LIBRARY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE no.___2J_2Js_T_ dateJ-O-J^QO.. souRC|^,Cjoile,^e......^uTG-ds.. Jan- J«. IRoo This book may be kept out TWO WEEKS only, and is subject to a tine of TWO CENTS a clay thereafter. It will be due on the dav indicated below. June 30, If 00] THE n , ■ GARDENERS' CHRONICLE & OTttklg Illustrate Journal OP Horticulture and Allied Subjects. (ESTABLISHED IN 1841.) VOL. XXVII-THIRD SERIES. JANUARY TO JUNE, 1900. LONDON : 41, WELLINGTON STREET, COVENT GARDEN, W.O. 1900. p*w J a**. - o e. BRADBURY, AGNEW, AND CO. LIMD. PRINTERS, LONDON AND TONBRIDGE. The Gardeners' Chronicle,] Ccie 30. 1900. INDEX OF CONTENTS. JANUARY TO JJfNE, 1900. Aberdeen, the Cruickshank Botanic Gardens at, 2S3, 313 Abies brevifolia, 314 Abies nobilis, male flowers of, 365 Acacias, 196 Acalypha hispida, 389, 406 Acorn with three embryos, 255 Adansonia digitata, 5S Adiantum c. v. imbricatum, fertile frond of, 28, 45, 60 Adiantum Farleyense, seedling, 45 ^Egle sepiaria (Citrus trifoliata), 269 ^Eranthus grandiflorus, 242 Agapetes buxifolia, 197 Agave americana variegata, 261 ; A. Jacquiniana, 30 Agricultural Bulletins, 217 Agricultural Department of Aber- deen University, 5S ; education, 154 ; returns for 1899, 365 Alderney, 393 Alexandra Palace and grounds as a recreation ground, 202 Allium zebdanense, 320 Alpine bog-garden, the, 259 Alpine garden, the, 10, 71, 84, 118, 168, 180, 213, 292, 309, 338, 407 Alpine plants, raising, from seeds, 84, 149 Alpines, choice, at the Temple Show, 376 Alyssum corymbosum, 407 American blight, observations on, 403 American Department of Agriculture, the, 9 American notes, 178, 260 Amomum angustifolium, 59 Amorphophallus titanum, 59 Androsace sempervivoides, &c, 292 Anemone angulosa, 204 Aniba perutilis, 329 Ansellia gigantea, 258 Anthurium, coloured leaved, 403 Anthuriums, 260 ; pot-bound, 123 Antwerp, coming horticultural exhi- bitions at, 25 Apiary, the, 49, 79, 103, 190, 279, 310, 345 Apple, Cox's Orange Pippin, origin of, 333, 352 Apple election, an, 368 Apple Gabalva, 165 ; at Cardiff Castle, 204 Apple, Hoary Morning, 92 ; Lane's Prince Albert, 235 ; Lord Suffield, 187 ; Newton Wonder, 45, 60, 77, 235, 253, 285: Red Winter Cal- ville, 350 ; Ribston Pippin, influ- ence of stock upon scion in the case of, 108 ; Stanway Seedling, 13 Apple, the, 99 Apples, &c, at Sherborne Castle, 124 ; Belle de Pontoise and Striped Beef- ing, 188 Apples, from the Antipodes, 139, 186, 2 IS, 250, 282; Hambling's Seed- ling and Newton Wonder, 29 ; in Scotland, 82 ; late flowering, 285 Aquilegia baikaleosis, 407 Arboretum, experiments in Canada, 384 Arbutus Unedo (Tree Strawberry), 243 Archontophcenix Cunninghami, 10S Areca lutescens, 117 Arizona, exploration in, 403 Asarum proboscideum, 407 Aspidistras, cultivation of, 124 Atriplex, or Australian Salt-bush, 90 Attalea princeps, the story of, 27 Aubrietia deltoidea, 297 Auricula Giant Yellow Border, 329 ; sportiveness in the, 358 Auriculas, 36 Australia, fruits of South, 230 Azalea Mrs. A. E. Endtz, 301 Azalea indica grafted on Rhododen- dron cnlestinum, 233 Azaleas, Indian, in Belgium, 15 B Backhouse, Jas. & Son, catalogue of botanical plantsfor sale by, 170 Balchin, presentation to Mr. W., 58 Bamboos, cultivation of, 352 ; hardy, 316 Banana, the Abyssinian, 69 Beans, exrly French, ISO Beaumontia grandittora, 298 Bees, rats as enemies to, 310 Beetroot cultivation, 242 Beet, Sugar, industry in Greece, 34S Begonia, a new, from German East Africa, 41 ; Gloire de Lorraine, 253 ; Gloire de Lorraine, the seed- ing of, 285, 317 Begonias, tuberous-rooted, 78 Belgian nation, gift of properties by King Leopold to the, 250 Belvoir Castle, an overturned Gean- tree at, 406, 420 Benevolent Institution, Gardeners' Royal, 329 ; Annual Meeting, 40 ; Bristol Auxiliary, 127 Berberis stenophylla, 204 Birds building in shrubs and walls, 77 Birds when nesting, shrubs favoured by, 46 Blackmore, the late R. D., 5S, 73, 3S4 Blenheim, 10 Blossom on wall-trees, protection of fruit, 123 Bluebell, a bulbiferons, 347 Bocconia cordata, a bed of, 204 Books, Notices of : A Glossary of Botanic terms, with their deriva- tion and accent (B. D. Jackson), 346; Agricultural Botany, theoreti- cal and practical (John Percival, M.A.), 367 ; Annales des Sciences Naturelles Botanique, 12, 85 ; Anne Pratt's Flowering Plants {Edward Step), 9, 138 ; Botanical Magazine, 26, 90, 154, 232, 297, 364 ; Bulletin de la Society Franoaise d'Horticul- ture de Londres, 265, 367 ; Carna- tions and Picotees for Garden and Exhibition (II. W. WegueUn), 350 ; Cassell's Pocket Gardener, 314 ; Chronique Horticole Bi-hebdoniaire, 329 ; Cyclopaedia of American Horticulture (Prof. Bailey), 27, 34S ; Dictionnaire lconographique des Orchidees, 2, SI, 130, 242 ; Flora Capensis, 329 ; Florilegium Haarlemense, 329 ; Flowers of the Field (Rev. C. A. Johns, B.A., F.L.S.), 203; Fruit Farming for Profit (Geo. Bunyard), 26 ; Fruit Growers' Year Book, 233 ; Gardening Year Book and Garden Oracle for 1900, 265 ; Hand-list of tender Dicotyledons in Royal Gardens, Kew, 216 ; Home and Garden [Miss Gertrude Jekyll). 90, 106 ; Hooker's Icones Plantarum, 329 ; Icones Selectre Horti-Thenensis, 100, 201 : II Crisantemo, 347 ; Illustrations of theBotanyof Captain Cook's Voyage round the World in H.M.S. En- deavour in 1768 — 71 (Sir Jos. Banks, Bt., and other s),1M~ ; Jack and Jill's Journey, &c. (P/ocbe Allen), 13S ; Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society, 24S ; Kew Bulletin, 8 ; Lawns, &c. (Sutton & Sons, Read- ing), 106 ; Le Chrysantheme, 58 ; Lectures on some of the Physical Properties of Soil [Prof. R. Waring- ton), 321 ; Les Plantes de Serre, &c. (G. Bellair and L. St. Leger), 1S7 ; Les Vieux Arbres de la Normandie [Henri Gadeau de Kerville), 5 ; Lin- denia, IS, 17S, 242, 322 ; List of published Names of Plants intro- duced to cultivation. 1S76-1S90 (Kew Bulletin), additional series, iv.), 16S ; Miniature Gardening (P. Allen and Dr. Godfrey), 329 ; Minnesota Plant Life (Con- way Macmillan), 203 ; Mit- teilungen der Deutschen Dendrolo- gischen Gessellschaft (German Den- drology), 13S ; Moderne Tafelde- koration (Otto Wagner), 153 ; My Gardsner (H. W. Ward), 201 ; Natal Plants (Medley Wood), 9, 152 ; Observations on the Colours of Flowers ( — Hervey), SI ; Orna- mental Shrubs (Lucius Davis), 366 ; Planting and Planning Home Grounds (American), 260 ; Publica- tions Received, 10, 27, 41, .">."., 74, 90, 122, 140, 1S6, 254, 266, 304, 314, 330, 34S, 3S5, 405 ; Queensland Flora, 199 ; Report of the National Chrysanthemum Society, 249 ; Revue de l'Horticulture Beige, 9 ; South African Agriculturists' Year- Book for 1900, 261 ; Surrey's Capital (/. E. Morris), 233 ; Sur- veying and Arranging Home and School Grounds, 260 ; The Alpine Flora (L. Schriiter and ProJ. Dr. C. Schriiter), 365 ; The Amateur's Practical Garden Book, &c. (C. E. Hunn and L. H. Bailey), 366 ; The Art and Craft of Garden-making (T. H. Mawson), 3S5 ; The Book of Gardening (ed. by 11'. D. Drury\-2W; The Birds of Surrey, 122 ; The Botanists of Philadelphia, and their work (J. W. HarsUerger), 150 ; The Century Book of Gardening, 153, 234 ; The Chemists' Assistant, 215 ; The Flora of Ceylon (Sir Jos. Hooker), 90 ; The Garden, 26 ; The Horticultural Directory and Year Book for 1900, 26 ; The Mycetozoa, and some questions which they suggest (Sir Ed. Fry), 267 ; The Nature and work of Plants. &c. (D. T. Macdouqal, Ph. D.), 366; The New Forestry, or Tne Continental System adapted to British Wood- lands (Jno. Simpson), 121,163 ; The Potamogetons of the British Isles (Alfred Fryer), 121 ; The Praise of Gardens (A. F. Sieveking), 49; The Rosarian's Year Book, 26 ; The Teaching Botanist, &c. (W. F. Ganong), 122 ; Thompson's Gar- deners' Assistant, 347 ; Transac- tions of the English Arboricultural Society, 106 ; Unwin's Chap-book for 1899, 27 ; Vegetables for exhibition and home consumption (W. Beckett), 75 ; West Indian Bulletin, 201 ; Who's Who at the War, 202 ; Xenia Orchidacea, 25S Books, sale of botanical, 282 Boston, U.S., horticultural hall at, 3S2 Botanic Gardens, Padua, 15 ; at Trinity- College, Dublin, 292 ; the London, 65, 419 Botanical, exchange club, 365 ; gar- den, the, New "York, 90 ; labora- tories, at Glasgow, 314 ; nomen- clature, 235 Botrytis cinerea upon Sequoia gigantea, 101 Bouvardias, 379 Brockwell Park extension, 3S4 Brodiaea Sellowiana, 133 Broom House, Fulham, 366 Buckingham Palace gardens, 265 Buddleia Colvillei, 360 Buds, a tool for transplanting, 253 Bulb-exporters Association, 201 Bulb garden, the, 84, 202, 211 Bulbous plants, 376 ; the cultivation of, 25S Cabbages, 2, 29 ; bolting, 353 Caesalpinia japonica, 414 Caladiums, the cultivation of, 170 Calanthes, culture of, 157 Calceolaria violacea, 306 ; herbaceous., 405 Calcutta horticulturists. 201 Calendula Nooana, 273 Callipsyches, 202 Camassias, 378 Cambridge Lodge, Camberwell, Orchids at, 386 Camellias, outdoor, 332 Campanula lingulata, 407 Cauker on Apple-trees, 240 Canna, another particoloured, 43 ; C. Austria, 109, 124 Canterbury, the "Dane John'' gar- dens at, 241 Cape Colony and Natal, the flora of, 33 Cape, crops at the, 90 ; fruit, 265, 2S2 Carnation Souvenir de la Malniaison, a tine, 10 IV The Gardener.*' Chronicle,! INDEX. [June 30, 1900. Carnation -rust, parasite upon, 347 Carnations, 132 ; winter- flowering, 141 ; from seed. 332 ; early Mar- guerite, 2S5, 316 Carpenteria calif ornica, 361 Carruthers, Mr. J. B.. appointed to Peradeniya Botanic Gardens, 104 Caterpillar on Gooseberry and Broom, common, 400 Cattleya iutermedia var. Aquinii, fixed peloria in, 83 ; C. Triantei, 230 ; C. T. Amesiana, 193 ; C. x William Murray, 274 Caucasus, horticulture in the, 185 Ceauothus rigidus. 313 Cedar, a fine, at Westfelton, 322 Cedar at Gunnersbury wrecked by snowstorm, 217 Cedars of Lebanon, large, 106, 124 Celery-culture, some points in, 116 Celosias and Cockscombs in the garden, 213 Centenary scheme of the It. H. S. , 221, 232, 248, 251, 299, 315, 32S, 331, 352, 370 Centropogon Lucyanus x , 180 Certificated Fruits and Vege- tables. — Apple, Gabalva, 143 ; Hormead's Pearmaiu, 62 ; King of Tomkins' County, 207 ; Nor- man Pippin, 62 ; Cucumber Ideal, 302 ; Melon Buscot Park Hero, 354 ; Pear Doyeane d'Alenoon, 31 ; Rhu- barb Daw's Champion, 111, 207; Strawberry Trafalgar, 371; Turnip Carter's Early Forcing, 302 Certificated Plants :— Ada auran- tiaca, 207 ; Agapetes buxifolia, 142 ; Arabis alpina plena (p. 4, Supp., April 28) ; Anchusa italica grandi- flora, 409 ; Asparagus Sprengeri variegata, 302 ; Auricula Celtic King (p. 4, Supp., April 28); A. Ziska, 271 ; Azaleas Duchess of Wellington and Mme. A. de Smet, 239 ; A. Mrs. A. E. Endtz, 239 ; Begonia Gladys Hemsley, 371 ; Be- gonias Lord Roberts, Mrs. Hall, and Mr. W. G. Valentine (Supp., May 26) ; Bougainvillea Maud Chit- tleburgh (Supp., May 26) ; Brassia maculata, 371 ; Calanthe Regnieri hololeuca, 62 ; C. veratrifolia (Supp , May 26); Camellia Devonia, 302; C. General Hector Macdonald, 142 ; Campaoula persicifolia Moerheimei, 409 ; Canna Secretaire Chabanne (p. 4, Supp., April 28) ; Carnation Herbert J. Cutbush (Supp. , May 26) ; Cattleya intermedia, Fowler's var., 239 ; C. Mendeli albens Princess of Wales, 421 ; C. Mossise, Hassell'svar. (Supp., May 26) ; C. M. Our Queen (Supp., May 26) ; C. M. Rouseliana (Supp., May 26) ; Cattleya Schil- leriana, Pitt's var. (p. 4, Supp., April 28) ; C. Schroder*, Pitt's var., 239 ; C. Trianaji var. Katie Wigan, 207; C. T. West Bank House var. , 143; Chami lirion caro- linia (Supp. , May 26) ; Cirrhopetalum fimbriatum (p. 4, Supp., April 28) ; Codiasum venus, 421 ; Cycla- men fimbriatum, 206 ; Cymbi- dium I Ansoni, 352 ; Cypripedium Actaius Langleyense, 62 ; C. x Godefroyae, Wigan's var.. 371; C. x Phcebe, 302 ; C. x J. Gurney Fowler, 239 ; C. x Mary Bea- trice (Supp., May 26) : C. x San- deriana Curtisii, 62 ; C. Sir R. Buller, 30 ; Delphinium Sir Geo. Newns, 421 ; Dendrobium aggre- gatum, 207 ; D. x Burberry- auum, 175 ; D. candidum (Supp., May 20) ; D. Clio superbum, 207 D. x Dalhousie nobile. 371 ; D. herco glossum (Supp., May 26) : D. Jer donianum, 143 : D. macrophyl lum liichardi, 110 ; D. macrosta chyum (p. 4. Supp , April 28) D. Madonna, 62 ; D. Melpomene 207 ; D. nobile album. 207 ; D. puDiceum, 143 ; D. stuposum, 371 D. Wardianum Fir Grange var. (p. 4 Supp., April 28) ; Echium calli- thyrsum (Supp., May 26) ; Edraiau- thus dalmaticus (Supp., May 26) ; Epidendrum x Clarissa. 239; E. vesicatum, 302 ; E x Wallisio-ciliare superbum, 62 ; Eremutus Warei, 409; Eulophia gracilis, 410; E. t ristis, 239 ; Geum montanum auran- tiacum, 302 ; Gloxiniastrain(Supp., May 26); Heucheramicrantha rosea, 409; Hippeastrums Titan and Ze- phyr, 239 ; Iris germanica Black Prince, 409 ; I. Mounierii, 421 ; I. paradoxa, 409 ; I. steno- phylla, 142; I. urmiensis, 409; JuBticia flavicoma, 61 ; La^lia anceps Leeana, 30 ; L. x Edissa, 143 ; L. Jongheana, and L. J. Templeae, 174; L. x Mrs. Gratrix superba, 62 ; L. purpurata Ethel Grey, 302 ; L. purpurata Little- iana (Supp., May 26) ; Lselio-Cat- tleya x callistoglossa Princess of Wales, 62 ; L. -C. x callistoglossa excelsa (Supp., May 26) ; L.-C. x Charlesworthi, 62; L.-C. x Fanny Leon, 62 ; L.-C. x Berthe Fournier var. splendida, 110; L.-C. Herode (Supp., May 26) ; L.-C. x Hyeana, 302; L.-C. x Massangeana (Supp., May 26) ; L.-C. Rosalind superba, 239; L.-C. x Sunray, 62; Lilac Mdme. Abel Chatenay, 371 ; Lilium Thunbergianum Orange Queen (Supp., May 26); Lycaste x G. S. Ball (Supp., May 26); Masde- vallia O'Brieniana, 302 ; Maxillaria arachnites, 62 ; M. leptosepala, 62 ; Mertensia virginica rubra (p. 4 Supp., April 28) ; Narcissus Alma, 239 ; N. campernelli, 239 ; N. Diaua, 285 ; N. Chancellor, 285 ; N. Charles Wolley-Dod, 285 ; N. Countess Grey, 285; N. x, 207; N. Olympia, 285 ; N. Dorothy Kingsmill (p. 4 Supp., April 28) ; N. Eleanor Berkeley, 285 ; N. Mrs. Berkeley, 2S5 ; N. Van Waveren's Giant, 285; N. Virgil, 285; N. Wilhelmina, 285 ; Nymphaea gi- gantea, 421 ; Odontoglossum x Andersonianum Cooksoni (p. 4, Supp., April 28); O. x Ad- rians, Arthur Ashworth (Supp., May 26) ; O. x Ariadnae Ernest Ashworth (Supp., May 26) ; O. x Adrianos Lord Roberts, 143 ; O. crispum aureum Rosefieldiense, 302 ; O. c. Confetti (Supp., May 26) ; O. c. Duchess of Connaught, 421 ; O. c. Empress of India, 421 ; O. c. Mrs. F. Peters) Supp., May 26) ; O. c. Mundyanum, 110 ; O. c. Oaktield Sunrise, 174 ; O. c. Pit- tianum, 302 ; O. c. radiosum (Supp., May 26) ; O. c. tessellatum, 302 ; O. c. The Earl (Supp., April 2S) ; O. c. Victoria Regina (p. 4, Supp., April 28) ; O. c. Victoria Regina, (Supp., May 26) ; O. x elegans, Eastwood Park var., 174 ; O. x LoocLristyense Kimberley, 143 ; O. luteo-purpureum Mossii, 239 ; O. x Rolfeae ardentissimum (Supp., May 26) ; O. x R. optimum (Supp., May 26) ; O. x R. Walton Grange var. , 410; O. x Souvenir de Victor Hye-Lebrun (Supp., May 26) ; O. triumphans var. Raymond Craw- shay, 207 ; O. x Wendland- ianum Crawshayanum (p. 4, Supp., April 28) ; Oenothera speciosa rosea (Supp., May 26) ; Oocidium nanum, 371 ; Paeony Eastern Queen, 409 ; P. Lady Sarah Wilson (Supp., May 26) ; Paeonies Cream Per- fection, Lady Curzon, and Lord Roberts, 371 ; Pelargonium Mrs. J. D. Day (Supp., May 26) ; P. Miss G. Ashworth, 206 ; Pentapterygium serpens, 174 ; Petunia Charlotte (p. 4, Supp . April 28) ; Phalamopsis fuscata, 371 ; P. x intermedia Brymeriana, 62 ; P. Lady Roths- child, 239 ; P. Manni, 371 ; P. x Schilleriano-Stuartiana, 62 ; Pole- monium confertum var. melittum, 239 ; Polvstachyi laxiflora, 239 ; Primula x Kewensis, 142; P. sinensis General French, 30; P. a. "The Duche8s,"30; Pyrus Malus angus- tifolium, fl. pi., 239 ; Restrepia striata, 143 ; Rhododendron Abbeyi (p. 4, Supp., April 28) ; R. Coombe Royal, 302 ; R. Directeur Rodi- gas, 302 ; R. Dr. Stocker, 206 ; R. H. Elliott and Shilsoni. 239 ; R. multicolor var. "Triton," 61 ; R. Pink Pearl, 371 ; Rose L' Innocence, 239 ; R. Pink Roamer, 3 71 ; R. sinica Anemone, 371 ; R. Tennyson, 371 ; Saxifraga aretioides primulina (p. 4, Supp., April 28) ; Schizanthus Wiseton- ensis (Supp., May 20) ; Sobralia Veitchi aurea, 410 ; Streptocar- pus achimeniflorus, 371 ; Tainia Penangiana, 62 ; TulipasBatalini and galatica (Supp.. May 26) ; Tulipa Borszczowi, 302 ; T. Kolpakows- kiaDa, 302; Tulip "Hector," 302; T.Mabel (Supp., Ma^r 26); T. Pink Beauty, 302 ; Violet La France, 206 ; Zygo - colax x Leopardinus, Wigan's variety, 31; Z.-c. x Wi- ganiana, 30 ; Zygopetalum Burti, Pitt's var., 239; Z. Balli, 143; Z. Murrayanum, 111 Ceylon, the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens in, 65, 397 Charter of the R.H.S., the new, 26 China, Horticulture in, 130 Chinese plants, 233 Chiswick trials, Mr. A. Sutton's criti- cism of the, 275, 299 Chlorosis in a Rose, 46 Christmas Roses, 5 Chrysanthemum, a crimson Madame Carnot, 26 ; congress, international, 136 ; C. Madame Carnot, 77 ; sports, 132 Chrysanthemums, 398 ; Calvat's new, 78 ; culture of, 292 ; in February, 93 ; popular white, 22 ; propagation of, 22 ; single-flowered, 78 ; timely hints upon, 392 Cider-making industry, the, 364 Cienkowskia Kirki, 376 Cineraria stellata, 253 Cinerarias, hybrid, 270, 291 Citrus medica var. Limonum, 59 ; C, trifoliata (-Fgle sepiaria), 269 Clematis, for Pot-culture, 416 ; C. Princess of Wales, 53 Clerodendron Balfourianum, ISO Cobaea scandens, a semi-double flower of, 233 Cocos, branched, 330 ; C. Weddelliana, 117 Codiaeums, 68 Codlin Moth, trapping the, 60 Cielogyne cristata, malformed flower of, 162 Cogniaux, M., decennial prize awarded to, 250 Conifer disease, a, 101 Conifers,seedsof,44 ; the habit of, 121 ; two large British Columbian, 221 Convolvulus lineatus, 10 Coppice-woods, conversion of, into high forests, 323 Cordyline Guilfoylei, 376 Corypha austrahs, 118 Coveut Garden Market, improvement in, 94 Crab-apple in the garden, the, 312 Crinum capense, 98 ; C. erubescens var. minus, 84 ; C. Moorei album, or Schmidti, or Makoyanum, 124 Crops, dissevered, 45 Cucumber, cultivation of, 213; plants, fungous disease, in, 274, 317, 320, 324, 353 Cucumbers for market, 5 Culverwell's retirement, Mr., 351 Cupressus and Thuya hybrid, a re- ported, 190 Currant-bud mite, treatment of, with hydrocyanic acid, 358, 364, 388 Currant, Comet, Red, 76 Currant-disease, a, 290 Cyclamen, fringed, 216,223; C. lati- folium, sweet-scented, 1S9 ; C. li- banoticum, 84 Cyclamens, as window-plant3, 222 ; at Lees, Coldstream, 44 ; fimbriated, 202 ; hardy, 84 Cymbidium I'Ansoni, 352 Cypripedium, adventitious growth of, 2 ; C. Beechense, a spike of, in flower for six months, 204 ; C. x Favarger, 130; C. x Fowlerianum, 146 ; C. Lawrenceanum Hyeanum, Gratrix's var., 146 ; C. x Leeanum, as a natural hybrid, 35 ; C. Roths- childianum, 137 ; C. x Sanderiano- Curtisii, 75 ; C. x Sir George White, 289 ; C. x Sir Redvers Buller, 35 Daffodils, trial of early, at Ard Cairn, 109 Dahlias, new varieties of, 154, 176, 251 ; the beginning of a new race of, 85 Dane John Gardens, Canterbury, 241 Dasylirion quadrangulatum, 244 Daughters of the year, the, 209, 273, 337 Decorative plants for corridors, 3S2 Deepdene, the, Dorking, 42, 73 Delagoa Bay, vegetation of, 357 Dendrobium aureum, a malformed flower of, 154; D. cariniferum, 193 ; D. chryseum, 274 ; D. x Curtisii, 49 ; D. Dalhousie-nobile, 379 ; D. Falconeri, 322 ; D. x Murrhiniacum, 209 Dendrobiums, hybrid, 230 ; seedling, at Woodhatch Lodge, 162 " Dixlor " Hop-wash, the, 121 Dock or Dockan, the broad-leaved, 77 Doctor for plants, wanted a, 365 Dodecatheon ellipticum and D. te- trandum, 338 ; new varieties of, 329 Douglas, David, 118, 15S Dracocephalum nutans alpinum, 334 Dublin Museum, the herbarium at, 79 Earwig, the, 26S, 332, 369 Eastwell Park, the winter garden at, 348 Echium callithyrsum, 361 Education, rural, 56 Eilenroc, near Antibes, the garden at, 27 Electro-horticulture, 265 Elm-bark, with larva?, 126 ; beetle, the, 172 Encephalartos Hildebrandti, 120 Epping Forest, 106 Eranthis cilicica, 314 Eremurus, groups of, 418 ; hybrid, 403 Eriostemon cuspidatus, 204 Erythronium Dens-canis, 261 Examinations, horticultural, 104 Eucalyptus, 196 ; E. Globulus in the open, 332 Eulophia Lubbersiana, 2 Euonymus, fruiting of, 45, 60 ; E. japonicus in fruit, 90 Examinations, horticultural, 104 Experiment-station, the work of an, 280 Feijoa Sellowiana, 361 Fern-roots attacked by grubs, 126 Fern sporangia, 399 Ferns, plumose and barren, 4."i Fertilisation of plants, the, 217 Ficus Eetveldiana, a new rubber plant, 90 ; F. elastica, the cultiva- tion of, 203 Fig, the, in Sussex, 156, 105 Figs, early, at Gunnersbury House, 132 The Gardeners' Chronicle.] INDEX. [June 30, 1S00. Flax cultivation, 73 Flora of Cape Colony and Natal, the, 33 Floral improvements, 193 Florists' art, coming exhibition of the, in Germany, 72 Florists' flowers, 20, 36, 78, 254, 200, 292, 308, 342, 358 Flower garden, the, 7, 23, 38, 54, 71, 83, 102, 118, 135, 151, 100, 182, 198, 214, 230, 247, 202, 279, 294, 310, 327, 343, 362, 380, 417 Flowers in season, 73, 419 : in the South-Western counties, 290 ; some March, in Devon, 2 1 8 ; the use of, iu a prison, 41 ; their uses and their prices, 334 Food, colouring matters in, 73 Forest of Dean, the, an object lesson, 306 Forestry, 101, 189, 253, 340, 393, 39S ; British, 225, 257, 274, 301, 306, 323, 414 ; in Ireland, 190 ; Mr. VV. R. Fisher on, 317 ; rotation in, 52. (See also under " Woods.") Francoa ramosa, 220 Fraser, the late John, 170 Fremontia californica, 301, 414 Fritillary, the, 301 Fruit and vegetable trials in Canada, 384 P'ruit, cheap transit of, 58 ; crops in Queensland, 138 ; crops of 1S99 in California, 40 ; in Kent, 419 ; from the Cape, 121, 169, 218, 250, 314 ; •cultivation in Drogheda, 403 ; fiardy, for the great North-West, 403 ; in Ontario. 41 ; parcels by rail, 90 ; Russian, 153 ; sales, Canadian and Cape, 313 ; show, the coming, at Crystal Palace, 93, 384 ; tree enemies, 20 Fruit-trees, beautiful, 92, 15S ; plant- ing of, 109 Fruits and flowers, exhibiting, 403 P'ruits, dried, from Australia, 330 Fruits, hardy, in hedgerows, 142 : in Ontario, 5S ;of South Australia, 250 ; some Sussex, 50, 150,165,243; tender Canadian, 347 Fruits under glass, 0, 23, 39, 55, 70, 86, 103. 118, 134, 151, 107, 182, 198, 215, 231, 247, 262, 278, 295, 310, 344, 363, 380, 417 Fuchsia, Mr. Meeban and the, 332 Fungus on gold fish, 18S H Gaillakhias, perennial, 4 Galanthus byzautinus var., US ; , 170 ; I. germauica forced into bloom in March, 202 ; I. orchioides, 293; I. paradoxa, 333; I. Rosen - bachiana, 338 ; I. speculatrix, 396 ; I. stenophylla, 170, 188 Irises, bulbous, 212, 30S, 324 ; Eng- lish, 347 Italian lakes, notes from the, 157 Ivy, bowers, 200 Ivies, multiform, 419 Jadoo, the Artillery plant iD, 204 . I alia Orange, the, 9 Japanese arboriculture in London, 203 ■(uncus zebrinus, a form of Scirpus lacustris, 90 K Kalokanthes, the culture of, 107 Karroo plants, West African, 10, 252 Kenley, a visit to, 228 lvew, appointments from, 152 : and the British Museum, 298 ; cycles at, 300 i notes, 59, 133, 244, 297, 313, ."37, 360, the proposed labo- ratory at, 304 Kitchen garden, the. 7. 23, 38, 51. 70. 87, 103, 119, 135, 150, 107, 183, 198, 215, 231, 210. 263, 279. 294, 310, 327, 345, 362, 380,417 Lachenalia pendula, 133 Lajlia Boothiana, 389 ; L. Jongbeana, 98, 241 ; L. superbiens, 99 Lagerstrofmia Fordi, 396 Lambeth Palace Grounds and the public, 138 Larch blossom, 296 Larix occidentalis, 318 Latania borbonica 117 Laurence, A.M., Rev. John, 129, 413 LAW NOTES :— Cooper t>. Chandler (allotment case), 14 ; Cryer v. Booth (removal of plants), 220 ; Cull and another v. Great Eastern Railway (claim for damages), 220 ; Glover v. Smith (claim for goods supplied), 350; Gowdez v. Law- rence and others (damage to fruit- trees), 411 ; Howcroft and another v. Perkins, 43 ; Howcroft & Watkins v. Gardner (seed case), 125; Jones D. Riley (disputed liability), 423 ; Pharmaceutical Saciety of Great Britain v. White (sale of poisons), 7. 41, 61 ; Pickersgill v. Johnson (false pretences), 251 ; Towler & Son v. Taylor (false pretences), 173 Leaf, the, 100 Lemon, Metford's giant, 59, 267 Lettuce and Cabbage cultivation, 242 Lettuces, autumn raised, 330 Ligustrum ovali folium. 41 Lilac, new varieties of, 115 Lilium candidum, successful experi- ence with, 333 Lilies, 305 ; their characteristics, 394, 420 ; for planting out of-doors, 352 ; for the garden, 370 ; three good hardy, and their culture, 267 Lily of the Valley, a pink-flowered, 347 Limpsfield site proposed for the new garden of the Royal Horticultural Society, the, 300 ; official reports upon, 276 ; general features and situation of, 248 : Mr. A. Sutton's report upon the, 270 Linnoea Garden, near the Gt. St. Bernard, the Allinger Rockery in the, 16S Livistonaaustralis in Count Kerchove de Denterghem's winter garden, 21S ; L. chinensis, 117 Lobelia cardinalis varieties, 131 ; L. speciosa, 131 London Botanic Garden, the, 05 London open spaces, 233 Lycoris squamigera aud others, 84 Lysichitum camtschatcense in its native swamps, 219 M Macrozamia Moorei poisonous to cattle in Queensland, 201 Magnolia stellatafor forcing, 313 Manure waste, to prevent, 226 Manuring, 28 : Lupins for green, 90 ; of grass laDd, 184 ; orchards and fruit-trees, 378 Market Gardening, 4,31, 68, 117, 242, 323, 379 Market, the old Tortman, 282 Mathiola eoronopifolia, 29S Mazus pumilio, 32 Meconopsis grandis, 352 ; M. hetero- pliylla. 320 ; M. uepalensis, 388 Melons, 08 ; as cordous. 1 94 Mesembryanthemums, 197, 292 Metropolitan opeu spaces, 41 Michelia fuscata, 396 Michigan Board of Agriculture, 205 Misleto on a Peach-tree. 252 ; pro- pagation of, 218 Missouri Botanical Garden, 348 Musa Ensete, 69, 370 N Narcissus, blindness in, 234, 334 ; culture for market, 203 ; diseased, 250, 356; N. Poet's at Les Avants, 259 ; N. Sir Watkin with reflexed and much lobed cup, 122 Nature and horticulture, 1 45 Nelson, New Zealand, 329 Nepenthes and low temperatures, 172 New York, a horticultural society to be formed in, 329 ; botanical garden at, 90 Nitragin, 138 Nomenclature of hardy plants, 123 Nova Scotia, the climate of, 52 Novelties of 1899, 2, 18 Novices, notes for, 100, 212 Nursery Notes. — Carmichael, W., Edinburgh, 343 ; Carter, J., & Co., 140 ; Low, Hugh, & Co., 108 ; Sander, F., & Co., 237; Sutton & Sons, Reading, 66 ; Tracy, H. A., Twickenham, 146; Veitch, Jas., 4; Sons, 125, 237 Oaklands. Kenley, 22S Oak, the Lucombe, 190, 323 Obituary. — Baxter, Alex., 160; Blackmore, R. D., 63; Boyd, Thomas, 189; Brown, Alexander, 32 ; Brown, George, 95; Clark, Geo. H., 223; Crosland, Richard, 207; Dewar, Daniel, 420 : Divers, W., Ill . Ernst, Dr., 121 : Fairgrieve, P. VV., 128 ; Foley, L%dy Emily, 8 ; Fraser, James, 76 ; Fraser, John, 03 ; Goldsmith, Jno. Oliver, 128; Corrie, William Hugh, 173 : Greig, Andrew. 15 ; Haywood, T. B ,296 ; Hulle, Hubert Jean Van, 40 ; Law- renson, Mrs. A. L., 189 ; Lloyd, R., 388; Lowe. Ed. Jos., 173; Lums, den, W. H., Ill ; Lothian, the Marquis of, 40 ; Manvers, Earl, 40 ; Masson, M., 3S2 ; Moore, Mrs. F., 25 . Nicol, William, 319 ; Nunns, John, 03 ; Paget, Sir James, S ; Pullett, Jas., 95 : Paul, Mrs. W., 25 ; Ruskin, John, 76 ; Symons, Geo. J., 173 ; Turner, Charles. 76, Westminster, Duke of, S ; Wood, Chas., 4S Odontoglossum crispum, an abnormal, 25S ; O. c. Moortebeekiense, 46 ; O. c. Mundyanum, 117 ; O. c. Oaktield Surprise. 181 : O. c. Oak- woodiense, 358 ; O. c. Pittiae, 194 Odontoglossum x rnulus, 9S ; O. x Wendlandiauum, 290 ; O. Wilcke- anum, 316 tEoothera ovata, 10 Oncidium barbatum varieties, 230 Onions sown indoors, 74 Ononis rotundifolia, 3S6 Orange, malformed, 190 ; striped, 255 ; the Jaffa, 9 Oranges, Californiau seedless, 204 ; 230 ; from seed, 310 Orchid collection burnt, the Schle- gel, 9 Orchid-houses, the. 7. 22, 38, 54, 71, 86, 102, 119. 134. 151. 166, 1S2, 199, 214, 230. 246, 203, 278, 295, 310. 326, 345, 363, 380, 417 Orchid notes and gleanings, 2, 35, 49, 67. si. 98, 113, 146, 162, 17S, 193, 2H1I. 23(1, 241, 25S. 271, 290, 322, 358, 386 Orchids at Castle Hill, 210 Orchids, erratic. 403 ; at the Cedars, Harrow Weald. 274 : at The Dell, Staines, 245; hardy terrestrial, 140 Oreodoxa regia, avenue of, in Pera- deniya Botanic Gardens, 290 Orobauche on Pelargonium, 126, 205 Orphan Fund, the Royal Gardeners', 74 ; animal dinner of the Royal Gardeners', 303; auuual meeting, 121, 122, 120 VI The Gardeners Chronicle,] INDEX. [June 30, 1900. P^onia corallina, 34S, 36S Palm-house, a new, in St. Petersburg, 58 Palms, branched, 293, 330 ; for deco- ration, cultivation of, 339 ; for markets, 117; growth of, in Southern California, 268 ; their age when planting, &c, 132 ; the age of, 306 Panax Mastersianum, 399 Pancratiums, continuous flowering of, 110 Pansy, sport in a, 325 Pansies, 36 Papaver somniferum, 420 Paris Congress of Horticulture, 237, 318, 355, 364, 410 Paris-green, tests of, 90 Park clumps of trees, 1S9 Parsnip Tender-and-True, 235, 253, 2S5 Parsnips, 188 Peach bloom, protecting, 92, 172, 234 Peach Crimson Galande, a fruitful tree of, 110 Peach, pluricarpellary pistils in, 3S4 Peaches in Georgia, 419 Peach-trees diseased, 318 Pear La France, 350 Pears and the Quince stock, 74 Pears, late, 29, 46 : neglected varieties of, 264 ; two good long- keeping, 145 Peas, autumn, 386 ; edible, 253 ; green, 420 Pelargonium, a plea for the fancy, 20 Pelargoniums, Ivy-leaved, 323 Peloria, fixed, in Cattleya intermedia var. Aquini, S3 Pencarrow, Cornwall, 234 Peutapterygium serpens, 361 Peristeria elata, a fine specimen of, 9S Pests, plant, a remedy for, 172 Petroleum emulsion, 403 Phahenopsis x Schilleriano - Stuart- iana, 83 Phlox lilacina, 420 Phlox subulata Newry SeedliDg, 416 Phloxes, hardy shrubby, 219 Pbormium Hookeri, 361 Pinks and Auriculas in the old days, 308 Plant, hardy, notes, 379 Plant names, 184 Plant Portraits (references to) :— Acacia calamifolia, 91 ; A. rupi- cola, 3S5 ; Acineta Humboldti, 322; Aloe abyssinica, 297 ; Anguloa Clowesii, 130 ; Antholyza Schwein- furthi, 232 ; Arissema flavum, 90 ; Begonia Hedei, 42 ; Berberis Thun- bergi, 128 ; B. peristeria elata, 18 ; Caccinia strigosa, 91 ; Campanula mirabilis, 297 : Cattleya Acklandia?, 130 ; C. Atalanta inversa and C. splendens, 130 ; C. Bowringiana labiata, 242 ; C. Dowiana Batemani var. Moortebeekiensis, 178 ; C. Ella, 130 ; C. labiata Alfrediana, 113 ; C. Leopoldi var. purpurea, 130 ; C. Loddigesii var. Harrisoniaj alba, 113; C. Rex O'Brien, 130; C. Trianrei var. majestica, 242 ; C. Triantei var. platycbila, C. candi- dula, C. latissima, IS ; C. Wend- landiana x , 130 ; Cereus mojavensis, 154 ; Ceropegia Woodi, 154 ; Cestrum fasciculatum, 3S5 ; Chrys- anthemum Myrto, 234 ; Cissus Baudiniana, 91 ; Clematis orientalis tangutica, 232 ; Coccinia Dinteri, 348 ; Cochlioda rosea, 130 ; Ccelo- gyne Dayana, 178 ; Convolvulus macrostegius, 364 ; Cotyledon Pur- pusii, 297 : Crataegus Oxyacantha var. inermis, 91 ; Cypripedium x A. de Lairesse, 130 ; C. aureum var. (Edipe, 242 ; C. x Canhami Wund- sam, 42: C. Chamberlainianum, 242 , C. Gertrude Hollington var. Illustris, 322 ; C. Mahlerfe var. Dr. Clinge Doorenbos x, 130 ; Crypto- coryne Griffithi, 364 ; Cytisus Schipkaensis, 26 ; Dahlia Madame Rene Gerard, 166 ; Decaisnea Fargesii, 34S ; Dendrobium bigib- bum, 330 ; D. primulinum, 178 ; D. Victoria Regina, 130 ; Diostea juncea, 26 ; Dipladenia eximia, 364 ; Deutzia discolor, 232 ; Euca- lyptus ticifolia, 90 ; Epidendrum or Barkeria elegans, 113 ; E. atropurpureum var. longilabris, 130 ; E. xanthinum, 130 ; Eutaxia myrtifolia, 128 ; Grammatophyllum Rumphianum, 130 ; Haemanthus Kuenig Albert, 304 ; Haylockia pusilla, 26 ; Helenium tenuifolium, 364 ; Hyacinth Queen of the Blues, 135 ; Hyacinths King of the Yellows and Sir W. Mansfield, 329: Irisalbo- purpurea, 42 ; I. obtusifolia, 90 ; Ixia, garden forms of, 135; Jaco- binia suberecta, 330 ; Kniphofia rufa, 154 ; La;lia Gouldiana, 166 : L. leucoptera, 242 ; L. Perrini vars. irrorata and alba, 242 ; L. rubescens, 113 ; L. xanthina, 130 ; La;lio-Cattleya elegans, var. Blen- heimensis, 242 : Lathyrus splendens, 91 : Lilium Sutchuense, 297 ; Lo- matia loDgifolia, 90 ; Lissochilus Horsfalli, 130 ; Luculia gratissima, 348 ; Macleania insiguis, 26 ; Mam- miliaria missouriensis, 234 ; M. vivi- para, 364 ; Maricas gracilis and Northiana, 330 ; Masdevallia tovar- ensis ; 242 ; Maxillaria striata, 130; Matthiola sinuata, var.Oyensis,154 ; Miltonia Candida, 178 ; M. Cog- niauxiae, 242 ; M. Regnelli var. citrina, 242 ; Monarda didyma, 166; Mormodes buccinator, 130; M. Ocana?, 130 ; Odontoglossum aspersum var. Bosschereanum, 18 : O. crispum, 242 ; O. c. var. prima- tum, 322 ; Oncidium Kramerianum, 130 ; O. reflexum. 