourish as in their owne countrey." He further gives the distinguishing cha- racters of the two species as we have quoted them, the description being further worthy of note as descriptive of a fasciated stem. Fasci- ated stems are common in Lilies, and they were observed by our forefathers, for at p. 151 of Gerard's Herbal is a woodcut of "The greate mountaine Lilly, showing such a ' stalke which has turned from his rouudnes into a Hat forme,' as those of the white Lilly of Co n s tantinople. ' ' Count Solms has investigated the history of L. peregrinum, and, with one or two excep- tions, which Mr. Hemsley points out, his account is complete and accurate. Clusius, Stirpes Pannoniw (1583), p. 137, gave an ac- count of it, under the name of Sultan Zambach, which he reproduced in his Rarwrum Planta- rum Historia (1601), p. 135, together with a figure. In the meantime, Lobelius, Planta- rum sea Stirpium Irones (1581), had published the very same figure, which figure, accord- ing to Count Solms, was really prepared for the Stirpes Pannonke of Clusius (1583); but in the Kew copy of this work there is, as Mr. Hemsley tells us, no figure of L. peregrinum. On the other hand, Count Solms has overlooked the fact that Gerard published a figure of it in 1597. This figure is not from the same block as that of Clusius and Lobelius ; yet it is evidently a close copy. Respecting the present rarity of L. peregrinum in gardens, Count Solms states that the well-known Lily-grower, Mr. Max Leichtlin informed him that he had never seen it. But there is some mistake or lapse of memory here, because, says Mr. Hemsley, there is an excellont cultivated specimen in the Kew herbarium received from Mr. Max Leichtlin in June, 1875. With regard to its claims to specific rank, opinions have differed. Linnaaus, Species Plantmum (1753), p. 302, makes it a variety of L. candidum, floribus dependentibus ; whilst Philip Miller, who knew it well in cultiva- tion, maintained that it was a distinct species. In the first edition of his Gardeners' Dictionary (1731), he says : " It is now become almost as : r— \ * Eine fast verschollene weiase Lilie. Botair'sthe Zvit-ng, 1897, pp. 03-70. Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle," May 15, 1897. Mat 15, 1897.] THE GARDENER FT CHRONICLE. 321 plenty as the common White Lily in many gardens." In the eighth edition (1768), where he first adopts the bi-nominal nomenclature, he states that it is undoubtedly a distinct species, differing from L. candidum in its slenderer stem, fewer narrower Leaves, somewhat smaller, drooping flowers, haying the petals more contracted at the base. Many authors, including Elwes and Baker in this country, follow Linnjeus ; but, whatever rank it should take, there is no difficulty in dis- tinguishing it. Perhaps some readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle may be able to give its recent history in this country. It may be added, that the native country of the common white Lily was not known till comparatively recently, the Greek localities cited by Boissier. being all cultivated spots. On the mountains of Lebanon, however, it occurs in a truly wild state. Cypripedium bellatulum.— This, tbe most ornate of the section commencing with C. niveum, and continuing through C. Godefroyre and its varieties, which merge into C. bellatulum, is always an object of admiration when it produces its quaintly- formed and finely-coloured flowers among its scarcely less beautiful leaves ; but seldom does it attain such per- fection as that of the fine specimen which gave material for our supplementary illustration, and which flowered some time ago with E. H. AncocK, Esq., of Ribblesdale, Dorking, an amateur who is specially successful with this class of Cypripediums, though it frequently proves intractable in some gardens. Various are the essentials prescribed for its easy culture— such as Eandstone, or pieces of chalk mixed with the pottiog material— but practice proves in this case, as with many other reputedly difficult Orchids, that if a suitable position in a tolerably warm and moist house be found, they thrive without special treatment. Kew : Old Catalogues Wanted. — The Director of the Royal Gardens, Kew, would be obliged to readers of the Oanleners' Cfa'*nic(e for assistance in completing sets of the descriptive Catalogues of Messrs. Sander, St. Albans, and L'Horticulture Internationale, Socie"te Auonyme, Brussels, for the library. Of the former all previous to 1891 are wanting, and of the latter those fir 1892 and 1S93. THE CHISWICK GARDENS of the Royal Horti- cultural Society at the present time have a very satisfactory appearance. They are clean and tidy ; most of the ground has been planted with one crop or another, and the rest ie in a prepared state for later sowings. Many of the Fellows have not visited Chiswick since the last exhibition there, and since then very considerable alterations and improvements have been accomplished, which will undoubtedly have the effect of increasing the use- fulness of the garJens, aa well as being conducive to a convenient arrangement of the fruit-trees, and the orderly aspect of the gardens generally. It is gratify- ing to observe that as much of the space as possible is being given during the present year to trials of various descriptions. Thus, the trials of new and alleged superior varieties of culinary Peas occupy a considerable apace, there being a row each of the varie- ties which, we believe, number considerably over sixty. Attention is also being given to the Potato, and many varieties will be tested side by side during the present season. In another part of the gardens, a few new varieties of Strawberries will prove their value in comparison with the best existing kinds ; and later on, there will be extensive trials of annuals. VW say extensive advisedly, for of Asters alone there are entered upwards of 100, though many of these will doubtless prove to be synonymous. The group of old fruit-trees that was known as " Rivers' garden " has been sacrificed, and the south-east wall which faces the spot, and was covered by old and compara- tively worthless Pear trees, ntw ■ upports a number of cordon trees representing the finest varieties in commerce. Since the Plum-trees in the garden have all been transplanted into one piece of ground and arranged alphabetically, they are likely to be of increasing value for reference, as it will be a very easy matter to find a particular tree. Mr. Wright intends to overhaul the small circular rockery in the near future, and take means to prevent the stronger-growing species from absorb- ing more than their share of the available space. Several rare species of Primula have been planted there, presents from Sir J. T. D. Llewellyn, Bart. It is depressing to note the wholesale manner in which the fruit-buds have fallen from the Pear trees. From the exceptionally ungenial weather or other cause, many of the trees appear to be casting five-sixths of their buds, and the promise for PearB is bad. The usual exception, however, is to be seen in the case of Louise Bonne of Jersey upon one of the walls. These trees have set an uncommonly large number of fruits. Of Apples, the promise is better, and indeed very good. The Peach and Nectarine trees on the south wall have set excellent crops of fruits. The Vines in the large vinery are looking very well, and promise to give a good crop of medium-sized bunches of good Grapes ; in the Muscat-house there is an excellent promise of an even and heavy crop. The very pretty standard Peach trees of ^moderate size in one of the houses are carrying a very satisfac- tory crop, and look most healthy. In one of the smaller houses is a collection of plants of the variety of Tomato raised at Chiswick last year, and known as Chiswick Red, from a cross between Comet and Peach. It was thought from the one plant that fruited last season to be a first-rate sort, and the plants are being grown to furnish seeds for distribu- tion to the Fellows. Altogether, there is much credit due to Mr. Wright and his staff for the present appearance of the gardens. The new house at the entrance is furnished with Camellias and other plants, and at present art but partially established. " Aide Memoire de Botanique Crypto- GAMIQUE," par Henri Girard (Paris, J. B. Bailliere et Fxls). — This Manuel d'ffietoire Naturclle is one of a series devoted to different branches of botanical and zoological lore. All theso books are similar in aim, which is to present students with all the information possible in as small a space as possible. By mastering the epitomised and con- densed botanical instructions herein contained, a superficial knowledge would be gained ; but for tho.se who prefer to work more slowly and thoroughly, a larger volume should accompany the smaller one. "Botanical Magazine."— The May number contains coloured figures and descriptions of the following plants : — Agave Icewensis Jacobi, I, 7532. — This is the finest and largest species known, and was recognised as new by General Jacobi at Kew in 1865. It did not flower till 1895, when it produced a panicle in the way of A. americana. The plant did not seed, and died after flowering, not before a number of bulbils were produced from the peduncle, so that it is hoped that a number of young plants may soon be distributed. Maxillaria Houtteana, Reichb. f., t. 7533.— A spe- cies with an ascending rhizome, bearing elongated ribbed pseudo-bulbs, linear lanceolate leaves, and long-stalked starry flowers, about l.J inch broad, with ovate oblong acute segments, yellow externally, brownish-orange within. Syringa amurensis, Kupreclit, t. 7534. A small tree, with all the appearance of a Privet, even to the flowers, but the fruit is not a berry, but a capsule, as in Syringa. It is a native of Japan and North China. It is a very handsome hardy flowering tree. Dimorphotkeca Echlonh, D. C, t. 7535.— A euffru- ticose Composite, with obovate, oblong, sparsely- toothed leaves. The flower-heads are solitary at the ends of the stalks, each measures about 2 inches across, the ligules being spreading, of a violet colour beneath, white above, disc purplish. It was grown at Kew as a summer bedding plant Oomphocarpus sdosus, R. Br., t. 7536. — A South Arabian Asclepiad, with shortly-stalked linear leaves, and pendulous umbels of small greenish flowers, with the peculiar structure of Asclepias, but destitute of the horn-like processes which emerge from the cap- shaped bodies which constitute the corona. Kew. Rose Show Fixtures for 1897.— June 7 t Monday), Cambridge ; 9 (Wednesday), Chelmsford ; 15 (Tuesday), Ryde ; 23 (Wednesday), Richmond, Surrey ; 25 (Friday), Maidstone ; 26 (Saturday), Dorking; 29 (Tuesday), Hereford; 30 (Wednesday), Ealing and Reading ; July 7 (Wednesday), Hanley (two days), Leeds {three days); 8 (Thursday), New- cistle-on-Tyne ^three days) ; 13 (Tuesday), Wolver- hampton (three days) ; 17 (Saturday), New Brighton ; 28 (Wednesday), Chester (two days). The above, together with those given in the Gardeners' Chronicle on March 20 and April 10, writes Mr. Mawlev, are the only dates that have as yet reached him. He will be glad to receive any further fixtures as early as possible at "Rosebank,-' Berkhamsted, Herts. Nursery and Seedsmen's Cricket.— We have received from Messrs. Sutton & Sons, seed merchants, Reading, a list of fixtures for cricket matches taking place in the period between May 19 and August 28 of the present year, in which the A, B, and junior teams will play with a number of local and other south country clubs. There are iu all forty matches. Madame Andre. -The name of this lady, the wife of our distinguished colleague and esteemed friend, M. Ed. Andre, editor of the Revue Horticole, was, it appears, inserted in some of the lists of those who perished in the recent frightful catastrophe in Paris. We are thankful to learn that Madame Andre was not present on the occasion, although she had intended taking part in the Bazaar some days later, a circumstance which may have given rise to the rumour. GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITU- TION.— We are requested to state that the 58th anniversary festival dinner in aid of the funds of this Institution will take place on Wednesday, May 2G, at C.30 for 7 p.m. (the first day of the Temple Flower Show), at the Hotel Metropole, under the presidency of the Right Hon. Lord Bothschild. As a large gathering is expected on this occasion, the Secretary, George J. Ingram, 50, Parliament Street, London, S.W., will be greatly obliged if those friends who desire to be present will intimate their intention to him as early as possible, in order that the necessary arrangements may be made. The Florists' Tulips.— Although Tulips are employed largely in conjunction with other plants for creating a floral effect in our spring bedding, there is very little interest taken in the southern counties in the florists' varieties, and in their culti- vation for show purposes. The attempt made to revive this interest by holding an exhibition and a Conference in the gardens of the Royal Botanic Society on Wednesday last was only partially suc- cessful, there being but one exhibit from an amateur further south than Cambridge. A report of the show is given in another column, and we shall publish next week a short summary of the papers read at the Conference. The Tulip has a life history full of interest, of which the average gardener might do worse than acquire a more intimate knowledge. Sub Irrigation for large Foliage Beds. — To obviate the difficulties [of watering a bed of large foliage plants |, the experiment was made the past season of watering a large foliage bed from beneath in the following manner : — A circular bed, 22 feet in diameter, was prepared for sub-irrigation by removing the top soil to a depth of lo" inches, at which depth the subsoil wa* compact red clay. Three-inch half-round tiles in sections 1 foot long were laid over the bottom of the excavated circle. A line of the tile was first laid across the centre of the bed, the sections being placed \\ inches apart. At right augles to this, were liid branch lines, opposite the spaces 322 THE GARDENER!? CHRONICLE. [May IB, 1897. between the sections of the first line, the sections of the branch lines being placed close together. The outer end of the branch lines, and one end of the main line, were then closed with bricks, and at the other end of the main line a section of 5 iuch tile, ■J.) feet long, was set vertically, as an inlet to the system. The spaces between the sections iu the main line were covered with pieces of tile, after which the joiuts were closed with cement. The tiles were then covered with wcll-enrichcd soil to a depth of 21 inches at the centre of tho bed, and the surface was gently rounded to the border. The bed was planted June 1 with Ricinus at the centre, sur- rounded with a group of fifty robusta and fifty Oozy Cannas. Around this was a belt of eighty plants of Caladium esculentum, and these were inclosed with a belt of Verschaffelti and Golden Bedder Co'eus, and lastly the whole was encircled with a narrow band of silver leaf Geraniums. Rains came sufficiently often, so that no artificial watering was needed until June 24. On that day, and also on July 7 and 15, ami August 6 and 21, water was supplied to the tiles from the Station irrigation system, until the soil of the bed appeared moist to the surface. The quantity of water required to thoroughly wet the soil was very large, amounting to iu the neighbourhood of fifty barrels for each watering. How much of this water escaped through the subsoil we have no means of knowing. F. Qran'fiald, in ' Gardening." Kingston on Thames Chrysanthemum SOCIETY.— Judging by the schedule of prizes of the ensuing or twenty-first annual exhibition of Ihis Society, to be held on November 9 and 10 next, the committee have wisely resolved to anticipate the year's falling off in subscriptions so generally expected, and have materially varied the prize-list in an econo- mical sense. It has doubtles3 been disquieting to find that the balance held over from 1895 of £35 17a. 11 believe that such newspaper, periodical, or publication is the paper published by the plaintiff Societies. HAMBURG HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION. M. Koster, Fils, of Boskoop, sent Azalea mollis ■ sinensi * ; M. Bernard Stae, Liboeedrus Dowiana; M. Goepel, a fine group of Falnis and Paudanus ; and Madame W. D. Hell, Liliea of the Valley, growing under Dioon spinulosum. M. Ch. Vijylsteke exhibited some fine Palms; MM. DeSmet Frkres, a New Zealand plant(new 18',>6), Kentia Buchenbcr- geri, in good condition; JM. Schneider, Camellia ; M. H. Bebkdt, English Pelargoniums ; Madame Hell, Ptyeho- sperma Alexandra, a fine specimen; M. Ernst Bewary, hybrid Cinerarias ; and M. Petersen*, some fine white and rose Hortensias. M. Ernst Benary also showed Cineraria hybrida grandiflora, and some Coleus, Japanese Maples, and Tulips. In a gallery which might be calle 1 the Birch-room, being supported by trunks of this tree, and having its walls also coveredwiththebark.MM. Gotze & HAMKEKs,of Wandsbek- Marienthal, displayed Tree-Paeonies, including the varieties Reine Elizabeth d'Dalie, very bright red ; Comtesse de Tuder, white an 1 flesh-coloured ; atr"-sanguiiiea, and Louise Mouchelet. M. Fr. Ad. Haage, Juu., had arranged in a Japanese style Hedera madeirensis, Cereus, and Cacti ; M. Engelbrecht, of Hamburg, sent some fine Caladiums ; M. L. Duval & Fils, Antburiums ; and M. C. L. Klissing some more Caladiums, notably Roueader, Alcibiades, and Guararema; MM. De Smet Freres, hybrid Antburiums; MM. Duval et Fils flowering Bromeliads, Yriesea corallina, V. Plumieri, and V. rex major) ; and M. L. De Smet-Duvivier, Caladhim de Schroder and Anthurium Duvivierianum. One pretty room included (from M. Stoldt, of Wandsbek) a fine collection of Orchids, including Miltonia Roezli, Lycaste Skinneri, and a variety with white sepals, petals very dark red.anda white lip ; Cattley.is Triaiwi, Schrudeiie, S. albescens, Mendeli, intermedia grandiflora, Oncidium leucochilum, and Bifrenaria Harrisoniw. Madame W. D. Hell showed Ladia purpurata, Warscewiczella discolor, ' 'ypi Epedium calceoluS] and other open-air Orchids. Frau von Donner, among other plants, sent a fine Prit- chardia grandis, Medinilla magnifies with twenty racemes, Caladiums, Orchids, Anthuriums. Heliconia, Alo-asia, Bcrto- Ionia, llertonerilia, and Sobralia macr.intha. M. Albert Waoser showed some fine Paln:s, among them Cycas revoluta with more than a hundred leaves ; MM. Goon & Koenemann arranged an interesting group of Primula Sieboldi, including some excellent varieties ; M. J. Schmidt, Todea superba ; Mr. Oscar Tieeenihal, a mixed group; M. G. Frohlb, flowering shrubs ; an t M. A. J. Petersen, of Hamburg, pink Hortensia, dwarf, and well-coloured. M. Tilemann also sent a fine group of Agave, Aloes, Dasylu-ion, Yucca, and other plants. ISLE OF "WIGHT HORTICULTURAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION. May 8.— The monthly meeting of this Association was held at Ryde Town Hall on the above date, when an excellent paper was read by Dr. Groves, Chairman of the Assuciati u, on " The Influence of Microbic Life in the Nutrition of Plants. " Previous to the meeting a large number of the members visited the Rev. H. Eu-bank's garden at his invitation, and were very much interested in the variety of things they saw. The following are a few of the many good th;ngs to be seen in bloom there :— P»3oiua Emodi and P. tritemata, Camassia Leichtlini ; Arnebia echioides, Magnolias stellata and Lcnuei, Himalayan Rhododendron. Clioisya ternata, Dodc- catheon iutegrifolium, Rubus deliciosus and arctieus, Tril- lium grand ifl or urn, and others; Vella speciosa, Geum Heldreichii, Euphorbia pilosa major, Cypripedium calceolus, Tulipa Greigi, T. turcica, and others ; Morisia hypogea, and of the Oncocyclus Irises, Iberica, lupiua, and Susiana, were beautiful, whilst several others were nearly out, as were also Iris Korolkowi, and three or four varieties besides the type. By permissiou of Mr. Gejrge Hutt, of Appley Towers, many members visited the gardens at that place. The fine Oaks, Japanese Maples, Azalea mollis, and the fine specimens of Choisya ternata in full bloom were objects of much interest, > s were also the magnificent Palms and Camellias. May 1 to 9. — Among of which we last week following flowering ■ shrubs triloba, and tthe: xhibits at the spring show, some notice, were" also the Lilac, Labui num, Prunus from M. Ph. Paulig ; arr^ a group of ndCt jft ddilli ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. May 11.