130 : Pear Mme. Gillekens, 12S ; P. Joyau de Sep- tembre, 234 ; Phlomis lunariifolia, 90 ; Polygonum Baldschuanicum, 91 ; Polypteris Hookeriana. 348 ; Pomaderris racemosa, 91 ; Prunus persica magnifica, 42 ; Ranunculus grandiflorus superbissimus, 329 ; Renanthera Imschootiana, 232 : Rhyncostylis retusa, 242 ; Ribes spe- ciosum, 135 ; Rose Grand Duke Adolph of Luxemburg, 42 ; R. Maman Cochet, 330 ; R. Soleil d'Or, 166, 330 ; Rufus reflexus, 29S ; Salvia spleudens " Silverspot, '' 59 ; Sanguinaria canadensis, 59 ; So- bralia xantholeuca, IS ; Solanum Pierreanum, 330 ; Sophronitis vio- lacea, 322 : Stanhopea Rodigasiana, 154 ; S. Wardi, 130 ; Tecophilrta cyanocrocus, 91 ; Thomasia sola- nacea, 91 ; Tigridia pavonia, 234 ; Trillium cernuum, 330 ; Tulips Couronned'Or and Golden Standard and rubra maxima, 329 ; Tulips, varieties of, 135: Vanda Amesiana, 242 ; V. Sanderiana, 130 : Verbas- cum longifolium, 232 ; Washing- tonia robusta, 91 Plants. New or Noteworthy:— Calendula Noeana, 273 ; Cypripe- dium x Sir George White, 289 ; Dendrobium nobile virginale Lee- mann's var., 162 ; Masdevallia xanthina var. albida, 33 ; Primula x Kewensis, 130 ; Solanum Wors- leyi, IS Plants under Glass, 6, 23, 39. 55, 70, 87, 102, US, 135, 150, 167, 1S3, 199, 214, 231, 247, 263, 279, 294, 310, 327. 345, 363, 380, 416 Pleurothallis macroblepharis and P. Barberianum, 130 ; P. E,oezlii, 130 Plowrightia ribesia (Gooseberry and Currant fungus), 290 Plum, Coe's Golden Drop, 12, 44, 45 Plums, hybrid, 178 Poisons, sale of, by seedsmen, 41, 69, 76, 93, 124, 236, 353 Poisons, formation of a society of traders in, 202, 312 Polyanthuses, 254 Potato disease, the Bordeaux Mixture and, 13S ; growing experiments, 7S ; sets, change of, 124, 157 Potato, the, 332 ; introduction of the, into England, 160, 17S ; P. Up-to- Date, 44 Potatos, a use for small, 270 ; diseased with scab, 255 ; new strain of, 36 ; Yellow-fleshed and Up-to-Date, 11 Primula x Kewensis, 195 ; P. japo- nica, 38S; P. obconica, 205; P. o., a romance of, 58 Primroses, 369 ; and their allies, 325, 340, 360 Primroses and Polyanthus, 395 Protection of fruit blossom on wall- trees, 123 Pruning competition at Madresfield Court, 155 Pruning of the Vine, 124 Pruning Roses, 194 Prunus, pluricarpellary, pistils in, 406 Pyrus coronaria, 370 Quince, the, 50 ; in Sussex, the, 92, 109, 123, 142, 157 Rainfall and sunshine of 1899, 41 Rainfall at Belvoir Castle and Belve- dere House, 171 ; in East Sussex in 1899, 11 ; in 1899, the, 73 ; the winter, 220 P^andia densiflora, 396 Ranunculus, French, 365 ; R. Lyalli, 118 Rats, to catch, 96 Rawtenstall, the new park for, 348 Red-spider, the " Hatfield " cure for, 12, 46, 77 Renanthera Lowi, 2 Retinospora plumosa, produced on tree of R. pisifera, 9 Rhododendron fibre, 316 Rhododendron grande, 105 ; show in London, 385 Ehubarb, a novel way of forcing, 301 Rhubarbs, early, 234 Rhus Toxicodendron, 352, 370 Richardia africana, treatment of, 330 Eichardias, Elliotiana and Pentlandi, some fine, 26S Riviera, winter on the, 305 Rock gardens, 3S9 Romneya Coulteri, 130 Root-pruning of Apples and Pears, 77 Roots, the curvature of, 138 Rosary, the, 20, 68, 83, 194, 22S, 322, 361 Rose, abnormal development in, 420 ; a wonderful Argyll, 51 Rose culture in Turkey, 41 ; leaves, spot on, 385 ; shows of the future, 113 ; R. Tennyson, 395 R,oses, exhibition, 194 ; for a penny- in-the-slot, 58 : garden vars., 194; in and near to towns, 228 ; late- flowering, 251 ; new, 194 ; of recent origin, 20 : tea, on their own roots, 141 ; the t-lite of fragrant, 228 Rosefield, L;elia anceps at, 67 Royal Academy, garden pictures at the, 2S9 Royal Horticultural Society, bye- laws, 402,420 ; the future of the. 152; and the new scheme, 200 ; and the Centenary, 221, 232, 24S, 251, 299, 315; the future of the, 316, 328, 331, 352, 370 ; in the provinces, 418 ; proxy voting, 41S ; see also under " Centenary," " Limpsfield," and " Chiswick." Ruskin, the late John, 56, 76 Salvia splendens, 220 San Francisco, Golden Gate Park, 266 Saprolegnia, 107 Saxifraga apiculata, 71, 180, 204 ; S. Rhei, 31, 292 ; S. peltata, 140, 172, 310 ; S. Rudolphiana com- pacta, 263 ; S. Salmonica (?), 309 ; S. Sibtborpi, 292 Schedules, 24, 92 Scholarships in horticulture, offered by the London County Council, 283 School grounds, surveying and ar- ranging of, 260 Schroder's, Baron, Sir H., Orchids, 245 Scientific Committee :— Abies amabilis attacked byChermes, 190; Acorn with three embryos, 255 ; Aloe, sp., fasciated shoots of (p. 3, Supp., April 28) ; Apples injured by hail, 46; Ash shoots barked by hornets (p. 3, Supp., April 2S) ; Cyclamen fringed, 223 ; Elm-bark with larvae, 126 ; Evolution Com- mittee of the Royal Society (p. 3, Supp., April 28) ; Fendlera rupicola, 3S9 ; Fern-roots attacked by grubs, 126 ; Fir, Douglas, diseased, 190 ; Grapes, diseased, 190; Horse-radish attacked by Rhizoglyphus, 46 ; Iris with diseased roots, 3S9 ; Larix occidentals, 31S : Oak, the Lu- combe, 190 ; Odontoglossum, a synanthic, 3S9; Orange, malformed, 190 ; O., striped, 255 ; Orobancheon Pelargonium, 126 ; Peach - trees, diseased, 318 ; Pear - stem, con- stricted, 190 ; Potatos diseased with scab, &c. , 255 ; Primrose, umbellate (p. 3, Supp., April 28) ; Scilla, bulbiferous, 190 ; Tulipa Gesneriana diseased, 389 ; Vibur- num with hypertrophied branches, 223 ; Vine- leaves diseased, 223, 255> 318 ; Yew-trees, large, 190 Scilla sibirica var. taurica, 236 %. varieties of, 213 Scirpus, the banded, 105 Scotland, Apples in, 82 Seaside planting of trees and shrubs, 18, 44 Seed, change of, 313 Seeds not true to name, 60, 80* Selaginellas, serviceable, 217 Senecio auriculatissimus, 133 ; S. squalidus and S. vulgaris radiatus- at Cardiff, 406 Sequoias at Poltimore Park, 406 Shakespeare an evolutionist, was ? 106- Shamrock, the, 222 Sherborne Castle, Apples, &c> at, 124 Shrewsbury Show, the fruit class at the, 405 Snowdrops and bees, 236 Snowdrops, yellow, 189 SOCIETIES : — Aberdeen Gardeners, 30 ; Aberdeen Natural History andi Antiquarian, 133 ; Aberdeenshire Agricultural Research, 78; Agri- cultural Seed Trade Association, 372 ; Ancient Society of York Florists, 139, 390 ; Beckenbam Horticultural, 287, 319, 355 ; Brighton and Sussex Horticultural, 154, 223 ; Bristol and District Gardeners, 79, 127, 144, 176, 287 -r Buchan Field Club, 303 ; Boston Dahlia, 175 ; Cambridgeshire Hor- ticultural, 390 ; Cardiff Gardeners, 127 ; Chesterfield Chrysanthemum, 304 ; Chester Paxton, 95, 127, 158, 191, 240, 287 ; Croydon Horticul- tural Improvement, 207, 272 j Devon and Exeter Gardeners, 95, 155, 191, 240 ; Durham, Northum- berland, and Newcastle Horticul- tural and Botanical, 154 ; Edin- burgh Botanical, 40 ; Gardeners' Company, the, 410 : Ghent Horticul- tural, 106, 190, 240, 31 S ; Hornsey and District Chrysanthemum, 95 ; Ipswich and East of England Horti- cultural, 14 ; Isle of Wight, 47, 95, 2S7 ; KewGuild. 139; K. G., dinner of the, 348; Kidderminster and The Gardeners' Chroniclt,] INDEX. [June 30, 1900. YU. District Horticultural, 336 : Kings- ton Chrysanthemum, 126 ; Lin- nean, 30, 73, 105, 138, 175, 207, 303, 371, 110 ; Manchester and North of England Orchid, 46, 93, 143, 175, 207, 255, 286, 318, 389 ; Manchester Royal Botanical, 255 ; Midland Auricula, 286 ; Midland Daffodil, 286 ; National Auricula and Primula, 271 ; Nat. Carnation and Picotee, 14, 419 ; Nat. Chrysan- themum, 47, 94, 126, 144, 419 ; Nat. Dahlia, 47, 154 ; Nursery and Seed Trade. 126 ; Nurserymen. Market Gardeners' and General Hailstorm Insurance Corporation. Ltd., 271 ; Reading Gardeners, 47 ; Reading and District Gardeners, 14, 7S, 144, 176, 207,240, 304 ; Richmond Horti- cultural, 74, 422 ; Royal Botanic, '255, 319 ; R.oyal Botanic (practical Gardening School), 265 ; Royal Botanical and Horticultural of Manchester, 372 ; Royal Caledonian Horticultural, 46, 239, 303 ; Royal Dublin, 14, 176 ; Ptoyal National Tulip, 336 ; Royal Horticultural, 28, 30, 46, 61, 126, 136, 142, 157, 168, 172, 173, 190, 204, 206, 223, 23S, 264, 270, 274, 284, 285, 298, 301, 315; R.H.S., at Richmond, 421 : R.H.S. Temple Show, 26, 335, 353, 370, 419; R.H.S., annual meeting, 104, 110; R.H.S., extracts from the report of the, 91 : R.H.S., special general meeting, 264 (and Supp., April 28), 408 ; (See also under " Royal Horticultural Society.'' and " Scientific Committee "). Royal Horticultural of Ireland, 271 ; Royal Scottish Arboricultural, 94 ; Scottish Horticultural, 30, 126, 158, 239, 389 : Shirley Gardeners', 47, 287, 355 ; Shropshire Horticultural, 127, 169 ; Societe Franraise d'Hor- ticulture de Londres, 47 ; Sur- veyors' Institution, 186, 218 ; United Horticultural Benefit and Provident (annual meeting), 175 ; Wargrave Gardeners', 30. 79, 127, 176, 207, 240, 319, 355 ; Yorkshire Gala, 30, 390 ; Yorkshire Natura- lists', 403 Soil, geological formation and the composition of a, 11 ; moisture, 10 ; the physical properties of, 321 Solanum Worsleyi, IS Sophro-L;>-lia x Marriottiana, 66 Sophronitis violacea, 35 South-Western counties, flowers in the, 290 SpirajaFoxi x, 190 Spray, when not to, 283 Sprekelia formosissima, 376 Stephanotis floribunda, 268 Stock, John Bright, 342 Stock upon scion, the influence of the, 109 Stock-takiog, 26, 106, 170,233, 29S.3S4 Stoking, the art and science of, 97 Strawberry plant, unhealthy. 320 Strawberry Trafalgar, 397 ; the tree, 243 Strawberries as annuals, 406 ; flower- less, 420 ; in barrels, 332, 352 Strawberries R.oyal Sovereign and La Grosse Sucrve, 189 Streptocarpuses, 121 Stylophorum diphyllum, 3S6 Succulents, 146 Sugar-canes, seedling, 21)1 Sugar-producing country, a great, 127, 158 Sulphur-fuming, 60 Sulphur to plants, easy method of applying, 172 Summers in London, heat of the, 352 Sunnyhill, Llandudno, 410 Sweet Basil, cultivation of, 171 Sweet Pea, bicentenary celebration, 62, 202 Sweet Peas, 69, 109, 338 : and Mig nonette, 31 Synthyris reniformis, 250 Syringe, the Triplex, 205 Syringes, spraying, 92 Tacsonia militaris x, 166 Tagetes Lemoni, IS Tea culture in the United States, 282 Tea growing in the Transvaal, 261 Tea statistics, 73 Tegs, Mr. James, Bearwood Gardens, 296 Temperature of the air at Isleworth, 268 Tennis-court, how to form a, 32 Thistles, how to kill, 317 Thuya gigantea, overgrown by Tsuga Mertensiana, 221 Tibouchina heteromalla, 361 Tigridia pavonia, 70 Tillandsia Lindeni, 157 Timber, growing in coppice woods, 340 ; the production of high class Oak, Ash, and Larch, 274 Tobacco, culture in Canada, 58 ; in Ireland, 100 Tomato, cultivation of, 181, 195, 253 : diseases, 419 ; notes on some phases of, 148 ; houses, 389 ; T. Lister's Prolific, 5 ; plants diseased, 356 Tomatos, in Formosa, 270 ; under glass, 31 Town planting in Germany and Holland, 169 Transvaal, Tea growing in the, 261 ; Notes on the, -34" Trees and Shrubs. 314, 414 : of Yunnan and Sutehuen, 313 ; seaside planting of, 11 Trees, park clumps of, 101 ; protection of, from horses, 300, 301 ; royal, 107 Trinity College Botanical Gardens, Dublin, 292 Tulipa Borsczowi and other Turkestan Tulips, 350 Tulipa Greigi, 301 : T. Kaufmanniana, 211, 236 Tulips, exhibition of, at Copenhagen, 366 ; the florists', in April, 260 . Tulips, Darwin, for forcing, 220 ; Turkestan, 350 Turnips, early, 158 Turnip-flea, a remedy against, 298 Variation, natural, 300 Yegetation of German South West Africa. 113 Yerbascum Thapsus at Cardiff, 405 Yerbena revival, the, 186 Yerbenas, 132 Veronica Nummularia, 32 Veronicas, comparative hardiness of New Zealand, 305 ; New Zealand, out-of-doors at Ken-, 424 Yiburnum with hypertrophied branches, 223 Yine-borders, piece-meal extension of, 172 Vine-cuttings, disinfecting, against Phylloxera, 185 Vines, diseased, 318, 320 : in Uruguay, the, 103 ; leaves diseased, 255 ; the pruning of, 124 Vines, from eyes, 79 ; influence of the stock upon, 12, 77 Violets, exhibiting, 77 : for ex- hibition, 60 : new and old varieties of, 205 W Wasps, 268, 317 Water, affording, to plants, 93, 141, 236 Weather, the, SS, 93, 124, 153. 158.2-5, 420 : in Cornwall, 236 ; in Ireland, 1S6 ; in North Cornwall, 316. 3SS ; in North Warwickshire, the 110 : in West Herts, the, 127, 133, 187, 170, 205, 220, 237, 250, 26S, 2S3, 301, 314, 350, 366, 38S, 411, 419 ; of January 1900, the, 107 Weeds, 134 West Indian Agricultural Conference, SS West Indies, the, S White in the garden, 309 Wireworms, the use of soot against, 1S9 Wood, Chas., the late, 56 Woodhatch Lodge, Reigate, Orchids at, 162 Woodlice in forcing bouses, how to destroy. 258 Woods, English and Scotch, 393 ; pure, or mixed woods, 257 ; thin- ning, or not thinning, 398 Wrest Park, 373 Year 1900, the opening, S Yew Bank, Kenley, 228 Yew, the Dovaston. 140 Yew-trees in Warwickshire, 172 Yew-trees, large, 190 ZvoopETALrM Balli, 149 ; Z. mys- tacinum, 50 Vlil The Gardeners' Chronicle,] INDEX. J_ne 30, 1S0Q. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS, Adansonia digitata at Klein Letabse, TranBvaal, 57 ^Egle sepiaria (Citrus trifoliata), 269 Agapetes buxifolia, 197 Agave Jacquiniana in the garden of the Hotel du Pare, Cannes, 29 Apple Cabal va, 165; A. Stanway Pippin, 13 Apples Lord Suffield grown at ' ' The Cedars," near Birmingham, 187 Archontophiinix Cunninghami grow- ing at El Montecito, California, 109 Auricula, colour variation in, 358 ; A. " Zisca," 291 Azalea Duchess of Wellington, 261 Azaleas, hardy, as staged by Messrs. Cuthbert at the Temple Show, 405 B Beaumontia grandiflora, spray of, 299 Begonia Gloire de Lorraine in the gardens at Highwood, Roebampton, 281 Blackmore, portrait of the late Richard Doddridge, 63 Bocconia cordata, a bed of, 205 Brodisea Sellowiana, 133 Brunsvigia, Galtonia.and Kniphofia, as gathered in Natal, 34 Buds, an instrument for transplanting, 253 Calceolarias, Messrs. James', at the Temple Show, 351 Campanula persicifolia, fl. pi., 409 ; C. p., fl. pi. var. Moerheimei, 414 Canterbury, the 'Dane John" Oar- dens at, 242, 243, 245, 249 Carnation, a fine specimen plant of Souvenir de la Malmaison, from Davenham Bank Gardens, 11 Cattleya intermedia var. Aquinii, fixed peloria in, 83 Cedar of Lebanon, a large, at West- felton, 322 Ceylon, Palm avenue in the Pera- deniya Botanic Gardens at, 297 Cheal's trimmed trees, Messrs., at Temple Show, 343 Citrus trifoliata (-Egle sepiaria), 269 Clematis Princess of Wales, 53 Cocoa Geriva, branched specimen of, from Porto Alegre, Brazil, 293 Crataegus flava, 4(14 Crinum, flowering at Lisle House, Bournemouth, 98 Cyclamen, the new fringed, 217 Cypripedium Rothschildianum, 137 ; in the gardens of Baroness Roths- child, 137 Cypripedium x SanderianoCurtisii, 75 ; C. Sir Redvers Buller, 43 Cyrtanthus helictus, 35 ; C. obli- quus, 37 Dahlia excelsa, 85 Decabelone Barklyi, 210 Dendrobium ■; Dalhousi-nobile, 379 Disease of Conifers, 101 Douglas, David, portrait of, 120 ; monument to,' in Scone churchyard, 121 Echinocacti, groups of, in Mr. De Laet's nursery at Contich, 146 Eilenroc, near Antibes, views in the garden at, 25, 27 Fig, shoots of the, with young fruits, 156 Fruit, Lord Wantage's, at the Temple Show, 339 Galantiius nivalis var. Scharloki, 99 Galapagos Islands, view in, 185 Gean-tree, an overturned, at Belvoir, 407 Grafting, crown and whip, 1S3 Grindelia patens, 59 H Haywood, T. B., portrait of the late, 296 Hedsor, Maidenhead, the residence of Lord Boston, 153 Hymenocallis Moritziana, 89 I Illustrations from The Art and Craft of Garden-making, 385 Iris Danfordise, 171 ; I. stenopbylla, 171 Laet's collections of Echinocacti, Mr., 146 Lemon, Metford's, fruit of, grown at Kew, 267 Lilacs, new varieties, 115 London Botanic Garden, plan of the, 114 Lysichitum camtschatcense, 219 M Mesembryanthemcm truncatellum in S. W. Africa, 211 Miltonia vexillaria at the Temple Show, 369 Musa ensete, bunch of fruits of, 69 N Narcissus badge worn at the Fete des Narcisses, 266 ; N. ornatus, a field of, belonging to the Orchard Co., Scotby, Carlisle, 203 ; N. Poet's, growing wild in the pastures at Les Avants, Switzerland, 259 ; N. Wilhelmina, 283 Nymphrea Ellisiana growing in a tub as exhibited at the Temple Show, 331 Oak, a Lucombe, at Exeter, 323 Odontoglossum crispum Mundyanum, 117 ; O. c. "Oakfield Sunrise," 181 ; O. c. x Wendlandianum Crawshay- anum, 275 ; O. x Rolfete, Walton Grange var., 415; O. triumphans var. Raymond Crawshay, 213 Opuntia myriacantha growing in a garden at Nice, 178 Palm avenue in the Botanic Garden, Paradeniya, Ceylon, 297 Panax Mastersianum, 399 Pansy, a sport in a, 325 Paris Exhibition, views of the, 315, 317, 355 Phalsenopsis x Schilleriano-Stuartiana, 83' Plums, some hybrid American, 179 Plowrightia ribesia (Currant and Gooseberry fungus), 290 Plum and Cherry-trees in pots exhi- bited at the Temple Show by Leo- pold de Rothschild, Esq., 333, 335 Polemonium confertum, 237 Potatos, reproduction of illustrations from Gerarde's Herball (Clusius' drawing), and M. Roze's Hisloire de la Pomme de Serrc, 162, 163, lo4 Primula Kewensis x , 195 ; P. sinen- sis, a new var. of Messrs. Carter's, 14 ' ; P. The Duchess, 67 Renanthera Lowi, a fine specimen of, 3 Rhododendron flower, a, SI ; R. grande, 105 Rhubarb Daw's Champion, 235 ; R., varieties of, showing degree of earli- ness, 235 Rock-garden exhibited at the Tempe Show, 367 Romneya Coulteri as grown in a gar- den at Croydon, 131 Rose, a White Argyll, growing in Canon Norman's garden, 51 ; R. Tennyson, 395 Roses, an artistic display of, from the open garden in November, 251 Saxifraga peltata by a stream in Humboldt County, N. California, 139 Schizanthus staged at the Temple Show, 361 Sequoia attacked by Botrytis cinerea, 101 Solanum Worsleyi, 19 Sophro-Livlia x Marriottiana, 66 Strawberry Trafalgar, 397 Streptocarpus, Messrs. Veitch's, at Temple Show, 349 Succulents at the Temple Show, 359 Tagetes Lemoni, 21 Temple Show, views from the, 339* 341, 343, 349, 351, 355, 359, 361, 367, 369 Tennis-court, plan of a, 32 Thuya gigantea, trunk of, overgrown by Tsuga Mertensiana, 221 Tomato Lister's Prolific, 5 Trees and shrubs, Messrs. Fisher's exhibit of, at Temple Show, 341 Tulipa Borszczowi, 309 Tulips, May-flowering Darwin Breeder! forced by Messrs. Krelage in March, 277 Vanda teres, group of, grown at Gun- nersbury Park, Acton, 307 W Wrest Park, view in the gardens at,. 374, 375, 377 Yew Bank, Kenley, vie-v* in garden at, 227, 229 Yew, the original Dovaston, 147 ' Zygopetalum Balli, 149 ; Z. mystaci- num, 50 SUPPLEMENTARY ILLUSTRATIONS. Allinger Rockery in the Linnxa Gardens, near the Great St. Bernard (March 17). Bamboos, Group of Hardy, Arranged by Messrs. Veitch & Sons (May 19). Blenheim Palace, View of the Italian Garden at (January 6). Buckingham Palace, View in the Gardens at (April 28) Callipsyche mirabilis flowered in Mr. Worslky's Garden, Isleworth (March 31). Carnation Herbert J. Cutbush (May 26). Deepdene, View of the Interior of the Hall at (February 3). Eastwell Park, Kent, the Winter Garden at (June 2). Encephalartos Hildeerandti with Seven Male Spikes, . Royal. Gardens, Kew (February 24). Eremurus, Group of, at Royal Horticultural Society's Meeting. (June 30). Miltonia vexillaria " Memoria G. D. Owen" (May 26). Peni arrow, Cornwall, the Residence of Mrs. Ford, view of (April 14). Peradeniya, Ceylon, view in the Central Drive, Royal Botanic Gardens (June 23). Plants, a. Group of Flowering (May 26). View in the Gardens of Miss Sullivan, Fulham (June 9). Views in the Grounds at Deepdene, near Dorking (January 20). January 6, 1S00.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. I THE No. S80.—8ATUBDAY, JAN. 6, 1900. CONTENTS. Alpine garden, the 10 Jatta Orange 9 American department of Lubbock, Sir John 8 Agriculture 9 Market Gardening 4 Apple Stanway Seedling 13 Novelties of 1899 2 Artichokes, Jerusalem ... 12 Obituary 15 Azaloas Indian ... 15 Orchid collection burnt, Blenheim 10 the Schlegel 9 Blyth, the late Sir James... 8 Orchid notes and glean- Books, notices of— ings ■ • Anna'es des Sciences Padua Botanic Garden.--', Naturelles Botany ... 12 the 15 Iv_\v Bulletin .. 8 Paget, the late Sir Jas. .. ■S Les Vieux Arbres de la Plum. Coe's Golden Drop 12 Normandie ... 5 Potatos, yellow-fleshed... 11 Cabbages ... 2 Rainfall in E. Sussex in Carnation Souvenir de la ]Si9 11 MalmaiBon 10 Red-spidi r, the Hatfield Chiistmas Roses 5 cure for 12 Colonial notes 14 Renanthera Lowi 2 Darwin, Chas 8 Retinospora plumosa, Emigrants, hints to pros- variations in 9 pective 9 Societies — Gaillardias, perennial ... 4 National Carnation and Gardening under glass ... 1 Picotee 14 ;cal formation and Soil moisture 10 the composition of a Tomato, Lister's Prolific 5 soil 11 Vines, influence of the Grafting, variations pro- stuck on 12 duced by, and their in- Week's work, the , 8 heritance 12 West Indies, the s Grafting, winter 15 Westminster, the late Honin, Mr. C, presen- Duke of 8 tation to 15 Year 1900, the 8 ILLUSTRATIONS. Apple Stanway Seedling Blenheim Palace, Oxon, view of the Italian Flower-garden at (Supplement). Carnation, a specimen, as grown in the gardens of C. Dyson Perriu, Esq , D&venham Uank Reo anther a Lowi, a specimen -plan 1 of Tomato, Lister's Prolific, a plant in fruit of GAEDENING UNDER GLASS.* By W. Watson, Royal Gardens, Kew. |~ AST year we devoted an evening to "The -*-^ Evolution of the Greenhouse." We found that the first use of glass in the construction of a house for plants was towards the end of the seventeenth century, when structures known as orangeries, with opaque roofs and glass sides, were designed. Such, according to Ray, was the house in the Apothecaries' garden at Chelsea in 1684, and which was heated by a kind of oven. In 1717 a forcing-house for Grapes was erected for the Duke of Rutland at Belvoir Castle, in which glass funned the roof as well as the sides. These structures were heated by means of furnaces built under the floor of the house. This was improved upon by carrying the Hue or chimney along the side of the house. Steam was used in 1788, and shortly afterwards hot water was applied to the artificial heating of a plant-house in the.lardin des Plantes, Paris. None of these structures, however, were what we to-day should designate a greenhouse ; they were merely sheds with a few extra windows in the sides or roof for the admission of light, their chief use being to protect from the cold of winter such plants as during the summer could be grown in the open air. The earliest form of plant-house constructed wholly of glass sup- ported by sash-bars, was the lean-to, of pent- house shape, some of which are still in existence in old gardens in this country. From such structures to those of modern design was a great stride. Then glass was expensive and poor ; heating arrangements were of a more or less make-shift character, * From a Paper read at the Kew Mutual Improvemen Society. and the methods of ventilation were of a primitive kind. And yet the gardeners of those days succeeded in growing exceedingly well many plants which, notwithstanding oiir greatly improved appliances, we either fail with or grow indifferently. This, I think, is to be attributed to a change in the spirit of horti- culture, rather than to a falling off in cultural skill. Generally, the improvement in garden- ing under glass has kept stride with the improvement in appliances, and the skilful cultivator can now produce in a year plants which are not only finer examples as regards finish, but grown in one-half or one-third of the time it took our grandfathers to grow them. Let us now turn to the principles which govern the cultivation of plants in glasshouses to-day, omitting details which are outside the scope of this paper. The Steucttjbe. Whilst few would deny that the most perfect plant-house is that which admits the maximum amount of light at all times of the year, it is surprising how many overlook that essential when designing plant-houses. We are in this matter too much under the influence of the builder and architect, whose aim and taste are not usually those of the gardener, and who can- not always be made to comprehend the import- ance of direct sunlight for the growth of plants. The gardener should insist on having houses as nearly as possible wholly of glass. The most perfect house would be a compressed glass bubble, and every inch of opaque material intro- duced is consequently so much short of perfec- tion. The builder will insert heavy beams, massive iron-work, and useless ornamentation, both outside and inside ; and he will assert that they are essential to the safety or finish of the structure. It therefore behoves a gardener to know sufficient of the principles of construction to be able to prevent this overloading of plant- houses with obstructions to light. A house should be designed to satisfy the requirements of the plants at the worst time of the year. We can easily shut out excess of sunlight, but we are powerless to increase it, except bj the use of the electric light. The dofects due to the fads and whims of the architect when called upon to design a conser- vatory were pointed out by Loudon forty years ago in that rich mine of horticultural lore, the Encyclopaedia of Gardening. He says: "The grand cause of the improvements which have been made in hot-houses may be traced to their being no longer, as formerly, under the control of mansion architects. To ci\ il architecture, as far as respects mechanical and chemical prin- ciples, or the laws of the strength and durabi- lity of materials, they are certainly subject in common with every description of edifice; but in respect to the principles of design or beauty, the foundation of which we consider to be " lilness for the end in view," they are no more subject to the rules of architecture than is a ship or a fortress ; those forms and com- positions, lifting and beautiful for the habita- tion of man or animals, being unfitting, and therefore not beautiful in a habitation for plants. Such, however, is the force of habit and professional bias, (hat it is not easj to convince architects of this truth. Fitness for the end in view, » e ie|ieat, is the basis of all beauty in works of use, and therefore the taste of architects so applit d may safely be pronounced as radically wrong." This principle insisted upon in the passage quoted, viz., "fitness for the end in view," is of fundamental importance in the construction of plant-houses. If conservatories are built mainly to add to the architectural finish of residences, first-class gardening must be set down as of only secondary importance. These often dark, dismal structures are generally un- sightly inside from every point of view ; and whilst some gardeners succeed in making them passably picturesque by the use of a few plants which are good-natured enough to grow any- where, others give them up as hopeli would never build such a house as No. 1, or the central part of the Winter Garden at Kew ; for, although the plants they contain live, and more or less grow-, the same plants would thrive twenty times better in houses better adapted for gardening. Very large houses have what we may term an imposing effect ; but, speaking after an experience of twenty years in trying to grow plants in them, I may say they are heartbreaking to the gardener who desires to see his plants healthy and happy. The number of plants sacrificed in trying to keep large structures furnished and interesting is far greater than most people believe. This brings me to the second fundamental principle of greenhouse construction, viz., height. Do not build a foot higher than the plants require. It is unnecessary to insist here on the importance of keeping plants in houses as near the roof-glass as possible, as every gar- dener knows that healthy, vigorous growth is in inverse ratio as the distance of the plant from the glass. Market growers, keenly alive to this, build their bouses low. The height of the ridge is decided by the width of the house : the angle of the roof, from 30 to 45 degrees, calculated to admit the maximum of sunlight and heat, and to throw off water, snow. &c. , is now generally known, and acted upon by builders. The quality of glass used for plant-houses should be strong, and good ; 21 oz. crown glass is used at Kew. Poor glass not only breaks easily, but it often burns or scalds the plants by focussing through defects the heat-rays of the sun. The sash-bars should be no wider than stability requires. Except in very special cases, all houses should be built at right angles to the south ; houses miming from south to north, as ny are a I Kew, are a mistake. Ventilation. The ventilator has two distinct uses in the plant-house- -first, to supply fresh air to the plants ; second, to regulate the temperature. Many plant-houses are so loosely pu that a healthy circulation of air takes place when they are closed. A well-built house, properly glazed, is, on the contrary, as close as a corked bottle. A regular supply of fresh air is as necessary to the health of plants as a regular supply of fresh water. " There are various efficient methods for ensuring this at all seasons of the year, but unfortunately they are too often neglected. Modern cultivators avoid opening the top ventilators except when the conditions render it safe. When the dif- ference in temperature between the air outside and that inside is extreme, to open the top ventilators would be unwise, the outrush of the warm air, and the inrush of cold air. being most hurtful. [n the plants which easily flag, the dl-etli cident, and mischief i I |tc\ eiited by elosmg the veiitib but where the plants arc mi I, the injury is not so immediately e\ idem, although it occurs just the same. Never open fop ventilators, therefore, except when the air outside is such THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 6, 1900. as will not injure the plants when admitted in quantity. " The drain of moisture by the escape of heated air is much greater than is generally imagined. The cajjacity of air for moisture depends upon its temperature, and increases with it in a rapid ratio. It is doubled between 44° and GO'. The consequence is, that every cubic foot of air which escapes at the latter temperature carries oft' with it twice as much moisture as it brought in. When the difference of temperature is greater, the drain becomes greater also ; air entering at 44' and escaping at 80" carries off three times as much moisture as it brought " (Rogers). The best form of roof-ventilator is the lan- tern or short hinged top-sash. Sliding-sashes are antiquated, and have many defects. Bot- tom-ventilation should be afforded in modera- tion at all times, and the air should be admitted in such a way as will ensure its being warmed before it reaches the plants. Experienced Orchid-growers leave the bottom ventilators of cool-houses wide open all night during summer, and in moist weather. It is in the manipulation of the ventilators, blinds, and heating-apparatus, that the careful gardener often obtains his most marked suc- cesses. All the appliances may be of the most approved kinds ; but if carelessness in these essential factors of healthy plant-growth is prac- tised, failure must inevitably result. Generally a plant-house should be ventilated on precisely the same lines as a man's house, avoiding rushes of air, sudden changes and draughts, at the same time admitting sufficient to maintain buoyancy and freshness. Shading. There is, generally speaking, a great deal more shading done than the plants require or like. Too often this is due to lazi- ness. Under the influence of sunshine, plants lose their moisture quicker, and consequently they require watering more frequently than when shaded. The blinds are let down in the morning when the sun is powerful, and are allowed to remain down till evening, even' although the sun may have been obscured for hours during the day. Plants will grow rapidly even in feeble light, but they are imper- fectly nourished, and will break down eventu- ally, either by dropping their flower-buds, losing their leaves, or a portion of the latter may become brown or spotted. Light is life to the plants, and although it may injure some by its in- tenseness, as a rule the brighter it is the better the growth will be. With bright sun- shine, the temperature of the house may be allowed to rise correspondingly ; more light, more heat, is a safe axiom in indoor gardening. (To be continued.) Orchid Notes and Gleanings. DICTIONNAIRE ICONOGRAPHIQUE DES ORCHIDEES. The November number commences a new series. Henceforth the publication will only be published at intervals of two months. The collection of plates is so handy for reference, the execution of the plates so free from exaggeration, and the text so authentic, that we earnestly hope for a pros- perous future for this useful publication. The plants figured in the last number are : — Anguloa Clowesii, Ldl. ; Cattleya Rex, O'Brien ; C. Atlanta inversa, Hort. ; Cochlioda rosea, Benth. ; Dendro- bium Victoria Reginse, Loher. ; Epidendrum atro- purpureum v. longilabre, Cogn. ; E. xanthinum, Ldl. ; Grammatophyllum Rumphianum, Miq. ; Laalia xanthina, Ldl. ; Maxillaria striata, Rolfe ; Mormodes Ocanna\ Lind. et Rchb. f. ; M. Buccinator, Ldl. (forma) ; M, B. v. citrinum, Hort. EULOPHIA LuBBERSIANA. Under this name the Revue de V Horticulture Beige et Etrangrre for the present month gives the description of a new species from the Congo. The leaves are described as very beautiful, pearly- white, spotted with black and with green blotches. The flowers are less remarkable. A coloured illus- tration will be given in the uext issue. Adventitious Growth on Cypripedium. Mr. G. W. Cummins, Balmedie Gardens, Aber- deen, kindly forwards a flower-stem with seed- capsule of Cypripedium Lathamianum, bearing at the base of the ovary a tiny plant which might easily be mistaken for a seedling. Examination with a powerful lens, however, shows that the growth has actual contact with the flower-stem of the parent-plant, and that it is an adventitious process therefrom of precisely the same uature as similar growths often found on the flower-spikes, and sometimes on the roots, of Phalrenopsis and other Orchids. In Cypripediums we have noticed similar growths ou several occasions, and in most cases when the ovary had perished before maturity, or when the flower-stem was dying from the base. CABBAGES. Most gardeners will admit that Coleworts have no equal as regards goodness of quality and mild flavour among Cabbages, and the best of them is undoubtedly the Rosette variety. These Coleworts are in use in the winter, and onwards till late in the spriDg months. The ordinary Cabbages, if planted in the month of October make slow pro- gress until the end of the month of February, and then growth becomes more rapid ; but that of the Coleworts is completed in mild winters in three months from the time of planting. It frequently happens that rapid growth m vege- tables does not tend to capability to withstand frost, and Coleworts are sometimes greatly injured in this way, the heads expanding, and making the plant more vulnerable to wet and frost. Seeing how well such winter Cabbages as the St. John's Day, Christmas Drumhead, and Sutton's Favourite stand severe weather, it occurred to me that a good type of the Rosette Colewort, if crossed with one of these varieties, would afford a hardier Cabbage of good quality. One of this race was figured and described in the Gardeners' Chronicle on Dec. 16, under the name St. Martin, a variety which I think will make its way in gardens. Some gardeners complain that it lacks size, good eatiug quality being too often thought of little moment. I have named Sutton's Favourite as a distinct winter variety, although it is generally less grown at that season than in spring to come on in summer ; still, it is a line autumn aud winter variety, very dwarf, with a solid small heart, remaining good when fully grown for a longer period of time than many others. This remark applies to Cabbages raised from summer or early autumn sowings, for mid-winter supplies. In regard to hardiness, I know of no other variety that is the superior of Christmas Drumhead, which is a hard compact Cabbage, but little influenced by the weather. It may be thought that what are termed spring or early summer Cabbages, if sown at the right season, would do for use in the autumn, but such is not the case as regards these varieties, as quite a different kind of growth takes place at that season that renders them less useful than at their proper season. For many years before I obtained the true Christmas Drumhead from seed, from Mr. Bunyard of Maidstone, I grew Winnig'atadt, an old continental variety, possessing a short stem and large conical head, and leaves of a glaucous hue, like those of the Broccoli or Cauliflower. It is a very hardy Cabbage. The type, when first sent out, was a dwarfer plant than those now in com- merce, and the head was smaller. I mention the Winnigstadt for its hardiness, and its value as an autumn and winter Cabbage, the seed being sown in the month of May. I have sown winter varie- ties of Cabbage in March for summer use, and they seemed to be less subject to attacks from cater- pillars than the spring varieties, and bolting ; all the same, their flavour is not to be compared to plan ts grown under better conditions. I need not say anything here about the cultivation of Cabbages beyond advising gardeners to plant them rather closely, say 15 to 18 inches between the rows, and to make two sowings, one early in the month of May for the autumn supply, another a mouth to six weeks later for wiuter use. 0, Wythes. BENANTHEKA LOWI. In fig. 1 is illustrated a remarkable specimen of this Orchid as it bloomed in October in Mrs. Nelson's Garden at Salisbury Green, Edinburgh. To Mr. Alex. Laing, who has charge of these gardens, we are indebted for the photograph, and for the following information concerning this plant, in the cultivation of which he has been so successful : - "The plant is 3 feet high, has twenty-seven leaves, and bore four flower-spikes, supporting 116 blooms. The longest spike was 6 feet 6 inches in length. A remarkable characteristic of this species, well known to Orchidists, is its production of dimorphous flowers. On two of the spikes there were the usual two blossoms at the base of the spike, different in shape and colour from all the others on the same spike, while at the base of the other two spikes there were one and three respectively of the yellow and crimson spotted flowers. The plant has been grown in a house having a temperature of 60' to 65° in wiuter, and 65° to 70° in summer. Being a native of Borneo, the plant would doubtless thrive, and perhaps flower more freely if grown in a higher tempera- ture with the necessary moisture." NOVELTIES OF 1899. Again the season has come rouud for a review of the new plants raised or introduced to our gar- dens during the year just closed, especially of those plants Certificated during 1899 by the Royal Hor- ticultural Society. As usual, iu addition to plants actually new, there are others that have been little known, or that have only now shown their true characteristics. Although few new departures or fresh sections of exceptional interest have appeared during the year, either among importations or home raised hybrids, there is abundant evidence that great progress has been made, more especially by the hybridist, whose work was so interestingly set forth at the Hybridisation Conference of the Royal Horticultural Society in July, and in thc- notes accompanying the portraits of the leading hybridists published in the Gard >u > •■' Ghroniclt . It i3 interesting to disclose by this annual review that the specialists of old are true to their selec- tions, the same names appearing in conjunction with the same classes of plants year after year. Orchids especially show the constancy of those who culti- vate them. Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart. , Burford (gr., Mr. W. H. White), still takes the lead among the lovers of good things of all classes, aud is fore- most among the few who treasure pretty botanical species. During the year some few good advances have appeared among the Burford hybrid Calan- thes, Dendrobiums, and other genera ; the certifi- cated plants from Burford, including Cypripedium x Argo-Morganiie and C. x Hera Euryades, the latter being specially fine ; Dendrobium x Wigame xanthochilum, a bright yellow flower, with rich purple centre ; D. x Euterpe, a stately hybrid, with very showy flowers ; D. x Nestor, originally raised by Chas. Winn, Esq. ; Thunia Bensoniaj superba, a large rose-purple flower ; Masdevallia January 6, 1900.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 3 x Curlei, M. x Shuttiyanana, Chamberlain's variety (different in colour to the one raised at Burford), and M. x falcata. Among tine varieties of species credited to Sir Trevor Lawrence during the year are the Bur- ford form of Masdevallia ignea Boddaerti ; Cattleya Mo-six Lawrences, and C. M. Goos.ensiana, two anum, The Dell variety : 0. x Cookeanum and 0. x Coradinei mirabile, all well worthy of his fine collection. Sir Frederick Wigan, Bart., Clare Lawn, East Sheen (gr., Mr. W. H. Young), a great admirer of good Orchids, contributes to the novelties of the past year the fine white Cattleya Mende'i FlG. 1. — A FINELY-ELOWERED SPECIMEN OF RENANTHEKA LOW I, IN THE GARDES OF MRS. NELSON, SALISBURY GREEN, EDINBURGH. NUMBER OF FLOWERS UPON THE PLANT 110. (SEE P. "J.) very distinct and desirable additions to the showy forms of C. labiata ; C. Mendel i Burford variety ; Odontoglossumcrispum purpurascens, a well-marked fine variation ; and the bright yellow Sophronitis grandiflora Bossiteriana. Baron Sir H. Schroder, The Dell, Staines (gr., Mr. H. Ballantine), showed his continued appre- ciation of the genus Odontoglossum, so well grown and so richly represented at The Dell, with O. luteo purpureum, The Dell variety ; 0. Wilcke- albescens, the haudsome C. Xriana-i Amy Wigau, the richly-coloured La'lio- Cattleya x Wigana?, a splendid hybrid of the L.-C. Dominiana class ; L.-C. X superboelegans ; Lajlia tenebrosa gigantea ; the rare natural hybrid Cattleya ■. Whitei, Wigan 'a variety ; Cypripedium Stonei candidum, Phalx- nopsis Sanderiana, Wigan's variety, the most perfect in form of auy of the rose-pink Phalxuopsis ; Odontoglossum x Adriana? L&dy Wigan, and 0. •. Harryanum crispum The Rt. Hon. Joseph Chamberlain gr., Mr. J. Smith), has on several occasions sent fine examples of the hybrid Orchids raised at Highbury to the meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society. The best during the year were the bright reddish- scarlet Sophro Cattleya Chamberlaini var. triumphans, and the charming hybrid of Cattleya maxima — C. Mrs. EudicotT John Leemann. Esq., of Heaton Mersey fgr , Mr. Edge), one of our most enthusiastic collectors, showed us Odontoglossum crispum Mr3. John Leemann, O. Coradinei, West Bank House vaiiety ; the noble Cattleya labiata Sir George White, the brilliantly coloured C. 1. Peetersiana superba, the delicately- tinted Cattleya Isabella, Cypripedium Helvetia, and a number of other new hybrids which have been flowered by him for the first time in 1899. Elijah Ashwop. ih, Esq. , of Wilmslow (gr., Mr. Edge), has Cattleya Triamei Ernest Ashworth, Cypripedium iusigne, Harefield Hall variety ; Odontoglossum crispum Ashworthianum, 0. Adrians Ashworthianum, and other good things. Norman C. Cookson, Esq., Oakwood, Wylam (gr., Mr. Wm. Murray), has recorded as his best of the year the remarkable dark ruby red Calanthe Oakwood Ruby, a triumph of cross-breeding and selection ; the fine V'haius Pbcebe, Dendrobium ■ Cybele, Oakwood variety : and Cypripedium Schofieldianum superbum. Of Odontoglossum specialists, W. Thompson, Esq., Walton Grange, Stone (gr., Mr. W. Stevens), succeeded in getting Certificates for Odontoglossum crispum Duke of York, 0. c. Daphne, O. c. Arthur Brisco, 0. x Coradinei expansum, 0. x Loochristy- ense Canary Bird, and 0. triumphans King Alfred. De B. Crawshay, Esq , Sevenoaks (gr. , Mr. S. Cooke), follows in the same direction with Odonto glossum crispum Seraphim, 0. c. Raymond Craw- shay, 0. ■ Andersonianum Mrs. De B. Crawshay, O. x A. Raymond Crawshay, 0. x Coradinei Crawshayanum, 0. Ruckerianum Crawshay- unum, Livlia anceps Rostlie'densis, and L. a. Amesiana, Crawshay s var., whose merits ob- tained acknowledgment during the year. H. S. Leon, Esq , Bletehley Park (gr., Mr. Hislop), scores with his Cattleya Maggie Raphael, the finest yellow-petalled hybrid of the year: La>lio - Cattleya ■ callistoglossa, Leon's variety ; L C. ■ PreeiosaHislopi, and some others. G. W. Law-Schofield, E=q.. New-Hall-Hey (gt , Mr. Shill), produced the fine Cypripedium X Sliilliauum. which would have taken the Medal for i lie best hybrid Orchid of the year, but that it had been put out by having been previously exhibited ; C. x conco callosum, Lrclia purpurata Annie Louise, &c. A. Warri rton, Ksi|. , Hashogden, was given lecognitiou for La?lia tenebrosa Yictor Warburton. a fine foim of the L t. Waltcn Grange class : and Dendrobium x Clio Vine House var. Walter Cobb, Esq., Tunbiidge Wells (gr., Mr. J. Howes), showed the fine Odontoglossum crispum Kasano, Miltonia vexillaria dulcotensis, Odonto- glossum triumphans, Dulcote var., and Cypripedium bellatulum, Dulcote var. .1. Gurney-Fow ler, Esq., Glebel'ands, South Woodford (gr., Mr. J. Davis), showed Cypripedium x Miss Louisa Fowler, Cattleya Eldorado, Glebe- lands variety ; C. Mossia? Victoria, and Cypripe- dium insane Fowleriannm, all good. Other fine plants shown by amateurs in - and Certificated, were Cattleya Dowiana, Little's variety, of H. Little, Esq. ; Cattleya Harrisoniana alba, and La?lio Cattleya x Adolphus, of the Rev. Mr. Paynter, Guildford ; Cattleya labiata Gil- mourise, and the beautiful Lselio- Cattleya x Dominiana Fire King, of Mrs. BRIGGS-BORY : Cat- tleya intermedia, Rosslyn variety, and Odontoglos- sum crispum, Rosslyn variety, of H. T. Pitt. Esq. ; Cattleya labiata, and the fine white C. labiata Mrs. R. I. Measures, of R. I Measures. Esq. (gr., Mr. 11. J. Chapmanl ; the pure white Cattleya Lndde- mannite alba, of W. Duckworth. Esq. ; Mr. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 6, 1900. T. W. Thornton's fine hybrid Cattleya x weedon- ensis, and C. x Euphrasia, Thornton's variety ; Lord Rothschild's Schomburgkia Lyonsii, and Stauropsis lissochiloides var. , neither new as species, but rarely seen in such good form ; and Vanda'teres, Gunnersbury Park variety, of Leopold de Rothschild, Esq. The Masdevallia x Rushtoni of Captain Hincks is worthy of that Masdevallia hybridist ; Cattleya Mossiae gloriosa, and Lajlio-Cattleya x Aphrodite Ruth, of J. Rutherford, Esq., surpass former varieties in each class ; and Odontoglossum crispum Purity, of T. B. Haywood, EBq. ; Cattleya Kienastiana Aurora, and C. x elatior of C. L. N. Ingram, Esq. ; and Cypripedium x Milo, Weston- birt variety, and Odontoglossum x Andersonianum, Westonbirt variety, of Captain Holeord, are valuable acquisitions of the year. Nurserymen's Productions. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, as usual, hold the record for having flowered the greatest number and the beBt hybrids of the year. The season was opened by them in January with the grand Angraj- cum x Veitchi, and the remarkable and interesting Epi-Cattleya x Mrs. James O'Brien, both of which received Awards on January 10 at the Royal Horti- cultural Society. On July 25 they exhibited Sophro- Cattleya x Queen Empress, one of the finest hybrids ever raised, and a distinct reward for Messrs. Veitch's labours to produce a hybrid of the size of the larger Cattleyas, but with the dark scarlet colour of some of the forms of Sophronitis grandi- flora. Sophro-Laelia x lasta superba is another step in the same direction, and each of the following exhibits show good results of the work done by Messrs. Veitch and their diligent lieutenant, Mr. John Seden. All have received Awards in 1899 : Cattleya labiata alba Prince of Wales, C, Gaskell- iana forrnosa, C. x Princess, C x vestalis, Cypri- pedium x Captain Holford, C. x Hera Euryades splendens, C. X Orion, Disa x Clio superba, Epi- dendrum x elegantulum luteum, E. x Langley- ense superba, Epi-Lrelia ; Charlesworthi, Lielia x Mrs. Gratrix, Laslio-Cattleya X Bryan Duchess of York, L.-C. x Aphrodite e;:imia, L.-C. Lucilia, L. -C. Wellsiana ignescens, Phaio-Calauthe x Niobe, Phalfenopsis Cassandra, P. x Her- mione, and P. x Mrs. J. H. Veitch. Messrs. F. Sander & Co. have rendered great service to horticulture by the introduction of the remarkable Dendrobium spectabile, figured on p. 491 in last week's issue, andnow flowering in several collections ; also, the elegant Himalayan Cymbidium Gammieanum ; and by the production of some good hybrid Cypripediums and others, among which should be mentioned the pretty Zygo- Colax x Amesiana, and Ladio-Cattleya Wilsonne, a pretty addition to the medium-sized hybrids. Messrs. Hugh Low & Co. secured awards for Cattleya Mendeli Perfection ; C. Mossia; Beauty of Bush Hill, C. Trianoei Amesiana, and Odonto- glossum x Andersonianum grandiflorum, all showy novelties. Messrs. Charlesworth & Co., in their hybrid of C. Charlesworthi, named C. X Lord Roberts, produced one of the richest-coloured Cypripediums yet seen ; and other trade establishments have supplied important new varieties and hybrids. Continental Exhibits of Orchids have been more than usually numerous and good during the past year. Messrs. Linden, l'Horticole Coloniale, Brussels, having among their best Cypripedium x Wiert- zianum, Cattleya Trianasi Memoria Lindeni, Odon- toglossum crispum Miss Linden, Miltonia vexillaria Lindenise, Oncidium varicosum Lindeni, 0. Forbesii Moortebeekiense, 0. F. castaneum, and others. M. Jules Hye-Levsen, Ghent, secured awards in England for Cypripedium x Surprise, C. x Talisman, Odontoglossum crispum Sultan, O. c. Etoile du Congo, 0. c. Franz Masereel, O. x ex- cellens Hyeauum, 0. : e. nobilius, O. Halli Lalresseanum, Lselio- Cattleya x Myra Etoile d'Or, and the fine L.-C. x Madame Albert Hye M. Chas. Maron, Brunoy, France, one of the most successful of continental Orchid hybridists, has a good record with Lnalio-Cattleya x Ernesti Princess Olga, the grand, blight yellow hybrid which has now passed into the collection of Norman C. Cookson, Esq.; L.-C. x Digbyano - Mendeli Imperatrice de Russe, L.-C. x Callistoglossa J. Leemann, L -C. < Martioeti, L.-C. < Duvaliana, and other good hybrid Laelio-Cattleyas shown at the Hybrid Conference in July. The following novel or rare Orchids were illus- trated in the Gardeners' Chronicle in 1S99 :— Augnecum < Veitchi, January 21, p. 35. Bartholina pectinata, July 1, p. 15. Bulbophyllum mandibulare, October 14, p. 293. Cattleya x Maggie Raphael, December 30, p. 482. Cypripediuni x Hera Euryades, December 30, p. 483. Cypripediuni : Milo, Westonbirt var., Decem- ber 2, p. 413. Cypripedium Olivia, November 4, p. 239. Dendrobium Cybele, Oakwood variety, April 29, p. 259. Dendrobium spectabile, December 30, p. 491. Epi-Cattleya Mr?. James O'Brien, January 21, p. 37. La?lio- Cattleya Ernesti, Princess Olga, March 11, p. 149. Odontoglossum : Cookeanum, March 11, p. 155. Odontoglossum Coradinei, West Bank House var., May 20, p. 315. Odontoglossum • Adriame, Lady Wigan, April 29, p. 258. Odontoglossum crispum Daphne, October 21, p. 307. Odontoglossum crispum Duke of York, March 25, p. 179. Odontoglossum crispum Mrs. John Leemann. March 25, p. 187. Odontoglossum crispum Moortebeekiense, De- cember 9, p. 421. Odontoglossum < Harryano crispum, July 22, p. 67. Odontoglossum YVilckeauum pallens, March 25, p. 185. Phalamopsis Mrs. J. H. Veitch, February 25, p. 114. Phaius < (Manni tuberculosa), February 25, p. 115. Schomburgkia Lyonsii, September 9, p. 203. Selenipedium macrochilum giganteum, Sup- plement, June 3. Sophro-Cattleya x Chamberlainiana var. trium- phans, December 16, p. 446. Sophro-Cattleya x Queen Empress, August 5, p. 113. Zygo-Batemania x Mastersii, February 18, p. 99. Zygopetalum Gairianum, November 25, p. 401. [To be continued.) Cultural Memoranda. PERENNIAL GAILLARDIAS. The Gaillardias are invaluable for the decoration of the flower-garden or the herbaceous border. They flower abundantly in summer and autumn, and last long upon the plant or when cut and placed in vases. There are few species, but many garden hybrids. G. aristata has yielded numerous varieties that have brightly coloured flowers of varied shades, and they are all vigorous growers. In some localities the Gaillardias are not per- fectly hardy, for a winter of usual severity will kill the plants. But this rarely :curs upon light or dry soils. The Gaillardias are peculiarly adapted for grouping, and by this system the characteristics of the plants are best displayed. A method I have adopted with success is to save some seed annually from the best marked flowers. The seed is sown in boxes as soon as ripe, and quickly germinates. The seedlings are pricked off into other boxes con- taining good friable soil, and kept in cold frames daring t!i9 wintsr miattn. la Mirch or eirl April they are transferred to their permanent position out-of-doors, thesoil having been previously prepared by trenching, and the incorporation of manure and wood ashes or charred refuse. With ordinary care the plants will be strong at planting time, and will grow apace if given water should the weather be dry. A little manure-water may be given alternately with clear water, or the plants may with advantage be mulched with manure, which will also help to conserve the moisture. Plants thus treated will yield a pro- fusion of exquisite flowers during late summer, aud well on into the autumn. Another mode of raising seedlings is to purchase seed in February and to grow them on without a check until the weather is favourable for trans- planting them to the open ground, and provided that every care and attention be given the plants excellent results may be expected. The old plants that have withstood the winter will naturally flower much earlier than seedlings, and will thus prolong the season of bloom. Close attention must be given to keeping the plants secured in an upright position from the time they commence to produce flowers. Four stakes placed round each plant with a striDg passed round at intervals will answer well, and will ensure the long flower-stems keeping straight for use in vases. H. T. Martin, Sloneleigh. MARKET GARDENING. Hydrangeas.— These are grown in large quan- tities for market, the various growers treating them differently, and it is difficult to say which n the best and most economic method. At one time it was only the dwarf plants in 48-size pots that found much favour, but since floral decorations have been carried out on a much larger scale and in different styles to what they were formerly, taller aud larger plants are in demand. The dwarf plants may be grown by taking cuttings towards the end of August, but these must be taken from strong plants with well matured growths. In favoured districts where they with- stand the winter out of doors, the best cuttings are obtained from those planted out in the open. These will root freely on a hot-bed. They should be put in singly in small pots, and may be potted on into 48 size pots as soon as well rooted, after which they should be well exposed and kept rather dry than otherwise. If they are well ripened a slight frost will do no harm, but it is safer to afford protection early. Another method is to propagate from the young shoots early in the spring. When they are forced, there are generally plenty of good cuttings to be had from side shoots or those which fail to flower. These cuttings must be as short as it is possible to get them, and though they require to be struck in heat, they must be removed therefrom before they start into new growth ; they should be potted singly, and given plenty of room. They require the pro- tection of a frame during the earlier stages, but after they are well established they should be stood out in the open, where they get all the sun and air possible. Some of the earliest struck plants may be stopped, and will then make two or three breaks in time to set their buds. A good loamy compost should be used, and the firmer they are potted the better ; they root through quicker in a rich loose compost, but they do not make such short sturdy growth as those potted firmly. Plants with from three to five large heads of bloom may be grown in 48-size pots, but they require to be well fed with manure after the flower heads begin to develop. In forcing, the great thing is to give plenty of light and air. Too much artificial heat in dull damp weather should be avoided, otherwise the plants will run up tall and thin. With bright sunny weather plenty of heat may be given if it is desirable to hurry them on, but those grown in a moderate temperature are the most satisfactory. The above remarks apply to H. Hortensia and its variety Otaksa. January 6, 1900.] THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE. Thomas Hogg, the white variety, is also a favourite, but is of more slender growth and has smaller heads of bloom. Two-year-old plants of this are the most satisfactory, but fairly good plants may be grown in one season if propagated early and stopped so as to get three or more breaks. Older plants will produce a number of shoots, but these should be thinned out, saving the shortest and strongest shoots. Plants in 48's will carry from five to seven heads of bloom, and those in 32's from eight to twelve, or even more, but a limited number of larger heads of bloom are, per- haps, more desirable. A. H. Preparing Cucumber Plants and the Houses to Plant Them In.— The first step to be taken in this direction is to wash the glass and woodwork inside of all houses intended to be planted with Cucumbers. Soft-soapy water, into which a little petroleum — say, a wineglass to two gallons — has been poured, should be used not only as a means of more effectively cleansing the glass and woodwork, but also of destroying any insects or their larvae that may be located between the glass and wood or the latter and the brickwork ; afterwards washing the whole of the glass and woodwork with clean water, delivered from syringe or hose. This done, wash the brickwork with hot limewash. Attention should next be directed to the prepara- tion of the soil, and the formation of hillocks at intervals of 2 feet, and about 1 foot from the walls, on either side. Assuming that the soil used for planting the young plants of Cucumbers last Jauuary was new, no hesitation need be felt in using it again, incorporated with a like complement of peat manure as a rooting and sustaining medium for setting out young plants in towards the end of ■ lanuary next. Therefore, all that is necessary to do is to level the old ridges well back towards the central path, picking out all roots — Cucumber-roots— in the prooi as of turning over the soil. This done, wheel in some of the above-mentioned manure, or any other kind of short manure received in a state of fermentation, tipping a barrowful of this ou the levelled ridges on either side the pathway, at inter- vals of about 3 feet from centre to centre. After- wards mix the soil and manure well together into conveniently-sized heaps until required for use — first to form the hillocks ou which to set the plants, aud subsequently to add a layer thereto a few inches 1 hick as the roots push through sides of the mounds, making additional top-dressings until the inter- vening spaces are made level with the tops of the mounds in which the plants are growing. Before making the hillocks, insert sticks in the soil, at - feet apart, the entire length of the house, aud at about 1 foot from the walls on either side. Make the mounds about 10 inches deep at the apex aud 2 feet wide at the base ; the sticks indicating the positions of the plants should be secured to the first wire of the trellis to which to train the young plants when planted. Meanwhile, the seeds should be sown singly in 3-inch pots, a little more than half tilled with some of the warm compost mentioned above, covering with a little of the same, and press- ing it gently together with the hand. Stand tin- pots on a stage made over the hot-water pipes, and cover them with squares of glass, if at hand, to hasten the process of germination ; removing the glass beforo the young plants come in contact with it. Fill the pots up to the rims with the same description of soil as the little plants are growing in, as a top-dressing, pressing it gently about them so as not to touch the stems, which in this sappy stage of growth are very susceptible to injury from the slightest pressure. When the plants have attained to a height of about G inches, and before the roots become matted in the pots, they should be either transferred to the mounds or shifted into 6-inch pots, using the same kind of compost as before, making this moderately firm in potting. 