— Tho lust of the ordinary meetings of the com- uiittces previous to the gatberiug in tho Temple Gardens on thoSoth iust., was held on Tuesday last in the Drill Hall, James Street, Westminster. On such occisi'-us there is usually a comparatively weak display, owing to the efforts of exhibitors to do their very best at the Temp'e. Contrary to past experience, however, there was an excellent display on Tuesday of plants and flowers in season, but little fruit. Conspicuous were the collections of Rose plants and blooms from several establishments. Roses have rarely be.n shown in tho Drill Hall at an ordimry meeting ro bettor advantage. The space occupied by Orchids was not 'greater thin tho average ; the rest of the exhibits included a large number of Tulips, Gloxinias, hardy pi uts, sprays of ornamental shrubs, and miscellaneous subjects presented for Certificates. A very instructive Lecture was delivered during the afternoon by Mr. Geo. Massee of Kew, upon "Diseases of Plants." which was illustrated by lantern views. Floral Committee. Present: W. Marshall, Esq., in the chair ; and Messrs. Jno. Fraser, C. T. Druery, H. B. May, H. Herbst, R. Dean, Jas. Hudson, Jno. Jennings, J. F. MeLeod, H. S. Leonard, Geo. Nicholson, J. Frasor, R. M. Hogg, W. Bain, J. D. Pawle Ed. Mawley, J. W. Barr, J. Walker, H. J. Jones, D. B. Crane, E. Becket, and Rev. G. H. Engleheart. Mr. Tho*. S. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, in a collection of hardy plants in flower, included a good repre- sentation of species that bloom during May. Most of these were shown in shallow earthenware pans, 15 or IS inches across, that permitted of a number of small pots being plunged in Cocoa-nut refuse in them, thus obtaining a small group of each variety. Several Saxifragas were shown in this manner ; also the blue-flowered Lithospermum proB- tratum, varieties of Iris pumila, Asperula odorata, a pretty white-flowering little plant, with scent of Hawthorn ; the golden form of Spergula plifera, Erinus alpinus hirsutus, Alyssum sexatile compactum, Ramondia pyrenaica, Trollius europ^us, Ac. C'ypripediums montanum and calceolus were sbown, and many other pretty and rare species of hardy plants (Silver Flora Medal). Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Lowfield Nursery, Crawley, made an , exhibit of sprays of flowering and ornamental shrubs, conspicuous amongst which were the double white flowering Prunus sinensis. Viburnum Lantata, Berberis vulgaris purpurea, and B. Darwini, and Genista scoparia, Pyrus Mains flnribunda, P. ringo, and others. Messrs. Cheal also exhibited a few sprays of Viola in variety (Bronze Banksian Medal). Florists arrangements of cut flowers were shown by Messrs. Kemp & Wilson, S5, Mortimer Street, W. Though not novel in desigu, the wreaths, crosses, sprays, and baskets were of much merit (Bronze Banksian Medal). Some magnificent sprays of Hymenocallis macros tephana in a vase were shown by Mr. Hudson, gr. to the Messrs. de Rothschild, Gunnersbury Hous1--, Acton. Being arranged tastefully, tl;c exhibit was a most pleasing one. Gloxinias were shown by Mr. Jno. R. Box, West Wickbam and Croydon, who bad a group of plants in flower, arranged with interspersed Ferns, Ac. A ftw (lowers of choice double ltjgonias in several varieties were of much merit (Silver- g;lt Bmksian Medal), An Award of Merit was recommended to Lilac Senator Holland, shown by Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Dorking (gr., Mr. Bain). It is a double-flowering variety, produced in uncommonly large sprays. Messrs. Jas. Veitch ifc Sons, Royal Exo ic Nursery, Ctulsea, exhibited several Streptocarpuses, and were recommended an Award of Merit for 8. achimeniflora. The flowers are a p etty mauve colour, and in shape resemble those of an Acbimenes ; they are produced on rather long scapes, which branch considerably. It is the result of crossing one of the hybrids with the species S. polyanthus, and may be termed a capital break. Amongst other plants Messrs. Veitch exhibited Cytisus biflora, Dcutzia parviflora, D. discolor purpurascens, with small flowers, the petals of which are distinctly purple on he exterior ; Olearia nitida, and a batch of plants in flower of an effective Pelargonium named Brysou ; also plants of Deutzia hybridi Lemoineii, Rubus deliciosus, and sprays of the handsome flowering i;hodendron MaDglesii. A group of new ptrpetual-^owering pink " Diamond" was shown by Mr. B. Ladhams, Shirley Nurseries, Southampton. The flowers were pale, probably duo to hastening them Some profusely flowered plants of Phlox amosna provided an abundance of colour, which ra*her spoiled the effect of the Pinks. From Sir Wm. Pearson, Bart., Paddockhurst, Sussex (gr., Mr. F. Capp\ was exhibited a group, including some plants of a good strain of Gloxinias, and sprays of zonal Pelar- gonium flowers of newor and meritorious varieties, inter, spersed with Ferns (Vote of ThaDks). Messrs. A. W. Young & Co., Stevenage Nurseries, Herts, also contributed a group of Gloxinias. The cold winds had aflected injuriously all such exhibits on this occasion (B onze Banksian Medal) Rosos from Mr. Mount of the Canterbury Nurseries made an extraordinary display, the best that has been shown from this establishment during the present spring. Ten large boxes, contiining a dozen blooms each, were required ; and there were three groups of Roses, with long stems, staged in bottles, and interspersed with the boxes, which relievo 1 the monotony of these. A considerable number of varieties ot Teas and l'crpctuals were included Silver-gilt Flora Medal). A grjnd display of Marechal Niel Roses was made by Mr. J. Walker, Thame, Oxon, who had about five dozen excel- lent blooms (Silver Floral Medal). Messrs. W. Paul & Sons, Waltham Cross Nurseries, Herts, were splendidly represented by a group of Rose trees in pots staged upon the floor oi the hall near the entrance-door. All of the plants were fresh looking and healthy, and many of them carried exceptionally large blooms. The following as Standards, wore very noteworthy, .Madame Canmt, media (sweetly pretty pale yellow blossom), Duke of Edinburgh, and Doke of York. Of dwarfcr bush lants there were Jeannie Dickson, Duke of Edinburgh, and many other varieties. Some cut blooms of the var ety Marechal N.el were of exceptional size and quality (silver-gilt Flora Medal). Messrs. W. Cutrlsq & Son, Higbgate and Barnet Nur- series, staged a group of herbaceous **nd other plants, for which a Bronze Banksian Medal was arded. 326 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 15, 1897. From Messrs. Pacl & Son, Cheshunt, were contributed first-class specimens of the following plants :— Sambucus phi- mosa aurea, Andromeda japonic.i variegate, Trillium grandi- florum, Trollius curopseus, Geuni maritimum, Phlox cana- densis, Rhododendron Fortunei var. Mrs. Chas Butler, R. caucasicum ochroleueum, several species of Prunus and Pyrus, also Rose Madame Cusin and Rose Mrs. Pierpoint Morgan, similar to too previous one, but red in colour. A good batch was included of the pretty little Iris cristate ; it grows about 4 inches high, and has pale blue flowers suitable for planting upon rozkwork (Silver Flora Medal). An Award of Merit was recommended to Messrs. Bakr ), with greenish-yellow flowers spotted with brown. Mr. J. Mitchell, Bexley Heath, showed a lar^e- flowered Cattleya intermedia. Frau Ida Brandt, Bruunenhof, Hiesbach, Zurich (gr., Mr. 8'hlecht), sent the rare and singular Oncidium Warner i, with purple-tinted petals, and bright yellow lip (Botanical Certificate) ; also a splendid variety of Vanda lamellate Box- alli, and Huulletia Lansbeii, a very near ally of H. tigrina. The Marquis Camden, Bayham Abbey, Kent (gr., Mr. A. Methven), exhibited Cattleya Mendeli with seven flowers on one spike. R. Brooman-White, Esq., Arddarroch, Gareloehead, sent i tdoutoglossum Andersonianum puleherrinium, a rose-tinted, purple-blotched variety ; O. A. candidum, previously certi Seated ; and two other Odontoglossums. C. L. N. Ingram, Esq., Elstead House, Godalming (gr., Mr. T. W. Bond), showed Cattleya x Rajah (Trianasi x Warscewiczii), and Ladio-Cattleya x Sir Wm. Ingram. R. I. Measures, Esq., Lady mere, Rogate, Susses (gr., Mr. Wooton), showed his new Cypripedium X Chapmani magnificum (bellatulum x Curtisii), a superb large flower, with broad white petals, densely spotted with purple ; massive upper sepal white, tinged with green in the centre, and with numerous dotted purple lines; and fine purple labellum — the darkest in colour, and best of its section (Award of Merit). Messrs. F. Sander & Co., St. Albans, arranged an effective group of Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, &c, the chief attraction in which wa's the massive Cypripedium x Oakes Aimes Liothschildianuni x ciliolare), which gained a Gold Medil at Hamburgh. The flowers resembled C. X Maisaianum, but were broader in all their parts, and especially the lip. Messrs. Sander also showed Masdevallia Chestertoni, M. bclla, M. Chimsera, M. Benedicti, Bulbophyllum Lobbii, Maxillaria Sanderiana, Miltonia vexillari.i Chehoniense, &c, H. J. Harris, Esq., Bowden Hill House, Chippenham (gr., Mr. Jas. Penton), scut Odontoglossum Pescatorei. Malcolm S. Cooke, Esq., Kingston Hill (gr., Mr. Buekell), showed a fine specimen of Masdevallia llarryana. E. Bostock, Esq., Tixdale Lodge, Staffordshire, showed ten varieties of Lwlia purpurata, and several Cattleya Schrodera1. Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present: Philip Crowley, Esq., Chairman; and Messrs. T. F. RiVers, J. Cheal, Geo. Bunyard, J. H. Veitch, A. F. Barron, A. H. Pearson, W. J. Empson, A. Dean, Jno. A. Laing, W. Bates, W. Farr, G. H. Sage, Geo. Wythes, Jas. Smith, H. Balder3on, Geo. T. Miles, F. Q. Line, G. W. Cum- mins. Geo. Reynolds, G. Norman, J. Willard, and R. Fyfe. Mrs. Win'GField, Ampthill House, Beds (gr., Mr Empson), showed a nice collection of vegetables, including several varieties of Peas as grown in pots, and as dishes. The former were Carter's Lightning, a very early setter, and Carter's Forcing, somewhat later, but with more and better pods; Radishes in several varieties were very tempting ; Potatos, in two varieties ; Cucumbers, also two, and both excellent, viz., Roehford's Market and Blendworth ; some capital Asparagus, new Early Milan Turnips, several heads of Broccoli, Lettuces, Leeks, Earliest of All Tomatos, a small but heavy-cropping variety (Knightian Silver Medal). Earl Percy, Syon House (gr., Mr. G. Wythes), showed eight fruits of Hale's Early Peach, well coloured ; and a large number of ripe fruits of St. John and Brown Turkey Figs. Mr. Russell, Hatfield, Mytehett, Farnboro', showed a Strawberry named Early Giant, nine fruits of which have weighed lt>i oz., and some have been gathered weighing more than 3 oz. each. The fruits of the first picking are much grooved, and the later ones less so, and] almost of a cock's-comb shape ; it is a fine looking fruit. Apple Competition, — The 1st prize went to Mr. J. C. Tallock, Rury St. Edmunds, for Court Pendu Plat ; and the 2nd to F. C. Caub Gomm, Esq., Farnham Chase (gr., Mr. A. J. Reed), for the small-fruited Pine Golden Pippin. The competitors in this class were naturally very few. The Lecture. The well-known mycologist, Mr. Geo. Massee of Kew; initiated his hearers into the mysteries pertaining to the life history of certain minute fungi, causing disease in plants, particularly of a few specimens that were taken as types. Each of these was illustrated by means of lantern slides, which helped greatly to render the lecture more easy o grasp. The great fact that was insisted upon by Mr. Massee, an which has been reiterated in the Gardeners' Chronicle, was the importance of preventive measures, compared with which attempts to cure plants already attacked are absolutely worthless. When a fungoid disease is discovered upon the epidermis of a plant, the mycelium has, in many cases, already spread underneath, and has Mat 15, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 327 obtained a footing among the plant-tissues. When the epi- dermis has been broken, the disease has reached the last stage in its existence, viz., the fruiting stage, and has thrust its parts into the light in order to effect the diffusion of the spores. The first of the pests illustrated was that of the Rose- mildew, a kind of white mould, which causes the leaves to curl. The coral-cluster fungus common to dead wood, a species of fungus that attacks Orch ds, another Agaricus melleus thatis very destructive to forest trees, the Peronospora upon Vines, smut in Oats, brown mildew of Vines, juniper fungus that in another stage produces the cluster-cups upon Pear leaves, spot in Orchids, and finger-and-toe in roots of the Cruciferee, were each represented upon the screen, and spoken to by the lecturer. Sulphide of potassium is useful to spray upon plants attacked, but very much more effective if sprayed upon them before they arc attacked, and as a pre- ventive measure. It has been proved that if Orchids out of flower are persistently syringed with water containing a little of this substance thoy receive no harm, aud in such circumstances fungi have little chance to grow. Too much emphasis cannot be laid upon the importance of absolutely burning all plants attacked by fungi. To remove them to the rubbish heap or similar place is merely to assist to dis- seminate the disease. THE ROYAL NATIONAL TULIP. May 12, 13.— The Annual Exhibition of the Southern Section. of this Society took place in the corridor of the Royal Botanic Society's Gardens, Regent's Park, on the above dates. It served to demonstrate that as far as exhibition Tulips are concerned, their culture in the south for show purposes is on a very restricted scale. With the exception of Messrs. Birr & Son, and Mr. A. D. Hall of Wye, Kent, no southern grower was represented, unless Cambridge can be considered in the southern district; for there were two exhibitors from that town. With few excep- tions all the best flowers came from Manchester, for it was the treasurer and secretary of the Society, both of whom reside near Manchester, who made the chief display ; but their flowers were immature, and showed signs of having been hurried in heat. So far, there did not appear to be any evidence of anything like i renewed interest in Tulip- growing in the south. May is the season of the Tulip— the brilliant and dazzling flower which has glorified our parks and gardens for weeks past. 1 he Jesuit poet Rapin said of the Tulip : — "Six gaudy leaves a painted cup compose. On which kind Nature every dye bestows ; " aud the florist has followed Rapin, for he has made six petals neither more nor fewer, and six stamens— a stamen to each petal— the equipment of a perfect flower. Purity in the base, whttber it be the yellow base of the biz irre, or the white base of the rose and bybUemen, is of the first conse- quence ; and the stamens upon which the bold black anthers rest, must be as pure as the ground colour. The southern growers of the Tulip especially, have always put purity in the forefront of their estimate of a variety, it is a property which has been gained after very many years of careful work with seedlings, and it is of the greatest importance. Then the censors who know their work require that the petals be broad, smooth at the edge, level as possible on the top, and of fine polished surface and substance, and so bending upward from the base as to first form a good shoulder. The feather- ings of colour in the case of the feathered flower should be aid on in beautiful styles of pencilling round the edge only of the petals, the remaining surface should be free from colour. In the case of the flamed 11 jwer the pencilling on the feathered edge is still indispensable, and in the case of a finely marked variety, it should be joined by "bold beams of colour, that rise like lire flashes up the petal centre, and strike into the pencilling of the edge with sharp tongues." It is well that the high properties of Tulips be recited, as, judging from some xamples seen at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society on Tuesday, these properties appear to be not sufficiently known. The leading class was for twelve rectified blooms, two feathered and two flamed iu each class. Mr. O. W. Need- ham, the Treasurer, who resides at Royton, near to Oldham, was 1st, having, of bizarres, H. Lowe, and Masterpiece, feathered; Sir J. Paxton, and Simucl Barlow, flamed; of byblcemens, Trip to Stockport, and Adonis, feathered ; Chancellor, and Talisman, flamed ; roses, Mrs. Lea, and Julia Farnese, feathered; Mabel, and Annie Mc >regor, flamed. The finest bloom in this collection was Trip to Stockport, and it was selected as the premier feathered flower in the whole show. Samuel Barlow and Sir J. Paxton were finely marked, and Mrs. Lea in good character. Mr. J. W. Bentlev, the Secretary, Stakehill, Castleton, Manchester, was 2nd, his blooms being small, and wanting development. Of bizarres, he had Sir J. Paxton and Magnum Bonum, feathered ; Masterpiece and Samuel Barlow, flamed ; bybliemens, Chellaston Beauty and Mrs. Cooper, feathered ; Chancollor and Violet -overeign, (lamed ; roses, Heroine and Comtc de Vcrgonnes, feathered ; Rose Celestial and Mabel, flamed; Mr. A. Chateh, Cam- bridge, was 3rd. He showed sumo of the varieties raised by Mr. Riohard Headly many years ago, aueh as Sarah Headly, feathered roso ; Richard Headly, feathered bizarre ; and Black Pritee, flamed by bitumen. In the class for six varieties tbcre were also three exhi- bitors, Mr. Needham being again 1st, having of bizarre, John Hep'wortb, feathered; and Bir J. Paxton, flamed; byblce- mens, Trip to Stockport, feathered; and Talisman, flamed; roses, Mabel, feathored ; and Annie McGregor, flamed. Mr. J. W. Bentley was 2nd, showing much the same varieties as in the preceding chu-s ; and Mr. Chatee 3rd. In the following class for eix varieties, exhibitors in the previous one being barred, Mr. A. D. Hall, Wyo, Kent, was 1st, showing larger flowers than the northern men. He had of bizarres, William Annibal, feathered ; and Sir J. Paxton, flamed ; byblojoien, Adonis, feathered, and the same flamed ; roses, Madame St. Arnaud, feathered ; and Mabel, flamed, Mr. H. B. Grey, Cambridge, was 2nd. The class for three feathered Tulips, one of each class, is always an interesting one, and the feathered flowers are not nearly so numerous as the flamed ones. Here Mr. Bentley was 1st, with bizarre, William Annibal;, byblcemen, Elizabeth Pegg ; rose, Mrs. Lea. 2nd, Mr. Needham, with bizarre. Masterpiece; byblcemen, Adonis ; and rose, Modesty. Mr. A. D. Hall was 3rd. With three flamed flowers, Mr. Hall was placed 1st; ho had bizarre. Dr. Hardy, very bright; byblcemen, William Bentley ; and rose, Annie McGregor. Mr. Bentley ■ ame 2nd, with bizarre, Sir J. Paxton ; bybkemen, Duchess of Sutherland ; and rose, Sarah Headly. Mr. Needham was 3rd. Prizes were offered in memory of the late President, Mr. Samuel Barlow, for the best pair of rectified Tulips, one feathered and one flamed. Mr. A. D. Hall was 1st, with bizarre, William Wilson, feathered ; and Sir J. Paxton, flamed, bjth in good character for the season. Mr. J. W. Bentley was 2nd, with bizaire. Masterpiece, feathered ; and Sir J. Paxton, flamed. Mr. C. Needham was 3rd. As premier flowers, the following were selected as the best feathered Tulip, Trip to Stockport ; flamed, Sir J. Paxton, the latter shown by Mr. Bentley. The only collection of ninety blooms of florists' Tulips, in thirty varieties, came from Mr. J. W. Bentley, a very meritorious one for the season. It consisted of feathered and flamed flowers and breeders of the three sections. The blooms were arranged in earthenware bottles, but scarcely showed themselves to the best advantage. The best collec- tion of the same, similarly shown, came from Mr. Need- ham. A further class for a collection came from Messrs. Bark & Son, shown, as usual, on their white- papered boxes : as many as sixty-three blooms of Dr. Hardy, feathered bizarre, was in this collection, with many others, and the same firm won Mr. W. Robinson's Silver Medal for a collec- tiou of other than florists' varieties, showing a large number, Darwin breeders and Parrot varieties, these predominating. The self-coloured breeder Tulips, which are in the transient state, had two classes set apart for them. The best six came from Mr. C. W. Needham, who had of bizarres, Richard Yates and Storer's Seedling ; byblcemens, Due d'Orleaus and Camp's Se-dling; roses, Mabel, and Annie McGregor, the last brilliant in colour, and so pleasing that one can desire it should never pass out of the breeder stage. Mr. J. W. Bentley was 2nd, having of bizarres, Sir J. Paxton and Goldfinder ; bybltemens, Adonis and Jeannette ; roses, Mabel and Lloyd's Seedling. Mr. Needham was also 1st with three varieties : bizarre, Sulphur ; bybkemen, Adonis ; and rose, Annie McGregor. The premier breeder was rose, Mabel, shown by Mr, H. E. Grey. In addition to their Tulips, Messrs. Barr & Sox had a large collection of cut flowers, including Daffodils, to which the Gold Medal of the Royal Botanic Society was awarded ; and awards were made to Messrs. J. Laing & Sons, Forest Hid; Mr. C. Turner, Royal Nursery, Slough, and Messrs. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, who had a collection of Tulips &c, similar to the one staged at the Drill Hall. Messrs. Laing and Mr. Turner's collections consisted of miscellaneous flowering and foliage plants. ©bttuara)* ROBERT OWEN.