1 let urn the plants to their former position. Put a small stick to each plant for support, and water with tepid water to settle the soil about tho roots. In about two weeks' time these plants will be ready for planting on the individual mounds, bury- ing therein the same depth as they were in the pots, and pressing the soil well about the balls of earth and roots in planting, afterwards applying tepid water to settle the soil. Plants thus raised and planted in a warm, rich compost, in houses in which a minimum temperature of from Go to 70° is maintained, necessarily make a rapid and satis- factory growth, a genial, moist atmosphere being observed in the houses so planted from beginning to end of the plants' growth. The fact of having a sufficient quantity of rich, warm soil in each house fruit in various stages of growth, will not evince much disposition to make superfluous growth. Heavy crops of any kind of fruit are the best correctives of exuberant growth. H. W. Ward. Fro. 1. TOMATC ' PROLIFIC, wherewith to top-dress the hillocks as soon as the roots show through the sides of same is of the utmost importance in connection with securing weighty orops of high-quality fruit. The Kochford variety of Cucumber is the best to grow for market purposes. Training, — When the plants have reached the thud or fourth wire of the trellis, they should be stoj led, pinching the lateral or side growths at 1 f( t, in order to hasten tho development of fruit suth.iently to keep the shoots within legitimate bounds ; and with this object all superfluous growths should be kept persisteutly removed. The object should be to cover the trellis thinly rather than thickly with short-jointed, fruitful growths in as short a timo as possible. As a rule, well eared-for plants, which arc carrying heavy crops of crisp TOMATO, LISTER" S PROLIFIC. " With brush and paint the artist can the land- scape reproduce with pleasing correctness to the eye." Thus the poet. But very different is it with the gardener who, by chance or perseverance, hits upon some uncommonly tine and rare specimen of fruit, flower, or vegetable, in which he finds an all-absorbing pleasure in watching and tending. It would thus be my endeavour to sound the praises and describe the origin of one fine variety of the Tomato. I chanced to receive several packets of seeds from an American gentleman some years ago, which I gave to Mr. Lister, the nursery- man at Rothesay, N. B. After some time spent in testing and cross-fertilisation, Mr. Lister has been rewarded by a variety which calls for special men- tion. The new comer is sturdy, close jointed, a prolific bearer, and good for either early or late cropping. The fruits average six to the pound avoirdupois, are of a high colour, smooth and round, the flesh solid and of fine flavour. A. M'Lcan, Curling Hall, Largs. [Our illustration (fig. 2) taken from a photograph kindly sent by the writer of the note, quite con- firms his statements in regard to the cropping capabilities of the variety, and the form of the fruit.] Book Notice. Les Vieux Arbres de la NORMANDIE, fasc. iv., par Henri Gadeau de Kerville. ( Baillit-re et Fils, 19, Rue Hautefeuille, Paris.) This is the work, or a continuation of the work, of an active and acute naturalist. It comprises photographic representations of twenty trees growing in Normandy, together with full details of their locality, identification, and dimensions. Among them there are several Yews, Poplars, Oaks, Beeches, and Limes. The most interesting of these to the English reader is, perhaps, the Misleto-bearing Oak, represented at tabb. xiv. etxv. This tree is growing at Issigny le Buat (Manche) ; the tree has a girth of 5 m. 37 at one metre from the soil, its height being between 17 and IS metres. The photograph shows as many as forty tufts of Misleto on this tree. The author devotes a separate section to the Misleto bearing Oaks of Normandy, from which it appears that the occurrence of this parasite on the Oak is nearly as rare in Normandy as it is in Eugland, for the author only cites five instances. CHRISTMAS ROSES. Few flowers are more heartily welcomed than these, and perhaps none yield a fuller harvest witli less trouble and expense when and where the plants are treated with due care aud foresight. A rich loamy soil, verging into clay rather than to sand, suits them best, and should such soil need lightening or enriching, few ameliorators prove more congenial to the plants than liberal additions of leaf mould, hot-bed or well-rotted farmyard- manure. The site aud soil should be more or less shady, cool, and moist, though thoroughly well drained, and under no circumstances exposed to flooding or saturation with stagnant water. Though for their size the Christmas Roses can hardly be called gross-rooting plauts, yet under liberal culture they require a little good soil, two or more feet in depth, to do justice to their tine leaves and crowded crowns of blooms. Various modes of culture have been recommended, those based on a maximum measure of preparation and a minimum of future interference being generally the more successful. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE [January 6, 1900, They may be readily multiplied by division of the root-stocks, which, however, should never be parted with a knife or spade, bat the whole mass should be lifted, and each separate crowu or clump of crowns pulled apart carefully without destroying, breaking, or bruising the roots. The best time or state for propagation or removal to their quarters is shortly after the blooms fade. Tn the interregnum between the fading or finishing of the flowers and the starting of the leaves into vigorous growth, the roots may be transplanted with the least possible check or injury. Where quantities of Christmas Rose flowers or plants are required for decorative purposes at Christmas time or early in the new year, it is well to grow a large stock of plants in a variety of sites and aspects. The distance between the crowns should be partly controlled by size, soil, purposes for which the plants are required, &c. The dis- tances between the crowns or groups of crowns may range from a foot to a yard. For many pur- poses from 1 foot to 1;"> inches from plant to plant produces excellent material. To command early and long lasting supplies of Christmas Roses they should be planted in quantities in single file, double or treble rows, at the foot of as many walls as can be spared. Some of the finest I ever saw were on gravel at the foot of a long terrace wall clothed with Tea Roses. Others were near on grass at the foot of another wall, and these were three weeks or more late, as a rule. Those at the foot of west walls continued the succession from the middle of December, and yet others on east and north walls yielded late harvests of Christmas Hoses as long as wanted. South and other borders were altogether appropriated for blocks or masses of ChristmaB Roses. Oilier blocks were planted in sheltered anil semi-shaded places. It is a useful plan to plant Christmas Roses in blocks the size of two or three light frames. These, if placedover theChristmas Rosesearly in the winter, will has ten the blooming by a fortnight or three weeks, and preserve every flower pure and untarnished white as snow. Narrow glass lights run lengthways to enclose a row of these plants at the base of walls, also to hasten their blooming, and protect the bloom from hail, frost, and wind. (If course, too, the plants may be lifted, planted in a mild bottom- heat in pits or frames, or pottod-up and placed in a temperature of from 45" to 55". But these plants flower best under cool treatment, and most of tlie finest I have seen or grown have been those with wood, glass, or other covering in the open air. In mild winters, and in sheltered gardenB, the plants flower superbly in the open air, but the blooms often get spotted and tarnished by sudden storms and change of temperature ; and hence, few things pay better than the use of portable glass frames, Rendle's glass and tile protectors, cloches, and handlights, in the forwarding of Christmas Roses. The flowers being so much and so long ahead of the leaves renders some slight protection the more useful. The peculiar form of the buds also act as a most potent sort of protection through their earlier stages. Neither frost, snow, hail, or rain, can very easily get to or remain in the central part of the bloom. Nor must it be assumed that either of these need injure the flowers much, or the plants at all, if they did. They might, however, mar the spotless purity of the blossoms as well as lower their price and lessen their artistic effect. There is another very simple way of hastening and preserving the flowers of Christmas Roses. This is to cut them in bud, place them in a tem- perature of 50°, change the water daily, and cut a thin section off the end of the stalk every second or third day. Some add a pinch of guano, soot, smelling-salts, bone-meal, or other manure, liquid or solid, to add to the food- supplies, or preserve the wa'er sweet. But these are not really needful for the evolution of perfect and spotless flowers from perfect ly - formed three - quarter - developed buds. [_ For early work, and room or cimrch deci ration, the common Christmas Rose, Helleborus niger, is still one of the most useful ; H. angustifolius, with leaves aud flowers smaller and earlier than the type ; and the two or three varieties as H. m. altifolius, H. m. major aud H. m. maximus, having flowers from 3 to 4 inches in diameter. There is also what may properly be called a fine- foliaged Christmas Rose of the same species, though it continues rather rare — a veritable Helle- borus niger, with its foliage fringed with white. In this connection it is not needful to refer to the other innumerable varieties, that are so admirably adapted for beds, borders, wild gardens, ferneries, rockeries, shrubberies ; nor to describe or dwell on the importance of the Helleborus niger for the out-of- door decoration of gardens and pleasure-grounds. Single plants in all sorts of nooks and corners are always welcome, while few or none have ever been kuowu to complain that their groups of Christmas Roses were tco large, or their masses too heavy. After planting, whether for early flowering in the house or under glass, or artistic effect in the open, masterly inactivity suits the plant best. An occasional soaking in abnormally dry weather, and an annual top-dressing every March or April after blooming, is about all the culture needed to uot only maintain the vitality, but increase the flowers of these tine old plants. One of the most congenial top dressings consists of half of sweet leaf-mould and half rotted hot-bed or farm-yard manure. Of course the surface will be kept free from weeds, the dead flowers cut off to prevent the waste of strength in the formation of useless seeds (for piactic illy they are useless unless for raising new v irieties, as it takes six or more years to flower seedlings). The leaves should also be religiously preserved until quite matured. The more the crowns and roots get crowded, and the longer, iu reason, they are lett to establish themselves on the same spot, the more prodigal do Christmas Roses become. JJ. /'. Fi»h. The Week's Work, THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By A. W\Ki., Gardener, St ike Edith Park, Hereford. General Remark}. — A heavy snowfall, accom- panied by frost of exceptional severity, caused a suspension of wTork in the hardy fruit-garden in mill December, but, happily, the snow did not lie long, and at the time of writing the various operations incidental to this department are again in full swing. Those who have kept pace with the calendar will have accomplished the bulk of the work, but for everyone so fortunate there are others who are in arrears, or have not yet made even a commencement. Any gardeners so placeel must now push on with the work as energetically as possible. The principal work to be done at this season consists in pruning, training, nailing, or tying, as the case may be, togettier with the thorough cleansing of the trees, whether from a remedial or preventive point of view. These matters must, therefore, first engage our attention here, and they will be dealt with in rotation. The remarks that I shall have to make week by week will be based on lines upon which hardy fruit- growing i9 practised in these gardens. Pruning. — Trees upon walls will first demand attention. The rule is to commence with Morello Cherries, but at this season it would be better, owing to their precociousness, to start with Apricots. Some growers train the Apricot in much the same way as they do the Peach ; others lay-in young wood, and allow the branches to become well furnished with fruiting-spurs as well — both are good systems. It is seldom necessary to thin out young wood in Apricot-trees to a large extent, but when needful it should be done. Spur growths must be shortened to three buds, and all dead snags cut away. Trees clothed with a quantity of old spurs that project some distance from the wall should be given a judicious "spur-pru.iing,'' that is, the oldest and longest of the spurs may be cut back to within half-an-inch of the branches from which they have grown. The small piece of wood so left usually contains a few dormant buds which break during the ensuing season ; or dormant buds situated on the branch itself will break, and the consequent growths form fruiting-spurs the first year. The chief point to be observed in spur- pruning is to spread the operation over at least two or three seasons, and thus avoid giving a severe check to the trees, and also the loss of a crop of fruit. Young trees need to have the wood thinned and regulated. Any trees that are growing too strongly should be lifted instead of using the knife severely, as this practice may result in "gumming." If the roots are laid out afresh in compost con- taining a good percentage of calcareous matter, and brickbats broken small, it will check the evil. Trees trained as cordons and clothed with spurs and kept summer pinched, or from which young wood is trained out at right angles to the stem, will need spurring back to three buds in the first case, and the wood thinned out if necessary in the latter. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By T Edwarps, Plant Foreman, Royal Gardens, Frogmord. General Remarks. — At this season of the year many plants under glass should be partially resting, aud need only sufficient water to keep the roots iu a healthy condition, and prevent flagging of the foliage. Such free-growing subjects as Allamandas, Stepbanotis, Clerodendrons, &c , should now be thinned out, and the growths shortened where necessary ; this will not only benefit the plants aud induce in them free flowering later on, but, where grown as creepers, will allow more light to reach the plants upon stages underneath. It is not advisable to commence re-potting plants generally until the days begin to leugthen, and roots are be- coming active. Advantage should be taken of the present to have all plants thoroughly cleaned, and suflieient potting materials prepared, and put under cover. During exceptionally cold weather, tempera- tures should be lowered— 110° or 55" at night will be quite safe for most stove plants. It is much better tor plant life, to maintain a steady, moderate tem- perature, varying to some extent with the conditiou of the weather, than to insist on a rule (which was formerly in force at many places) that a fixed heat must be kept up every night and day. If frost occurs for any length of time, it will be advisable to move Nepenthes to the forcing-house and syringe them frequently with tepid soft water. Poiusef/ias, Euphorhias, anil OhrijsavthemvTns — January is not a very gay month for flowering plants ; the blaze of Chrysanthemums is over, autl Poinsettias are mostly past their best. The latter should not be packed away under stages, &c. , but gradually dried off, encouraging them to retain the foliage as long as possible. Subsequently they may be laid on their sides under stages in a warm house until required for propigation. Select the strongest for stock, and throw away all late-struck plants. Euphorbia Jacquinifeflora requires more care after it has flowered, and should not be dried off like I'oinsettias, but watered occasionally while at rest. Chrysanthemum-cuttings, if not already put in, should be made and inserted without delay, and the stool pats emptied and stored away. The old soil from Chrysanthemum-stools makes au excellent top- dressing for Violets on borders. Bulla in pots that were plunged in ashes or other material should now be examined, and if well rooted they may be removed to cold pits, and introduced subsequently to heat in batches as required. Hyacinths in glasses should also be brought to the light gradually : carefully lift each bulb, and re- move all decayed scales. The glasses require filling to base of bulb from time to time — soft water is best. Pieces of charcoal in the water are often recommended, but I have grown Hyacinths in water both with and without, under the same conditions, without any difference being apparent in the quality of the flowers. Ladies often prefer Hyacinths grown in water, and for indoor cultivation glasses are interesting ; but better results can always be ob- tained when grown in good mould, and those in pots can be used far more effectively for the fur- nishing of conservatories, and as plants in groups for indoor decoration. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By J. Roberts, Gardener to tie Duke of Portland, Welbeck Abbey, Worksop. Vines. — At the beginning of the forcing season it is advisable to take stock of every Vine or other fruit tree that it is intended to force ; and to January 6. 1900 | THE GA B DE XE RS> CHRO XI C L E. i ascertain the conditions under which the roots are placed, and as far as possible rectify any defectB that would operate against a quick and healthy root action. It is useless expecting good results from Vines that are not well - established, and growing under healthy conditions at the root. After a good deal of experience in making new and taking out of old borders, I have come to a conclu- sion that stratified borders are the best, and retain their power of aeration for the longest period. As this is the best season for commencing new borders, a few words on their construction on the stratified principle may be useful to beginners who desire to excel in the production of Grapes. Briefly it is as follows : depth of border, 3 feet (3 inches ; place a 0-inch drain in front and the whole length of the border, and 0 inches lower than the bottom of the border. Into this run cross-drains from back to front of border at intervals of 10 or 12 feet apart, according to the dryness or retentiveness of the surrounding soil. Over these drains should be placed 1 foot of open drainage material consisting of rough brickbats and old mortar, covering this with good iibry turves of medium texture loam, grass side downwards. The work is completed by putting a layer of 3 or 4 inches of tine mortar-rubble, burnt ashes, limestone clippings, or road grit, between each layer of loam until the border is completed. Bones, soot, nitrate of potash, sulphate of ammonia, or any other approved manure can be very con- veniently added with the layers of rubble as the work proceeds. A border constructed on this principle accelerates root action to a remarkable degree, and also accelerates the manufacture of food for the roots. It really constitutes " Living earth," a subject often referred to in past numbers of the Gardeners' Chronicle. When a beginner realises that it is possible to multiply root action as freely as to extend leaf growth, he will be on the way to success. Aeration and root ramification are too large subjects to go fully into here, but thej' will be referred to again when their influence on growth is more evident. Routine work will not be heavy just now. Pot Vines must be very carefully watered until several inches of healthy growth has been made. Disbud early any now breaking, so as to force all the strength of the plant into the selected growths ; and any growths inclined to take the lead should be stopped a leaf or two beyond the bunch. Succession houses should be kept duly syringed and damped down, and at tem- peratures from 50 to 65° according to the stage of development in the Vines and the state of the weather. Prune, styptic, and thoroughly cleanse Vines in late houses as the fruit is cleared from them Late Houses containing Fruit. — Houses where the fruit is still hanging, should be kept at an equable temperature of about 48°. Keep the house closed on damp, foggy days, but take advantage of every fine day to open the ventilators to clear the house of moisture. Look over the bunches fre- quently, and remove all decayed berries. The Grape-room should be thoroughly cleansed and purified ready for the reception of any fruits it may be desirable to bottle. It will be of gnat advantage to the Vines — especially Gros C'olmar to clear them of their fruit as soon as possible after this date. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. Toono, Orchid Grower to Sir Frederick Wioan, Bart., Clare Lawn. East Sheen. On forming a Collation. — Instances of good Orchid collections resulting from small beginnings are numerous, and in more than one case their origin was attributable to accident rather than design. In such instances the plants first obtained would probably be grown in structures containing other species of plants, and their welfare would depend a great deal ou accidental environment and treatment. Where the plants succeeded the desire to acquire more would naturally follow, but where their cultivation was attended with failure the ardour of the owner would be damped, and eventually killed; the cultivator would probably be blamed, and the plants relegated to the rubbish- heap. The formation of an Orchid collection with- out first carrying out a few necessary alterations and additions to the existing houses is sure to be attended with large expense and mental worry. I would particularly impress upon gentlemen con- templating the cultivation of Orchids the necessity there is to make a good start. The houies. — Before purchasing plants seek some reliable expert, and obtain his opinion on the suit- ability or otherwise of the existing glass structures, and have done what is considered necessary before the plants are obtained. I know very well that scientifically-built houses are not the only requisite to success , but when one has these, failure to grow the plants must be due to faulty attention or un- suitability of locality. The latter is a greater factor in the cultivation of Orchids than is generally admitted, and it is only by experiment that the deleterious qualities or otherwise of a district can be determined. When building new houses, do not put them at the north side of a high wall, no matter what class of plants it is intended to culti- vate. Shelter from cold north and east winds is desirable, but by all means build on the south side of the wall if it exists, so that light of equal degree can reach the plants on both sides. The houses should run north and south, those running east and west are seldom so successful. Shade can always be afforded when required, but light, the greatest factor in Orchid cultivation, is not at our command. The plants. — To the beginner, newly imported plants offer a much greater degree of possible success, and excite more interest than do estab- lished plants whose qualities are known, and have at the same time, to a certain extent, lost their native vigour. Hybrids naturally have to be either raised, or purchased from raisers. If speculation is not one's object, disappointment and complaint may be avoided by purchasing hybrids when in flower, or a guarantee should be acquired with the plants certifying to their genuineness. Newly-acquired plants should be thoroughly examined for possible insect pests, and means taken to rid the plants of them when present. Failing this, injury and mortification may follow, as I can sorrowfully affirm, for some years ago a plant came into this collection on which were a few "stock-seed" scale, and in a very short time these had increased and infested other plants, and even to this day we have been unable to eradicate the pest from the one house. Keeping a Record. — The value and interest in individual plants may be greatly increased by keeping reliable records in a special book of their date of introduction to the collection, their origin, and the price paid for them. It will also afford evidence of the longevity of the various plants, and when notes are added concerning their size and condition when received, valuable knowledge will result. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By A. Chapman, Gardener to Captain Holfjrd, Westonblrt, Tetburv. Gloucestershire. Preparing Soil. — It is essential that, land to be used for the cultivation of vegetables should be thoroughly drained either naturally or by artificial means, so that the surface water may pass quickly through the soil. As each quarter becomes vacant, deeply dig or treneh the ground, taking advantage of dry and frosty weather to wheel on the manure or fresh soil necessary for the future crops. Soils of a heavy or clayey nature may be made more pro- ductive by trenching from two to three feet deep, and placing at the bottom a good layer of farmyard manure. If the latter be not available in quantity throw up the soil in a slantiDg mauner, and on each layer throw some road scrapings, mould, grit or charred soil, and leave the clods rough upon the surface to be pulverised by the air and frost. Some leaf mould or other light material may be worked in later on. Soils of a lighter nature may be made more retentive by adding some fresh loam to the staple. If the sub-soil is gravelly, double dig the ground, but on no account do this when snow or frost is ou the surface, as if buried in this state it would lay cold for months. Borders with a southern aspect are the best possible for tho growth of early Peas, and when digging and preparing these it is advisable to add leaf mould in preference to manure. Peas root more freely into this, aud are not so apt to rot at the roots. Such positions it is intended to plant with early Potatos maybe dug, and the soil thrown up into ridges for the better exposure to air. Pita not supplied with hot-water pipes will need to be furnished with some system of bottom heat to be used in forcing such vegetables as Carrots, Radishes, Potatos, &c. Some stable litter ami leaves (Oak if procurable , if well mixed together, will auswer for this purpose. LTse one part of the former to three parts of the latter, and damp the whole, and turn it over two or three times. It will then ferment, and subsequently become ready for use. Seakale. — Though some prefer to prepare crowns and lift and force them in a Mushroom-house or other warm structure, I have not found the system better than that of forcing the roots in the open ground. For the latter method the stools should be grown at a reasonable distance apart. Before placing the pots over the crowns, lightly fork up the surface of soil around them, and sprinkle over it some ashes and soot. Some well-fermented manure and leaves should next be laid firmly between and to cover the pots. The quality of the manure as well as the state of the weather must be taken into consideration in determining what depth of this is to be used. In no case must the temperature be allowed to rise over 60a. It is essential that air should be totally excluded from the plants, and if any of the pot-lids be faulty, some squares of turf may be used instead. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By J. Benbow, Gardener to the Earl of Ilchesier, Abbotsbury Castle, Dorset. Flower Beds and Borders. — Much important work in the flower-garden may be done at this season. Any unoccupied beds and borders, the soil in which is considerably exhausted, may be much improved by the addition of a nutritive com- post. Take away about one-third of the old soil and spread it over the nearest shrubberies, or over bare and unsightly roots of bushes and large trees. Or if screened and a little soot added it would form a useful top-dressing for the lawns. In place of the soil removed from the beds, afford a compost of matured turf with sufficient leaf -mould and sand (road grit preferable) added to make the whole freely porous. The turf used should have been in stack two years, associated with layers of manure and sprinklings of soot. This would work easily and be rich enough for most bedding and border plants. Wheel the new soil to the beds in frosty weather, or over planks, and thoroughly in- corporate it with that already in the beds. Bulb Garden. — Plant in these beds some dwarf- growing spring bedding plants, as Myosotis. Dwarf Wallflowers, Saxifrages, Sedums, &c. By this means a succession of bloom will be obtained, and the surface of the beds being furnished, a certain amount of cold will be excluded. If such plants be not used, apply a layer of Cocoa- fibre or fine leaf -soil over the surface, and if a sprinkling of soot or native guano be added it will keep down insects and scare the birds for a time, as they do not like either. Beds for Cannas, tuberous BegoDias, and choice Dahlias should be made richer than for most other plants. Begonias like leaf- mold or peat added. Bedding Plants in greenhouses and frames will require care to prevent "damping." Remove all dead foliage, and keep a sharp look-out for green- fly. Do not over water the plants, nor encourage excessive heat. On favourable days give sufficient ventilation to keep the stock plants healthy and hard. Herbaceous Borders which have been mulched with manure, leaf -soil, or charred remains from the smother or rubbish heap, may be lightly dug over in open weather. This rubbish should not be allowed to flame, but treated after the method of charcoal burning. The ashes are then more valu- able, and may be used to advantage on stiff soils, or as little heaps rouud the more tender and brittle plants in the border to protect them from frost ; also for marking those which are not to be dis- turbed iu the process of digging. Such gross feeders as Helianthus, Perennial Chrysauthemum, Inulas, Asters, Phlox, fee., should, during the digging, be restricted if not thoroughly divided. The spare pieces may be planted in copse or wood adjoining the grounds. Clearings or openings of tins kind are sometimes seen from the residence, and if the landscape be hilly, pleasant patches of colour may be so obtained. Roads and Drainage. —The routine of level taking, rolling all roads aud paths during mild weather should be followed, and re-gravelling of any that require such atteutiou : clearing away leaves aud grit from drains and gutters. Good drainage is essential to all practical work iu the garden. THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE, [January 6? 1900. 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 Sll&uld be WRITTEN ON ONB SIDE ONLY OF THE PAPER, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly signed by the writer. IJ desired, Vie 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- mimications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. TUESDAY, q j Royal Horticultural Society's Com- ' t mittees, Meeting. /Manchester Orchid Society, Meet- deners' Royal Benevolent In- THURSDAT, Jan. 11 1 f Garde FRIDAY, Jan. 12-j stitntkm. Annual Meeting, and \ Election of Pensioners. SALES. MONDAY, Jan. 8 —Dutch Bulbs, Greenhouse Plants, Roses, &c, at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms, at 12.30 o'clock. WEDNESDAY", Jan. 10.— Japanese Lilies, Azaleas, Spiraeas, Roses, Ac, ,at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms, at 12.30 o'clock. Roses, Fruit-trees, Shrubs, Bulbs, &c, at Stevens' Rooms. FRIDAY', Jan. 12,— Imported and Established Orchids, at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms, at 12.30 o'clock. Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from Observations of Forty-three YTears, at Chiswick.— 36'4 . Actual Temperatures : — London.— January 3 (ii p.m.) : Max. 49' ; Min. 44°. Rain ; didl ; colder ; wind N. Provinces. — Taimary 3 (0 P.M.): Max. 47°, S.W. Ire- land ; Mill. 38°, X.E. Scotland. L900. How strange the figures look ! how impossible it is to divine what the new year may have in store for us ! We can only refer to some of the "fixtures" recorded in the Almanac given with the present number. From that record it would appear as if there would be little to ruffle the ordinary course of events, but the awful war-spectre is for the m ment too much in view to enable us to look forward with much confi- dence as to the occurrence of anything out of the ordinary routine. The Royal Horticultural Society's Committees will doubtless pursue their even tenor, and if they can manage to diminish the number of awards, of so much higher value will the others be. The society is said to be meditating some important step on the occasion of the cente- nary of its foundation in 1004, and will per- haps reserve any great effort till that time. There is, too, the feeling which is gradually spreading that the experimental garden at ( Ihiswick must sooner rather than later be given up, as owing to its smoky, foggy atmos- phere and urban surroundings, it is no longer suitable as the experimental garden of the Society. Of course, if this is really so, all the sentiment attaching to the old garden must be decently buried. The process will not be so distressing as once it would have been ; for those who remember Chiswick when it was three or four times larger than it is now, and when it was really a horticultural centre to a much larger extent than it is at present, are fast disappearing. The new generation is mostly ignorant of what Chiswick has done in the past, and even if it bears " what our fathers have told us,'" it is not in its nature to display much reverence for an institution which has become more or less out of harmony with its surroundings. The new Charter of the Society has not, up to the present, been granted, but when it is it will, we believe, be found to be much simpler than the old one, and the government of the Society will be largely by means of bye- laws. It will no doubt be difficult to frvue these aright, and much discussion and time must bs expended in elaborating them. Never- theless, there will now remain the satisfactory feeling that if any particular bye-law needs amendment, the improvement can be carried out easily in a constitutional manner, and we shall no longer be told that this cr that cannot be done because of the Charter. The Central Hall seems as far off as ever ; and the Drill Hall, with all its obvious defects, is still what it was when it was first recommended by the committee appointed for the purpose, the most convenient site available. Horticulture will be represented as usual at the Paris Exhibition, but in our experience horticulture on such occasions has been swamped and thrown into the shade by the multitude and magnitude of the exhibits in other depart- ments. As far as Great Britain is concerned, it is probable that we shall be too much engaged in more serious matters to be able to devote much attention to the Paris Exhibition. We shall be thankful indeed if it prove otherwise. Fortunately, the best relations exist between ■ the representative horticulturists of all coun- tries. The death of Henry7 de Vilmorin is an illustration. No Frenchman could have mourned his loss more than we did. It is only necessary to refer to the Press of the two countries to see that in this case nationality was etl'aced, and human sympathy prevailed even over difference of race. The Sweet-Pea Conference will no doubt be of some use in formulating the directions in which improvements should be sought, and in enabling some sort of a classification to be arrived at. Otherwise, the history of the plant is well known ; its progress has been even ; there has been no hybridisation to introduce important changes of structure ; a sport, in the true sense of the word, has never been observed. On the whole, it would seem that the machinery of a Conference is hardly needed in the case of the Sweet-Pea ; but, in any case, such a meet- ing can do no harm to any, and will give pleasure to many. The Duke of Westminster.— The death of this nobleman leaves the world of horticulture the poorer for the loss of a discriminating patron, and deprives the Gardeners' .Royal Benevolent Institution of its president. The gardens at Eaton Hall, near Chester, have often been described in our columns. Sir James Blyth, Blythswood, Stansted, Essex, has published a pamphlet under the title of the Agricultural Awakening, in which he alludes to the gratifying evidences we see in the shape of agricultural colleges, technical schools, travelling instructors, and the like, which we advocated so frequently in years gone by; at length we have the satisfaction of seeing some progress being made. We are still behind the Germans and our American cousins in all educational matters, aud it is to be hoped that our present trials will lead to a national awakening. SIR James PAGET died on Saturday last in his eighty-sixth year. As a surgeon, at once scientific and practical, he attained the highest rank. He had a keen and receptive intellect, al ways ready to assimilate new ideas, while he sedulously main- tained those which commended themselves to his judgment. Besides his great intellectual powers he had a rectitude of character and a charm of manner that endeared him to his associates, and caused his pupils to revere him. Readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle will wonder why a great surgeon not specially connected with' horticulture should be thus spoken of in its columns. The reason is that Paget was a naturalist, and derived his faits avid framed his inferences from the diseases of plants as well as of animals ; and our columns have been in former years enriched by various communications of his on "Vegetable Pathology." Prof. Carl Hansen.— In celebration of the professional jubilee of this gentleman (kuown here as the author of the Pinetum Danicum in the Conifer Conference Report), it is proposed to place his bust in the Academy. Communications should be sent to M. Carl Olsen, Jardinier eu Chef au Jardin Zoologique de Copenhague. Sir John Lubbock.— There is no need to sound the praises of this many-sided man in the Gardeners' Chronicle. It is as naturalists that we welcome a past President of the Linnean Society as a peer of the realm. Possibly his retirement from the House of Commons will give him more leisure for those nature studies which are deservedly so popular. We trust that his connection with the University of London, of which ho is the represen- tative in Parliament, will not be severed. Everard Im Thurn, C.B.— Readers of this journal will feel uo surprise at the honour conferred on this gentleman. It is, however, not as a traveller and a botanist that this honour is con- ferred, but for his diplomatic services in British Guiaua, and his laborious work in connection with the Venezuela Arbitration. ALPHAND. — A monument has just been erected in the Avenue du Bois de Boulogne to the memory of the great engineer and landscape-gardener, who did so much to transform Paris and make her the beautiful city she still remains. Lady Emily Foley.— The death, in her 95th year, of this lady, on January 1, is announced. The garden establishment at Stoke Edith Park, Hereford, is well known. Charles Darwin.— The thirteenth volume of the Annals of Botany opens with a portrait of Darwin in middle life, and with a judicious sketch of his botanical work, which is divided into two distinct but mutually related sections, that which was necessary for the explanation of his species theory, that requisite to afford corroborative evi- dence, and that which, in the main, is physiological. Royal Horticultural Society.— The first meeting of the committees of the Royal Horticul- tural Society in 3000 will be held, as usual, in the Drill Hall, Westminster, on Tuesday next, January 0. The Scientilic ( 'ommittee will meet at 4 P.M. " Kew Bulletin." — Appendix III. of this publication is devoted to the enumeration of the members of the staff at Kew, and the various governmental or academic institutions at home, in India, or the Colonies. The West Indies. — The Times has recently contained some very long but very interesting articles on the economic condition of these islands. Jamaica, like the other islands, feels the pinch of the great reduction in the sugar and rum indus- tries, but, on the contrary, she is recouping herself well in fruit culture — principally Bananas. An enormous trade with the United States has sprung up, and means are being taken to increase the trade with the mother-country also. Oranges, too, are very largely grown, the consignments to the States having risen in consequence of the "freezes " which affected the Florida Oranges. Froude says, the worst Orange I ate in Jamaica was better than the best I ever ate in Europe. Limes require more care in cultivation and in selection of suitable localities than do Oranges. The so-called Grape- fruit, C. decumana, is what we know here as the Shaddock, or the Pomelo. A small form of it is the "Forbidden Fruit." It is pleasant to read of the work of the Botanic Gardens and of the part that the botanists have played in the development of cultural industries, and we may be sure that under the zealous control of Dr. Morris, much more will be done in future than has even now been effected. It is pleasant also to read just now January 6, 1900. j THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 9 the following tribute to British rule paid by an American citizen :— " The universal aspect of order and respect for law that everywhere prevail in Jamaica are no less conspicuous than the natural beauties of the island, and are noted by any one who has travelled in the more unruly places of the tropics. The dread of unconscious violation of some trivial law which haunts one in Cuba, the feeling of being watched as in Puerto Rico, the suspicion of some other person's hand in your pocket as in Mexico, the fear of brushing against contagion at every step as in Martinique, San Domingo, and Hayti, are sensations which do not worry the traveller here. The stranger is welcomed with a sincere hospitality and courteous greetiug ; the island is clean, and the laws are for the pro- tection of the visitor as well as of the i esident — not for the robbery of the individual or the enrichmentof the official. Thieves are coafined in prison ; those infected with loathsome diseases are isolated ; rigid quarantine keeps contagion out, and health officials attend to public sanitation. Neatly uniformed constabulary of respectful mien and open eyes see that the laws are obeyed, and the poorest negro as well as the richest planter feels that they are for his special benefit and protection, and respects them in a spirit which is not found even in our own country. In fact, in the Government of Jamaica we have an example of that perfection of colonial administration in which England excels." JAFFA ORANGE. — " It would be very interest- ing," writes Sir W. T. Thiselton Dyer, "to ascer- tain from what source the Jaffa Orange was introduced into Syria. The available information with respect to it was collected in an article in the Kem Bulletin for 1894 (pp. 117-119). The conclu- sion was, that it had been brought from Malta. In the United States' Consular Report on Frtiil Culture (January, 1884, p. 590), it is stated that in Sicily ' oval fruit are preferred for commerce, being more durable.' But whether these are the same as Jaffa Oranges does not appear. Risso and Poiteau describe an Granger a fruit elliptique as to be found in gardens at Nice. But the fruit is said to be small, and the description does not agree in other particulars with the Jaffa I Irange. I have never myself see ah elliptic Orange any whero on the Riviera. There is an interesting article on 'Orange-growing in Jaffa,' in Chimbers' Journal for October 17, lS9li. The writer states : — ' In the vernacular the name for Orange is Portugal!, doubtless a corruption of the word Portugal, and is an indication that the Orange was probably in the first instance introduced into Palestine from Portugal; but as it is not recorded when or by whom this tree was thus introduced, the origin of the name can only be a matter of surmise. ' " The American Department of Agricul- ture.— The Bureau of Agriculture was created in 1 sr.-J under a Chief Commissioner, with Mr. Saunders as horticulturist, and a department chemist. In 1S63 a statistician aud an entomolo- gist were appointed. Various departments were gradually established, so that at the present time there is the weather bureau, under Professor Willis Moore, the bureau of animal industry, the division of statistics, the division of botany, under the management of Professor F. V. Coville; the division of forestry, under Mr. GrFFOBD Pinchot ; the division of vegetable physiology and pathology, under Professor Galloway ; the division of seeds, the division of publications, the division of pomo- logy) with Col. G. B. Brackett at the head ; the division of agrostology, dealing with pasture grasses, and under the management of Professor Lamson ScRIBNER ; the division of soils, the office of public road inquiry, the division of entomology, under the direction of Mr. Howard ; the division of biolo- gical survey, the section of foreign markets, the office of experiment stations, the division of chemistry, the library, the museum, and the division of finance. At first, our own inferiority in such matters bulks very large, but we have a very restricted area as compared with the vast territories of the States. We are indebted to Mr. W. L. Moore, Pilotpoint, Denton co., Texas, for the information above given. "The Gardeners' Magazine," Christmas Number. — It is rather late in the day to speak of this, but none knows better than our contemporary the reason why. Moreover, the contents are such that they are seasonable at all times, so that when the rush and turmoil incident to the holiday season have passed there may be time to appreciate the good things the Magazine has provided. We shall not index the contents, we prefer to let the reader see for himself what there is in it, confident that he will have a good time — as the Americins say. Fern Stealing. — The Devon and Exeter records the infliction of a fine of £10 and costs upon a notorious Fern-robber, who had been frequently convicted of a similir offence. Being unable or unwilling to pay the fine, the culprit was sentenced to two months' imprisonment with hard labour. It is to be hoped that this sentence will tend to check the deplorable vandalism which ruins the beauty of the country. "Anne Pratt's Flowering-plants."— The re-issue of this useful book, under the editorship of Mr. Edward Step, proceeds steadily. It is of value to beginners, and to those who do not care to g j very deeply into the minutia; of botany. To speak of "orders " and • ' tribes " as synonymous is to cause needless confusion. The illustrations are faithful. It is published weekly by F. Wabne S Co., 15, Bedford Street, Strand, W.C. '• Natal Plants."— It is pleasing, in the midst of the war, to receive a copy of Mr. Medley Wood's Natal Plants or rather the first part of the second volume, which is devoted to grasses. The great value of pasture-grasses in such a climate will be readily recognised. The botanist in studying them may, in the long run, be rendering a greater service to humauity than is the warrior. Unfortunately, it seems as if it would be some time before we can dispense witli the services of the latter. •The Garden Annual."— This useful Alma- nark and Address-book for 1900, published at ::;, Southampton Street, London, W.C, is to hand, and as usual contaius a vast amount of information to all engaged in horticultural pur- suits. Greater care is nevertheless necessary to keep the list of addresses up-to-date. In respect to the list of botanical and horticultural societies, for instance, we have found that the nam of secretaries given are very misleading. Everyone should know by this time that Mr. Barron has ceased to be the Secretary to the Royal Hardeners' Orphan Fund. "Revue de l'Horticulture Belge." — The last two numbers have been taken up with an exhaustive anil well-constructed Index, which will be of the greatest service to those who have to search the records of horticulture in the last quarter of the nineteenth century. The .ranuary number opens with a suggestive address to the readers, in which the association of labour and capital for a common purpose is foreshadowed. M. Leon van den Bossi he gives us a botanical study of Eutaxia, which shows how much interest is lost by those who are not botanists but cultivators ouly. Wells' Chrysanthemum Calendar, 1900. — This is a large sheet almanac, containing cultural notes for each month in tho year, issued by Messrs. W. Wells & Co., of Earlswood, Surrey. In the centre of the sheet is a tine coloured representation of the bright decorative Chrysanthemum Etoilo de Feu, the qualities of which were described in the Gardeners' Chronicle, November 4, 1899. p. 34S, There are also ten additional varieties, most of them novelties, illustrated on this sheet. "My Garden Diary for 1900."— This is a delightfully artistic garden diary, published by Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading. It is, however, as useful as it is ornamental, and the page of " Re- minders " given with the calendar for each month are well calculated to bring the work of the moment to the mind of the gardener. A little space reserved for the entering of memoranda will be much appreciated. Variations.— Mr. A. C. Bartlett, of Pen- carrow Gardens, CornH'ail> obligingly sends us a specimen of Retinospora plumosa, produced from a tree of C. pisifera of eighteen years' growth. It is very hard -perhaps we had better say we are quite unable —to assign the reason for this sudden change. Mr. Bartlett also tells us of an Irish Yew planted about 1830, which has lately thrown up from its base a robust shoot of the common Yew. The Schlegel Orchid Collection Burnt. — We see, from American Gardening, that the greenhouse range of Mr. Geo Si 51 egel, at First Avenue Bay Ridge, N.Y. (gr., Mr. Ceo. Garrett), was destroyed by tire receuth'. The area of the four houses destroyed was about 3,630 feet, and the plants in another house, 75 by "24 feet, are lost through heat and smoke, though the structure itself still stands. The Schlegel collection of Orchids was oue of the most famous in the neigh- bourhood of New York City, and together with the miscellaneous and general stock, may be valued at '20,000 dols. Among the lost specimens were several Phah-enopses, estimated worth 600 dols. ; Laslia Arnoldiana, Cattleya Arnoldiana. Lielia Schroderiana alba, Vandas suavis, tricolor, and Sanderiana, and two fine pieces of Cypripedium, Morgans. A very fine collection of Cypri- pediums, embracing all the best forms ; a large lot of Cattleyas, and a representative lot of Anthu- riums were also lost. We understand that the houses will be rebuilt at once. Hints to Prospective Emigrants— The following particulars are extracted from a circular just received from the Emigrauts' Information Office, 31, Broadway, Westminster, S.W. :— It is too early in the season for the ordinary emigrant to go to Canada, unless he has friends to go to or money to keep him till the spriu^. when there is likely to be the usual demand for competent farm Ubourers. In New South Wales there is prac- tically no demand for ordinary farm or station hands, miners, or mechanics, unless they are specially competent and have a little money when they arrive. Iu Victoria there is not much im- provement in the general demand for labour, except that a considerable number of those out of employ- ment have been set to work on railway con struction. There has been a remarkable increase in the number of females employed in factories, their numbers having doubled since 1888, whereas the number of male employe's has declined. There has been a considerable amount of settlement on the laud recently, and dairying has made special progress. In South Australia there has been a demand for farm hands, and for married couples without children for farm and station work. There is no demand for more mechanics in Adelaide or elsewhere, but miners have been well employed, and there is the usual demand for female servauts. In Queensland there is a good demand for farm labourers, miners, and female servants, and for married couples iu pastoral districts. Free and assisted passages are now being granted to farm labourers and female servants from seventeen to thirty-five years of age, who have never been other- wise engaged. Iu Western Australia the population, though it has rapidly increased, is still small, aud therefore the demand for all kinds of labour is necessarily limited. Rents have fallen, and the cost of living has declined. The chief demand is for miners, farm labourers, aud for female domestic servants : free passages an' being offered to the latter. In Tasmania the supply of farm labourers is sufficient. In New Zealand competent bush- 10 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE, [JAKUAKY 6, 1900. fellers, road-maker?, faim bands, and shearers have no difficulty in getting woik in country districts during the present busy season. With regard to South Africa, persons are warned against going there at the present time in search of work. The Art and Craft of Garden Making. —Mr. Thomas H. Mawson, Garden Architect, is about to issue, through Messrs. George Newnes and Co., a book under this title, illustrated by a large number of perspective views by C. E. Mallows, and over 100 plans and details illustrative of garden design. The subject will be treated under these headings : — Garden Making Old and New, The Choice of a Site and its Treatment, Fences and Gates for (Jarden and Park, Entrance Gateways, Carriage Courts and Drives, Terrace and Flower Hardens, Lawns and Garden Walks, Summer Houses, Trellis Work and Garden Furniture Conservatories, Greenhouses, Vineries, and Fruit Houses, The Treatment of Water as Fountains, Lakes, Streams, and Ponds, Kitchen Gardens and Orchards, The Formal Arrangement of Trees and Shrubs as avenues, hedges, Sc , Planting for Land- scape Effect, Trees, Shrubs and Conifers, Hardy Climbers and Roses, Hardy Perennials, Aquatic Plants and Ferns, Examples of Gardens with Plans and Perspective Views. Publications Received.-''" Century Bool oj Gar- dening (George Newnes, Ltd., 7—12, Southampton Street, W.C.), Part 17.— Unwin's Chap Book, 1800-1000 (T. Fisher Unwin, London).— Pharmaceutical Journal, December 23, 1800. — The Gardeners' Magazine, Christmas Number, December 28, 1899. — ZeMoisScientiJiguetOctohr& — Novembre, 1800 (Librairie J. B. Baillie-e et Fils, 10, Rue Hautefeuille, Paris).— U Moniteurd' Horticulture, December 25, 1899.— Illustrirte Garten Zeitung, December, 1899.— Genschds AUgemeine Gartner-Borei , December 10.— Tijdichrift voor Tuiribouw, Vijfde jaargang, Zesde Aflevering. — Indian Hardening, December 7. — La Semaine Horticole (70, Rue Wiertz, Brussels), December 23. BLENHEIM. [See Supplementary Sheet.] The famous seat of the Marlborough family adjoins the little town of Woodstock, some eight miles from Oxford. The park is very extensive, with undulating surface and noble Oaks. It was originally laid out by Wise, but its most remark- able feature is a lake constructed by " Capability " Brown, it is said, within a week. It is spanned by a fine bridge, and is one of the largest sheets of water in the kingdom. The mansion, of which the east front is shown in our illustration, was built by Vanbrugh. It contains a magnificent collection of pictures, and was recently visited by the German Emperor, who planted a tree (Picea pungens glauca), as a memorial of his visit The sunk flower-garden is formal, in accordance with the style of the house, the flower-beds intermingled with Irish and golden Yews and clipped Portugal Laurels. This Italian garden, situated on the east of the Palace, forms one of the most attractive features of those which contribute to the permanent beauty of this residence. From the accompanying supplementary illustration a very good idea of it during the summer may be gathered. Considerations with regard to the method of planting the beds for producing an agreeable variation from year to year are taken, correspond- ing with the extent of the design. Much fore- thought is necessary to anticipate and provide for the alterations that may be decided on from year to year. Although the past season was not alto- gether a favourable one in the Midlands, this garden presented a very satisfactory appearance throughout the summer ; the choice and arrange- ment of the colours being admirable. The design of the garden is contained within a quadrangular figure, the length being about 260 feet, and the breadth 160 feet. This includes the exterior portions of the lower terrace-beds, and those of the sides, but not the verges and walks by which it is encompassed. A broad central path divides the four sections containing the largest of the flower-beds, each of these being similar in form to that most conspicuous in the illustration. They are individually ornamental grass-plots. The walk is interrupted by a central bed, sur- rounded with a margin of grass 4 feet in breadth, and corresponding with that of the general design. This forms the central feature, and, as compared with the surrounding beds, is rather larger, having a diameter of about 40 feet. Circular beds, 10 ft. in diameter, occupy positions in this walk, each forming central points at either end, and in addition large specimens in tubs, of both the green and variegated-leaved American Agave are utilised in the central path in a line with the beds, which are furnished with Palms and other ornamental-leaved plants. Palms are likewise introduced in the other circular beds, and together with those mentioned afford relief to the masses of flower colour, at the same time from all points of view are decidedly picturesque. During last autumn a fountain, with basin, has been erected on the site of the central bed, which will doubtless in the future enhance the beauty of the tout ensemble. ] tunning the whole length of the garden, on either side, are long continuous borders, 7 feet wide, down the centres of both being circular beds, forty- two in number and 2 feet in diameter, surrounded with spar, dwarf Box being used as an edging throughout. The two flights of steps at the lower end are flanked with oval and hexagonal lozenge- formed beds, similarly disposed. Some particulars maybe given in connection with the number of plants Mr. Whillans the gardener has to provide to furnish the garden. There were used in the past season : 8,000 Pelar- goniums, -',000 Begonia semperflorens, 1 "2,000 Alternantheras, 10,000 Lobelias, 2,500 Age- ratums, 2,000 Iresine, 1,400 tuberous Begonias, 1,000 Centaurea ragusina candidissima, and SOO yellow Calceolarias. Contributing considerably to the general effect of the garden are the golden English Yews, clipped in various forms, which rise from a carpet-like base of yews in beds situated in the front of the con- servatory range, which forms one of the boundaries of the garden. Alpine Garden. CONVOLVULUS LINEATUS. But for the shyness of its blooming ifl many gardens, and its rambling habitat the roots, the neat little Convolvulus lineatus would deserve a choice place in the alpine garden. These faults are, however, not readily overlooked, but he is fortunate who can induce it to flower freely. Even in gardens where it gives little or no bloom, it is neat and pretty with its lanceolate, silky leaves, whose silvery appearauce makes it attractive to those who can appreciate such quiet charms. Those, however, who can persuade it to flower, or whose soil suits its needs, are more than pleased by the additional beauties of the reddish-purple flowers. It is a matter of regret that one cannot indicate with confidence the precise treatment which will be sure to make the plant flower regularly. It does not appear to like a heavy soil, but prefers a light and warm one. Even this will not persuade it to flower in some places. In the writer's garden it blooms but seldom, even with the adoption of what one considers the best remedy for non- flowering in the case of Convolvulus lineatus, i.e., the addition of a little lime-rubbish or limestono to the soil. The running habit, although not so pronounced as in the case of some others of the genus, is yet sufficiently troublesome to cause one to take pre- cautions against it by means of enclosing the space it is intended to occupy in such a way that it canDot encroach upon other plants. These faults notwithstanding — and one is prepared to admit that they are serious enough — we have reason to think that this " Pigmy Convolvulus " is worth growing. Its low stature of some 5 or 6 inches is a merit of consequence in the rock-garden. Al- though it comes from South Europe, it is fairly hardy. OENOTHERA OVATA. This pretty little Californian Evening Primrose has survived for two years in the open without any protection, so that one is inclined to think it hardy enough for all practical purposes in this garden. I take it to represent a type of plaut of which we can hardly have too mauy in a choice collection of alpines. It is easy enough to obtain almost any number of plants which arc exceedingly decorative on large rock-work, but it is difficult to have too many of dwarf habit which can find a fitting place either in the largest or the smallest rockery. In certain genera, such as the Saxifrages, we have many such flowers ; but our natural, and within certain bounds, commendable desire for variety, leads us to seek plants of other habit, or with flowers of different shape or colour. Among the Oenotheras we have a few others which are precious for this purpose. Some of these, such as QZ. casspitosa and • E. taraxacifolia, are of more effective appearance than the one under notice, but it has, by way of compensation, qualities they do not possess. It is not easy to convey in words the impression made upon the observer by this Oenothera. A botanical description lies within the province of the botanist, and the writer can only attempt to speak of the general effect of the little plant and its flowers. It forms a neat little plant, with ovate, light green leaves, some 3 or 4 inches long, and resting close to the soil. From the centre arise the flowers on short stems, an inch or two iu length at their highest. These flowers are pale yellow, and remind one of nothing so much as those of our common Primrose. They are of almost similar size. Oenothera ovata thrives well in this garden in very light, dry, and sandy soil, and in a position where it is shielded from strong sun, without being in full shade. It is a day bloomer, and is considerably superior to the Evening Primrose, known as Q3. pumila, which is more often met with. ,S'. Arnolt, Carselhorn-lnJ. Dumfries, N.B. CARNATION SOUVENIR DE LA MALMAISON. In the Gardeners' Chronicle for August 26, 1S99, a corresponent described the features of the gardens at Davenham Bank, Malvern, the residence of C. Dyson Perrin, Esq. (gr., Mr. Jas. Charlton). The Carnations then in bloom were stated to be very fine, and a group of " Malmaison " varieties arranged on the floor of the conservatory displayed as many as 570 expanded flowers. A specimen - plant of this type, from the Davenham Bank col- lection, we are now able to reproduce in fig. 3. Tree-Carnations are also grown with much success in these gardens. Home Correspondence. SOIL MOISTURE.