— It iB with regret we have to announce the sudden decease of Mr. R. Owen of Maidenhead, on Saturday last, the 8th inst. Mr. Oweu was thoroughly well known to the Chrysan- themum world, he having raised many English seed- lings of exceptional merit. Having commenced business close upon fifteen years ago, the Chrys- anthemum has always been treated as a spteialitc at Castle Hill Nursery, Maidenhead ; but in a lesser degree, Mr. Owen cultivated Carnations, Tuberous Begonias, and other plants, necessary for maintaining a local florist's business. Until he commenced busi- ness for himself, Mr. Owen was a gardener, and his last situation was with G. Schwabe, Esq., in the Henley-on-Thames district, by whom it is said con- siderable help was afforded deceased, when it was decided he should remove to Maidenhead. Mr. Owen was only in his fifty-seventh year, and his untimely end could scaroely have been more sudden. He was at work iu the pottiug-shed on Saturday afternoon at about 1 p.m., when he fell baokwards, without the least warning, and expired within two minutes. Having been examined by hie medical adviser only a week previous to his death, an inquest was unneces- sary, it being known that an affection of the heart existed. To the bereaved wife and family we tender our respeotful condolences, which are shared, we feel sure, by most of our readers. Deceased was interred on Thursday at 11.30 a.m. [The term "accumulated tempomture " indicates the aggre- gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of temperature above or below 42° Fabr. for the period named : and this combined result is expressed in Day- degrees — a "Day-degree" signifying 1° continued for twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for an inversely proportional number of hours.] Tkmpekati'rc. Rainfall. Bright Bun. it T| !"» in ±2 11 5* ACOCiTULATED. II ±1 3 | Hi 1 i !L $ a 1 I1* < Abovo 42°, difference from Mean since January 3, 1897. Beluw 42°, difference from Mean since Jimuary 3, 1897. 1 r-z Day. Day. Day- Day. lOths deg. deg. deg. deg. Inch. Ins. 0 I - 18 23 - 9 - 112 4- SO 15-5 29 26 l ■I - SS 15 - IS + 4 0 aver 77 9 0 45 27 2 Oaver 42 5 + 39 - 79 3 - 75 7'9 43 23 3 1 - 51 6 + 4ti 2 - 75 8-9 46 30 4 1 - 47 6 + is - 120 3 - 73 10-2 43 28 5 1 - 47 1 + 42 - 181 2 - 69 11': 47 31 6 4 - 29 7 - 33 - 21 4 + 80 14-7 32 27 7 3 - 35 2 + 13 - S4 3 + £4 11-4 SS 27 8 2 - 40 0 + 31 - 133 0 avei 89 17-5 42 29 f> 4 - 30 S - 51 + 11 5 + 92 13 8 28 27 10 2 - 42 0 + 7 - 52 1 - 86 16-1 31 20 * - - 53 0 + 133 - SO 0 aver 94 14-7 46 33 The districts indicated by number in the first column are the following : — 0, Scotland N. Principal Wheat-producing Districts — 1, Scotland, E. ; 2, England, N.E- ; 3, England, E- ; 4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London, 8. Principal Grazing, «*c, District* — 6, Scotland, W. ; 7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, S.W. ; 0, Ireland, N. ; 10, Ireland, 8. ; "Channel Islands. THE PAST WEEK. The following summary record of the weather through- out the British Islands for the woek ending May S, is furnished from the Meteorological Office : — "The weather during this period was in an unsettled con- dition, with frequent falls of rain over the western and northern parts of the kingdom; but elsewhere, although a little rain was experienced about the middle of the week, the condition was generally fair and dry. Slight thunder- storms occurred in isolated parts of Great Britain— mostly during the middle of the week. "The temperature just equalled the mean in 'England, N.E.,' but was below it in all other districts, the deficiency amounting to 4° in 'Scotland, N. aid W.,' and in 'Ireland, N.' The highest of the maxima were recorded < and ranged from 06° in 'England, E.' and tho Counties,' and from 65° in ' England, S. and S.W. 'Scotland, N.' The lowest of the minima wore either on the 4th or 6th, and ranged from 29° in N..' 30° in 'Scotland, E.,' and 31° in ' Ireland, S.; l the 8th, ' Midland to 55° in rccoided Scotland, to 35° in ' England, N.W.,' and to 33° in the ' Channel Islands.' Sharp i all the inland than the moan amount in i excess in 'Scotlani, W./ t just equalled tho Channel ground-frosts were of frequont parts of the kingdom. " The rainfall was much mon ' Scotland, N.,' and considerably 'England, N.W.,' aud 'Ireland, normal in ' Scotland. E.,' ' England, S.W.,' and the Islands,' but elsewhere there was a decided deficit. "The bright sunshine oxceoded tho normal amount in all the ' Wbeat-producing ' districts, as well as in ' England, N.,' but showed a deficiency iu all other localities. The per- centage of the possible duration ranged from 47 in ' England, S.,1 4i3 in 'England, E,' and the 'Channel Islands,' and to 4Jiin 'Scotland, E.,' to 31 in 'Ireland, S.,' 20 in ' Scotland, N.( and 42 In 'Ireland, Nt'" 328 THE GA R DENEM S' CH1WNI CLE. [Mai 15, 1897. Markets. COTENT GARDEN, 31 A 1 1 fWe cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They are furnished to us regularly every Thursday, by the kiuduess of several of the principal salesmen, who revise the list, and who are responsible for the quotations. It must bo remembered that these quotations do not represent the prices on any particular day, but only the general averages for the week preceding tho date of our report. The prices depend upon the quality of the samples, tho supply in the market, and the demand ; and they may fluctuate, not only from day to day, but often soveral tinieB in one day. Ed. | Out Flowers.— Averagb Wholesale Prides. *. d. a. d. i. d. 3. d. Anemones, 12 bun. 16-26, Narcissus, various, Arums, p. 12 blooms 2 0-40 per doz. bunches Azalea, doz. sprays f Bouvardias, perbn. 0 6- 0 If Carnations, pr. doz. blooms 10-30 Eurharis, per dozen 3 0-40 Pans Iris, p. doz. bun. ... 3 0- ti il Pelargoniums, scar- Lilac, English, per let, per 12 bun. dozen bunches 1 0-0 0 — per 12 Bprays... — white (French), Polyanthus, doz. bn. per bunch ... 3 0-40 Pyrethrums, 12 bu. Roses. Tea, per doz. Orchids : — Oattleya, 12blms. O dontoglossum crispum,12bm. .6-60 1 0-12 0 Lilium Uarrisi, per doz. biooms Lily of the Valley, dozen sprays ... 2 0-40 bunch Maidenhair Fern, per 12 bunches... Marguerites, per 12 bunches Mignonette, per doz. bunches ... r Forget yellow (M; chal), per doz. 1 0 6-10 — red, per dozen 2 5 0- y 0 j — pink, per doz. 3 — Safrano, p. doz. 1 0 9-10 Stcphanotis, duaen sprays 2 4 0-80 Tuberoses, 12 blms. 1 Tulips, per doz. bun. 1 2 0-40 Violets (Fr.)Parme, per bunch 3 4 0-00 — (Eng.), per doz. bun. 0 Not, 12 bunch 16-30 Wallflowers, doz. bn. 2 Orchid-bloom in variety. Plants in Pots.— Average Wholesale Prices. *. d. s. d. t. d A diautum, perdoz. 4 0-12 0 Fuchsia, per doz.... 6 G Aspidistras, per doz. 12 0-30 0 Genistas, per doz... 6 0 — specimen, each 5 0-15 0 Heliotropes, dozen 6 0 Azaleas, per doz. .., 18 0-36 0 Hydrangeas, per Ouk'cohirias, dozen 4 0-90 dozen 9 f Cinerarias, per doz. 6 0-90 Lobelias, per dozen 4 (J Drachmae, each ... 10-76 Marguerites, p. doa. 6 0 , p. doz. 12 0-24 0 Mignonette, p. doz. 0 fl Palms, various, ea. 2 0 ■ specimens, ea. 10 6 Pelargoniums, Ivy- Ericas, Evergreen Shrubs, in variety, doz.... Ferns, small, doz. ... 9 0-1$ 0 , 6 0-24 0 10-20 5 0-12 0 Scailet, perdoz. ;; 0- S 0 Rhodanthes, dozen 4 1-60 Ficus elastica, each 10-76 Spm«apalmata,pcr Foliage plants, per ! dozen 12 C-18 U doz. - 12 0-36 0 Spiraeas, perdoz.... 6 0-00 Bedding Plants akd Roois for the Garden in variety coming very good. Apples, New South Wales, selected ordinary ... — Tasmanian, per case, selected Figs, per doz. Gooseberr es, p. qt. Grapes, Hamburghs, per lb — Muscats, perlb. — Belgium, por lb. Melons, Channel Islands, each... Frdit.— Average Wholesale Prjois. a. d. s. d. I Cob, pe: Nuts, 100 lb. 9 0-10 0 Peaches, selected, per Seconds, per doz Pine-appleB, St. Mi- chael, each Strawber ries. morn - ing gathered, per lb — packed in boxes, per lb — limli, per lb. ... Vegetables.— Average Wholesale Prices. Artichokes, Globe, perdoz. ... 2 0-26 Asparagus, Worces- ter, per bundle 1 t>- 1 9 Beans. French, p. lb. 10- 1 0 Cauliflowers, Kent, per crate ... — — Cucumbers, home- grown, select., per doz. ... iti-3 0 — 2uds, per dozen 16-20 Horseradish, Eng- lish, pr. bundle 2 0 — , . — Foreign, per bundle ... 16 — Mint, per bunch ... 0 3-04 Mushrooms (Indoor) per lb 0 S- 0 9 Peas, ordinary (Channel Is- lands), per lb. . I — Telephones (Channel Is ■ lands', per lb. . t Potatos, New Kid- neys, Channel Islands, per lb. Salad, small, por doz. punnets... ] Sea Kale, per pun- net, 3J to 4 lb. weight 1 — Ch miells.,lb. 0 P0 TATOS. Trade slow at following price*: — Dunbar Maincrops, 80s. to 90s. ; do., Saxons, 70s. to 75s. ; Lincoln Saxons and Main- crops, ic>s. to 70s. ; do., Giants, 50*. to 60s. per ton. Canary, new, 11,. to L4». ; Guernsey and Jersey do., 17s. to 20s. ; Malta do., 9i. to 14s. Lisbon do, 9s. to* 10s. per cwt John Bath, Wellington Street, Covent Garden. SEEDS. London: May 11'. — Messrs. John Shaw h Sons, Seed Merchants, of Great Maize Pond, Borough, Loudon, 8.E., write that there were but few buyers on to-day's seed market, and only a small business was transacted. The present protracted spring season being now nearly over, sowing orders for grass. Clover seeds, &c, are naturally diminishing, ljoth in number and extent. Tares are scarce and favour sellers. Full prices arc asked lor Mustard and Rape seed. Rye is inquired for. The trade for Bird seeds presents no fresh feature. .Scarlet Runners arc in increased request. The remarkable and unseasonably cold weather now prevailing, and the injury done thereby to growing green vegetables, have greatly stimulated the consumptive demand for Blue Peas and Haricot Beans. Tho Californian Butter Beans just arriving meet with considerable favour. CORN. Average Prices of British Corn (per imperial qr), for the week ending May 8, and for the corresponding period of 1896, together with the difference in the quotations. Those figures are based on the Official Weekly Return :— Description. 1896. 1897. Difference. Wheat s. d. 25 7 s. d. 2S 4 s. d. + 2 a Barley 21 0 21 5 + u 5 Oate 14 4 1C 11 + 2 7 (Carried over to p. xi.) Qmfm Mr Correspondents Arum Lily : G. 11. T. The production of a spathe- like leaf is by no means uncommon, judging from the numerous specimens wo receive in the course of the year. CHAM^Rors Seed : J. />. See next week's issue. Chrysanthemum : J. C. See next week's issue. CcrRESSUS : Pldcidus. What you send under this name is a fine golden leaved variety of Thuia gigantea of gardens (the true T. plicata). The colouring is particularly rich. Melons : /;'. A. B. We are uuable to tell you, from the information that you afford us, what is the matter with your Melon plants. The age of the seed will not account for their failure to fruit ; indeed, age in the seed favours abundaut fruiting. There must be something wrong with the culture. Names of Plants : Correspondents tutt answered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number.— T. T. Disa racemosa.— TV. T. Ornithogalum nutans. — A. B. No numbers. Pilea muscosa, the Artillery-plant; the ovate leaf is Muhlenbeckia complexa. — W. 0. IK 1, Juniperus communis; *2, Xanthorhiza apiifolia; 3, Cytisus racemosus ; 4, Lonicera tatarica ; 5, specimen insufficient, perhaps a Kleinia ; 6, Sedum Sieboldi variegatum. — D. S. Lonicera tatarica. — F. F. 1 and 2, Pyrus (Malus) floribunda ; 3, Arnebia echioides ; 4, Pulmonaria officinalis.— A. S. Dendrobium fim- briatum oculatum. — E. .$'. TK 1, Spinea Thunbergii ; 2, not recognised, send when in flower ; 3, Cytisus prsecox ; 4, Berberis Darwinii ; 5, Berberis steno- phyllax.— TV. H. B. 1, Prunus Scheideckeri ; 2, Vaccinium corymbosum. — J. J. F. Pyrus inter- media.— W. C. 1, Doronicum caucasicum ; 2, Alys3um saxatile ; 3, Valeriana (Centranthus) rubra ; 4, Dieentra formosa : 5, Iberis eorreiefolia ; 6, Arabis albida ; 7, Hesperis matronalis. New Strawberry : J, Davidson. — So far as we can judge from a single fruit, which arrived in bad condition, it is a first-rate variety well worth developing. Odostoglossum CiTKOiSsDU : A. G. S. Union of two flowers is not uncommon, particularly wheu growth has been rapid. Pai'aw : IK B. M. These stove evergreen fruit trees are grown more for oruament than use. Carica cundiuaniarcensis flowered and fruited in au open border in the late Mr. Hanbury's garden at Clapham ; but this is a species that grows on the Andes of Ecuador at a height of 9000 feet. The common Papaw, C. papaya, is, like all the species, a Dative of South America, although naturalised in India and other countries. A plant of this species fruited in the Glasgow Botanic Garden in the early part of the century. Both are figured in the Botanical Magazine. Pea have done some good with sulphur at an earlier period. m. a a Vines : Geo. B.t and B. »£• Sou. The fungus attacking the Vine in each case is the well-known pest, Sclerotinia Fuckeliana. The greyish mould on the leaves and inflorescence is the conidial or summer form of the fungus. The plant should be tho- roughly sprayed with a solution of potassium sul- phide -half an ounce of the salt dissolved in a gallon of water— to check the spread of the disease. All diseased parts should be removed, otherwise Bclerotia, or lumps of spawn, are formed in the tissues. These reat during the winter, and again produce the disease in the Bpring. In any cir- cumstances, the Vine3 should be sprayed with the above solution next spring, at intervals of ten days, at the time the leaf-buds are expanding, to prevent a repetition of the attack, as numerous fungus- spores are certain to be present in crevices of the bark, &c. G. Massec. Communications Rkceivee E. W. B — R. Auderson. -J. A.— W. T. T. *. J. I.— S. Dean, - D. T. F— H.— D. D.— D. R, W. I.— A. J. H.-T. F.- R. LV — Behnick.— W. B.-D. T. - Broadway Wild Hose. -J. P.— W. C, Specimens, Photographs, &c. Received with Thanks.— R. Vf. R. (with thanks ; letter will follow).— E. A. CONTINUED LARGE INCREASE la the CIRCULATION OF THE "GARDENERS' CHRONICLE." Important to Advertisers. — The Publisher has the satis- faction oj announcing that the circulation of the "Gardeners- Chronicle" has, since the reduction in the price oj the paper, Increased to the extent of more than 90 per cent., and that it continues to increase weekly. Advertisers are reminded that the " Chronicle" circulates among COUNTRY GENTLEMEN, AND ALL CLASSES OF GARDENERS and garden-lovers at honu, that it has a specially large FOREIGN AND COLONIAL CIRCULATION, and that it U preserved for rejerence in all the principal Libraries. «5 May 22, 1897-1 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 329 #mleitra'(|teiMk SATURDAY, MAY L897. THE BIBLIOGRAPHY OF THE DAHLIA. rpHE short notice of " The Dahlia by Various -*- "Writers," which appears od p. 221 of the Gardeners' Chronicle, is a reminder of a loDg period of literary neglect, that a somewhat gorgeous and once highly-popular flower has had to undergo. Thero have, of course, been numerous articles in the horticultural press on Dahlia history aud cultivation by writers spe- cially interested in those subjects for many years past, but unless I am much mistaken no independent treatiso worthy of the name has been written for a period of souiethiug like forty years. Before taking a brief survey of the bibliography of the Dahlia, it may be useful to mention that in addition to the Dahlia Confer- ence held by the Royal Horticultural Society, there was also one held in 1889 at the Crystal Palace, under the auspices of the National Dahl a Society, primarily for the purpose of celebrating the centenary of the introduction of that flower into Europe, and the papers which were then read appeared in the Society's Report for th> following year. Having for some years past devoted a portion of my leisure to the collecting of books on florists' flowers, I have picked up from various sources a number of cultural and other treatises dealing with the Dahlia. I believe the collec- tion to be complete, but it is possible that there may be tome small insignificant works of merely local repute wanting. Many little paper- covered pamphlets on various florists' flowers have from time to time been issued, but owing to the flimsy form in which their authors have produced them, they have had but an ephemeral existence, and consequently are most difficult to obtain. In the eaily part of the present century the Dahlia as a show flower occupied a position analogous to that enjoyed to-day by the Chrys- anthemum, and similarly many of the novelties were of continental origin. So therefore tho majority of the books, but particularly the earliest, were written by French authors. It is beyond the scope of this article to refer at length to the contributions of such writers as those who wroto in the Journals and Trans- actions of the various horticultural aud botanical societies at home and abroad when the Dahlia was first introduced. Cavanilles, Thouin, Will- denow, Sabine, de Candolle, Wedgwood, and others, have all in some way or other described the flower from a botanical or horticultural standpoint in such woiks as are alluded to. The first independent treatise was that entitled Essaisur la Culture, la Nomenclature, it la Classification dea Dahlias, by Messrs. Jacquin frores, of Paris, and was published in 1828. Two years later a second edition in a much enlarged form appeared, and besides giving between fifty and sixty pages of cultural direc- tions, the authorssupplieda descriptive catalogue of tho varieties then known, classed according to their colour. This list, arranged in eleven main divisions, contains the names of 289 varieties, followed by a supplemental list of another 161 varieties, which bear no descriptions, as they had not been tested by the authors. As an example of the somewhat methodical way in which the varieties were classified, we see that Division I. comprises only white Dahlias. Thon this division is sub-divided into sections : — I, Being for pure white ; 2, for ivory-white; 3, for lilac-white ; and 4, for rosy-white. Divisions II. to XL are devoted to various other colours, viz., rose, lilac, violet, purple, amaranth, crimson, red (12 sections), yellow, &c, showing that very great diversity of colour existed even in those far oft' times. The next book was from the pen of Comte Lelieur, whose name is frequently mentioned by English Dahlia writers as a prominent cul- tivator. This gentleman was Director of the Parks and Gardens of the King of Prance, and a correspouding'meniber of the London Horti- cultural Society. His book was published in 1829, under the title of Memoire sur le Dahlia et sur sa Culture. The Comte reviews much of the literary matter that had previously appeared in other works, both English and foreign, and deals liberally with the details of cultivation, without, however, adopting the very common practice of swelling the size of his volume with a long list of varieties at the end. Most lovers of the Dahlia have either seen or heard of the Annual Dahlia Register, with its inordinately lengthy title and numerous coloured illustrations, of which there are about fifty in all. This was published in 1836 in London, and was no doubt regarded at the time as an Edition de luxe. The intention was to make it an annual publication, but the price at which it was issued — £1 10s. — seems to have been prohibitive, notwithstanding tho enthusiasm of the growers, and it never got beyond the first volume. The literary matter consists chiefly of dealers' catalogues, show reports, and a few odd articles on various sub- jects connected with the flower. The book, however, will long remain of value to the student of Dahlia literature, and the plates have an historic interest for those who are con- cerned with the evolution of their favourite. The style and get-up of the annual Dahlia Register certainly speaks much for the enthu- siasm and hopefulness of its compiler, who is described as an amateur. In 1838 Sir Joseph Paxton published a handy little cloth-covered book called A Practical Treatise on the Cultivation of the Dahlia., and this was in the following year translated into French, and issued under the title of Traite pratique de la Culture da Dahlia. The next book was also French, and came out about 1840 in the Bibliotheque du Jaidinier. It was written by Pirolle, and its title was simply Dahlia. The same woik, identical in every respect save the cover, appears to have been published by Pirolle, in 1840, under the title, Traite Special et Didadi.jue du Dahlia, and then in 1811 Pirolle again appears on the scene with one called Reoue ilea Dahlias en 1S40, ou Supplement au Traite des Dahlias. In 1843 yet another book, similar in form aud size to the three preceding, and, like them, published in Paris, was writton by Augustin Legrand. This was called, Le Dahlia : Histoire et Culture detaillee, and of this a second edition, bearing the title, Manml du Cultivateur de Dahlias, revised and corrected by Pepin, was published in 1848. It is rather curious to note that while in the earliest French books the varieties montioned in the descriptive lists were mainly of continental origin, those enumerated in the later ones contained a large percentage of varieties bearing undoubted English appellations, and these often accom- panied by the raiser's names. Probably none of the Dahlias then grown are known to modern cultivators, but it may be interesting to mention that in the lastrnamed work, that by M. Pepin, the English raisers represented were Keynes, Brown, Drummond, Harrison, Girling, Kim- berley, Proctor, Salter, Heale, Mitchell, Turner, and