— Unless we get a very heavy •rainfall during January and February, then is it most probable that next summer gardeners will have again to face a very dry and difficult season. That each of the preceding dry summers gave trouble enough there can be no doubt. But a yet further one with the subsoil still so depleted of moisture as is now the case, may well make gar- deners anxious, and no amount of anxiety can bring rain : that will come only when natural causes •operate to produce it. Even the best laid schemes Jani-ary 6, 1S0O.J THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 11 for water storage and use in dry seasons fail often because the rain to supply the reservoirs fails to come, and then the gardener is as helpless as is the unfortunate one who has no supply but the scanty one which nature furnishes. C'isterns, tanks, reservoirs, mains, are all created in vain if after all nature refuses to fill them with water In such case there is no better resource than is found in deep cultivation. But deep culture means hard work, and because it is such it is too often shirked io smaller, especially in amateur gardens. In our best private gardens, trenching, and deep trenching too, is, as a rale, as much a part of tlif ordinary Very much depends on the crops, but there are few strong growers of the summer that do not root deeply when they are both permitted and en- couraged to do so. Surface manuring is very well in moist seasons, because shallow roots then find food and moisture, but it is best to invariably regard a dry summer as possible and even probable, and therefore, if deep manuring, in addition to deep working, encourages roots to go deep, the gain in dry seasons is very great. How many of those persons who garden, persuaded of the value of deeply worked soil for Celery, Peas, and Runner Beans, prepare for them receptive deep worked and Fin. 3. — A SPECIMEN PLANT OP SOUVENIR DE LA MALMAISON CARNATION, \s BROWN l\ THE GARDENS IIF ('. -DYSON PERRIN, ESQ., DAVENHAM BANK, MALVERN. (SEE P. 10.) garden routine as mowing lawns is in the summer, and with what excellent results ? How many gardeners are there who found last summer salva- tion for their crops in the deep trenching of the soil, and consequent retention of moisture, small as it may have been, and deep root action on the part of crops. In many gardens the crops produced on such Boils surprised the gardeners themselves, and served to enforce the lesson for gocd that trenching teaches. But in such high-class gardens not only is it the rule to trench largely and deeply but also to manure deeply, for roots seem to as instinctively seek for manure when low down as a hungry dog does for a buried bone. I have leal of persons objecting to the practice of burying manure deeply, on the ground that roots would not benefit by it. manured trenches, yet seem unable to grasp the fact that similar culture given to Onions, Cabbage, Totatos, or indeed anything else, would have similar good results, lu one large garden attached to a Boys' Home I once observed that a trench three feet wide and of the same depth was always kept open in the vegetable quarters, and into the bottom was placed all the lawn mowings, hedge or shrub trimmings, and general garden refuse, twelve nches deep, then trodden down, and the next trench of soil thrown upon it. This method of dis- posing of refuse was adopted partially from sanitary motives and partly from cultural ones, but the results were great so far as crops were concerned. Those who have at baud ample supplies of animal manure and leaf soil may prefer to burn their rub- bish, but in many gardens the rubbish constitutes the chief manure, and when with it as thus treated is added three feet trenchings, the results in crop production are remarkable. There is yet ample time for deep trenching of garden ground. It is difficult to find at this time of the year more healthful or more profitable occupation. Young men in houses would rejoice to have a couple of hours daily of such exercise. A. D. GEOLOGICAL FORMATION AND THE COMPOSI- TION OF A SOIL. — The following notes of a paper read by Mr. A. Bernard lately at the International Chemical Congress appear in a recent number of the Agricultural Gazette by Mr. R. Hedger Wallace. These notes may prove a suggestive sequel to the article upon the Constitution of Rose Soils in the Gardeners' Chronicle, December 16, 1S99. Mr. Bernard arranged the relationships between the geological constitution and chemical composition of soils under si\' classes. " The number of analyses are given in each class on the results of which the deductions have been drawn. These deductions may not be correct, but they form at any rate the basis on which practical experience will lead one to form a comparative opinion for himself. The six classes in question are as follows : — 1. The granitic sods are generally poor in phosphoric acid, and destitute of lime (90 analyses). 2. Clay soils are compact and tenacious, poor in phosphoric acid, but rich in potash ("22 analyses). 3. Lias soils are remarkably rich in phosphoric and potash (75 analyses). 4. The calcareous soils are very fertile and less tenacious than the preceding (53 analyses). 5. Soils of the Oxford formation are strong, rich, clayey, calcareous soils (90 analyses). 6. Ferru- ginous clays and sand are very poor soils, extremely deficient in lime and phosphoric acid (230 analyses). Mr. Wallace thus concludes his brief notes. This paper has not had the attention given to it that it deserves, and perhaps the brief resume now given will lead to the subject being discussed. For instance, we do not think a red clay is as bad as it is made out to be." Nor do I. I have known red loims approximating to clay in tenacious properties with skilful culture and manuring, and additions of lime, to yield heavy crops. D. T. F. RAINFALL IN EAST SUSSEX IN 1899— The following is the total raiofall for the past year — 2o08 During September the fall was heaviest, it being 4 10 ; and August witnessed the least, viz , a 57. Wm Camm, Battle Al>'>ey Gardens. YELLOW-FLESHED AND UP-TO-DATE POTATOS. — Having considerable sympathy with Mr. Harrison Weir in his quest for yellow-fleshed Potatos, 1 am rather sorry that he could not pursue his hobby without wasting his energy in a needless attempt to remove from our lists and markets the variety Up-to-Date, one of the finest white-fleshed Potatos in existence. Given wise culture, and careful cookiog, there is no fear of this superb Potato proving tasteless, or choking your distinguished correspondent with its balls of flour. Up-to-Date sells about second in price, or equal to Dunbar Main ( 'rop or other prime sorts. Yellow -fleshed or coloured skinned Potatos are not popular — hardly saleable in our markets. The flesh and skin must be sweet as a nut, and white as driven snow, cooked and uncooked. Clarke's Maincrop. which I grew for years, is still one of the best of the ( hampion class, and is a fine doer and cropper, as is likewise Stourbridge Glory. But having grown and eaten Up-to-Date from a very early stage in its history, and rinding it specially good in cropping, constitution, eating, and disease-resist ing, I have strongly recommended it in technical education lectures, &c, and never heard a single complaint against it before. Should Mr. Harrison Weir succeed in giving us a golden- fleshed Potato equal in constitution, crop- ping, and flavour, to Up to- Date, not a few of us would welcome his success in this new field. D. T. Fish. P.S. — The above was written some days before the Garden: rs' < 'hronirle for December '23 arrived. Iu the presence of Mr. Harrison Weir- genial face, and details of the distinguished life of your much honoured correspondent, one's first impulse is to withdraw all said about white or yellow-fleshed Potatos ; but second thoughts are not seldom best, and as you have shown us that Mr. Harrison Weir is a much abler gardener than most of us wot of, and has even won some of his horticultural spurs amid the mazes of double, treble, and multiple grafting, it may be best to 12 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [J ANUARY 6, 1900. hold him to the challenge already given — that of providing us with a golden -fleshed Potato, equal in quality and profit to Up-to-Date. Then shall we all join in your generous wish with one addition. Long may he continue to be as one — ' ' Who loveth well Both man, and bird, and beast, And golden. fleshed Potatos ! " D. T. Fish. COE'S GOLDEN DROP. PLUM. — I do not know how late this excellent Plum can be kept, not having seen it later than November, but I can endorse what has been said by my old friend, Mr. Fish, that it is a fine bearer, and one of the most valued of Plums. I have practised gardening in seven counties in England from my youth upwards, and this Plum was considered to be one of the best and most profitable. In Wilts, Oxford, and Suf- folk, it was found in most gardens in various aspects, and did capitally against north walls. I have not seen it on north walls in Scotland, and would be glad to know if it succeeds in northern aspects beyond the Tweed. I have not seen any Plum, apart from those upon walls, succeed in north Scotland, except Victoria. How have Plums succeeded as standards or bushes at Gordon Castle ? — where much attention has been given to their culture by the late Mr. Webster, and by his son, the present gardener at that fine place? I have seen Peaches and other fruits do well along the Moray Firth coast, which succeed indifferently in the midland and southern counties of Scotland. 1 know well the good effect of keeping the roots high, and preventing their downward growth in coun- ties not favourable to choice fruit cultivation. M. Temple, Garron, N.B. INFLUENCE OF STOCK UPON VINES.— This is an old but important subject. It is mauy years since I inarched Vines (I prefer this method to ordinary grafting), and have always seen the effect of the stock in some form. Muscat Hamburghs on Black Hamburg. Golden Hamburgh on Esperiones, Duchess of Buccleuch on West St. Peter's, are some of the amalgamations that gave satisfaction, by increased size of berry and greater flavour. Before me at the present time (while bottling Grapes for late use) are some examples of Grapes that have been grafted on stocks which influence fruit and foliage. Gros Colman inarched on White Tokay are always large in berry and fairly coloured generally, but they are less juicy than those on their own roots, and take at least a month longer to ripen. They often swell to 1 A iu. in diameter. Gros Colmar on Gros Guillaume are smaller than on their own roots. The berries are very round, and always colour well, but the flavour is not equal. Mrs. Pince grafted on Gros Guillaume are smaller in berry than on their own roots,' firmer, and colour well. I consider Gros Guillaume one of the worst stocks on which to ingraft other Vines. Duke of Buccleuch on a Black Hamburgh does fairly well, but not better than on its own roots. This Grape assumes a beautiful golden colour when left fully exposed to the sun from the first formation of the berry. Spotting is often caused by shading the fruit in their early stages. M. Temple, Carron, N. B. JERUSALEM ARTICHOKES.— There are great quantities sold during the season in Covent Garden Market, usually in bushel baskets or sieves. Of the two varieties known to the writer, one pink and the other white, the latter has recently com- manded the best trade, because they have been of larger size, and better shape. Other points equal, colour is not of much consequence. Some growers seem to think anything will do to send to London ; but it is a great mistake, as there have been recently many parcels of ill-shaped tubers quite unsaleable. Artichokes for sale in Covent Garden should be of large size, perfect shape, and smooth. T. P., Covent Garden. THE "HATFIELD" CURE FOR RED-SPIDER.— The above title accompanied a note in the Gar- deners' Chronicle for December 16, from Mr. R. Dean, who paid me a visit in the evening of September 2 last. The vineries were inspected in common with the rest of the gardens, and one of these was being fumed with sulphur for the destruction of the troublesome pest red-spider. This interested Mr. Dean. I do not claim to be the first to fume with sulphur direct over fire for the destruction of red-spider. I have read of it and heard of it from growers. Believing that fumes from sulphur was the one means of destroy- ing red-spider on Vines without burning the leaves or disfiguring the fruit upon the Vines, I resolved to try it myself. The thought occurred to me that Richards' system for fumiDg tobacco juice would answer equally for sulphur, and I have found it answers admirably. Mr. Richards' large-size lamp, and cylinder for covering lamp, with a tin (baking tin) formed my apparatus. Besides the baking-tin for containing sulphur, I used other receptacles, such as saucepan - lids, and lids from canis- ters. In my second vinery last season, when the Grapes were approaching the stoning stage, red-spider was found at one end. The vinery is 27 feet by 17 feet. I began experimenting by fuming sulphur, very cautiously, the first evening with one lamp. On examination the next morning, I found neither foliage nor spiders were affected. The next, aud for some evenings afterwards, I iu creased the amount at the rate of one lamp at a time, up to eight lamps, beyond which strength I thought it was not safe to go. I was much delighted with the result. The following morning, after using eight lamps, not a live spider could be found, neither was a leaf scorched, nor a berry dis- figured. The spiders infested the foliage about eight feet along the vinery. The yellow tint, from the effects of the spider, was markedly apparent, and remained so until the autumn ; while the other foliage remained quite green. Other vineries, when the Grapes arrived at the stoning stage, were fumed on two evenings consecutively, or alternately, according to convenience, and at about the same strength, viz., one lamp to 800 or 000 cubic feet of space. During the remainder of the season the operation was repeated at intervals of two or three weeks, which kept the Vines clean to the last, without damaging any foliage, with the exception of one vinery, where the foliage was burned. This one occurrence was very trifling, when compared with success on upwards of fifty evenings. As well as vineries, I* have fumed other houses, at the same strength, such as Peach-houses, after the fruit was gathered from the trees. The spread of spider was arrested without burning a leaf, or causing one to fall. My next trial was for scale on Palms, but I cannot say whether it did good or not. The same applies to rust on Carnations ; but for white-fly on Tomalos this remedy is very effective. Sulphur, and the fumes from it, are very inflammable in nature, and a continual watch must be kept by a person stand- ing outside the house. Practice taught me how to minimise the danger by regulating the height of the wick and quantity of sulphur, for preventing the flame spreading beyond the bottom, to the side of tin containing sulphur, merely allowing the sul- phur to boil about 3 inches of space across the centre of tiu. Should the sulphur get alight, it must be quickly extinguished, the wick lowered, and subsequently re-lighted. As I have said, I used Ric'iarda' large size lamps, a little more than half filled with methylated spirit, with the wick set about J inch above the tube, aud !, pint of sulphur in each tin. I used two sizes of baking- tins, and one 6 inches across the top, 5 inches at bottom, and 2 inches deep, auswered the better. The quantity of spirit and the wick, regulated as described, burns about two hours. In the future, if I increase the strength for any purpose, I shall do this by increasing the duration of the fuming, by replac- ing the burned-out lamps with others retrimmed, lather than by increasing the number of lamps. In addition to the usual winter cleaningof my vineries, while the Vines are at rest, I intend to fume them. Fuming with sulphur is but another phrase for boiling it, or causing it to throw off gas in the form of vapour. This vapour fills the atmosphere and condenses on all surfaces, therefore it reaches all insects. The morning following fuming small crystals are visible on the surface of Vine leaves, and there is a film on the surface of the water iu tanks. During the thirty-eight years I have lived iu gardens, most of the methods of applying sul- phur for the destruction of red-spider have come under my notice, I consider none is nearly so effica- cious as the system I have described. It is inexpensive, easily effected, but needs continual oversight to prevent the sulphur flaming. Veuti- lation should be afforded a vinery, or any other house, very early in the morning after fuming. I believe the fuming system will become generally adopted in gardens where red-spider attacks Vines, and good clean Grapes are required. Oeorqe Norman, Hatfield Gardens, Herts. [It requires the most careful management, or the consequences may be serious. Ed.] VARIATIONS PRODUCED BY GRAFTING, AND THEIR INHERITANCE. Allusion has already been made in these columns to Monsieur Lucien Daniel's contributions upon the subject of grafting/ The paper embody- ing the whole of his researches is, however, worthy of the more detailed consideration which we may now give to it. Grafting, says Monsieur Daniel, has long been compared with the making of a cutting, and in so much as in both processes a shoot is caused to grow independently of the plant which produced it, the two are alike, but here the similarity ends. There can be no tendencies towards variation capable of manifesting themselves in the cutting which did not previously exist in the individual from which it was taken. On the contrary, in grafting, the author points out, there are many incitements to variation acting aud re-acting upon scion and stock, in the shape of the altered circumstances in which both find themselves. Among these are changes in the amount and nature of the crude sap supplied to the scion by the stock, and of the elaborated f jod given in return, as well as the fact that either com- ponent of the new plaut may begin or relinquish active growth independently of the othtr. Furthermore it is argued, under such conditions of growth, the actual living matter of the plants is likely to be modified, and should this change be admitted, there arises a number of questions of no less importance to the horticulturist and agri- culturist than to the scientific worker. The problems to be solved deal with the extent of such variation as is due to grafting. Does this, it must be asked, show itself on the surface? Are both, or is only one of the plants, affected ? and are the modifications only such as would occur if normal plants were subjected to changes of nutrition in the ordinary course of events ? Again, are varietal or specific characters altered? If so, does the modification touch them permanently or for a time ouly, individually or collectively? Lastly, are only the bodies of the plants concerned, or are the pollen-grains and egg-cells acted upon, and will the new characters in the latter case be hereditary ? The answering of these questions would appear to be simplicity itself, but unfortunately, it involves the exceed- ingly vexed question as to whether features acquired during the lifetime of an individual can be transmitted to its olfsprirg, and we are brought face to face with a great diversity of opinion among practical men, botanists, and parti- cularly philosophic naturalists. For instance, some practical workers still regard grafting as belonging to the realms of the mar- vellous, believing, with the ancient classical writers, that all species can be radically changed at will. In this case some special influence must constantly be at work, and must make itself felt in a very important degree. Baltet says that graft- ing is federation in which both parties retain their own government. E. A. Carriere and Andre consider graft hybrids to be an impossibility; but leaving practical men, Van Tieghem, summing up current opinion, says that grafting is a valuable method of fixing and preserving congenital variations, seeing that by this means further variation is prevented. Dr. Vochting goes further, and relegates all the facts hitherto recorded on the influence of stock on scion, or scion on stock, to the category of old wives' tales, saying that no such special effect has been demonstrated. M. Daniel concludes this series of opinions by adding that Weismann holds all transmissible variations to have a sexual origin, a belief which Bailey does not agree with, basing his contention upon bud variations, while others from the animal side have come to similar conclusions. It is allowed in the paper under consideration that those who join the jwelling ranks of Weis- mann's followers have just cause in refusing to * Annctii . and inserted iu a moderately deep basin, slightly ribbi d. The stem is short, set in a green and uisset lined cavity, with a swelling upon one side. The fruits shown before the Royal ultural Society were from Mr. T. H. Kettle, King's Ford. Colchester. 14 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 6, 1900. Law Notes. COMPENSATION FOR CROPS. INTERESTING TO ALLOTMENT HOLDERS. A case of great interest to holders of gardens and allot ments came before Mr. A. H. Smee at the Croydon County Bench on Thursday, December 21. It was a claim under the Allotments and Cottage Gardens Act, 1887, for compensation for crops, the Act providing that where a tenant should be given notice to leave his land he should be paid by the land- lord for the value of the crop then on the land, or for the labour expended and manure used in preparation lor a future crop. This appeared to be the first case taken under this particular Act, and it came before the Bench by reason of the fact that the parties were unable to agree to a sottlement or to the appointment of an arbitrator. In such a case the Act provides that the magistrates shall appoint an arbitrator, and in this instance the Bench appointed Mr, A. H. Smee. Mb. A. H. Smee duly held his enquiry into the circum- stances of the case. Prior to the case being opened, Mr. Smee said he had been appointed as arbitrator by the magistrates. He did not himself know any precedent for these p-oceedings, and he should be glad if the solicitors on either side could refer him in their experience to cases similar to this. T his mind it was very unfortunate that this application had not been made earlier, for at the present time they all knew that the crops would have ceased to exist, or had been considerably reduced in value by frost and other things. What he proposed to do, and what he hoped would meet with the approval of the soli- citors, was to take item by item and see the amount of good that had been under different specific cultivation. It seemed to him, looking at the Act, that he had to value the crops not as on a particular day, but as to the value when they would come to maturity. He would like to bring it to their notice that in connection with some allotment ground he had sold to the Rural District Council it was found necessary by the requirements of the Allotments Act that the tenant should be given notice to clear, and six months notice was given. He had made it a practice to look round the allotments in the district every year, between July 1 and August Bank Holiday, and from his experience as a horticul- turist, he was able to julge of the state of the crops in the district, and he thought it would be a fair thing if he con- sidered this claim on the basis of the average crops, unless the plaintiff could on the one side prove to him that bis crops were superior to the average, or unless the defendant could prove that they were inferior. Mr. Newnham said that as far as bis experience went, he could not refer the arbitrator to a previous case. In his view the crops should be valued as on the date of the determina- tion of the tenancy as between the incoming and the outgoing tenant. As to Mr. Smee giving six months' notice to hid tenants, thai was more a matter of convenience, as it was not compulsory according to the Act. Mr. Stokes, the solicitor for the other side, said that it was necessary to take the value of the crops at the termination of the tenancy, and not what the crops might become. The arbitrator >aid he considered it important as establish- ing a principle. He took it that the Act meant that the man should have full market value of the crop. After further discussion, Mb. Newnham, for the claimant, said that Mr. James Cooper, the plaintiff, had beea a weekly tenant to Mr. Chandler, of Croydon, of about three-quarters of an acre of land in Pound Street, Carshalton. The land had originally belonged to Mr. Cooper as his freehold until March 15 iu this year. He then sold it to Mr. Ohandler, and an agreement was entered into between the parties by which Mr. Cooper became the tenant at a rental of 2s. a week, and this tenancy Mr. Chandler determined with a week's notice, which ended July 4. The clerk (Mb. Staineb) pointed out that it was unusual to have gardens or allotments at a weekly tenancy. Mb. Newnham— Defendant gave a week's notice, and turned the plaintiff out at once. He allowed him no more time. The Arbitbator— I cannot understand why it should be considered as a weekly tenancy when a man enters into a series of operations for the cultivation of land ; he should not be expected to give up at any moment. Mr. Newnham— Having given a week's notice, the landlord excluded the tenant from the ground and let it to someone else. He was not allowed to return to it. TheArbitratob— I think I have to determine what the com- pensation should be for turning a man out in the most busy time of the year, when he would be particularly occupied in the garden. After 6ome further discussion of technical matters, the Arbitrator suggested that, as it was likely to be a troublesome case, the parties should try to settle the matter among them- selves without going further into the matter. A short adjournment was made, but no agreement being arrived at, the case proceeded. Mb. Cooper then gave evidence in great detail as to the nature of the crops, the variety of plants, seeds, bushes, trees, &c. , the amount of land occupied by each, and the price he expected they would have fetched. Cross-examined— He denied that he was told whtn he left the garden and the house adjoining that he could take the crops off, and that he said he was going to get £2)0 or £300 out of Mr. Chandler. Fred Smith, a nurseryman, of Carshalton Road, gave expert evidence of the value of the crops, bearing nut the statement of claimant. Thomas Evans also gave evidence as to the value of the crops. The present occupier of the land, a Mr. Hall, gave evidence for the other side. His evidence was to the effect that almost everything was a most utter failure. He admitted, in answer to Mr. Newnham, that he never gave the ground any attention. After the failure of another attempt to get the parties to come to an agreement, Thomas Preen, a coachbuilder, gave evidence for Mr. Chandler, stating that he had bought fruit from the former occupier. He put the value of the crop lower than claimant , and said this year's was a poor one. The Arbitrator said that when he had particulars of the claim he took them home and went through them carefully and put down an amount which he thought was right. The only result of the inquiry would be to make him increase that sum by £1 perhaps. He had gone into this case most care- fully, for the reasons lie had given. He had spent a con- siderable time in horticultural pursuits, and he bad endea- voured, as far as possible, feeling the great difficulty there was in estimating the value of crops which had perished, and crops that had not been gathered and turned into money, to arrive at an award which would be satisfactoiy to both. The sum he proposed was £16 10s., each side paying their own costs. The money was at once paid. Condensed from the Croydon Adw iiistr. Colonial Notes. NOVA SCOTIA. At the annual meeting of the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers' Association to be held from Jan. 27 to 31 inclusive, it is proposed to hold a representative exhibition of Apples, Pears, Quinces, Cranberriep, &c. It is expected that the exhibition will be one of great excellence, although no money prizes will be offered. All fruit must be shown by the actual grower, and the fruit must be correctly named on labels 1 x2J in., secured to the plates, and type-writing is preferred. SOCIETI ES. ROYAL DUBLIN. December 27.