several more ; and in addition to these there are names of others given which show that Dahlias were then being raised by German growers. In Tyas's Popular Flowers, one of the series was devoted to the flower under notice, but it was only a small sixpenny pamphlet of a few pages, and its scope was rather restricted ; its date of issue was 1844. In another series of gardening books called the gardeners' monthly volume, there appeared, in 1847, a volume entitled The Dahlia, its Culture, Uses, and His- tory, by George W. Johnson and G. Turner ; and from it I learn that Mr. Turner gave to the public in the preceding year his Practical Ob- servations on the Culture of the Dahlia. Whether these observations were issued in a separate form, or appeared in some other horticultural publication, it does not say ; nor do I know for although no effort or expense has been spared to trace the " observations," the result has been far from satisfactory, and the only information gained is, that it is believed they formed the preface to Mr. Turner's trade cata- logue of Dahlias for that year. In the treatise devoted to the Dahlia which appeared as one of he gardeners' monthly volumes, a brief sketch of the literature of the flower is given, begin- ning with Cavanilles' article, and M. Thouin's memoir in the Annates du Museum d' Histoire Naturelle (1804), which is also in my collection, and in which a coloured plate is given of three varieties then known. They are all singles, the double form being then no doubt non-existent. Other references are also made to various con- tributions that appeared in the Horticultural Transactions, the Gardeners' Dictionary, and different botanical publications, but curiously enough there is not a single reference to any of the French publications to which attention has been called by me in tho earlier part of this paper. The late Dr. Hogg, in 1853, publishod The Dahlia : its History and Cultivation, with De- scriptions of all the best Shore-flowers. From a literary and artistic point of view, this book unquestionably ranks next in importance to the Annual Dahlia Register, for it is of the same size, although less bulky, and it contains eight large coloured illustrations, and is a well- printed, historical, and cultural hand-book, that no doubt was regarded as a standard work in its day. Mr. Shirley Hibberd, who contributed much information of a valuable nature on the occa- sion of the two Dahlia Conferences held in 18*9 and 1890 respectively, was the author of a little pamphlet, with a coloured frontispiece, in 18o7. It was one of his series of " Garden Favourites ; " aud then occurs a groat blank iu tho inde- pendent bibliography of our subjoct, which extends over four decades. American gardening literature reveals little or nothing in the shape of Dahlia literature in 330 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 22, 1897. separate form, except a pamphlet published last autumn by Lawrence K. Peacock, the Secretary of the recently-formed American Dahlia Society ; and a pamphlet issued early in the present year, being Bulletin 12S of the Cornell University, Horticultural Division, entitled "A Talk about Dahlias, by Wilhelm Miller," which is accompanied by a sixteen- page Inventory of the single, pompon, large- flowering, and cactus varieties grown at the Cornell Experiment Station during the past year. These, and the publication of The Dahlia hij Various Writers, seem to point to a revival of literary interest in the flower, and cannot fail to be productive of bouelioial results. G. Ilarman Payne. New or Noteworthy Plants. BOLBOPHYLLUM PTILOGLOSSUM, Wcndland and Knuislhi (Barbigera),* This curious Bulbophyllum was discovered by the lateJoliannesBraun. His lastcollectioureached Europe in tolerably good condition, and was purchased by Mr. Hermann Wendland, who flowered the plant for the first time in 1896, at Herrenhausen, near Hanover. I am indebted to him for fine materials, i.e., a splendid raceme, and a sketch of the plant. About the affinity, it is clear at the first glance that it belongs un- doubtedly to the little group of this genus, of which Bulbopbyllum barbigerum, Lindl., is the first; and B. calamarium is, I believe, the best known repre- sentative. It is, however, easy to distinguish it from those species and others of the same affinity, by the want of horns on both sides of the anther, by the well-developed side-lobes of the lip, and by the long purplish hairs covering the whole margin from the very base to the top. In the other species, the hairiness is confined to the anterior part, or at least a smaller area of the lip, and in all the other species side-lobes are totally wanting. The flowers are smaller thau those of B. calamarium, and of green colour, spotted with purple ; they are somewhat larger than those of Bolbophyllum sanatorium, Lindl. Mr. Wendland, who has seen the flowers opening, says that the irritability and the movements of the lip are quite the same as in the Megacliniums, or Frog Orchids, and that they make the same striking impression on the beholder. F. Kriinzlin, Cultural Memoranda. LILACS. Where a large number of Lilacs is forced annually it is best to have two batches of plants, each batch being suflicieut in number for one year's require- ments. The plants need then only be forced every alternate year, which to a great extent will reduce the amount of labour necessary to prepare them. In cases where there is but one batch, the plants require early attention, and should be cut back to three or four buds on the previous year's wood, after which they may be placed near the glass in a temperature * Bolbophyllum p'ilogloswm, Wendland et Kriinzlin (Barb'g rah — Caule primario longe prorepente 1—2 mm. diam., caulibus secundariia (bulbis) catapbyllis quibusdam ovatis basi involutes, Bubtetragonis, ovoidcis obtusis 2 cm. altis, 1'5 cm. crassis, roonopbyllis ; folio e basi cuneata liueari-ligulato obtuao bilobulo ;id 10 cm. longo ad 2 cm. lato; racemo folia exc?dente tenui ad 2J cm. alto subnutantc; S"]uamis avcte adpiessia ventito rufinulo ; braeteia paleaceis triangulis quam ovaria duplo longioribus acutis ; sepalis triangulis acutis, latcralibus iu meptulum fere rectanguluni connatis leviter carinatis nitidis viridibus purpureo adspcr- sis ; petalis e basi multo latiore subito contractia linearibiis Rcpala fere a quaii tibus, labolli fu*eo-rmvpinvi lobis lateral ibus I- ii vis rotimlati? antica acutis satis longe fimbriatis, lobo intonnedio linearioblongo subpanduvato crasso supra rim a longitudinal! inatructo toto margins pilis mimorosissimta barbate; gynostemio crasso perbrevi, dentibus utrmque valda abbreviatia. Sepala 6 mm. longa, labellum piano longintj, ov-triumcrassiuaculum turbiuatum nitldum. Madagascar, leg. Joh. Braun vir beatus. of 50°, where they may be thoroughly syringed occa- sionally. The plants will start away freely from the base, and if requisite they may be repotted into pots of a slightly larger size. Grow them sturdily, avoid- ing by all means a high temperature and weak spindly growth. When they have made sufficient growth, gradually harden the plants, and finally plunge the pots up to the rim in a suuuy position. If there are two lots, good results are more cer- tain, and the plants after flowering need only be hard pruned, and planted out on a well-prepared border, making the soil about the roots firm, which will induce a solid growth, which, if not strong the first year, will, by due attention to pruning, &c, be suc- ceeded the following season by strong wood in a good state for flowering. Thus, if there are two good batches, the plants will need attention less early, and house room is not required ; besides which, the plants are more certain to give satisfaction. Azalea ikdica. As soon as these plants have done flowering, give the foliage a thorough syringing witb a solution of Gishurst Compound, to destroy any thrips, &c. The operation should be done in the open, so that no thrips be dislodged from the plants into the house. If convenient, the plants may be fumigated, but even then it is good practice to thoroughly wash the plants with some insecticide. The seed-pods should be removed, and the plants stood in a warm structure to encourage an early free growth. Repot any that require more root-space as soon as new growth commences, using sweet fibrous peat and sharp grit. The fresh pots should be clean and well drained, and the roots in a moderately damp condi- tion. Disentangle the outside roots with a painted stick, and pot very firmly, taking great care to work the soil around the root?, and do not over-pot at one time. H. Markham. Orchid Notes and Gleanings. CATTLEYA SCHRODER.E. Several varieties of this delicately-tinted and fragrant Cattleya come from the collection of Joseph Broome, Esq , Sunny Hill, Llandudno, who certainly gets magnificent flowers on most of the species he cultivate?. Most of the flowers are of the charming Peach blossom tint peculiar to the specie*, but one is pure white with a bright yellow tinge on the lip, and another is white and closely veined with light purple, the labellum having a clear orange disc. In addition to its great beauty, C. Scbxoderse, which is not plentiful, has the merit of completing the chain of varieties of C. labiata, and continuing the display of them the greater part of the year. Two very distinct varieties of Lselio-Cattleya x Schilleriana, the one with a peculiar white tube to the lip, and the other with a richly- coloured front lobe, accompany the Cattleyas. Orchids at the Grange, Wilmslow. Science and experimenting go hand in hand, and although some experiments result in failure, a suffi- cient number to encourage the experimenters brings success, and in any case some amount of experienco is gained. Thus in the gardens of such an enthusiast as Dr. Hodgkinson, who is fond of plants difficult to grow, and who is continually endeavouring to find out their requirements, it is not surprising to come upon a large number of species which many persons grow but indifferently, among the most thriving and floriferous in the care of Mr. Woore, the gardener there. Among these may be mentioned a number of Lselia majalis, which produce a fine show of their large, handsome flowers annually; numbers of Catt- leya citrina, finely in bloom ; Eulophiella Elisabeth ce, with a fine spike, and which here grows and blooms well and regularly ; Cattleya Hex and C. Schilleriana, in splendid forms ; and Comparettia macroplectron, and a number of other kindred specieB, usually con- sidered fragile, here thriving and flowering well. In the cool-houses a pretty display was remarked of Odontoglossums, Masdevallias, and Sophronitis, one magnificent variety of S. grandiflora bearing seven noble flowers ; and other interesting species. Specially good were the forms of Odontoglossum Cervantesii, including the rose-tinted 0. C. lilacinum, O. Rossii majus, and the varieties of 0. ciiepum, of which one handsome variety had the sepals furnished with heavy reddish-brown blotches, and resembling O. C. Trianas. In the intermediate-houses agood show waE made with Cattleya Schrodera?, C. Mendeli, Lteliapurpuiata, and other species ; good plants of Cattleya aurea, a fine lot of strong specim ens of Odontoglofsum citrosmum about to flower well ; Miltonia cuneata, M. Roezli and its white variety ; many kinds of Dendrobium, Arundina bambuswfolia, Lrclia cinnabarina, and the chrome-yellow -flowered L. flava, together with. L. cinnabarina aurantiaca, which seems intermediate between the two Darned ; some species of Vandas, including the one known as V. gigantea (Stauropsis gigautea), and a number of species and hybrids of Cypripediums. In all the houses interesting species, other than Orchids, are grown. In the cool-house were Darlingtonia californica, and other singular plants ; and in the warm ones, Anthuriums and other stove plants not likely to harbour insects— and in many ways the gardens and houses are made specially interesting. Odontoglossom crispum. When viewing the fine flatly -displayed forms of this species, which are now regarded as " the best type," the question is often asked —But why crispum ? for it is seldom that a variety which would suggest that name appears. A noble specimen, to which the term may be applied in its broadest sense, is sent by Capt. Holford, Westonbirt House, Tetbury, Gloucester- shire (gr., Mr. Chapman). The flowers are large, the segments broad, and both sepals and petals are most beautifully crisped, curled and fringed, and yet in such a manner as to add to the artistic beauty of the whole inflorescence. The sepals are banded with bright purple on the reverse side, the tint appearing also in a lesser degree in the front. Each sepal has in the inner half a cluster of brown blotches The petals are pure white, very much cut and fringed. The labellum has a bright yellow base, surrounded by a number of cinmmou-brown spots, and a white, crimped, and friDged margin. PROGRESS OF THE CYCLAMEN.* (Continued from p. 318.) Colour. — There is evidence that seminal variation as regards colours occurred at least as early as 1820, but the modern forms with large coloured flowers, according to Mr. Martin, originated in a different way, and can be traced back to the old crimson and white. That preserves the crimson ring round the throat, but is otherwise an albino. There is Dothiug remarkable in fchU. Any species in nature may pro- duce white flowers ; albinism is in effect the commonest of all variations. " Giani White '' is a pure albino, in which the crimson ring has been suppressed. The modern coloured forms were obtained in the first instance by selecting forms in which the coloured ring showed a disposition to spread into the white corolla segments. The first indication w^uld be a scarcely percep'ible streak. By selection from self- fertilised plants the streak was widened into a stripe. Continuing the process, the stripes united, and a uniformly coloured flower was obtained. The more striking colours, such as that of " Vulcan," which is a dark crimson, were, however, obtained not by progressive selection, but amongst the progeny of cross-fertilised plants. I learn from Messrs. Hugh Low & Co. that coloured varieties, of course when self-fertilised, come true from seed. This is in accordance with a well-known principle, t The Butter /Iff Form. — This has been obtained in- # "The cultural evolution of Cyclamen latifulimn, Sibthorp." By W. T. Thiselton Dyer, C.M.G., C.I.E., F.R.S. Read March IS, 1697, before the Koyal Society. t Darwin, Cross and SelJ -fertilisation, p. 460. Mat 22, 1897.] THE GARDE NEBS' CHRONICLE. 331 dependcntly by several horticulturists. The segments are partially spreading, and concave on their iuner surface. Oho of the most remarkable is that raised by M. do Laughe-Arervaene ; it is represented in fig. 113. He informs me that " these are the products of the eleventh year of improvement." He adds : " I never crossed them with any other strain ; I do not like crossing races. I prefer improving them.'1 Ho has kindly favoured me with tho follow- ing detailed account of the mode iu which the strain has been developed aud improved. I quote it in his own words : — [See also Gardeners' Chronicle, 1897, p. 71, Cg. 10.] " Les Cyclamen Papilio que j'ai obtonus sont iBSus directement des Cyclameu persicum, var. giganteum. '* II y a environ une douzaine d'annees je remar- quais parrui mes semis de Cyclamen une plante qui atHra mon attention par l'extreme beaute" de son fouillage dentele et niarbre. En examiuant la plante, je vis qu'elle portait uue graude quautite deboutous ; ceux-ci e"taient de forme plus arrondie et plus couite que ne lo sont ge"n<5ra lenient ceux des Cyclamen persicum. La plante fut mise apart ; quaud elle commenea a fleurir, elle m'etonna par la forme bizarre de ses fleurs. Ces diverses circonstances m'engage- rent a en recolter les graines. Iu this case the basis of the new strain was found in a marked varhtiou or "sport.'1 The deviation from the type could not, however, have been very marked. The most remarkable feature in "Papilio "as now developed is the curled and toothed margin of the corolla segments. These peculiarities repeat cha- racters which occur elsewhere in the order. In Soldanella the toothing is conspicuous ; curling occurs in cultivated varieties of Primula sinensis. It is interesting to observe in "Papilio" that in the primary variation there was a correlation between tho toothing of the corolla segments aud of the leaves. Cresting. — The most remarkable form which has made its appearance under cultivation is that in which a plumose crest has developed on the iuner surface of each corolla segment. This is shown in fig. 114, which represents the "Bush Hill Pioneer," raised by Messrs. Hugh Low & Co. I quote the account of its development with which they have been so good as to furnish me : — " This interesting variety was first observed in our nurseries some four years siuco, but how it originated we are unable to say. " At that time, the only peculiarity about the variety was a very slightly raised rib running part of tho way up the petals, and showing no tendency to afterwards to have been lost sigbfc of.* It has also occurred in a red-flowered form in France, t in which case it was also perpetuated by seed. I have not succeeded in discovering any similar structure in any primulaceous structure occurring in a wild state. Dr. Masters, however, informs mo that it has been observed in cultivated forms of Primula sinensis. The tendency thus seems to be latent in tho order, though why it should be so I am unable to explain. Some theoretical interest appears to me to attach to the rapid development of so striking an ornament of a corolla segment. Such appendages are frequent enough in Orchids, and are regarded as adaptations to cross-fertilisation by insects. Their gradual evolution might be thought to require a long period of time, but in the present case we have definite evidence that t-uch a structure may be developed by selection with great rapidity. Conclusion.— 1. The facts which I have stated appear to me to establish the result that when once specific stability^: has been broken down in a plant, morphological changes of great variety and magnitude can be brought about in a comparatively short space of time. This appears to me to have a very impor- tant bearing on the rate of evolution. Mr. Darwin Fig. Hi!.— flower of .spreading i See p. 317, ante, (Reduced one-half.) FlG. 113. —FLOWER Fig. 114,— CKK.-Trn i *' L'annt'e suivante j'obtins quelques jeunes plantes. Au moment de leur floraison, elles purent etre com- parees a, la plante mere. "Les plus parfaites de ces plantes furent choisies pour servir de porte-graine, et leurs fleurs furent fe'eonde'es entre elles. L'annee suivante je fus assez heureux pour constater un nouveau progres ; mes gains surpassaient leurs parents que j'avais conserves. On pouvait apercevoir, dans ces semis aux caracteres persistants, le point de depart d'une race nouvelle. " Je continual dans cette voie ; au bout de quatre ans, j'e'tais en possession de quelques sujets fort remarques. Les pe"tales des fleurs e'taient amples et plus longues; ils se redressaiect comme les ailes d'un papillon qui s'apprete & prendre son vol. " La race se caracterisa chaque anne"e davantage. "Encourage" par le re'sultat de"ja obtenu, je m'occupai a rechercher la diversity des colons. Apres quatre anne'es je ne posse'dais dans mes semis que dea plantes a fleurs rouges ; j'avais en triant les sujets pour la reproduction toujours e'earte les fleurs les moius brillantes. II s'agissait maiutenantd'obtcnir des fleurs a couleurs pales. Des efforts nouveaux furent fait dans cette voie ; je vis au bout de deux ans apres apparaitre la premiere fleur aux petales blancs et a onglet rouge ; drs lors les croisements se multi- plierent au point qu'apres la nouvit'ine aniire la perfection des formes et des eoloris est tcllo quo tous ceux qui voient mes Cyclamen Papilio sont uuauimes a reconnaitre leur merite et leur perfection des fleurs." branch. This was, however, considered sufficiently curious to follow up, and we seeded it with its own pollen. " The young plants from this showed a decided improvement, the rib in some cases showing a marked tendency to branch. The best varieties (ten in number) were again fertilised with their own pollen, and the plants now being exhibited by us have resulted, although, needless to say, they are among the finest obtained up to the present, though all show a further improvement, every flower having a well- branched feather on the petals. " We have this year found some colour in one plant, and we believe we shall have no trouble in obtaining crested flowers iu a variety of colour." The corolla segments of Cyclamen have no mid-rib. The appearance of such a structure is a reversion to the original leaf-type. The development of a crest from a mid-rib carries reversion very far back indeed. The branching of a leaf-structure in the plane in which it is expanded is common enough ; branching in a plane at right angles to this is rare. Leafy out- growths frequently occur from the mid-rib in the Cabbage.* In this case the structure of the leaf approximates to that of a stem, of which, indeed, the leaf may be regarded as a modification. An interesting fact with regard to this singular variation is that it has appeared more than once, and independently. It first occurred in 1885, but seems * Masters' Teratology t p. 456. quotes Lord Kelvin as insisting "that the world at a very early period was subjected to more rapid and violent changes iu its physical condilion than those now occurring ; " and he adds, " Such changes would have tended to induce changes at a corresponding rate in the organisms which then existed. "$ That changes may be effected with considerable rapidity cannot, I think, be denied. 2. It is further, I think, abundantly proved in the present case that, though sudden variations do occur, they are, as far as we know, slight so long as self- fertilisation is adhered to. The striking results obtained by cultivators have been due to the patient accumulation by selection of gradual but continuous variation iu any desired direction. 3. The size which any variable organ can reach does not appear to be governed by any principle of correlation. Large flowers are not necessarily accom- panied by large leaves. Under natural conditions Bize is controlled by mechanical limitations and by the principal of economy. Nature cannot afford to indulge in anything unnecessary for the purpose in view. || 4. The general tendency of a plant varying freely under artificial conditions seems to be atavistic, i.e., * Qanlmrcs' chr. The case of ''cresting" shows that the plant still possesses the power to strike out a new line, and to develop characters which would even be regarded as having specific value, as in the total change which has been effected, in the form of the leaf in Primula sinensis. If suoh a race developed any degree of sterility with other races, it would have satisfied Huxley's criterion for the artificial production of a Trees and Shrubs. RIBES SPECIOSUM (R. FUCHSIOIDES). Of the two sections of the genus Kibes— the Gooseberries and the Currjnts— the latter contains much the more important species when regarded as ornamental shrubs. Amongst the former, R. spe* ciosum is by far the most attractive. It is frequently treated as a wall-plant, and does, no doubt, flower with greatest freedom in that position, but that it is perfectly hardy, and blossoms profusely when planted in ordinarily exposed positions, is shown by a specimen flowering in the arboretum at Kew. The flowers appeal* (usually three together) in short racemes from each joint of last year's wood, and hang in a long row from the underside of the branches. The calyx is the most prominent feature of the flower, being half an inch long, tubular, and almost entirely covering the petals. It is of a deep scarlet colour, and is covered with short hairs at the base. Standing out beyond the calyx, and twice or thrice its length, are the stamens, which have the prevailing red of tho flower, but of a pinkish tinge. The leaves are like those of the common Gooseberry, but smaller, and three spines guard each joint of the wood. Its recom- mendations as an ornamental shrub consist in the bright and unusual colour of its flowers, and in the Fuchsia-like grace with which they hang from the shoots. It is a native of California, and was first introduced in 1828, but it had been discovered by Archibald Menzies some thirty years previously. [Our experience is, that this species needs protection in the winter in the Midlands and the North. Ed.] Cytisus aleus. So few among the Cytisus and Genistas have other than yellow flowers, that the white ones of this "Portugal Broom" give it a special value. But besides the colour of its flowers, their great: abundance and the striking habit of the shrub entitle it to a place in the first rank among hardy plants. It produces a mass of slender, wiry, green twigs, whose abundance give it the character of an evergreen. The leaves, indeed, are never much in evidence except in seedling plants, when they are trifoliolate ; in older specimens they are usually quite small, simple, and linear. The flowers are milk-white, and appear two or three together in a fascicle at each node. The habit of this shrub is somewhat erect when young, and with age it becomes bare at the base, the crowded mass of young branches then forming a heavy, but not ungraceful, crown. In early May this is trans- formed into one single mass of white, and is most beautiful and striking. This Cytisus grows 6, 10, or even more feet high, and is useful for planting towards the back of a shrubbery where the smaller things in front hide its naked base. When planted in more exposed places, it should be frequently stopped when young, so as to get plenty of branches near the ground. Rhodothamnus Ch&m-ecistus. To most persons this small growing shrub ia better known, perhaps, by repute than by experience in * See Dar*ip, Qri.in. Ctt} ed., p. 127. cultivating it. It is one of a sufficiently numerous class whose cultivation it is much easier to tell other people about than to successfully accomplish one's- self. It was introduced considerably over a hundred years ago, Messrs. Loddiges, of Hackney, having had seeds sent to them from the mountains of Carniola in 1786. Yet during all these years it has been rare, and seems likely to remain so, for it is one of the most difficult of Ericaceous plants to tho- roughly establish, even in gardens where Rhododen- drons and similar shrubs thrive perfectly well. There are, however, a few places where it succeeds {with Messrs. Backhouse, of York, for instance), and it is then one of the most charming of the dwarfer Ericaceae. It is a dwarf procumbent shrub, whose branches are thickly set with small ovate, hairy leaves. The flowers are borne in April and May in clusters, at the ends of the branches. From two to four are in each cluster, the flat corolla being a little more than 1 inch across, and of a pale pink tint. A plant has flowered recently in the Kew rockery, where it was planted some years ago in a niche between two stones, and it is now become established. W. J. B. NARCISSUS POETICUS. Modern horticulture has come to look upon any well-marked species of a valuable genus of cultivated plants that is at once beautiful in itself and fertile iu both seed and pollen, as not only an end hut a means. Or rather, we should say, that such a plant his a three-fold aspect, its own beauty and worth as it exists at present, its possibilities of evolution per se to enhanced perfection of size, form, and other desir- able attributes, and its value as a factor in the production of new forms when interbred with other Bpecies. Narcissus poeticus is of high merit in all these ways, though, strangely enough, the second, namely, its improvement within its own limits, has been altogether neglected, so far as I know, save for some attempts of my own. It is remarkable that this flower appears both first and last of the cut Narcissi which fill the markets for quite five of the winter and spring months. Enormous quantities of tho early Pheasant-eye Narcissu", p. ornatus, are forced into bloom in January and February, and for the market gardener there has probably been found more money in this than in any other " Daffodil." In the middle of May the double poeticus, a very attrac- tive Gardenia-like flower, closes the season of the Narcissus. These two, with the old-fashioned re- curvus, known exclusively as the Phea=aut-eye Nar- cissus before the advent of ornatus, are the popular varieties, but several others are well distinguished, as might be expected from the wide geographical distri- bution of the wild plant. Roughly speaking, it extends iu latitude from Switzerland to central Greece, and in longitude from the Western Pyrenees to Tran- sylvania, whence Mr. Wolley Dod informs me he has received collected bulbs, and possibly somewhat fur- ther east, as it has been asserted that the cultivated variety known as grandiflorus was brought from the Crimea, In days when plant-geography was less exactly studied than now, N. poeticus was sometimes admitted into the British Flora, but the form in which it occurs, apparently wild, in a few Eugli-h localities is that of patellaris, the type so abundant at Vevey, Moutreux, and other Swiss places of summer resort, whence it was, no doubt, brought to Euglaud by tourists, and subsequently naturalised by escapes from gardens. This flower has broad, firm perianth divisions, and the corona very flat, whence its varietal name, with a clear ring of white inside the narrow red rim ; it flowers very late, and seems to be the single form of the common double poeticus. Generally speaking, the species diminishes in beauty, according to the florists' standpoint, as it passes from west to east. In the high Pyrenees, where, in July, it whitens the mountain pastures, especially iu the Luchon district, it is very variable, but many fine well-formed flowers may be selected, some with the corona wholly red and not merely edged with colour. Mr. James Allen, of Shepton Mallet, several years ago collected and kindly gave me bulbs of some of the best of these ; they were late-blooming, and unfortu- nately did not prove robust in cultivation. The pre- cise origin of ornatus has not been ascertained, but the wild flowers which resemble it most closely in form and earliness have come to me from Provence and North Italy. On tho North Italian mountains poeticus takes a very dwarf alpine habit, but as regards shape of flower, I have picked out exact counterparts of ornatus on the high pastures above the Lake of Como in the month, of April. It is curious that stray bulbs of this dwarf plant were brought to England from the vicinity of Lake Mag^iore in Dean Herbert's time, as a rarity, and named N. p. verbanensis. It is really the prevailing N. Italian type, and extremely abundant. Ornatus was known in the Paris markets long before its introduction into England. This early, white, fragrant flower, abso- lutely vigorous, of rapid increase, and blooming from the smallest bulb, is one of the very be&t additions of this generation to our spring gardens. The variety poetarum may also be of Italian origin ; it has the entire corona bright red, but the perianth is of flimsy, semi- transparent substance. It flowers in succession to orna- tus, but is less robust in most soils. Another Italian variety, prsecox, flowers very early, but is otherwise of inferior merit. Further east, N. poeticu3 assumes a narrow-petalled form. Mr. Baker tells me that the only Greek specimen in the Kew Herbarium, from the Pindus range, has divisions a quarter of an inch in width ; and Mr, Wolley Dod's plants from Transyl- vania bore the same type of flower. It is not, ho vever, safe to conclude that the garden varieties named angustifolius and stellaris are necessarily of eastern origin, for wherever the wild poeticus abounds, narrow as well as broad-petalled flowers occur ; and among my own seedlings from the finest circular types, a percentage of flowers appears with almost linear segments. There is a variety in cultivation to which the name poeticus verus of Lin me us has been given, quite arbitrarily, I think, small, with round, well-shaped flowers ; this is said to be of Greek origin, but I know not ou what authority. Var. graudiflorus has tho appearauce of a form from Eastern Europe ; it is a somewhat ungainly flower, with narrow, spreading segments, and is of little value for the garden. Of the common recurvus, which must, I think, be referred to the wild lowland type of poeticus prevail- ing in South-western France, there seem to be superior and inferior varieties in cultivation, some having flatter, broader divisions than others. A dis- tinguishing character is its lax foliage, reflexed for half its length, whence possibly its varietal name, though this has been thought to refer to its reflexed perianth. This old flower is still of considerable market value when highly cultivated. Some other varieties of poeticus with distinctive names are not of cultural importance. The vain attempt has been made to identify the many sorts enumerated by Par- kinson under elaborate Latin name.?, which, are merely descriptivo of the minute differences iu plants which he received from foreign collectors, and pro- bably often from the same mountain-side. N. poeticus has had a very large share in the crea- tion of our modern garden Narcissi, since Deau Herbert, half a century ago, verified by experiment his guess that N. incomparabilis was a hybrid between it and the Trumpet Daffodil. To it the classes known as N. incomparabilis, Barri. Nelson i, Leedsii, Bur- bidgei, owe their robustness, their extended blooming season, and the orange or red of their crowns, which is in all cases the solution or suffusion of the concen- trated colour in the purple or deep red thread round the poeticus crown. A noteworthy proof of the power of poeticus to give vigour to its hybrids is found in the group N. Leedsii, many of its varieties being of indomitable constitution, though their other parent, the white Trumpet Daffodil, is the most fastidious of its kind. It is surprising, if we consider the many fine qualities of this plant, that while so much pains was bestowed upon the production of its hybrids, nothing was done towards the improvement of the poeticus pure and simple. It is certain that, by careful seed selection and intercrossing of varieties which supple- ment one auother's deficiencies in these points, it May 22, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 333 mty be at leaat as largely advanced as the Trumpet Daffodil lias been in size and in attractiveness of form and colour. And such improved poeticus would in turn give us improved hybrids. The cultivation of the poeticus is easier than that of most other Narcissi, but two memoranda should be made — first, that it is more capable than the re&t of as-irnilating nitrogen- or, in p'ain words, that it AMELANCHIER CANADENSIS VAE. OBLONGIFOLIA. Tbe species and varieties of AmelaDchier are by bo means easy to distinguish one from another. To aid in the task we now give an illustration (tig. 115) of a plant which was in flower recently at Kew, and a description of which by Mr. Bean was given in a recent issue (p. 265). details of experiments with vaiious manures on different plots of Sugarcane. The plots were dupli- cated, but the variations in the yield of some of these duplicated plots is greater than the variation caused by the application of the manure'. This plainly brings out the fact that the variations in yield due to soil condition are more important than those produced by the action of manures. Hon Kono. IMILAXC'HILR CANADENSIS VAK. OBLONGIFOLIA. likes farm-yard-manure ; and, secondly, that it is the earliest to make fresh root-growth, and therefore sVould be the first to be attended to in the matter of lifting aud replanting. On pior, dry soils, the do ible poeticus is apt to bear blind spathes ; but where it is amply supplied wiih manure and water, it fields flowirs as fine as white Camellias. G. II. Jlntjhheart Colonial Notes. ANTIGUA. Tue report of the results obtained on the Experi- mental Farm in this island by Mr. Watts. Government Chemist, and Mr. Shepheid, Superintendent of Skerrett's School, has reached us. It contains The typhoon which swept over the Colony on July 29 was the severest experienced here since the disastrous ons of 1874. The gardens suffered very severely by the loss and injury of trees and shrubs, which, together with the losses in 1894 from succes- sive typhoons of that year, left traces which will bike many years to recover from, 'the plant-houses and other structures received but a small amount of damage owing to timely and efficient precautions having been taken to secure movable parts in such a manner as ensured their safety. Portions which were carried away were renewed in a more substantial manner. The glass-houses came out of the storm unscathed, with the exception of a few pieces of glass broken by material falling on them. Many trees and Ehrubs were completely stripped of their foliage, but new growths of branches and leaves were quickly made, and in some instances trees which flower usually only once a year produced a second crop of flowers on the new shoot?. The rainfall for the year as 77 6 inches. Singapore. The most interesting item in the Report of the Botanic Garden for home readers is the account of Mr. Curtis' botanical tour in the Malay States, from which we extract the following paragraphs : — " On the second day we tacked about without making much progress until 5 p.m., when we landed on Pulau Panjang to do some cooking, and while this was beiDg done I collected a few plants. Cirrhope- talum Medusas appeared to be abundant on rooks in this island. At 6.30 p.m. we started again with a fresh breeze, standing straight across for the picturesque islands near the entrance to the Kasum River, under Bhelter of one of which, Pulau Prabat, we anchored until 5 a.m., when we got under way again. At 7 a.m. we landed on a small island to cook and collect plants ; the most interesting kinds found here being two species of Begonia and two of Pogonia, the native name of one of the latter being 'elephant ear.' From this place we proceeded slowly against wind and tide to Kasum, which was reached between 3 and 4 p.m., so that I had actually been about forty- nine hours from Tongkah. " The scenery among the islands b'forc entering the Kasum Hirer is magnificent, scores of islands of the most fantastic forms rising abruptly from these a to a height of several hundred feet. Similar scenery may be seen in Lingkawi, but on a much reduced scale. On arrival in Kasum I Eent my letters of introduction to the Governor, with a request for an empty house if possible. In a shoit time I received a message that the Governor was suffering from fever, and would not be able to see me for two or three days, but that a house was being prepared for me. This was the one decent looking house in the village, originally intended, I was told, for a post-office ; but as soon as the men commenced cleaning it out, it was found to be unsafe, so I hid to go into a Chicese attaphouse in the main street. For a place of its size, and it is a village of about a hundred houses, and perhaps 700 to 800 inhabitants, Kasum is the most miserable looking place I ever set eyea on. The main street is overgrown with weeds, and in places knee-deep in mud. On tilher si le are tall Bamboos leaning at all angles with the remnants of banners dangling in the breeze, the remains of the decorations of some religious festival long past. The houses are of plank and attaps, with very sharply- pitched roof, and a sort of covered 5- foot way in front ; but it is only in places that e>ne can cross from one side of the street to the other without slicking in the mud. A few days' residence in th'a place has a 334 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 22, 1897. , most depressing effect. The morning after arrival, I collected Orchids, &c, along a road that was com- menced three or four years ago, and cut for a distauce of about 4 miles to a place called Wattaoi, where there is a Bhuddist tomple in a cave in the limestone rock with numerous figures rapidly goiug to decay. One of the figures in a reclining position is about 45 feet long. I spent some time in botauising on this hill, and collected several interesting plants. One of the priests showed me a plant of Dendrobium Farmeri fastened ou a block of wood which he assured me was very rare, and, so far as my experience goes, it is so, for I only collected two plants of it during the time I was there. " On the second day, the Governor sent me a man who spoke Malay to accompany me anywhere I wished to go, and to assist me generally. Two days I went down the river to the limestone hills, aud on another day walked across to PongaU aud slept there, return- ing by another route the following day. The dis- tance I estimate to be about 10 or 12 miles. Pongah is not so nice a place as it was in the old Raja's time ; things are fast going to decay. It is interesting to note that several natives have a few Orchids growing around their houses, and one has quite an interesting little collection ; and this, they told me, was the result of my previous visit. Dendrobium Farmeri is evidently the kind they prize most, which shows good taste ou their part, but it is scarce, and they set a value on them that prevented me from buying. This is abundant in Mergui, aud Pongah is apparently about its southern limit. One very interesting Den- drobium I saw in a garden which I was most anxious to get, but the owner would not part with it ; he however, gave some flowers to dry which will, I hope, be sufficient for determination, but I have little doubt it is an undescribed species, On the limestone islands I collected a great number of interesting, and some, I believe, perfectly new plants, among the latter being a Ginger, Balsam, and Arum. " Many plants we observed that it was quite im- possible to get at, but, ou the whole, I made a very satisfactory collection. The Ginger, which I believe to be new, and of which I only saw a single flower, although it had been flowering freely not loDg previously, grows in the chinks of the hardest rocks, where it is impossible to get at the roots without blasting them out. I saw hundreds, but only succeeded in getting about half-a-dozen, three of which 1 have sent to Kew. Of the Balsam, I dried a good series of specimens, and collected a nice lot of seeds, and of the Arum tubers. " lu one place, I saw enormous clumps of Cypripe- diuxn, but quite out of reach, aud also a small grow- ing Aerides (Aerides affiue). For miles round Kasum the virgin forests have all been destroyed by the paddy- planters, and the present vegetation is composed largely of Bamboos, of which three or four species are so abuudaut that they may be said to be the prevailing feature of the vegetation on all the low hills. " A lazier lot of men it would be difficult to find, and the only thing that really livens them up is a cock-fight, then the village turns up like one man I" The Week's Work, PLANTS UNDEB GLASS. By G. H. Matcock, Gardener, Luton Hoo Park, Luton. Celosias and Cockscombs. — Repot these as soon as necessary, and keep them in a position close to the glass in a moderate temperature, and do not permit them to want for water. It is good practice to plunge the pots to the rims in Cocoa-nut fibre i£ the weather be hot. Keep a sharp look-out for thrips and red- spider. Bouvardias.