— Professor Johnson, F.L.S., gave a paper on the above date on some common food-plants. Speaking of the Potato, the Professor said that, though eaten in great quantities it was not a perfect food, chiefly due to the small quantities of nitrogen contained therein. The Sugar-Beet industry was referred to at some length. It was pointed out that its successful growing requires a high summer temptra- ture, and that a recent crop of the Sugar-Beet raised in England was better, and the yield was more prolific than the German produce, of which we annually import something like £0,000,000 worth. This showed how the Germans had taken advantage of chemical and botanical help, and made it a national industry. The lecturer thought the incoming Board of Agriculture could do a very useful and necessary work by protecting the public against such adulterations as are now prevalent, and thereby secure for them wholesome food. The lecture was illustrated by plants from the Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin ; and the foods were represented by dried specimens from the herbarium attached to the Dublin Museum. On the following Thursday, Prof. Johnson spoke about some of the enemies of food-plants. The lecturer alluded to the results of experiments carried out iu Trinidad on the Sugar-cane, and new varieties raised by seed selection, have been found free from disease, and yielded on the average 25 per cent, more Sugar than formerly, when cuttings were usually taken from the exhausted canes. Prof. Johnson stated the losses caused by rust in the United States is £8,000.000, and to Oat-smut alone £4,000,000. Unfortunately, n great Britain there is no otrioial reports as to such losses. iHe advised that experimental stations be erected throughout the country ; by that means, science would be enabled to remove prevailing prejudices. A very effective series of slides illustrative of the several diseases were shown, which largely helped the audience to follow the lecture. Iu the first or open division, the class for twelve Picotee blooms, yellow grounds, has been raised to twenty-four blooms in twelve varieties, this section of Carnations having received so many valuable additions during the past few years. In the same division, the class for six blooms of any variety of fancy Carnation, the flowers are now restricted to yellow or buff grounds ; and a new class is provided for a similar stand of other than yellow or buff grounds. In the second division, the class for six yellow-ground Picotecs is extended to twelve blooms in six dissimilar varieties ; and four new classes are added, viz., for six blooms of any variety of self Carnation, six blooms of any yellow or buff-gioun 1 fancy, the same number of blooms of any fancy Carnation other than yellow or buff, and for six blooms of aDy variety of yellow-ground Picotee. In the third division a class for four yellow-ground Picotees is made into six blooms dis- similar ; the class for three blooms of fancy Carnations, one variety, is now made to read yellow and buff grounds ; and a new class is added for three blooms of one variety other than yellow aud buff. In the classes for undressed blooms, that for twelve distinct varieties of Carnations, sell's, and fancies, three blooms of each, shown in bottles, is confined to competition in the first division ; that for six varieties to the second division ; and that for three blooms to the third division. The fourth Silver Cup is given for competition in five classes of undressf d blooms; and in divisions one, two, and three, where Silver Cups are also awarded, the winning of such Cups is decided by the aggregate number of points secured in each division, hi all classes down to and including twelve dressed blooms, a 1st prize is awarded twelve points, a 2nd eight, and a 3rd four. Six points are allowed for a 1st prize for six blooms, four for a 2nd, and two for a third. Every premier bloom in divisions one and two carries four points ; in the classes for single blooms a 1st prize carries three points, a 2nd two, aud a 3rd one. Iu the third division, for the growers of small collec- tions, twelve, eight, and four points are severally awarded to 1st, 2nd, and ord prizes ; eight, five, and three, to six blooms ; and six, four, .and two, for two blooms. It will thus be seen there have been considerable additions to the schedule of prizes; and, while it would appear that the Northern Section of the Society can barely pay its way, that in the south can boast of something like affluence ; but it should be state! the flourishing financial condition is greatly owing to the warm interest taken in the Society by its President, Mr. Martin R. Smith , and his great liberality. /:. D. IPSWICH AND EAST OF ENGLAND HORTICULTURAL. December 2S.— The annual meeting was held on the above date at the Town Hall, Ipswich. 'The financial report was freely criticised, and several members were of the opiuion that the committee had spent more money during the year than they ware justified in doing, the reserve fund having been reduced by nearly one-half. Mr. W. E. Close proposed to increase the usefulness of the society by the organisation of twelve meeting! during the winter months for lectures and debates upon horticultural subjects. This very wise proposition is to be considered at ageneral meeting of the committee. A horticultural society's work should not. begin and end with the holding of exhibitions. Crpt. Pretyman was re elected President ; and Mr. H. E. Archer as Secretary. NATIONAL CARNATION & PICOTEE. On the occasion of the last annual meeting of the above Society in December, some important additions were made to the schedule of prizes to be offered for competition at the usual exhibition to be held on July 25 next, this fixture beiig subject to alteration according as the incidence of the season may determine. These additions raise the aggregate sum offered in cash to £300, and four Silver Cups are offered insteid of three, as last year. MISCELLANEOUS SOCIETIES. Reading and District Gardeners'. The annual general meeting was held on Monday, the. 1st init., and was wtll atteuded. The President, C. B. Stevens, Esq., occupying the chair. Before the usual busineis wn commenced, th; President announced the judges' awards in connection with the Essays arranged during 1899. They were as follows :- "The Planting of a Garden with Hi-dv Fruit Trees and Bushes," open to all, 1st (30s.), Mi. G. Hintom, The Gardens, Walmer, Reading ; 2nd (20s.), Mr. E. Tbollope. The Garden *, Coombe Lodge, Whitchurch ; 3rd(10s.), Mr. C. P. Cretchlev, The Gardens, The Honeys, Twyford. "Plants suitable for Table or Room Decoration, and their Culture," op;n to assis- tant gardeners only, 1st. Mr. J. Bon EV.Th^ Gardens Blythe- wood, Maidenhead ; 2nd (20s.), Mr. C. Townseni., White- knights Gardens, Knding : 3rd, Mr. T. Pembroke. Green lands Gardens, Reading. T 'e annual report and balance sheet was read by the secretary, and was of a very encourag- ing character, showing that the Association was in a veiy prosperous condition. The election of oilicers for the ensuing year was then proceeded with. C. B. Stevens, Esq., was unanimously re-elected President (fourth year), and Mr. II. G Cox, Fernlea, Junction Road, Reading, was re-electe 1 Hon. Secretary. A feature of the meeting was a display of Primulas from Mr. Townsend, The Gardens, Sandhurst Lodge, showing some splendidly-flowered plants of P. obconica rose); Mr. F. Lever, The Gardens, Hillside, showed somi well grown P. sinensis in small pots, as well as some good plants of Lachenalia pendu'a. Presentation to Mr. Herrin.— Our valued correspondent, Mr. C. Hebkin. whose retirement from the position of gardener at Dropmore, Maiden- head, he s been previously announced in these pages, was presented on the 29th ult. with a four- teen-day Timepiece. This was given on behalf of the im'ployds in Dropmore Gardens, all of whom entertain very great respect for their chief. Jam akv 6, 19011.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE- 15 Famous American Trees.— Some interesting facts are given by a New York correspondent respecting famous American trees. The writer says that probably the choicest tree in any of the city parks is the Cedar of Lebanon in Prospect Park. It stands on the meadow northeast of Lookout Hill. The height, about 40 feet, is remarkable for this country, and it would be no mean comparison to some of the famous ones at Kew. It is claimed that there is only one tine Cedar of Lebanon in the United States. It is on C. P. Huntingdon's estate at Westchester, and is about liO feet high. These trees are most attractive in the early summer, wheu the old and new cones hang pendent ['.'] together. The Padua Botanic Garoen A corres- pondent iu the Bjtanical Gazette writes that the Botanical Gardens at Padua, Italy, are rich in interesting plaits. Classic plants are a Chamterop3 humilis, L., var. arborescens, 9.5 mi-tres high, planted about 1585, and visited September 27, 179(i, by Goethe, wherefore it is known as " Goethe's Palm tree ; " a Tecoma granditlora, Del., admired by Goetbe for its beautiful flowering; a very old Vitex Agnus-castus, L. (about .'J45 years old) ; an Araucaria excelsa, R. Br., '20 metres high, kept in a special greenhouse ; many very beautiful trees (Gymnocladus canadensis, Lam., Ginkgo biloba, L., Piospyros Lotus. L., Carya olivaeformis, Nutt., &c. ). The greenhouses also are furnished with beautiful plants, among them an Astrocaryon Chonta, Mart., a Cycas oircinalis, L., a Cycas revoluta, Thunb. , a l'andanus utilis, Bory, aLivistoDa australis, R. Br., many Cactacein and Orchide;e. More than 5700 plants are cultivated in pots, to which we must add 1 10 old trees in the open air, 412 younger trees and shrubs, and 26 old greenhouse trees. Winter-grafting.— Mr. A. Ide, in the last number of the Tij lachrift voor Tuvnbouw, remarks that while formerly spring was thought to be the only period of the year at which grafting could be advaotageously practised, now it is found that most plants, even fruit trees, may be grafted in winter. The advantage is, that the work may be done at seasons when work is slack in the nurseries. In Holland, English grafting is practised, or inarch- ing. In Germany, saddle-grafting. The Tijel- tchrift has, in this instance, adopted the excellent plan of giving a resume' in Freuch, a plan we should be glad to see exclusively followed out in Butch .horticultural periodicals, as it already is in scientific journals. INDIAN AZALEAS.— In some of the Ghent estab- lishments as many as 100,000 plants are grafted each year. As soon as union is effected the plants are placed in frames iu the open air. Iu the middle of May they are lifted from the frame and planted in dried leaves. Leaf-mould is not so advan- tageous. Weak liquid-manure judiciously used is beneficial. An illustration in the January number of the Revue de I' Horticulture Beige shows a planta- tion of Indian Azaleas in the open air in the nurseries of M. Ed. Pi n vert. ©bttuarp. Andrew Greig.— This well-known Scotsman, who died on December 7, was for twenty-eight years head of the nursery department of Messrs. Little & Ballantyno's business at Carlisle. He was a uative of Aberdeenshire, and was brought up to gardening and forestry, lirst in Edinburgh, afterwards in the Perth nurseries. Upon leaving Perth, Mr. Greig was for some time in Leicester- shire, then at Aunau, and subsequently with Messrs. John Stewart & Sous, Broughty Ferry, from whom he came to Knowetield twenty-eight years ago. Deceased's practical knowledge "of horticulture was extensive. Deceased is survived by his widow and two ions and a daughter. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS taken in the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Chiswick, London, for the period December 24 to December 30, 1899. Height above sea-level 2i feet. IS99. i Temperature or the Air. TEMPERA- ture of the Soil at 9 a.m. o 05 O 'A O H s S At 9 a.m. < H H o t3 ►J < B < d O. s 9 -d 4a Q M 43 < © o ^< < 3 ■=> o. < S - - .; H o 5 .0 0 n n ■a n a IS X ■a 3 $ o 3 63 o deg. deg. deg. deg. ina. dog. deg. deg. deg. Sun. 2i N.N.W. 41 1 40-5 15-1 31-0 38'5 41*545-4 28'5 MoN. 25 x.w. 38' 1 15 1 12 -2 30-5 0-06 38 ) U*5 15 4 23 0 TtlE3. 26 s.w. ■ ■ 1-C I'i 3 .. I5'3 23 9 Wed. 27 N.W. . •. . r-e .. 37 3 U l 45*2 26-0 Thu. 2s E. : i ■ " 26-5 0-17 36 140 v 4.'j l 21-0 Fki. 29 S.S.E. 49-J 45-0 :,'>! 31 5 0'20 38-8 U) 6 44-;' 33-1 Sat. 30 S.W. 45-0 40-947-9 43 9 Tot. 043 ■in 9 882 41'S 41-2 14*9 37'3 Means... 39-2 37-5 44-3 325 15*2 27*5 Re-marks.— A week of intermittent frost and rain, with brief spells of bright sunshine. There was a gale un the 29th ult. THE WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 23. The following summary record of the weather throughout the British Islands, for the week ending December 23, is furnished from the Meteorological Oltiee :— " The weather during this period was very dull and gloomy in all parts of the Kiogdom. Slight rain and fog were frequently experienced in the south and south-east, and cold rain or sleet in the north. Over the south and Ireland rain fell daily, and was at times very heavy. "The lemperaiun was a few degrees below the mean generally, but slightly above it in 'Scotland, N.' and over Ireland. The highest of the maxima occurred at the end of the week over England, bat 9 lays earlier in Ireland and ad; they ranged from 50 in the 'Channel Islands 53 in 'Ireland, s . and 50° in 'England, N.W. and 'Scot, land. N.,' to 43 in 'Scotland, E ,' and 42' in ■ England, E. The lowest of the minima, which were recorded during the early days of the we.-k, varied from 19 in ' Scotland, E.' and 'England, N.E.,' and 22 in 'Scotland, N.' and 'England, S., to 26 in • Ireland; s. and the ' Channel Islands. The diurnal' range was very sUghl generally, especially over England, "The a nfidl was less than the mean in most districts bul iust equal to it in 'Scotland, E.. and more than the normal 11 'England \ I and over irejand. In 'Ireland, S the > . el was 1 en large. ' ii' b was very di Scient everywhen ' the northern dl iti [i Is « i altogether i THE WEEK ENDING DECEMBER SO "Tin weather during this pen.nl was very unsettled mi rally, with much rain in the more southern districts, and rain, sleet, or sno« in the tie Afew fine, clear 0 curred, however, in mosl place, thunder and lightning wi i. e tperienced in the north ol Si otland on Wednesday, and en our scuth-wesl casts on Thursday. "The temperature was below the mean in nearly all districts but just, equalled it in ■ England, s W.,' and was rathei i ■ i hi ' England, S.' and the 'Channel Islands.' Over Ireland the deficit amounted to 4", and in S otland to I oi 5°. Che 1 ighesi of the maxima were recorded cither at the commence- mi at oi towards the end of the period, and ranged from 53° in the 'Channel Islands,' and from 51" ot 50° in several English districts, to 45D iu 'Scotland, N and E.,' and 'England, X.E. About the middle part of the week the daily maxima were below :;2J over the inland raits of Great Britain, the lowest being 26 at Stonyhnrst. The absolut" minima, which were registered on the 27th or 28th, ranged from 12° in 'Sc E. and w.,' 13: in 'England, N.W.,' l.v in 'Scotland, N.,'aud li in 'Ireland, N.,' to 22° in 'Ireland, S.,' and 37' in the ' Channel Islands.' "The rainfall was more than the rceau m all districts except ' England, E.,' Hie exi ess over Ireland and mosl parts ot England being large. "The bright s eeded the mean generally. The percentage of the possible duration ranged from 39 in ' Eng- land, N.E ,' and 27 in ' England, E. and ' Ireland, S.,' to IS in Scotland, E.,'and s In 'Scotland. N. '" ARKET8. CO VENT GARDEN, JANUARY 4. We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They are furnished to us regularly every Thursday, by the kindness of Beveral 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. Kd.1 Out Flowers, &o.— Average Wholesale Prices. . d. t. d. Arum Lilies, dozeD blooms 1 4 0-1 ^ 0 Asparagus "Fern," bunch 2 0 2 6 Carnations, per doz. blooms 2 6-50 Cattleyas, per dozen 15 0-18 0 Eucharis, perdozen S 0-10 0 Gardenias, per doz. 3 0- 6 0 Lilac, white, bunch 5 0-70 LiliumHarrisii, per dozen blooms ... 10 0-14 0 Lilium longiflorum, per dozen ... 12 0- 16 0 — lancifolium al- bum, per dozen 6 0-40 — lancifolium ru- bruni. per doz. 3 0-40 Lily of Valley, per doz. bunches... 12 0-24 0 Maidenhair Fern, per doz. bunches 4 0-60 Marguerites, p. doz. bunches Mignonette, dozen bunches 3 0-40 4 0-60 s. d. i. d Narcissus (yellow) doz. bunches ... — (double) •iz.bch. — (white) doz. .. O dor itoglossums, per dozen Poinsettias, dozen blooms 15 0-1S 0 Roman Hyacinths, doz. bunches ... Roses indoor, per dozen — Tea, white, per dozen — Yellow, Paries, per doz. — Safrano, perdoz. Smilai, per bunch 8 0- Tuberoses, per doz. blooms Tulips, per bunch . Violets, Parma, per buacb — dark (French), perdoz. bchs.. . (English), perdoz. bchs.... 6 0-80 3 0-70 3 0-40 4 6-96 9 0-12 0 3 6-76 3 6-76 3 6-76 2 6-36 0 o_ 1 3- 1 o 2 0 S 0-12 0 2 6-46 4 0-50 Plautb in Pots.— Averagk Wholisali Pricks. s. Adianturos, p. doz. Arbor- vitae, var., doz. 6 Aspidistras, p. doz. 18 — specimen, each 5 Crotons, per doz. ... 18 Dracaenas, var., doz. 12 — viridis, perdor. 9 Ericas, var., per doz. 18 Euonymus, various, per dozen Evergreens, var., per dozen Ferns, small, per 100 Ferns, in variety, per dozen Ficus elastica, each d. s. d. 0-7 0 0-36 0 0-36 0 0-10 6 0-30 0 0-30 0 0-18 0 0-36 0 6 0-18 0 0-18 0 0-6 0 0-18 0 6-7 6 «. d. i. i Foliage plants, var., each 10-50 Lily of Valley, each 19-30 Lycopodiums, doz. 3 0-40 Marguerite Daisies, per dozen ... S 0-12 0 Myrtles, per dozen 6 0-90 Palms, various, ea. 1 0-15 0 — specimens, each 21 0-63 0 Pelargoniums, scar- let, perdozen 8 P-12 0 Poinsettias, p. doz. IS 0-30 0 Primulas, per doz. 5 0-8 0 R om an Hyacinth perdoz." ... 10 0-12 0 Tulips, per doz. ... 1 6- 2 6 Veoetarlks.— Average Wholesale Prices. Artichokes, Globe, perdoz. — Jerusalem, per sieve Asparagus, Sprue, per bundle — Giant, bundle.. — Paris, Green, per bundle ... Beans, Channel Islands, per lb. — Madeira, per basket .. — Freni h, lb. pkt Beetroots, new, doz. — in bush. Broccoli, Cornish, crates Brussels Sprouts, p. sieve — per bushel Brussel's Sprouts, Tops, per bag... Cabbage, tally — dozen — Savoys, p. tally Carrots, English, p. dozen bunches — good, cwt. bags, washed Cauliflowers, dozen — Cornish crates. — Italian, baskets of IS Celeriac, per dozen Celery, red, per roll dozen Chicory, per lb, ... Colewort, p. bush. Cress, per dozen punnets Cucumbers, doz. ... Endive, new French, per dozen — Batavian, doz. Garlic, new, per lb. — per cwt. Horseradish, Eng- lish, bundle ... — foreign, r. bdle — loose, fine, doz. Leeks, per dozen bunches Lettuce, French, Cabbage, p. dot i. <2.i. d. 4 0 — 10-16 0 7-0 8 12 0-14 0 :: 0- 6 0 2 0 - n [I 1 Q 0 6-10 1 3- 2 0 9 o-i : o 13-40 2 6- 5 0 •: 0- 3 0 4 0-70 10-16 10-S0 2 0-26 5 0- 3 6 16-30 12 c-i;. o 5 6-80 1 v — in 0-18 " 0 6 -0 S 1 e- 2 o 1 fi — 5 0- 9 0 2 6-36 3 0 — 0 2 — 14 0 — 1 6 — 1 ft- 1 2 19 — r. d. j. d. Mint, new, Ch. Is., p. Hoz. bunches Monks'b . ard(Barbe de Capucine), p. bunch Mushrooms, house, per lb Onions, bags — Bordeaux, boxes — picklers, in sieves — ; Valencia, cases — English, cwt — Albanian, bags. — Dutch Parsley, per dozen bunches — per sieve Parsnips, per dozen — bag Peas, New Green, lb, 0 6-10 Potatos, Old vars., per ton ... 65 0-20 0 — Duubar Main Crop, pel ton 100 0-110 0 — Xew Channel Islands, per lb. — New French in boxes, lb. — Ttnerifib, Ed boxes, cwt. .. Radishes, Long, pr. doz. Rhubarb, Yorks, pr. dozen bunches Salad, small, pun- nets, per dozen Salsafy, bundle Scotch Kale, bush. Seatale, per dozen punnets Shallots, per lb. .. Spinach, French, crates Spinach, Winter, per bushel Swe< ( Potatos, lb... Toniitos, Canary, deeps ... Turnips, per dozen bunches — cwt. bags Turnip Top.-;. I Watercress, p. do*. bunches ... 0 10- 1 4 0 0 5 — 0 6-09 4 0-50 3 6-40 2 6-30 6 6-76 6 0 — 5 " — 4 6 — 1 0- 2 0 10-13 U 6- 1 0 3 0-36 O 5 — 0 3 — 9 0-14 0 10 — 10-13 1 3 — 0 4 — 2 0- 2 6 10 0-15 0 0 3-0 3} 5 0- j 6 5 6-60 0 3 — 1 6- 2 6 2 0-26 2 (V 2 6 2 0- 2 6 16 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE [January 6, 1900. Fruit. — Average Wholesale Prices. i. d. s. d. Grapes, English, Alicante, perlb. 10-16 — Belgian ... 0 10- 1 6 — Gros Colmar, Class A., pr. lb. 1 6- 1 9 — Class B., per lb. 10-13 — Muscats, 01. A., perlb 16-30 — Almeira, dz. lb. 4 6-80 barrel ... 16 6-30 0 Lemons, Messina, 360 5 0-12 0 — Malaga, 420 ... 12 0 — — Murcia, 200 ... 110 — Lychees, Chinese, new, pkt., 1 lb. 10 — Oranges. Denia, 420 S 0-14 0 — Jaffa, case of 144 11 0 — — Mandarin, boxes 10-16 — Murcia, case of •JHl DO — — Valencia, case S 0-10 6 Pears, half cases ... 10 0-12 6 — Californian Easter Beurre 17 6-25 0 Piues, each 16-30 Bapucaia Nuts, lb. 10 — Walnuts, Naples, kiln-dried, per bush 20 0 — POTATOS. Main Crop, &c, 70s. to 90s.; Dunbar Up-to-Date. L00s. Dunbar Main Crop, 110s. Other varietur, 6 bo 85s. John Both, 32 & 34, Wellington Street. Riimarks.— Since last report there has been a great advance in the price of Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli, and Spinach, but prices have fallen again a little. Mushrooms and Scakale ar e cheaper. In addition to other varieties of Onions, there are now some from Bordeaux in boxes. The bulbs are of high colour, have thin skins, are tender and mild. They are not so popular as the Valencia, and are small in oomparison. i. d. s. d. Apples, in sieves : — Blenheims, bsh. 5 0- 6 6 — Nova Scotia, various, barrel . 17 0-27 6 — Californian, cases, New Town and ReH . 6 0- 9 6 — New York, New town Pippins, barrel 24 0-28 0 — Cox's Orange Pippin, sieve .. 4 0 — — Wellington?, bsh 5 0-66 — Souerings, per bushel 3 0-40 — Fearn's Pippin? per bushel 4 0-60 — Golden Knobs, per bushel 4 0-50 — Various Cooking per bushel 2 6-60 Bananas, per bunch 6 0-10 0 Chestnuts, per bag 6 6-10 0 — in sacks, Spanish 13 0-15 0 Cobnuts, per lb. ... 0 7-0 7h Cranberries, case ... 6 0-70 — American, per at 0 5 — kegs (Russian). 2 0 — Custard Apples, dz. 6 0-8 FRUIT AND VEGETABLES. Glasgow: January 3. — The following are the prices since our last : — Apples, Canadian, Kings, 26s. to 30s. per barrel ; Baldwins, 19s. to 22s. do. ; Northern Spy, 18s." to 22s. do. ; Greening, 18s. to 22s. do. ; Spitz, Seeks, Ben Bavies, Waggoners, 16s. to 20s. do. ; Calverts, Holland Pippins, 12s. to 16s. do. ; American, Baldwin, 16s. to ISs. do. ; Northern Spy, 16s. to ISs. do. ; various sorts, 14s. to 17s. de. ; Grapes, English, Is. to 2s. lirf. per lb. ; foreign, Almeira, 12s. to 16s. per barrel; best, 20s. to 25s. do.; Bananas, extras, 12s. to Hs. per bunch ; No. 1, 10s. to 12s. do. ; No. 2, 8s. to 10s. do. ; others as low as 2s. do. ; Oranges, Murcian, 7s. M. to [Ss. 6d. per liMf case; lis. to 14s. per case; Valencia, ordinary, 420's, 7s. to 10s. per box ; large, lis. to 12s. do. ; extra large, 14s. to 16s. do. ; Jumbos, 15s. to lss. do. ; large and extra large, 714's, lis. to 14s. do.; Lemons, Palermo, 10s. to 12s. per case, and 7s. to 8s. per box ; Pears, Cali- fornian, Easter Beurre, ISs. to 21s. per box ; Newtown Pippins, 9s, to 12s. do. ; Mushrooms, Is. 6c?. to Is. Od. per- lb. ; Tomatos, Tenerifle, deeps, 12 lb. to 16 lb., 2s. to 3s. ; Onions, English, 6s. to 7s. per cwt. ; do., Valencias, 5 in a row, 7s. Gd. per case ; do., 4 iu a row, 6s. to 7s. do. ; Turnips, 6d. to "<'. per dozen bunches; Swedes, Is. 6cf. to Is, 8(1 per cwt ; Paisley, lid. to 9 know of no better means of ridding Fern-house of this pest than the old custom of entrapping the creatures by means of Turnip, Potato, or other food of which they are known to be fond. Hollow out a few Potatos and Turnips, and put tbem about the houses, hollow side down. If these be examined early in the morniDg or during the night, it will be found that many of the wood-lice have congregated in them, and by carefully removing each piece and shaking it over boiling-water, and setting it again as a trap, the number present in the house will soon be considerably reduced. Communications Received.— R. Doc— Ed. Tate. — Hurst & Son.— A. H.— E. Sandford.— R. P. B.— G. B. M.-J. B R. — W. A. G.— Rev. DO.— E. H. P.— W. H. S.— E. C— R. D.— J. K.-S. Arnott— E. G.— Expert— W. M. W— T. W.— M.B. Specimens and Photographs Received with Thanks. — W. W.— W. G. Continued Increase in the Circulation of the " GARDENERS' CHRONICLE." IMPORTANT TO ADVERTISERS.— The Publisher ha the satisfaction of announcing that the circulation o/ the "Gardeners' Chronicle" has, since the reduction in the price of the paper, ®jm- TREBLED. -»(j Advertisers are reminded that the " Chronicle" circulates am nun 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 is preserved for reference in all the principal LtTraries. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE ("THE TIMES OF HORTICULTURE") & ISU^kliJ Illustrate fnnrnal (ESTABLISHED 1841) Among the Correspondents and Contributors to recent Volumes the following', out of many Hundreds, may be named : ALPINE AND HERBACEOUS PLANTS :- ARNOTT, S., Dumfries. CORREYHN', H., Geneva. DEWAR, D„ Glasgow. DOD, Rev. C. Wolley, Malpas. ELLACOMBE, Rev. Canon, Bitton. ELWES. II. .1.. Andoversford. EWBANK. Rev. H., Ryde. FOSTER, Prof. M., Cambridge. . HARTLANL), Baylor, Cork. IRVING, W., Kew. JENKINS, E., Hampton Hill. WILSON, G. F., F.R.S., Weybridge. AMATEUR GARDENING :- BADGER, E. W. BENNETT-FOE, T. J. BOYLE, Hon. Mrs. " E. V. B." ("Days and Hours in a Gardeu "). CORDEROY, Justus. ELLACOMBE, Rev. Canon. EWBANK, Rev. H., Ryde. FREEMAN MITFORD, A. B. GUMBLETON, W. E., Belgrove, Cork. THOMSON, \V., Teignmouth. WEIR, Harrison, Sevenoaks. WILKS, Rev. W., Shirley, Surrey. WILLIAMSON, Rev. D., Kirkniaiden. WILSON, G. F., F.R.S , Weybridge. ARBORETUM, &C. :- ANNISLEY, the Earl of. ACTON, T., Kilmaeurragh. BEAN", \V. .1 , Kew. CROUCHER, G., Ochtertyre, Criefr. DUCIE, the Earl of. NICHOLSON, G., Curator, Royal Gardens, Kew. POWERSCoURT, Viscount. RASHLKIGH, J., Menabilly. SARGENT, Prof., Arnold Arboretum, Cambridge, U.S.A. STRICKLAND. Sir C„ Bart CHEMISTRY :- CHURCH, Prof, F.R.S. HEHERAIN, Prof., Paris. DYER, Bernard. GILBERT, Sir J. II., F.R.S., Roth- amsted. LAWES, Sir J. B., Rothamsted. MITCHELL, W. S. MULLGli, Dr. Hugo, F.R.S. TRUFFAUT, Georges, Versailles. WARINGTON, R., F.R.S. WILLIS, J. J., Rothamsted. DISEASES OF PLANTS :— Bos, Dr. Ritzema, Wageningen. COOKE, Dr. M. C. KLEBAHN, Dr., Bremen. MAGNUS, Prof., Berlin. MASSEE, G., Kew. MURRAY, G , British Museum PAGET, Sir James, F.R.S. PLOWRIGHT, Dr. C. B. PRILL1EUX, Prof., Paris. SMITH, W. G., Dunstable. SMITH, Dr. w. G., Leeds. SORAUER, Prof, Proskau. WARD, Prof. Marshall. FERNS :- BAKER, J. G , Royal Gardens, Kew. DRUERY, C. T. HEMSLEY, A. JENMAN, G. S., British Guiana. LOWE, E. J., Chepstow. FLORISTS' FLOWERS, &e. :— CANNEl.L, H., Swanley. DEAN, R. D'OMBRAIN, Rev. H. H. DOUGLAS, J., Great Bookham. ENGLBHEART, Rev. G. GIRDLESTONE, T W. HORNER, Rev. E. D. MOLYNKUX, E , Swaniuore Gardens. PAUL, G., Paisley. PAYNE. C. Harman. SMITH, Martin, The Warren, Hayes Common. TURNER. II., Slough. FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE :- ADLAM, R, W., Johannesberg. ALBOFE, in.. Odessa. ANDRE, E., Paris. BAILEY. Prof . Ithaca, N.Y. BARRON, I, , New York. 1SUD11E, .1. K , Utrecht. CHRIST. D., lias],'. CORCORAN, M , Odessa COSTEKUS, Dr., Amsterdam, CLOS, Prof., Toulouse. CRETIN, Director, Botanic Garden, Brussels, FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE :— HAMMER, Dr. Udo, Berlin. DAVEY, J. Burtt, Univ., California. DE BOSSCHERE, C, Antwerp. DE CANDoLLE, Casimir, Geneva. DEVANSAYE, A. de la, Angers. DINTER, Great Namaqualand. DRL'DE, Prof., Dresden DUCHARTRE, Prof., the late, Paris ENGLER, Prof., Berlin. FOKSTER.O.,Scheibbs, Upper Austria. FRANCESCHI, Dr.,Sta. Barbara, Calif GOoDALE, Prof., Harvard Bnive) sitj GOEZE. Dr., Griefswald. HANBURY', Comin., La Mortola. HANSEN, G., California. HANSEN. Prof. Carl, Copenhagen. HENRIQUES, Prof., Coiiubra. JOLY, I '., Paris. KERCHOVE, Comte de, Gand. KOLB, Max, Munich. KRELAGE, E. H., Haarlem. LEHMANN, H., Popayan. LEMMoX.J. G., Oakland, California. LOHER, A , Manila. MACFARLANE, Prof., Philadelphia. MEEHAN, T., Philadelphia. MICHELI, M., Geneva. MONTEIRO. Chev., Lisbon. MOTTET, H., Sceaux. NAUDIN, C, Antibes. NELSOX, W., Johannesberg. OI.IVEIRA, J. D'., Oporto. OUTGIES, E , Zurich. OUDEMANS, Prof.. Amsterdam. PAUL, Baron St. PENZIG, Prof., Genoa. PIEOTTA, Prof., Rome. PYNAERT, E., Ghent. REGEL, E., the late. RODIGAS, E., Ghent. ROEBELIN, Bangkok. ROiELLI, Big., Pallanza. ROZE, E„ Paris. SCHROTER, D., Zurich. SOLMS, Prof. Count. Strasburg. SURINGAK, Prof, Leydeu. TRELEASK, Prof., St Louis. VAX TUBERGEN, C. G., Jlliir., Haarlem. VILMORIN, II. L De, Palis. VILMORIX, Mauriee I. ■, Tans. WAUGH, Prof , Burlington, L'.S.A. W1GMAX. lint. Garden. Buitenzorg. WILLKOMM, Prof., IV.. W1TTMACK, Dr.. Berlin WOLKEN8TEIN, P., Soorash, Husm.i. FORESTRY : - BRACE, C. J., Orleans. BRANDIS, Sir D. FORBES, A. C, Bowood, Wilts. FRANCE, C. s . Aberdeen. MAY!!, Dr., Munich. M1CHIE, i'. v., the late, Cullen, Aberdeen. ROGERS, Capt. II.. Plymouth. SCHLICH, Dr., Superintendent, Forest Department, Cooper's Hill. SIMPSON, J.. Wortley. WEBSTER, A. D. WEBSTER, J. B., the late. FRUIT CULTURE :— BALTET, C, Troves. BARRON, A. !■'., Chiswick. BLACKMORE, R. D., Teddington. BUXYARD. G., Maidstone, Kent. CHEAL, J., Crawley, Sussex. CRUMP, \Y., Madresfleld Court. MARKHAM, II.. Wrotham Park. RIVERS, T. V., Sawbridgeworth. ROUP 1. 1.. W., Streatham. TURTON, T., Sherborne Castle Grdns. WOODWARD, G.,Baih.nu Court Grdns. GARDEN BOTANY :- BAKER. .1. G., F.R.S. BALFOUR, Prof. B.. Edinburgh. BAR11EY, W., Lausanne. BROWN, X. E. Herbarium, Kew. ill bridge. P. W., Botanic Gardens, Dublin. CLARKE, C. B. CORNU, Prof. Max, Director of the Jardin des Pinnies. Paris. DYER, Sir \V. T. Thi-cltoh, Hue, tor, R03 al Gardens, Kew. ei.wes. II. ,L. Andoversford. FRANCHET, M.. Paris. HEMSLEY, W. 1!., F.R.S., Kew. HOOKER, Sir J. D.. K.C.S.I., lite Director, Royal Gardens, Kew. JACKSON, J. R., Museum, Royal Gardens, Kew GARDEN BOTANY :— LEICHTLIN, Max, Baden-Baden. LINDSAY, R. MOI iHE, F. W., Royal Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin. NAUDIN, C, Antibes. OLIVER, Prof., F.R.S. SCOTT-ELLIOT, G. F. S. STAPF, Dr., Kew. WITTBOCK, Prof., Stockholm. GARDEN INSECTS :— BLANDFORD, F. MrLACHI.AX. R., F.R.S. MICHAEL, A. D., F.R.S. WATERHOU8E, C. 0. WESTWOOD, Prof.. E.R.S., the late. INDIA AND THE COLONIES :- BoLl's. H., Capetown. BROADWAY, W. E., Botanical Gar- 'li us. Grenada. W.I. BUCHANAN, D., Maekie, Queensland. BUTTERS, .1. .L. Port Elizabeth. CRAHWICK, W. Hope Botanic Gar- dens, Kingston, W.I. DUTHlE, .1. 1'.. Sahurunpore. I'AWCETT, W.,Superintendent,Botaui- cal Department, Jamaica. FORD, C, Hong Kong. HART, J. H., Superintendent, Botanical Department, Trinidad. IM THL'UX. Everard, British Guiana. JEXMAX, G. S., British Guiana. KING, sn George, F.R S., late Direc- tor, Royal Botanic Gdns., Calcutta, KIRK. J.. Wellington, N.Z. MACOWAN, Prof., Cape I..»n. MACOUN, Prof., I ittawa. Mi ii >RE, C. Sydney. MORRIS, D., Imp. Commissioner. W.I. MUELLER, Baron Sir Ferd. von, the late, Melbourne. MURTON, H. J , Siam RIDLEY. H. N., Superintendent, Botanical Department, Singapore. STOREY. II.. Oodc ypore. TU rCHER, w. J., Hong-Kong. Win in. Medley, Botanic Garden, Hurl an. LANDSCAPE GARDENING :- ANDRE, E., Paris. CHEAL. J., Crawley. COLORING. W., Kew. JACKMAN, I . Woking. MAWsnX, II. T., Windermere. Mll.XKK. II. E., London. ORCHIDS :- BULL. W., Chelsea. CHAPMAN, II. J., Cainberwell. COGNIAUX, Prof., Venders. COOKSON, X.. Wvlam "ii-Tvne. DE Ii. CRAWSHAY, s.venoaks. KK.EXZl.IX, Dr. P., Berlin. LAWRENCE, Sir Trevor, Bait.. M P.. Co sident, Royal Ilortietiltur.il Sue. LINDEN. Lucieu, Brussels. LOTHIAN, the Marquis of. MURRAY, W., Wvlani-on-Tvne. O'BRIEN, .lames, oil RAM, A. PFITZER, Prof., Heidelberg. RENDLE. A. B., Brit. Mils. ROLFE, R. A.. 1m « Ri iss. Conini., Florence. s.