— Preparations should now be made for those intended to be planted out in frames such as those from which early 1'otatos have been dug. Take out some of the old soil, aud replace with a mixture of loam, leaf-mould, and sand. Plants that were cut hard back after flowering will require more apace than the spring-struck cuttings. These latter, however, I prefer to keep in pots all the season. Put out the old plants at 2 feet apart, and shade a little from strong sun until the fresh roots have obtained a hold of the new material. It is of the utmost im- portance that every plant should be clean and free from insects before they are planted out. Syringe the plants frequently. Move on the spring-struck cuttings into 5-inch pots, aud keep in a temperature of 60° by night aud 70° by day, pinching the points to induce a bushy growth. They should be moved on again into 7-inch pots as soon as these are well filled with roots. They may then be placed in a sunny position in cold frames, where they can be kept close to the glass. The lights may be removed altogether about the middle of August. General Work.— Shake out and pot on old stock- plautsof Euphorbia Jacquinamora and E. pulcherrima (Poinsettia) from which cuttings have been taken, and place them in a gentle botton-heat for a few weeks; but wheu it is seen that youug roots have been made, gradually harden off the plant?, and treat them similarly to spring-struck cuttings. Afford shade to Calceolarias in bloom, water the plants with care, and remove alt decaying blooms. A little air may be admitted to the structure by uight and day to prevent damping, and the watering Bhould be done early in the morning. Remove into larger pots all wiuter-blooming plants as soon as they are ready, such as Sericographis, Centropogons, Agathrea ccaleBtis, &c. If the cuttings were struck five or six in each pot, they should be divided before the roots become entangled. Examine young plants of Cyclamen for thrips, and if any are observed, fumigate the plants at once ; inattention in this respect may lead to blindness. A lens is requisite to detect white thrips that may be secreted iu the crowns. Salvias if struck now will flower in small pots, and the old plants may be put out iu the opeu ground to grow into extra-sized specimens. If they be planted in a shallow trench much less labour iu watering will be requisite. Afford copious supples of water to Cannas in pots, and give them weak manure-water once each week. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By W. Pope, Gardener, Higbclere Castle, Newbury. Asparagus.— Apply a good dressing of common salt to beds now produciug heads. If this be applied in dry weather it will help to keep the beds free from weeds without in the least injuring the young tops of Asparagus, and when carried to the roots by rain it becomes a very good manure. If the produce is weak from the beds being overtaxed in previous years, cutting should be discontinued early. Occasional dustings of guano may be applied during showery weather. Mushrooms. — Continue to make up Mushroom-beds in the open as fresh manure is available. A good proportion of strawy-litter should be left with the droppings for these out-of-door beds, but care must be taken that the material be not too dry when used, this being a frequent cause of failure. Should more moisture be desirable, sprinkle well the manure with water, aod throw it into a heap, turning it daily for a few days before making up the bed. Beat or tread this firmly together, and insert the spawn when the temperature is about 75°. Afterwards cover with 2 inches of good garden soil, which should be beaten firmly together with the .spade, and covered with clean straw or mats. Peas.— A good breadth of these may be sown now to come into use in August. At this time of the year it is sometimes advisable to sow in trenches, which will help them to withstand drought when coming into bearing. The manure used should be rich, and tho- roughly decomposed. "Well work this into the bottom of the trench, formed by taking out 1 foot or 15 inches of the surface soil. Return as much soil to the trench as needed, aud tread firmly before sowing the seed. Should there be any likelihood of a break in the supply earlier, sow a row or two of an early variety at the same time as the foregoing, which will tend to lengthen the season of bearing. Earth and stake advancing crops before they are tall enough to be injured by high winds. Hoeing and Cleaning Vegetable Crops. — Use the Dutch-hoe frequently amongst growing crops, for the double purpose of keeping the ground clean, and by a loose surface lessening the amount of evaporation during hot, dry weather. Should any weeds have arrived at the flowering-stage, let them be pulled up, aud taken off the ground before hoeing begins. Iu the case of many weeds, such as Groundsel, Charlock, &c, if the flowers are allowed to open, maDy seeds will mature after the plants are cut off ; therefore, clear them away at once. By a free use of the hoe whilst weeds are young, much labour will be saved, and the soil kept in the best possible condition. Water any newly- planted vegetables that may be suffering from drought, those that may have been turned out of pots beiDg especially liable if neglected in this respect, as the roots require time to penetrate the surrounding soil. Newly-planted Celery requires frequent supplies, and freshly-planted Tomatos at the foot of walls or fences. Remove the lower heads from Rhubarb and Seikale, as these weaken the roots to no purpose. Old plantations of these will be greatly benefited by watering with liquid-manure, more especially the former. Discontinue pulling Rhubarb as soon as possible, or at least from a number of the roots that will be required to furnish produce early next year. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By F. Harris, Gardener, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury. Succession Peaches. — The trees which follow those in the early house will now have passed through the stoning period, and if they are not young trees, and are carrying good crops of fruit, occasional applica- tions of liquid-manure, or failing that some artificial manure, will greatly improve the size and quality of the fruits. Ordinary fish-manuro I find to be very beneficial to Peaches, and if the foliage is lacking iu colour, one or two moderate applications well washod in with tepid water will speedily induce a healthy dark green tint. I first tried it for a few years past on two very old trees in tubs that had been condemned to the rubbish heap but after two dressings the trees so improved that they are now carrying good crops of fruit, aud looking as healthy as any of our young trees. If the fruit has not been exposed to the light and sun, it should be done at once, and all shoots not required for next year, and that are not bearing fruit, should be removed, thereby giving next year's bearing wood a better chance to ripen well. Use the syriuge frequently, especially iu the afternoon at closing time, to prevent red-spider getting a footing. The house may now be closed a little later as the sun is likely to be powerful, and Peaches are impatient of a high temperature. If the temperature shows signs of rising above 85°, a little top-air should be left on for half an hour. I firmly believe that a high tempera- ture is sometimes the cause of Peaches aud Nectarines casting their fruits. Late Bouses. — Trees that have been retarded as much as possible will have set their fruits ere this, and usually in these houses there is a very heavy set ; therefore no time should be lost before thinning is commenced, otherwise a needless strain will be laid upon the trees. Disbud the shoots gradually, and at the same time rub off all the small and deformed fruit, leaving two or three which are in the best position on each shoot. In a few days afterwards, when it can be seen for certain which fruits are taking the lead, remove the others, taking care that the crop is as evenly distributed as far as possible over the tree. If it is wished to keep back the trees as much as possible, ventilate the house all night unless there is likely to be froBt or very cold winds. Heel-in the permanent shoots as soon as possible, taking the points out of others not required. If there are any signs of aphis, fumigate lightly on succcsive evenings after the suu has gone down, well syringing the trees early next morning before the sun gets powerful. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Burford, Dorking. Phalamopsis. — Few Orchids equal these in graceful beauty when in bloom, the long arching spikes of such well-known species as P. Schilleriana, P. amabilis (grandiflora), P. Aphrodite, P. Sanderiana, P. Stuartiana, P. intermedia, P. Portei, P. casta, and P. leucorrhoda, produce large spikes of flowers that last in perfection for many successive weeks. Com- ing from some of the hottest regions of the East these plants require the temperature of the East Indian house, or the warm humid atmosphere of the plant-stove. They appear to thrive best when sus- pended close to the roof-glass on the north or shady side of the house, and where they obtain a fair amount of light, but not actual sunshine. Such green-leaved varieties as P. Luddemanniana, P. Marie, P. speciosa, P. tetraspis, P. violacea, P. cornu-cervi, P. sumatrana, P. rosea, P. Micholitzii, P. Manni &c. are very susceptible to injury from strong light at any time, stand them therefore low down upon the stage where they may be overshadowed by taller- growing species. The semi-terrestrial P. Esmeralda grows freely when suspended to the roof, and the same remarks apply to the deciduous P. Lowii. At this season, the majority of these plants have passed their flowering period, and have commenced to make fresh leaves and roots, therefore if any of the plants require to be top-dressed or repotted, this may be done. It is not good practice to rebasket the plants every year, as they dislike to have their roots detached 1897. J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 335 from substances they may be clinging to, but tboy will remain healthy in the same baskets for sevoral years, providing the Teak-wood does not decay. Those plants that are in a healthy condition, well rooted, and have sufficient room for further development, should be relieved as much as possible of the old moss, which should be replaced with new material. Plants that require such attention should be placed at one end of the house, and allowed to become somewhat dry. In the case of those that require more space, great care is necessary in removing them from the old baskets, as the young roots are very susceptible to injury. Carefully pick out the sphagnum-moss and drainage material, then soak the basket, kc, in tepid water for a minute or so; the roots may then be easily detached from the wood with a sharp, thin- bladed pen-knife. It is important that new teak-baskets be used, as the young roots attach themselves more readily and firmer to new wood than to old. In transplanting the plant into the new basket, care- fully arrange the roots around the teak rods, and keep the collar of the plant a trifle above the top rod. Then proceed to fill the basket to three-fourths of its depth with clean broken crocks. The remaining space around the base of the plant should be filled with living sphagnum- moss, mixing some small crocks with it to assist drainage. This is very important, because if the roots are buried in a solid heap of moss, which may become saturated, they will quickly decay. Weakly plants, having few or no roots, should be placed in small Orchid-pans, and suspended from the roof. When they are in better condition, they may bo transferred to baskets again. After top- dressing or re-basketing, very little water is necessary. On no account should the plants be saturated by the usual dipping, it being safer to sprinkle the moss on the surface and around the sides of the baskets with tepid rain-water, applied through a fine rose watering-can. Afford no more water than is necessary to keep the surface-sphagnum alive, and prevent water getting into the centre of the growths. In houses where the atmosphere is nearly always at saturation point, insect pests rarely attack Phala:- nopsis; but where the house is naturally dry, thrips multiply with great rapidity, and quickly disfigure the handsome foliage. Periodical fumigation with the XL All vaporiser is an efficacious remedy ; and good results may be obtained by washing the leaves occa- sionally with a soft sponge and clean rain-water. For a month or two look carefully over the plants at night for slugs. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By Charles Herrin, Gardoner, Dropmore, Maidenhead. Bedding A rrangemenle. — In warm districts, the bedding-out of the less tender plants may now be com- menced. If the flower-beds contain no spring-flower- ing plants, hardy edgings may be put out, and the ground-work of any carpet or other bedding design it is intended to use. A more pleasing style than carpet-bedding, however, is now prevalent, and plants of somewhat hardier and less formal characteristics are used. As these notes are written the weather is anything but genial, frosts occur almost each night, and by day a cold northerly wind and little sunshine is pre- sent. No tender plants should, in such circumstances, be exposed until a change takes place. Even in the case of Pelargoniums that have been hardened-off for some time in cold pits and frames, it will not be advisable to plant in such inclement weather, unless some tem- porary shelter can be provided on frosty nights. Where Sedums, Echeverias, and such-like, are used for edgings to beds on grass, the Sedums may be pulled into pieces, selected and re-planted after the edges have been prepared by adding a little new soil. The variegated grass — Dactylis glomerata variegata — makes a capital edging-plant, and is perfectly hardy. Old clumps, if lifted now, and pulled into small pieces, will make nice plants in a few weeks, and form a suitable edging to beds of scarlet or pink Pelargoniums. Summer-flowering Violas, where used in mixture with Pelargoniums, or as a ground-work for a mixed bed, thrive best when planted early ; but if they are not already planted, let this be done at once. The dark purple Viola , Archie Grant, associated with the variegated-leaved Lady Plymouth Pelar- gonium, is an effective arrangement; and a white- flowering Viola, as Mrs. Gray, may be used in conjunction with West Brighton Gem, or Vesuvius scarlet-flowered Pelargonium. Where a taller and mixed bedding arrangement is possible, Fuchsias are admirable subjects ; and if plants have been grown on as advised in early Calendars, they will now bo strong plants, 4 to 5 feet in height, and well adapted for this purpose Fuchsias such as these, dotted over large bed?, with a carpeting of Violas, and inter- spersed with tuberous Begonias, 18 inches to 2 feet high, togethor with a suitable edging, make a pleasing arrangement. As examples, I may give the follow- ing :i — Fuchsia Madame Cornillison, and crimson or red-flowered tuberous Begonias, on a ground-work of Viola Bluebell, and edged with the golden-leaved Lysimachia Nummularia ; Fuchsias, Mrs. Marshall, 4 to 5 feet high, bed carpeted with Viola Bluebell ; Begonia semperflorons, Duchess of York, \h foot, edged with a good band of the trailing Fuchsia Meteor ; dark Heliotrope r lorence Nightingale, 4 to 5 feet, with a scattered undergrowth of Nicotiana affinis and scarlet-flowered Pelargoniums to half the height (about 2 feet) ; ground-work, Alternanthera magnifica, with an edgiug of Mesembryanthemum cordifolium variegatum. Herbaceous Borders.— Varieties of Piconia moutau in sheltered positions are now in flower, but the severe frosts, after they were well into bud, destroyed many shoots, the flower-stems completely shrivelling up. The early simple herbaceous varieties suffered to a less extent. Later-flowering varieties may be relieved of some of the small flower-buds if large blooms are desired ; if not, these back buds open later, and so form a slight succession, although the flowers are smaller. A good soaking of liquid- manure is of much assistance to established clumps of these Paionios. Delphiniums in variety should be staked and tied before they become long enough to fall over, and so grow out of shape ; when this occurs, they cannot be easily tied erect again. Other subjects requiring short stakes and ties are Oriental Poppies, Asphodelus albus, Sweet RocketB, &c. During the present dry weather, keep all borders well hoed over. The past week, although cold, has been very favourable for hoeing and cleaning. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. ByH. W. Warp, Rayleigh, Essex. Training the Young Growths of Wall- Trees.— The training of young growths of wall-trees requires almost daily attention during the present and four following months. The terminal growths of leading shoots should be secured in position on the wall by means of nails and shreds, unless the wall is wired, laying-in side or lateral growths between each pair of branches with Birch or Hazel twigs. In the case of walls provided with a series of wires, fixed either horizontally or vertically at distauces of 6 inches from each other, small bands of raffia or bast are employed for the same purpose. Twist the matting once round the wire to prevent its shifting from the desired position before tying the individual growths thereto, being careful to leave ample room in the ligature for the free expansion of the shoots. Peach and Morello Cherry trees, owing to the multitude of young growths, require prompt and frequent attention during the period of growth, the treatment being identical in each case. A suffi- cient number of the current year's growths being laid in for produciug fruit next year, all surplus shoots, together with fore-right growths, being kept per- sistently pinched (and in some cases rubbed off) to within one joint of their origin. Very strong growths Bhould be cut back to the lowest lateral or removed in order to direct the flow of sap into the weaker ones. Apricot, Plum, and Pear trees require the same kind of treatment as regards the training of young growths at regular intervals over the available wallspace, and tho pinching of the same in the manner and for the purpose described above. Insect Attacks.— Care should be exercised to keep all kinds of fruit trees free from the attacks of aphis and red-spider, and of mildew ; and where these unde- sirable visitors have effected a lodgment on the young growths, prompt and effective remedial measures must be taken to dislodge them. w difficult of dislodgement is the blacl almost confines its vigorous and persistent attacks to the young growths of Cherry-trees. I have some- times found it necessary to dip growths thus attacked in saucers coutaintng a solution of the "XL All Insecticide" (in the proportion of oue part to thirty of water), or tobacco juice and water at the rate of one quart of the former to four gallons of the latter. The XL All Insecticide applied as above to Peach- trees affected with either greenfly or red-spider will have the desired effect. However, tho aim of the cultivator should be to keep his trees— especially wall-trees— clean and healthy by a vigorous, timely, and well-directed use being made of clean water applied to tho trees by the hand gardon-engiue or syringe, in addition to keeping the soil about the roots uniformly moist, but should this fail in secur- ing the desired result, recourse must then be had to insecticides. THE APIARY. By Expert. Feeding in the Open. — When the apiary has grown to a size that the stocks may be counted by the hundred, the bee-keeper has to get through his work speedily, and outside spring feeding works admirably, espe cially where time is a consideration. With the food- dish placed in a suitable spot, it is only necessary to pour in the supply on every fine day, when the bees will be found eagerly waiting for it. This occupies but a few minutes daily, and there is no danger of damage, which sometimes occurs from uncovering the brood nest to its detriment ; nor is there any fear of mischief happening, as it may with the ordi- nary spring stimulating feeder of the bottle and stage pattern, such as allows the syrup to run down amongst the combs and partly drowns the bees. Any person, if once shown the right way, can give a supply of food outside ; and even where but few hives are kept (provided tlioy are isolated from other stocks in the district) the plan of open-air feeding has much to recommend it. Those who have not given this system a trial, and who may desire to do so, should observe the following rules, viz. : (1) Place the syrup dish in some sheltered warm spot, 30 or 40 yards away from any of the hives, and provide in it for a float some spent Tea leaves or cut straw. (2) Put into an earthenware crock or other dish some granulated sugar ; pour over it some boiling water, stirring till all is melted. This liquid must be much thinner than the ordinary syrup used for autumn- feeding ; it should be similar to doubly-sweetened tea. (3) About u a.m. on any fine day pour into the food dish a supply of the syrup— 1 lb. of sugar daily, to, say, eight or ten stocks, will he enough for stimulating purposes. (4) Ou dull, cloudy, or wet days the supply should be stopped ; but even theu, if the weather is not of a nature to chill the bees, some tem- porary cover may be placed over the dish, so that they can feed in safety. I always medicate the spring food given outside with salicyle acid solutiou. The question of the foundation will, no doubt, be in some bee-keeper's minds. I have received enquiries as to which I consider the best. I have no wish to vaunt one maker over the other, but I can speak as I find, and when I am asked, " Do you like the ' Weed ' foundation?" I say, "Yes, I have tried the 'Weed' last Feason, and liked it very well." I also consider the bees reduced the " system " more in the "Weed " than in that of ordinary make. This season I hope to decide the matter for myself by further trills. I also hope to give the new deep-celled foun- dation a trial, if any is procurable. Our American brethren are still actively engaged in perfecting a foundation with deeper cells and thinner bases. Adulterating Honey.— Out friends abroad are pro- gressing in the framing and passing of anti-adultera- tion Acts, heavy penalties being imposed for selling honey adulterated with any other substnuce, even though the admixture may not be detrimental as food. We in this country want something of the kind to restrain tho hand of the spurious honey- maker. Assisting Increase in Stock— Comparatively few persons are aware how much may be done by way of assisting stocks of bees to increase in numbers iu such a season as the preseut one. It is quite a com- mon occurreuco to find six or seven combs of brood m strong hives at the middle of April, and only three or four combs so occupied in the second week of May if such stocks are left to themselves, whereas if they had been " nursed " without disturbing them, fed slowly and continuously, and kept warmly wrapped , with entrances narrowed in cold and opened wide ,u warm weather, breeding would have been main- tained all along instead of dropping off because of the failure of income, as it so often does. The point is u. The most i the black-fly, which to keep brood nests supplied with food enough and no more, till supering-time comes round. It any honey at all is to be had outside, one hole of tho feeder will suffice, but should the bees i be kept indoors by stress of weather, three holes may be used ; thus, by keeping up a continuous supply ol warm' food, populations are increased by thousands daily, and little inducement is needed to make them enter surplus chambers and deposit therein all the honey gathered. Wo do not suppose that much supering will be required before tho third week in May, except in somo such spots as one we kuow of where about 500 acres of ground are devoted to Strawberry and fruit culture. Iu such favoured bed- ground, somo May sections will be poasible, but they will be scarce this year. 336 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Mat 22, 1897. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER. Local News. —Correspondents will grtatly oblige by sending to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists. Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. SATURDAY, May 22— Royal Botanic Society, Meeting. (Temple Show of the Royal Horti- WEDN'EsDlY M.v»ii' cultural Society (3 days). ncuAciuii, MH-.6, Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Insti- ^ tution (Annual Dinner). FRIDAY, May 2S-Eoyal Botanic Society, Lecture. SALES. (Special Sale of Orchids in Flower TUESPAY, May 2i and Bud, at Protheroe & Morris' V Rooms. Lilies, Geraniums, Greenhouse Plants, Carnations, Herbaceous Plants in variety, 4c. , at Pro- t. theroe &- Morris' Rooms. WEUNESDAY, M iv 2G.J Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from Observations of Forty-three years, at Chiswick. — &67°. Actual Temperatures : — London.— May 19 : Max., 67° ; M£n., 44°. Provinces.- May 19 (6* p.m.) : Max., 64°, Hurst Castle ; Mio., 44", Shields. We hear a good deal about pro- BaForVwa^ds.and gvessive evolution now-a-days, and it suits our complacency to dwell upon it. We look back to the days of our forefathers, and plume ourselves that we live in times when Palms and Pine- apples are said on costermongers' barrows, and when many things once unheard of, or only as the luxuries of the wealthy, are now in common use. So far good, there has been marked pro- gress in gardening as in everything else. But it is as well to recollect that reversion may and does occur as well as progress, and, therefore, that it behoves us, whether " practical " men or students, to ascertain so far as we are able the influences at work which will result in improvement, and those which, if unchecked, will tend to deterioration. Two articles in our last and present numbers illustrate very aptly the state of affairs. On the one hand, we have the Directorof Kew tracing, with the aid of speci- mens furnished by Messrs. Sutton, the progres- sive development of the Cyclamen ; and, on the other, we have Mr. Francis Galton asking, for scientific purposes, what plants it would be most suitable to observe, and how to manage them, so as to bring about, in the shortest and most complete manner, the reversion to the primitive condition ? We learn as much or more from our failures as from our successes, and on this principle we shall profit by the practical demonstration of the causes which lead to degeneration. Thus, an investigation which seems at first to be of a purely abstract character, is soon seen to be eminently practical. Change of circumstances is followed by alterations in structure and appearance — this is what might have been expected ; but there are other and very-marked variations which occur without, so far as we know, any corre- spondingly marked changes in the environment. In the progressive development of the Cycla- men, for instance, there has been no change of treatment sufficiently great to account for the great variety that has ensued. A change presents itself, the quick eye of the cultivator notes it, favours its development, not so much by any active measures of his own, as by pro- tecting it from injurious agencies and harmful competition. The nascent variation is thus allowed free play, and in this way the gardener is said to exercise selection. The cultivator cannot, however, create the variation, although he can and does control the circumstances which lead to its subsequent progress. Cross-breeding and hybridisation are, of course, potent sources of change. It is said of the Cyclamen, that it is close-fertilised, that it has never been 'crossed by any other species. That may be so, but the term close-fertilisation is in this case not necessarily used in an abso- lute sense. It may happen that the pollen of a particular flower is applied to the stigma of the same flower, but more often it is the pollen from another flower of the same plant that is employed, or from a flower of another plant of the same strain or race. There [are, therefore, various degrees of cross-breeding, and no one can demonstrate where cross-breeding ends and hybridisation begins. Some amount of cross- breeding may be expected even in the Cycla- men, but how far that amount is responsible for the changes that are manifest no one can say. When we have allowed for changes of circum- stance and ' cross-breeding in* various degrees, there yet remains much variation, which, so far as we see, is not due to either of the causes we have mentioned. We call it spontaneous, innate, hereditary, a reversion, a property of protoplasm, and so, no doubt, it may be ; but we must not allow these didactic expressions to conceal the fact that we are in reality ignorant, and that it behoves us in every way we can to lessen that ignorance. This is what Mr. Galton proposes to attempt in his experiment. He wants to breed back to the original form, and to ascertain by what stages and in what time the retrogression can^be effected. A hardy annual is to be preferred, and one which has a well-marked variety — as, for instance, when the type has glabrous leaves, and the variety hairy ones, or one in which the variety is of dwarfer habit than the type. From this point of view, some of the Sweet Peas seem to us adapted for the purpose, as the wild original plant still exists in Sicily. Dwarf and Eunner-Beans might also be employed, but their parentage is not so definitely known. The China Aster is another good plant for experiment. The soil to be employed should be a light one, that is, one that is not rich in nutritive matter — a poor sand, or a sandy-loam to begin with — -and employing in each generation a soil proportionately poorer, but not so destitute of food as seriously to affect the health of the plant. The water to be applied would of course be carefully measured, and the quantity allotted would depend on the character of the season. By some such process of reduced nutrition and successive retrograde selection, that is] by continuously selecting the worst forms instead of the best, Mr. Galton would undoubtedly get something different from that which he started with, but we suspect it would be a depauperated form rather than a representative of the original type. This is precisely the point to be determined ; and if any of our readers can furnish hints for the prosecution of the experiment to Mr. Gai/ton, they will be oblig- ing him and furthering the cause of scientific horticulture. In spite of what may be advanced Carpet Bedding, against this system of garden decoration, on the score of inap- propriateness and bad taste, it is certain that it hits the taste of the masses, and that it confers great pleasure to thousands who do not appre- ciate plants for their own sakes, but only as a display of colour or as parts of a design. It is certain, too, that a well-designed bed, which would be terribly out of place in a garden, or even in a park, when placed in a central situation in a town-square or before a railway station, or amid architectural surroundings, is not always so inharmonious and offensive as might be antici- pated. Our continental friends indulge in these strange devices to a larger extent than we do, and however much we may dislike them as a rule, it would be affectation to deny their effec- tiveness in certain cases. Many are silly, glaring, and little better than outrages on taste. The worst specimens we have heard of are some in the United States. Still, it is not necessary they should be inharmonious and repellent ; in the hands of a true artist they are capable of being rendered valuable object-lessons and things of beauty. For those who have to construct these beds, and are at a loss how to carry out the woik and what plants to select, we may call attention to the second edition of a book by Herr Karl Gotze. It is entitled Album fur Teppich- gartnerei und Griippenbepflaiizuny, or album for carpet- bedding and arrangement of ornamental plants. The fact that it is written in German by no means precludes its use by those not familiar with that language. In the first place, there are nearly 300 plans and 366 engravings, all of which are intelligible to gardeners of any nationality. Then there are copious lists of plants, arranged according to the use to which they may be put. These lists are very service- able, and they afford an excellent illustration of the desirability of the use of Latin, rather than of vernacular names. As it is, the names are as intelligible as the pictures themselves ; andneitherEussiannorTurkneedexperienceany more difficulty in the matter than the Germans, for whom the work is primarily written. In order further to make the work useful to gardeners, a short garden dictionary is appended, giving the explanation of gardening terms used in Germany, France, England, Italy, and Holland. We have, therefore, no hesitation in recommending this volume to those of our readers interested in this kind of work, as they will find in it a larger number and a greater diversity of plans and illustrations than in any work of the kind that we know of. It may be had from Herr Ludwig MOllek, of Erfurt, or from any foreign bookseller at the cost of a few shillings. ARISTOLOCHIA GOLDIEANA. — One of the most extraordinary flowers now in bloom ia the Victoria- house, Kew, is this "West African species. Our illustra- tion (fig. 116, p. 337) is about half the real size. The flower is naturally pendulous, or nearly so, the lower part of the tube is irregularly cylindrical, cream- coloured, smooth, and bent upwards nearly at a right angle into a funnel-shaped upper half. This part of the tube is marked with prominent purple ribs ; and expands into a bowl-shaped three-lobed limb, stroogly marked with purplish ribs, the three lobes prolonged into acuminate points ; the interior of the bowl is yellowish, thickly marbled with velvety pur- plish-brown spots. The entire flower is aa large as one's hat, and very striking in appearance, just one of those interesting plants which the Floral Com- mittee wou'd pass over aa of no commercial value ! Although in point of size, form, and colour, it is very attractive, we cannot say so much for the odour, 337 338 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Mat 22, 1807. which is repulsive, though Iosb so than in some other Bpecies. The plant has flowered previously in the Glasgow Botanic Garden and at Kew, but is so extraordinary and so rarely seen, that we need not apologise for repeating the illustration. The Temple Show. -For the tenth time the Royal Horticultural Society will hold its annual flower show in the Inner Temple Gardens on May 26, 27, and 28. There ia sure to be a grand display, judging from the large number of entries which have been received, and there is reason to believe that some of the exhibitors will show something original in the modes of displaying their plants. The judges will meet in the secretary's tent at 10.30 a.m. ; the Fruit, Floral, and Orchid Committees will assemble at 11 A.M., and the show will open to the public at 12.30 p.m. An interesting feature of the catalogue will bo an article on the "Royal Horticultural Society," from the pen of the President, Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart. Owing to the great pressure upon the society's officials, plants for certificate cannot be entered on the morning of the show. Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, of Swanley. will have a large exhibit of Gloxinias, Cannas, Calceolarias, Begonias, and Regal Pelargoniums. Messrs. J. Veitch k Sons, Chelsea, intend to exhibit novelties from Japan, very fino Caladiums, Streptocarpus of a beautiful strain, &c. The cultivators of Orchids will come out in strong force, and many fine things may be expected from Sir Trevor Lawrence, Baron Schroder, Messrs. Sandeu k Co., Messrs. Veitch k Sons, and others. We are informed by the Secretary of the Royal Horti- cultural Society that Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales has signified her intention to visit the show. H.R.H. The Prince of Wales, who has recently visited Cheltenham, accepted, on behalf of tho Princess of Wales, a basket of choice Orchid blooms, preseuted to His Royal Highness personally by Mr. J. Cypher, of the Queen's Road Nurseries. The basket contained excellent spikes of Odonto- glossums crispum, triumphans, and cirrosum, Cattleya Mondeli, Laolia purpurata, Cypripediums Rothschildianum and grande, and Oncidium-obrysa- tum majus, &c. The presentation took place at the railway station, and the Prince graciously informed Mr. Cypher that he thought the blooms very beau- tiful, and that he should have pleasure in conveying them home. The Royal Society. — Among tho fifteen selected candidates for election this year we find the names of Mr. U.J. Elwes and Mr. G. R. M. Murray, tho head of the botanical department of the British Museum, South Kensington. Horticultural Club.— The usual monthly dinner and conversazione took place on Tuesday, 11th inst. , the chair being occupied by Sir J. T. D. Llewelyn, Bart., M.P., and there was a good attend- ance of members. A paper was read by Mr. Geo. Paul on the subject of Amaryllis. He entered at some length into their history and method of cultivation ; he questioned whether a mistake had not been made in endeavouring to get the broad form of flower instead of the long tubular form of Lilium longi- florum, and thought perhaps something might stdl be done in that direction. Their slowness of increase militated against their more general cultivation. An interesting discussion followed, in which many of the members present participated ; considerable surprise was evinced at the statement of the secretary, that he had had the hybrids of A. vittata raised by the late M. Souchet growing and flowering in the open air for the last twelvemonths ; they were planted in the same situation as Amaryllis belladonna, i.e., in a border in the front of a greenhouse facing south, and passed through the severe winters which we have had of late without injury. A cordial vote of thanks was proposed by Sir John Llewelyn to Mr. Paul for his valuable and interesting paper, and was carried with acclamation. Ghent Quinquennial.— Oh ! how soon the years fly past ! On our table lies the programme for the next quinquennial exhibition at Ghent in April next. Seven hundred and sixteen classes are enu- merated. New plants, Palms, Orchids, Aroids, Cycads, Tree Ferns, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, &c, are among tho principal objects of competition. Gardeners* Royal Benevolent Institu- tion.— "We are requested to state that the fifty -eighth anniversary festival dinner in aid of the funds of this Institution will take place on Wednesday, May 26, at 6.30 for 7 P.M. (the first day of the Temple Flower Show), at the Hotel Metropole, under the presidency of the Right Hon. Lord Rothschild. As a large gathering is expected on this occasion, the Secretary. Geo. J. Ingram, f>0, Parliament Street, London, S.W., will be greatly obliged if those friends who desire to be present will intimate their intention to him as early as possible, in order that the necessary arrangements may be made. The Surveyors' Institution.— The Annual General Meetmg of the Institution, to receive tho Report of t.ho Council, and the announcement of the result of the election of officers for the ensuing year, will be held on Monday,' May 31, 1897, at 3 o'clock. The prizes awarded to successful candi- dates, in connection with tho recent preliminary and professional examinations and junior meetings, will be presented by the presideut at the Annual General Meeting. Victorian Era Fund.— Mr. R. G. Waterman, Secretary and Treasurer to the Gardeners' Mutual Improvement Society, Woolton, Liverpool, writes: — Might I be allowed to state as a suggestion for the above what my committee purpose doing. The com- mittee of the Liverpool Horticultural Association have placed at our disposal tabling^at their summer show, July 31 and August 2, at Sefton Park, where we hope to arrange an attractive exhibit of plants, fruits, flowers, &c. The proceeds to bo devoted to the above deserving fund. This appears a simple means of raising a considerable amount if adopted throughout the country, especially near large towns, where flowers, &c., readily obtain purchasers. Exhi- bitors and other persons interested would willingly supply the necessaries, and this is especially applicable to Rose shows. If the committees of the societies are unable to make the necessary arrangements, the management could be handed over (as in this case) to some other society, or a few willing helpers. THE COWTHORPE Oak.— Two young Oak trees were planted on Tuesday afternoon, the 11th inst, at Cowthorpe, near Wetherby, to commemorate the celebrated tree [figured in Qardeners' Chronicle, January 19, 1895, p. 73. Ed.], which stands there still, but is greatly decayed, and may not endure much longer. The old tree is of great girth, measuring more than 50 feet at 3 feet from the ground, and is probably the thickest Oak in the world. The young Oaks were raised from Acorns taken from the old tree by Mr. John Clayton, of Bradford, in 1893. The late Mr. Montagu, of Ingmanthorpe, approved of this method of perpetuating the memory of the wonderful tree, and kindly agreed to it before his death. At the ceremony of planting tho trees, there were present Mr. Clayton of Bradford, Messrs. Farrah & Millward of Harrowgato, Mr. Cass of Cowthorpe, aud others. The Thermograph at the Berlin Exhi- bition.— In his prospectus, the exhibitor, Mr. Otto Bohne, Berlin, S. Prinzenstr., 90, says: — " The thermograph is a new instrument, registering the changes of temperature. Its appliance in various kinds of business has proved most successful, being also adapted to secure a constant and sure control ever the heating of stoves, &c, and to furnish proof of any negligence which may have occurred at any time." The instrument may be connected with an electric bell, so that when the temperature is reaching maximum or minimum an alarm will be caused, no matter how great the distance of the instrument. No doubt for scientific experiments it will prove to be of great value. Its cost is £6. Bchnick, "Cottage Gardening."— The ninth volume of this very inexpensive publication is before us. Each . number costs but one halfpenny, and contains eighteen or more columns, and two or three illustrations. It is published weekly by Messrs. Cassell, and is edited by Mr. W. Robinson. Cyclamen latifolium (persicum, Sort.). On the 22nd of last month, MM. Vilmorin Andrieux et Cie. are reported to have exhibited before the National Horticultural Society of France the wild form of Cyclamen, showing the degree of perfection attained in modern developments. FLOWERS IN SEASON. — We have received several plants of Myosotis alpestris gracilis from Mr. F. C. Heinemann, seed-grower, Erfurt, Germany, a variety not much known in this country. The plant is of neat, dwarf, compact habit, well fitting it for market- work, dividing-lines and edgings to beds of other spring-flowering plants, table and room decorations, and other uses. The flowers are pale blue, small, and numerously produced. The plants sent had been lifted from the open ground, and potted, and sent off at once, travelling in capital conditiou to Loudon. The Royal Caledonian Horticultural SOCIETY has resolved to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee year in several ways in connection with its autumn show to be held on September 8 and 9 next. In the class for the most tastefully-decorated table of dessert fruit, a Veitch Memorial Medal will accompany the first prize of twenty guineas, and the second and third prizes will each include a Victoria Jubilee Medal. Similar Medals will be awarded with the prizes for the best groups of miscellaneous plants arranged for effect, the money prizes being exactly similar in value to those in the fruit classes. The exhibitor of tho best-arranged table of various cut flowers will be awarded ten guineas and a Jubilee Medal ; and the second and third prizes will also include such medals, but of differing value. A class in the vegetable section will be distinguished in pre- cisely a similar mauner. Furthermore, the Council has decided that after the expenses of the show have been defrayed, the surplus funds shall be devoted to charitable purposes directly connected with horti- culture. We anticipate the show will be a very fine one. The Alpine-house at Kew is now full of beau- tiful and interesting plants from the Falkland Islamls, as well as from regions nearer home, such as Geuin parviflorum, a little gem, with prostrate habit, small circular rugose leaves, and pure white flowers ; Oxalis enneaphylla, from the same region, with nine glaucescent leaflets folding one over the other, and relatively large white flowers, is very attractive ; Ranunculus trilobus, various Amlrosaces, Ramondias, Haberlea rhodopensis, Cassiope fastigiata, Campanula thyrsoidca, Arum albispathum, and various Saxifrages are among the plants we noticed in a hurried walk through. We strongly advise plant-lovers to pay an early visit. The Queen's Reign.— Mr. Henry Rtimsbt Cannell, M.S..A, is to give a lecture, exhibiting tinder-box, flint, and steel, showing the old-fashioned mode of producing firo, explaining numerous altera- tions and events that have occurred ; also the rise and progress of the people, and of the country. The proceeds are to be handed over to the Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund, of which H.R.H, the Princess of Wales is a patroness, his Grace the Duke of Bedford President, and Mr. H. Cannell one of the founders. Seventy children are at this moment receiving 5s. per week from the Association. Tickets, 6d„ 3d., and Id. each. ORCHIS MORI©.— Mr. Engleheart writes: "I send you a small gathering of Orchis morio, that you may see how very pretty it is in some of its varieties. The pure white is fairly common in our pastures, the decidedly pink less so. It is curious that out of a very large number of spikes which I gathered over a considerable stretch of ground on Sunday last, every one had the pollinia of all its flowers intact, oven spikes somewhat ou the wane. The pollinia which are wanting in the flowers now sent have been withdrawn by myself. Has the moth or other insect which commonly fertilises this Orchis failed to appear here this season ? The May 22, 1897.] THE GARDENERS' CFEONICLE. 339 weather has been sunny by clay, and sufficiently warm at night to keep insects on the wing. In with- drawing the polliuia of 0. morio by a sharp pencil thrust into the flower, I observo that their subse- quent depression is less than in the case of 0. mascula, if Darwin's drawing is accurate (Fertilisation of Orchids, p. 15), i.e., that they remain at a greater angle to the horizon. This means, I suppose, that the stigma of O. morio is higher above the head of an insect entering the flower than it is in 0. mascula." The South African Flora.— A gentleman in the Cape Colouy writes to tell mo he is able to furnish me with seeds of every South African species, and will send me twenty packages of seeds every week. I beg to invite all interested in the very important, enormous, and most beautiful flora of South Africa to commu- nicate with me on the subject immediately after reading this. M. Bui/sman, Middelburg, Holland. DlCTIONNAIRE ICONOGRAPHIQUE DES OR- CHIOEES. — A new issue of these useful illustrations of Orchids, accompanied by the little Chronique Orehide'enne, has reached us, and found to be of equal importance to its predecessors. The genus Cologyne is commenced by the usual scientific description and table of essential characters, and plates of C. cristata and C. cristata alba given. Most of tho other species illustrated are of the ordiuary showy kiud, the only one specially interesting botauically being Lycasto 1 sioglossa, a species not often seen in gardens. The others well illustrated are Odontoglossum Rossii inajus and its variety rubescens ; Cattloya Triaaan aud its variety alba ; Deudrobium Wardianum, and D. W. album ; Cypripedium Godsenianutn var. Jupitei ; and C. Spicerianum and C. S. magnificum, neither of which by tiie way can the artist be accused of having "overdone." SPRING - GARDENING AT BELVOIE CASTLE. Tan woods around this famous place were fast putting on their spring mantle of greenery, and the beautiful gardens, unique of their kind iu Great Britain, were looking their best, when after a lapse of eleven years we again visited it. The genial guiding-spirit of the place, aud part- creator of the woodland-gardens, William Ingram is, alas ! no more, and another gardener has taken up his onerous duties. If to Ingram much of the initiative in regard to the improvements at Belvoir is .justly due, wo must concede to the present head-gardener, Mr. W. H. Divers, the carrying out of much needed improve- ments in the management of the gardens, the vineries, pits, and plant-houses, a greater regard to cleanliness and orderliness, matters of first-class im- portance in any garden, and especially so at Belvoir. Unfortunately the pressure of the times is felt by Duke and peasant alike, aud the inevitable reduction in the garden-staff has tiken place here ; still, it is at the present unaccompanied by any visible effeot in the upkeep of the garden. The Vines, which had been starved at the root, and unskilfully treated at the top, have much im- proved, although their great age might have tempted many a gardener to clear them out, and plant new ones in new borders, so generally unsatisfactory being the attempts made to put new life and vigour into almost dry bones. There is, fortunately or unfortunately, as may be, a reverence at Belvoir for the antique, which extends to many things besides gardens and gardening, and the prcFent Duke of Rutland being in favour of tho retention of the old gnarled Viues, they are making fairly strong wood, substantial leaves, and shapely bunches of medium size in all of the vineries. Mr. Divers, in improving the Vines, has relied upon frequent dressings of artificial manure, the securing of good drainage and applications of rich pasture loam and crushed bones. Very early Grapes are not wanted, so that the Vines are not distressed by hard forcing. The area of 7 acres forming the vegetable garden was dug or trenched in every part, and numerous new crops were becoming visible, and old onos in process of being cleared off tlio land. This vegetable- garden, with its unusually high wall, rounded angles, and ornamental entrances, is, as all visitors to Belvoir know, a fine feature of the placo. The walks, or rather roads, are of great width, the central one being not less than 20 feet, the side ones 12 feet. All are edged with Box, the formidable task of relaying which was recently completed. Fruit trees of various kinds, dimensions, aud ages, clothe the walls in faultless examples, of which, with the exception of young ones of recent plant- ing, were loaded with bloom in the case of the Pears, and with fruits iu that of the stone- fruits. It is a work requiring much labour to cover and uncover daily the great area of wall planted with such kinds as need protection in the spring, aud a i-iinple plan is adopted, namely, to fasten " Frigi Domo " or close netting to the top of the wall, then place smooth quarterings under the coping and ex- tending some 4 feet from tho base, and sufficiently closo together to prevent the material touching tho face of the wall. The curtain is lowered and raised iu great lengths by a man or two working from a ladder at the opposite side, or standing on the wide coping of the wall, and secured when not in use at the top — no rollers, rings, 'cords, and pulleys being employed. Iu consequence of the great number of spring- floweriug plants employed iu the various parterres round tho castle, aud tho necessity of having two-year- old plants in the case of Polyanthuses, Alyssum mari- timum, Arabis sempervirens, Heuchera sanguinea, &c, and of dividing aud planting out many other species to grow into serviceable stock for putting in the beds in the autumn, a considerable area of the vegotablo garden is occupied with these spring bed- ders. An acre or more immediately in front of the vineries in this garden is likewise planted with peren- nials and bulbs, and the collection is particularly rich in species and varieties. These plants are arranged in long oblong beds, with Box edgings, and narrow walks of gravel between. Immense lots of Narcissus aud Violets are grown, the former for cutting and plant- ing in the grass and the beds, and the latter for putting iu the beds only. Those who have visited Belvoir may skip the next few sentences. The site of the present structure on the top of an abrupt hill, once difficult of access on all sides, but now connected with the range of hills of which it formed an outlying spur by a wide and naturally- efiected embankment, is about 470 feet above sea- level, and 250 feet above the level of the kitchen garden. From the terrace and wiudows of the castle beautiful and very extensive views, north and east- ward—so far, indeed, as Lincoln and Newark, are obtained. From the earliest times it was selected as a place of strength, British, Roman, Saxon, and Norman having held it in turn as a fortified position, dominating a wide stretch of fertile country ; and during the civil war, being held for the king, it with- stood a siege of some duration, and only capitulated on being bombarded by a mortar brought for the purpose from Reading by the parliamentary troops. On the north-eist the ground is very steep, but it has been rendered easy of management as grass land by three wide and bare terraces : and on otber sides also, excepting that those are furnished with narrow winding walks and ancient specimens of Oak, that do well here on tho tenacious marly soil, common Yew, Portugal Laurel, and a wealth of exotic flowering shrubs. Nothing that is ancient is to be found ou the exterior of the castle, and inside there is but little, if we except a portion of the cellars. The present structure dates from the second decade o£ the present century, and was greatly injured by fire in 1816 when approaching completion, many valuable pictures, tapestry, books, &c , being destroyed, the loss of which was irremediable. This portion was soon rebuilt by the then possessor, but being constructed of a d ffereut kind of stone, it is easily distinguished from the other portion. Close to the castle itself no gardening of any kind is attempted, if we omit a narrow strip on a biistion enclosed with a low embattleuieuted wall on this side overlooking tho woods and pleasauuee. This small garden was furnished at the time of our vi-it with a mixture of bulbs and spring- flowering subjects, the beds being bordered with ancient Box edging 1 foot high and broad, tho middle of which had been cut out, thus forming, as it we e, a double line. Tho reason for this being done by Ingrain might be found in the death of the central portion from old age. The position is a warm one, and veget ,tion was very forward, Roses of various kinds being already in flower, and a couple of big specimens of Magnolia Soulangcana formed shoots of white and lilac- cjlourcd flowers. Amongst others on the higher wall of the bastion the fol- lowing were remarked :— Several Figs, Rosa Banksia?, which blooms abundantly, and is never cut by frost ; R. simpli- cifolia, R. oloire de Dijon, Catherine Mermet, Marechal Niel, Homers, and others ; besides Chimonanthus fragrans, whose blooms fill the air with fragrance in late winter. Of Jasmines, J. nudiflorum, flowering for tue second time this year ; Lonicora Standishi, with flowers deliriously fragrant for a great part of tho yenr, never producing many blooms, how- ever, open at any one time ; the highly ornamental Cali- fomian May-bush, Photinia arbutifolia, the young leaves and shoots of which arc of a rich reddish-brown at this season, and the flowers white, coming in panicles ; Crataegus pyra- cantha; Ivies in much variety; Clematis ; Ceanothus in variety, including the hardy C. azureus ; Pyrus coccinea, and others ; Muhlenbeckia confusa, a graceful, dwarf- creeping plant with orbicular leaves, and black shining stems ; and A?ara microphylla, an excellent plant for clothing a wall with bright shining green foliage. On the slope at the foot of the outer wall of this outwork of the castle there grow, in tho shelter of big Yew trees, a rounded specimen of Choisya temata in fine bloom, three of the Spanish Whin about 1 cot wide and 2J feet high, and a small plant of the Wig-bush Rhus Cotinus. By following the walk at tho foot of this slope tho towering side of the castle comes into view, and ;turniug to tho loft at the end of the walk, wo arc all at once brought up by the castle garden. This small parterre, the first reached by anyone coming from the castle at this point, consists of a number of irregular-shaped beds, and some o regular geo- metric outline, a few of which are planted similarly in pairs. We give tho contents of some of these beds as tboy now and will continue to appear for about a fortnight longer. The beds, although differing in the kinds and varieties of the plants used to fill them, icly chiefly for effect on various Aubrietias, Alyssum saxatile, Saxifraga muscoides var. atro- purpurea, Tulips, Pansies, and Primula polyanthus. A big oval bed was planted with the rich-coloured AubrietJa Leichtlini as an edging one foot wide, the next lino being Voitch's strain of Primula polyanthus, followed by a row of Tulip Kcizer's Kroon, intermixed with Megasea oordifolia purpurea, and the central area with some dark red-brown kind of Wallflower. As an example of an- other kind of planting, a narrow oval with high sides (2 feet) had an edging of crlmson-flowered Daisy, next came tho whito variety of Myosotis dissitiflora— a capital subject whero a low white flowered plant is a desideratum; then a row of tho dark purple coloured self-Pansy Admiration, then double red and yellow Tulips, and behind these came Saxifraga crassifolia— behind all was a permanent bordering of Euooy- mus radicans variegata, the central space being fille with what should have been the true Belvoir yellow Wallflower. A circular bed at ono of the corners of this parterre con. taiued Myosotis alpestris Victoria (which is a variety that flowers later than M. dissitiflora) intermixed with some yellow-flowered Tulips bounded by a lino of Primula polyan- thus and yellow Pansies, an edging 1 foot wide of Aubrietia graca giving the desired finish to the whole. The beds we most admired were two of a star shape planted with Phlox amcena, dotted over with white Tulips] bounded by a broad row of Gilbert's Harbinger Polyanthus] creamy white, with a yellow eye, and very early to flower '; then came Pansy Admiration, followed by an Aubrietia, and astly a row of a red Daisy. As a variation of this design were two stars, in which the pretty, fragrant, pale lilac-coloured Phlox divaricata, the P canadensis of some, with Vermilion Brilliant Tulips inter- mixed, occupied the central area, follow by Primula poly- anthus in a mixture of colours ; then came Skylark Pansy, a free-flowering variety, white with a blue edge, and lastly Aubrietia Leichtlini. A much-raised bed, with the sides faced with Ivy, was planted with Skylark and Cliveden Purplo Pansies. These raised beds are the least pleasing, presenting, as they do, a umpish appearance, with but little elegance, their hoight being out of proportion to the width. The parterre was bounded on the upper side by a crescent-shaped bed of largo sizo, which was planted so as to afford flowers from the earliest part of the year ; and we noted Erauthis hyemalis, tho leaves now dying down; Empress Daffodil. Megasea ligulata, the earliest species to blossom; Myosotis. Arabis, and Doronienra plautagineum excelsum in bloom at the present time. In the summer time Humea elegans and ordinary bedding plants continue the show. The late- flowering Ardwell Gem Pansy, together with single-flowered Tulips, made a nice display. One of Leichtlin's Aubrietias named Iugrami is a fine acquisition, tho colour a bright rosy-purple, and the flowers of nearly the size of a shilling. This fine variety, mixed with I loyal Standard Tulips, had a rich effect. Vermilion Brilliant Tulip, set out on a groundwork of tho Harbinger Polyanthus, was permissible, but rather bizarre. Phlox divancati and Tulip Coulenr Cardinal will not do, the latter seeming to take nearly all tho colour out of tho former. A nice example of Magnolia umbrella, a somewhat straggling, hardy, deciduous half tree, with who. tl ,'\ , was a pro- minent object in tho castle garden, and a hedge of Kerria japonica, an old-fashioned plant seldom given the position it 340 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Mat 22, 1897. desorves in a garden, shut off the garden from an adjacent The Statuary Garden is Bituated on a lower level thar, the one from which we have just departed, and derives its name from some statuary representing the seasons, dating from the days of Queen Anno. To tho right on looking down on this miniature garden is a fine specimen 70 feet high of Abies pecti- nata (Silver Fir). This parterre, lying deep down amongst tall trees, consistsof a series of steps, tho upper one formed of small oval beds filled with purple Pansies, red Tulips, Aubrictias, with Daisies funning the lines of division. The middle step consists of beds of white and blue flowered Myosotis mixed with yellow Wallflowers; and the beds on the lowest step are planted wholly with Wallflowers. The pre. vailing tint is blue, and the effect in early morning or late evening very charming. The Duchess' Garden, the one most remote from the castle, being about ten minutes' walk from the last, is situated in a curve of the hillside, and about half way down the declivity, with a rich foreground of woodland at a distance of 100 yards, and a precipitous b.ink at the rear, the middle distance being furnished with a rather intricate mass of flowering shrubs, slender Conifers, Birches,