\N DER, L . St. Albans. smee. A. II. . Wallington. swan. W. VEI rCH, II. J.. l'.L.S. win IE. R. 1... Arddarroch, WHITE, W. IL. si.. Sir T. Lawrence. YOUNG, W. IL, Clare Lawn Gardens, E. sheen. PRACTICAL GARDENING :— BA1X, \\\. Burford Lodge Gardens, Dorking. BLAIR, P., Trentham. BRoTIIEKston. H. P.. Tynninghame Gardens, Prestonkirk. BUNYARD, T. CLAYTON, H. J.. Grimston Park, i m IK, A c , Compton Hassett. i a e in BER, f I he Hendre.Monmouth. CROMBIE, D . Powersoourt. Cl I.YERWELL, W., Thorpe Penow. ci viMixs, G. w . late of Carshalton, DAY. Galloway House, Garliestown. DEAN, A.. Kingston. divers, \v ii.. Belvoir Castle Gdns, DOUGLAS, J., Great Bookham. DUNN, M . late. Dalkeith 1'alatv GdllS. BARLEY, W., Mordeu. PRACTICAL GARDENING :- FISH, D. T.. Edinburgh. HARROW, W., Sheffield. HARROW, R. L., Edinburgh Botanic Gardens. HEMSLEY, A., Edmonton. HERRIN. C, Dropmore Gardens. HUDSON, J., Gunnersburv'House. HUGHES, J., Went worth "Woodhonse Gardens, Rotherhnm. JONES, C. H., Ole Hall Gardens, Burgess Hill. KEMPSHALL, H., Lamport Hall Gardens, Northampton. KIRK, A., Norwood Gardens, Alloa. LAMBERT, J., P,.wis Castle Gardens LEACH, W. C, Allmrv Park Gardens. LINDSAY, R., Edinburgh. LONG, A. J.. Wyfold Court Gardens, Reading. LYNCH, R. J., Botanic Gardens, Cambridge. MACKINLAY, Geo., Wrest Park Gar dins, Ampthill. MARTIN, H. T., Stoneleigh Abbey I 1 : dens, Kenilworth. MAYCOCK, G. H., Luton Hoo Grdns. MoINTYRE, J., Woodsido Gardens, Darlington. Mc-LEOD, J. F., Dover House Gar- dens, Roehauipton. MELVILLE, D., Dunrobin Gardens. MILES, G. T., Wvcombe Abbey Grdns. MILLER, J. W.,' Ruxlev Lodge. MILLER. W„ late of Coombe Abbey. MOORE, E. W., Royal Botanic Gardeu, Glasnevin. PETTIGREW. A. Cardiff Castle Grdns. POPE, W., Highclere Gardens. POWELL, D. C, Powderham Castle. PRINSEP, H. C, Ucktield. RIDDELL, J., late of Castle Howard Gardens, York. SIMPSON, J., Wortley Hall Gardens. SMITH. J., Mentmore Gardens. sMYHIE. W., Basin.- Park. STANTON, G., Park Place Gardens, Henley. SWAN. W. TEMPLE, M., Carrou House Gardens, NIL THOMAS, O., Royal Gardens, Frog- inore. TOWNSEXD. W. J.. Wokingham. WADDS, B., Bmlsall, Yorks. WALLIS, J. WARD. II. W.. Rayleigh. WATSON, W,, Royal Gardens. Kew. WEBSTER, C, Gordon Castle Gardens. WILLIAMSON, W., Tarvit Gardens, Cupar. WII.soX, D , The Park, Prestwich. WOODGATE, G., Rolleston Hall Gardens. WYTH , S, G., Sion House Gardens YOUNG, A. Knightahayes Court Gar- dens, Devon. Aud many others. ROSES :— D'OMBRAIN, Rev. H. H., WestweU Kent. FISH, D. T.. Edinburgh. FISHER, Rev. O. HOLE, R. Rev. Dean, Rochester. MAWLEY", E., "Rosebank,'' Berkham sled. PAUL. G., Cheshuut. PAUL. W., Waltham Cross. PITER, A., Lckli, Id. VIVIAND MOREL Lyons. WILLIAMSON, Rev. D., KiiKinaiden VEGETABLE PHYSIOLOGY, &C. : - BONAVIA, l'r. E. BOULGER, Prof. G. F. DE VRIBS, Prof. Hugo, FARMER, Prof. J. Bretland, South Kensington. FOSTER, Prof. Michael, Cambridge. G ALTON. E. GARDINER, v.".. Cambridge. i.i usher. James (Meteorology). GOEBBL, l'rot , Munich. GOODALE. Dr., Boston, D s. i. HEXSLOW, Rev. l'rot. M U'l KOI', Prof., Client. OLIVER. Prof. F. \\\, Univ. College Loudon. I. Dr.. Kew. solms, Count, Strasburg. TRUFFAUT, G., Versailles. WALLACE, Allied. Dr.. Colchester. WElss, Dr , Manchester. 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New Mo 2 h - a ■s * - *. ■1 / - &■ sill 3 >.^" Is n S g fa a COa h &.H fa m COS SSHfatoCOSH &Sfa ■ t~ » a. o — o*i g 1 -a S J § ■S t S- cm rt a H c a 8 a W O a" 1 o rt o Si a P rt a- c S a rt '5 D rt Pi rt c rt a J5, a »» ■ . mi x |H _■ a | £ -- c a < o CO rt Q S Id a . ° 1 ; — us is | B S | a r-r- 1 i i la o rt a Si CM oo ": 1 7 = q - If -_ i 0 : Kg o j3 X -|| > a a II X — fl 2 eS 5 — X X 2 e X c^. o* - - Sh== h &. xCO ^h s=h fax COSH^^faxCOS H & OT -*■ UJ tOf-OOOl Oi-i MM "*iO !0h-»OO- . Q ii. « > v > UI Q ui X co _i m Q. CC THE COTTAGERS' CALENDAR OF GARDEN OPERATIONS. A new and revised edition of this little book, of which 280,0 0 have been already issued, is now readt. It was originally drawn up by the late SIR JOSEPH PAXTON, and has been repeatedly revised and brought up to date by the staff of the Gardeners' Chronicle. It is particularly suited to the needs of cottagers and allotment-holders, and forms an excellent manual for County Council lecturers and their pupils. Price 3d., Post-free 3|d.; Twenty-five Copies, 5s. ; Fifty, 10s. ; and One Hundred, 20s. Money Orders and Postal Orders should be made payable to II. G. CO VE, at the Post Office, Great Queen Street, London, W. C Parcels of not less than twenty-five delivered, Carriage Free, in LONDON only. INot less than one hundred Carriage Paid to any part of Great Britain. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, Limited, 41, WELLINGTON STREET, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. THE OLDEST HORTICULTURAL NEWSPAPER. T H E 3 Gardeners' 15 s. WEEKLY. YEARLY. Chronicle (THE "TI(HeS" OF HORTICOIaTORG.) F©R SIXTY YEARS THE LEADING JOURNAL. Its contributors comprise the most Experienced British Gardener^, and many of the most Eminent Men of Science at home and abroad. IT HAS AN INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION FOR ITS ILLUSTRATIONS OF PLANTS. Specimen Copy post free on application to the Publisher, H. G. COVE, 41, WELLINGTON STREET,. STRAND, LONDON. *«* May be ordered of all Booksellers and 3 eivsagents, and at the Railway Bookstalls. January 13, 1900 ] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, 17 THE No. 681.— SATURDAY, JAN. 13, 1900. CONTENTS. Adiantum c. v. imbricate, fertile frond of 28 Agave Jacquiniana ... 30 Antwerp, horticultu-al exhibitions to be held at 25 Asparagus, forcing of ... 26 Attalea princeps, the story of 27 Books — Botanical Magazine ... 26 Fruit-farming for Profit 26 Publications received... 27 The Rosarians' Year- book 26 Unwin's Chap-book for 1899-1900 26 Cabbages ... 29 Chiswick, the new ... 28 Chrysanthemum Madame Carnot, a crimson sport from . 26 Cyclopaedia of American Horticulture 27 Cytisus Schipkaensis , . 26 Eilenroc, near Antibes, the garden at 27 Enquiries ,. 28 Florists' flowers— A plea for the Fancy Pelargonium 20 Propagation of Chrysan- themums 22 Fruit-tree enemies ... 20 Garcioia mangostana ... 32 Gardening under Glass ... 17 Gillespie, Major-General, the late 25 Machin, Mr. H. V. ... 25 Manuring Market gardening Moore, the late Mrs. Novelties of 1899 ... Obituary — Brown, Alex Orchid Notes and Glean- ings— Lindenia... Paul, the late Mrs. W. ... Pears, late . . . Plants, New or Note- worthy— Solanum Worsleyi Tagetes Lemmoni Rock-garden, the Rosary, the Schedules Seaside planting of trees and shrubs Selborne winter lectures . Societies— Linnean Royal Horticultural ... Scottish Horticultural . Yorkshire Gala, the .,. Stocktaking Tennis-court, design for laying out a Veitch, Mr. Harry Week's work, the — - Flower garden, the Fruits under glass Hardy fruit garden, the Kitchen garden, the ... Orchid houses, the Plants under glass ILLUSTRATIONS. Agave Jacquiniana in the garden of the Hotel du Pare, Cannes 29 Solanum Worsleji " \[\ []] \ jj) Tagetes Lemmoni ". ,[[ "[ " 2*1 Views in the gard< n of Eilenroc, near Antibes ... 25. 27 GARDENING UNDEE GLASS.* By IV, Watson, Royal Gardens, Kew. (Concluded from p. 2.) TF we compare the growth of plants in the open A air in summer with that made by the same kinds of plants in shaded houses, the advantage is seen to be decidedly in favour of those grown in the open air ; and although there is danger ©f burning or scalding where the glass is of bad quality, I am persuaded that if we shaded our glass-houses less, we should have better (results. By shading we shut out the heat- rays as well as the light, and it is by no moans an uncommon practice for gardeners to thus exclude the sun-hept, the essence of life to the plants, and to keep the water-pipes hot, the least healthy of conditions. Hot- water pipes are a necessary evil in a plant-house. An American writer has said, "The value of light in the growth of plants is not always fully appreciated. It is a common occurrence to see plants which require strong light for their deve- lopment, struggling for existence in dark houses. Within recent years, however, there has been a marked improvement in the manner of constructing greenhouses, and there is no doubt that the improvement in many of the crops now grown can be attributed to the recognition of the fact that properly regulated light is one of the fundamental factors" in the growth of plants under glass." • Prom ,t Paper read tit the Kew Mutual Improvement Society. Temperatures. The requirements of almost all tender plants in regard to temperature are provided roughly by three grades, namely, (1) the stove tempera- ture, which varies from a maximum governed by the time of year and the state of the weather, to a minimum in summer of about 70°, in winter about 60' ; (2) the intermediate-house, the maximum for which varies as in the stove, whilst the minimum is 60° in summer, 50° in winter ; (3) the greenhouse, which is practically an unheated structure, except when there is danger of the temperature falling below 40". In the case of some plants it is desirable to deviate from these. Generally, we may say that the temperatures maintained in plant- houses vary between a maximum of from 50° to 90°, or even 100°, and a minimum of from freezing point to 65°. Whilst there are many indoor plants that are not injured by a few degrees of frost, nothing is gained by admitting frost into any glass structure. With regard to the variation of temperature during the day and night, the practice in modern horticulture differs materially from that of earlier times. Then a regular temperature was aimed at, in the belief that it afforded the most favourable conditions. Knight, in a paper published in 1814, in the second volume of the Transactions of the Royal Horticvltural Society, endeavoured to show the ill effects of excessive heat in forcing-houses during the night. He pointed to the mistake generally made by gardeners who, sensible of the comforts of a warm bed on a cold night, and of fresh air on a hot day, treated their plants to the same pleasures. The temperature of the plant-houses during the night, relatively to that of the day, was almost always much too high, and con- sequently highly injurious to the plants of temperate climes, especially fruit-trees, and not at all beneficial to those of tropical climates, where the temperature declined considerably during the night. The difference between the temperature at evening and early morning in tropical countries is generally extreme, and in such distinctly tropical regions as Singapore, Jamaica, and Ceylon, it is usual to provide extra bed-clothes to be drawn on in the early morning. This fact has influenced our best indoor gardeners of to-day, and in the growing season the houses are syringed, closed early, and the sun allowed to increase the temperature considerably. During the night the temperature gradually falls, and in the morning, by G o'clock say, it reaches its minimum, a comparatively low one. The importance of allowing the temperature to increase as the sunlight intensifies has already been touched upon. The evils of endeavouring to keep a house cool by excessive ventilation, especially at the top, must be evident to anyone who applies an elementarv knowledge of physics to horticultural art. " Each plant, each part of a plant, is best developed, and each function performed by it is carried on at a certain temperature, and is checked by excess or defect " (Masters). To know what this temperature is in the case of each plant is of importance. We endeavour to simplify this matter by classifying cultivated plants into stove, intermediate, and cool-house plants, as already poiuted out, but the tempera- ture must vary with the state or condition of the plant. An excellent rule, which applies to all plants more or less, is, that for a certain period in each year a rest from growth is bene- ficial. This rest is afforded by a reduction in the supply of food, i.e., water, or by a lowering of the temperature, or by both. Sachs has likened a plant to a steam-engine in its relation to heat. When the tension of the steam is slight, the machine is barely able to overcome the friction of its own parts, and under such circumstances can do little or no work. As the tension of the steam is increased the work increases also, until a point is reached when the maximum amount of work is done. Beyond this, the parts of the machine become strained, and a breakdown may result. In the case of the plant, there is a point in the tem- perature barely sufficient to induce growth. With increasing heat there is a corresponding increase of growth, until a point is reached when the best growth is made ; beyond this point the growth may be quicker, but it is weak and lack- ing in stability. The best of our cultivators have learnt from experience what the optimum temperature for their plants is, and it is to this knowledge that the express cultures of the modern market-man are due. He will produce a fine healthy specimen in a year or two of a plant, which in the hands of the jog-trot cultivator would take five or ten years to grow to the same size, and which would pro- bably be comparatively lean and scraggy. For his own purposes, the "express" man some- times slightly exceeds the optimum temperature, but, as we know, plants thus produced are grown to sell, not to live. To recapitulate : temperatures during the day in the growing season might often be higher with advantage, and lower during the night ; it is preferable to allow the temperature to rise above the normal under the influence of a hot sun, rather than attempt to keep it down by excessive ventila- tion ; a high temperature with heavy shading must be avoided for healthy plants partial to sunlight. Water. Careful, thoughtful watering is the key-note to success, and he who does not know how to water a plant cannot grow it. Given to excess the soil becomes stagnant, and a condi- tion analogous to drowning animals is the result. The more water there is in the soil the less air it can contain, and as all plants, except aquatics, require air at the roots as well as water, if the soil is kept in a state of saturation air is excluded, and consequently the soil becomes sour. One essential condition for the active processes of oxidation and decomposi- tion is, of course, the presence of air ; an open porous soil is thus far more exposed to oxidation and nitrification than one in a closely consoli- dated condition : hence arises the beneficial effect of mixing porous substances, such as peat, charcoal, and sand, with stiff horti- cultural moulds. The operation of tillage also tends to promote in the soil oxidation of the organic matter, and assist in its nitrifica- tion. A sufficiency of water is essential for the activity of all living agents; oxidation and decay are thus far more rapid in a moist soil than in a dry one. The constant waterings given to plants in a well-conducted garden pro- vides this condition. It must, however, be remembered that a great excess of water is fatal to oxidation, the admission of air being excluded as soon as the soil is filled with water. (Willis.) A careful waterer can almost afford to be indifferent as to the quality of his soils. In my opinion, so long as its physical properties — texture, temperature, and moisture — are per- fect, the quality of the soil in regard 1 1> main- plants is of small importance. This is seen in the growth of many Orchids under conditions where moisture and air are the sole sources of fond, a wood block, crocks, or living sphagnum being the medium through which thej are 18 THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE, [January 13, 1900. supplied. Of course, gross-feeding plants are best in a soil rich in foods ; but 1 believe the foods could be afforded artificially, less conve- niently, perhaps, if the roots were in sand. We know from experience that this is so. The point to be emphasised is, that water, rather than soil, is to plants what food is to animals, and a knowledge of the quantity, and time to supply it, required by a plant is of great impor- tance. In the open air, Nature, supplemented by man generally, regulates these matters ; but in glass-house gardening, where the whole of the conditions are artificially supplied, a know- ledge of the part that water plays is essential. The careful waterer is a treasure in glasshouse gardening. (To be continued.) Orchid Notes and Gleanings. New or Noteworthy Plants. SOLANUM WORSLEYI. In this new plant we have one that is either closely allied as a species to S. Melongena, or an extreme varietal form of it. For its introduction (tig. 5, p. 19) we are indebted to Mr. YVorsley, Mandeville House, Isleworth, who obtained seeds of it near Petropolis, Kio, where it is grown in the highlands by the country people, on the pillars and sides of verandas surrounding their houses. It is described by Mr. Worsley as a scandent plant, and as such he has grown it in his greenhouse, where the stems have attained a length of about S feet, and produced numerous fruits. The plant differs from all culti- vated forms of S. Melongeua (Aubergine, &c), in being destitute of spines in its woody stem, and in the colour of the fruits, which, when ripe, are of a bright scarlet. They are developed singly or in pairs on stalks 2 inches long, and are about the size of a hen's egg. The leaves are ovate lanceo- late, lobed, softly pubescent, 0 inches to 1 foot long. Mr. Worsley says that the fruits ripen in summer in Petropolis, and are cooked in a green state to serve as a vegetable, being held in high esteem by the natives. He found the fruits eaten in Brazil palatable, and possessed of tonic properties, whereas those produced at Isleworth were acrid and disagreeable ; this, however, might be due to the slow development of the fruit, or to improper cooking. The plant is hardier than S. Melongeua, and as hardy at least as the Tomato, with which it may be cultivated. It can be treated as an annual, but is probably perennial. This plant may be useful for the conservatory if grown in pots outside during the summer, and brought under glass to mature its fruits, which last a long time, and are very bright in colour. Examples of it may be seen at Kew. W. H~. Tagetes Lemmohi.* We are indebted to Mr. Gumbleton for the opportunity of figuring this newly-introduced Marigold. It attains a height of 3 feet, and from the profusion of its yellow Mowers is highly deco- rative. It is, we presume, a perennial, and was discovered by Mr. Lemmon in the Huachuca Moun- tains of Southern Arizona We append Dr. Asa Gray's description, which, together with our illus- tration (fig. 6, p. 21), will supply all the details about the plant, except thoje which its cultivation may be expected to reveal. Tageta Lemvwni.— Feregiaberrima, 2-3pedalis ; caulibus strictis superne subfastigiatim ramosis paniculato polyce- phalis ; foliis omnibus oppositis ; fuliolis 5-7 lanceolate seu elliptico linearibus aqualiter serratis (lin. 2—4 latis, ma- joribus sesqui-bipollicaribus) ; pedunculis breviusculis graci- libus subulate bracteolatis ; involucro oblongo campanulato subturbinato glandulis ovalibus oblougisve maculato ; ligu- lis 6-8 semi-pollicaribus; corolla? disci lobis, lire imber- bibus ; pappi pilt-is brevibus insqualibus 1-3 subulatis caeteris 2—3 plo. longioribus. Haucbuca .Mountains, S. Arizona, Lemmon. Asa Gray, in Pro.:. Am,,: Acad,, xix. (1883), p. 40. LINDENIA. In the last number there are figures of : — Cattleva Trian.ei, Lind. (var. platychii.a, casdidula, latissima), tab. 67V. — The variety platychila has a very broad two-lobed lip, with a large anterior deep violet blotch in front of the yellow throat, the two side lobes of the lip do not meet, so that an open space is left, exposing the column as happens, we are told, constantly in Cattleya Mantini x var. candidula. Here, the anterior lobe of the lip is whitish, with a narrow purple blotch and a yellov throat; var. latis- sima has very broad undulate segments of a deep rose colour, the tip has a deep purple blotch in front of the yellow throat. Sobralia xantholetjcAj Hurt., tab. 67S.— Flowers of a citron-yellow, with the lip of a deeper tint. It is a native of Guatemela. Odontogi.ossum aspersum (var. Bosschkreanum), tab. 670. —This differs from the type in the brown sepals, narrowly edged with yellow. The spade-like lip is white. Peristeria elata, Hook., tab. 6S '. — See Gardoiers' Chronicle, December 23, 1SS9, fig. 1.55. NOVELTIES OF 1899. {Concluded from p. 4.) Stove and Greenhouse Plants. — In all sec- tions of plants most useful for decorative purposes great progress has been made. Each has been recruited by worthy novelties. One of the best plants of the year was the brilliant and fioriferous Kalanchoe fiammea, a fine group of whicb was exhibited by the Director of the Royal Gardens, Kew, making one of the most admired objects at the Royal Horticultural Society's Show at the Ohiswick Gardens, July 11, 1899. In new and good hybrid Amaryllids, the ama- teurs have decidedly taken the lead. Sir Trevop. Lawrence, Bart, (gr., Mr. W. Bain), has produced the handsome Eucharis Burfordensis ; Captain Holford, of Westonbirt (gr., Mr. A. Chapman), whose collection of Amaryllis is the oldest and best in the country, received Certificates for Hippeastruoa Apple Blossom, H. Murillo, H. Robin, and H. Virginia ; while that careful worker in Nerines, H. J. Elwes, Esq., has for his best N. Miss Willmott, N. Mrs. Berkeley, and N. Mrs. God man. The Begonias have been recruited by good novelties in the tuberous section by Mr. T. S. Ware. R. Hartland & Son, and others ; while the still more useful and almost perpetual-fiowering B. Gloire de Lorraine is likely to become the fore- runner of a separate section ; the fioriferous B. Mrs. Leopold de Rothschild, raised, or rather secured by selection, by Mr. -las. Hudson, who also has a variegated form of it ; and the white variety, B. Caledonia, of Mr. Forbes, of Hawick, being a good commencement. Richardia suffusa, anew primrose-coloured Calla, with purple eye ; and the rich orange R. Pent- landi, Tring Park variety, were certificated to the PJght Hon. Lord Rothschild (gr., Mr. E. Hill). Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons have evolved new beauties from the showy Phyllocacti, Amaryllis, greenhouse Rhododendrons, and other handsome popular genera ; and various other desirable novel- ties have appeared, many of which will be found in the appended list of new and rare plants, illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle in 1899. Chrysanthemums have deservedly occupied much attention during 1899, and some thirty new varieties have been certificated, chiefly to the different specialists. There seems to be a laudable wish to advance the single-flowered section, which, if carefully pur- sued, would meet with good results. Among Ferns there have not been many novelties certificated, though some very useful garden-raised varieties for market purposes have appeared. The best certificated Fern of the year, perhaps, is the Davallia illustris, an elegant, finely-cut species, suitable either for large or small plants, for baskets, rockeries, or pots, shown by Merrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons. The others certificated are the distinct Adiantum Burni, and the finely-divided Polystichum angulare divisilobum plumosissimum, of Messrs. W. & J. Birkenhead. Garden Flowers, &c. Of Carnations, Dahlias, Ptoses, Narcissi, Del- phinium, Phloxes, &c., there have been numerous new varieties exhibited, many of which have possessed remarkable merit. Flowering and Ornamental Shrubs. Of flowering and ornamental shrubs and trees, there have been more varieties certificated than usual during the past year, a most gratifying circumstance. The following novelties and rare plants were illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle in 1899 : — Aster nanshanicus, May 27, p. 331. Begonia Mary Pope, June 3, p. 361. Begonia Jessie Pope, June 3, p. 360. Campanula Mayi, August 12, p. 127. Campanula mirabilis, October 7, pp. 274-5. Chrysanthemum Mrs. Alfred Tate, December 2, p. 419. Cereus candicans Dumesniliana, December 2, p 415. Cortaderia Lambleyi fol. var , May 27, p. 335. Criuum Van Tubergen, August 12, p. 131. Deutzia discolor purpurascens, July 15, p. 45. Dianthera illustris, May 27, p. 331. Draca>na Douceti, fol. var., May 13, p. 291. Drac;una Victoria, October 21, p. 315. Echiurn candicans, July 22, p. 71. Erythronium Johnsoni, April 22, p. 253. Eucharis Burfordensis, September 23, p. 247. Eucharis Stevensii, September 23, p. 243. Eucharis Elmetiana, November 4, p. 345. Fouquieria columnaris, October 7, p. 277. Galanthus Cassalia, March IS, p. 165. Grape Lady Hastings, Black Muscat, August 19, p. 157. Gymnogramma scbizophylla prolifera, Supple- ment, June 3. Iris Sofrana, November 29, p. 391. Kalanchoe fiammea, July 15, p. 47. Lowrya campanulata, February 25, p. 117. Narcissus King Alfred, April S, p. 221. Nepenthes Balfouriana, July 29, p. 91. Nerine Miss Willmott, November 29, p. 399. Passi flora Margaret Wilson, February 11, p. 89. Pharus guianeensis albo-striata. Pittosporum crassifolium, September 9, p. 205. Polystichum ang. plumosissimum, June 3, Sup- plement. Primula Her Majesty, April 1, p. 203. Primula Lady Emily Dyke, March 25, p. 181. Primula Swanley Giant Improved, April 1, p. 205. Raspberry Golden Queen (Veitch), July 22, p. 63. Rhododendron Kingianum, October 21, p. 306. Strawberry Mentmore (Laxton), July 29, p. 93. Tacsonia militaris x , December 30, p. 487. Thamnochortus insignis, April 22, p. 251. Thamnochortus spicigerus, April 22, p. 249. Veronica Chathamica, November 11, p. 355. Veronica Cookiana, October 14, p. 297. SEASIDE PLANTING OF TREES AND SHRUBS. (> ontinwdfiom /.. 433, vol. , cvi.) Of deciduous floweriug shrubs preference should be given to those that come into leaf late, and of which the foliage is small and of some substance, so that it may be able to battle with the spring gales, while those with pinnate leaves are to be preferred to those with large entire foliage of little substance. For instance, the Bladder Senna (Colutea) makes nice neat shrubs, and flowers most freely, generally producing its bladder-like seed vessels in profu- sion, while the masses of orange-yellow flowers that precede these are by no means ineffective. Other Papilionac:e are Coronilla emerus, and its greenhouse relative Coronilla glauca, which lives Jakuabv 13, 1000 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 19 through the winter on the south coast in most seasons, and gives abundance of its bright yellow blossoms, the first being quite hardy everywhere ; and while we are with this genus it may be quite as well to note some'of the Indigo shrubs which have proved hardy, as Indigofera Dosua, acid a variety from the jnorth-west Himalayas, called Cerardiana, both are covered with drooping racemes the ripened wood all along the flue shoots, abund- ance of bright, rose-coloured flowers, succeeded later by its small, glossy foliage, but very rarely setting or maturing any fruits. Daphnes. — Another early-flowering shrub which give3 its flowers before its foliage is the common Mezereon (Daphne Mezereon) ; its inflorescence is disposed all along its upii^ht, somewhat stiff Fig. 5. — soi.amm woeslevi. [see y IS. of bright pink pea-shaped blossonij ,from May* o September, and their ,fiaely pinnate foliage is •elegant. Almonds. — Perhaps the prettiest little flowering shrub one can use is the very early blossoming dwarf Almond (Amygdalus nana). This is a neat, low shrub, not exceeding 2 to 3 feet in height, which grows freely in ordinary dry soil, creeping along just under the surface, and throwing up abundance of suckers, clothed with small foliage, resembling some of the Willows, and producing on branches. The flowers are fragrant of an evening, but not to be compared to the other Daphnes proper, not even the common Spurge Laurel ( D. laureola), or its Levant variety, 1). pontica, the greenish- yellow flowers of which are deliciously sweet of an evening. Both of these will thrive at the seaside, preferring a somewhat shady spot. The delight- fully fragrant trailing Daphne (D. C'neorum). if the soil be moderately rich or peaty, will form pretty tufts, and give its sweet flowers twice in the year. It should be planted in the frout of the borders, or on the rockery, but must have peat and moisture to do satisfactorily. Myr'tcu and Clethras.—U you have peat, both Candleberry Myrtles (Myricai Gale and M. cerifera will thrive, but are not very ornamental, merely giving variety to the border ; while their leaves, when swept by the wind, give off a scent of Myrtle. The dwarf-growing, white - flowered Clethras, do well by the sea, especially the Alder-leaved kind (C. alnifolia) ; and in the favoured climate of our Devon and Cornish coast, the finest of the genus, the Clethra arborea from Madeira would doubtless prove hardy, and make a handsome evergreen shrub. Eucnymus. — There are some subjects valuable for their ornamental fruits. One of these is the most attractive, but singularly neglected Broad- leaved Spindle-tree (Euonymus latifoliusi, for it has much to recommend it to planters ; but, as Loudon remarks, it must not be planted among a crowd of other shrubs, where it is apt to be drawn up and spoiled, but put in an open position, when it deve- lopes into a dome-shaped specimen, and will be well clothed with its handsome, broad glossy leaves, and flowers freely from June to July, and in the autumn is covered with its bunches of large red fruits, which hang down, and when ripe their capsules burst, and display their bright orange seeds, which are pro- truded from the valves of the capsule, remain in evidence a long time. The leaves turn a deep purplish-red, and are very attractive, and when they fall the shioiDg red-green wood is still very handsome, and this is enhanced when the purple- brown buds become conspicuous. Our native Spindle-tree (E. europ;eus) also succeeds by the sea, but is not so good as the Austrian E. latifolus. The Mock Orange (Philadelphia*) may be used, the old variety, P. coronarius, doing best, though I have had the fine P. speciocissimus make large bushes, aDd flower most abundantly. The Flowering Currants (Ribes sanguine um and R. annum) though they at times, when in young leaf, get singed with the salt-laden gales, soon recover themselves, and in favourable seasons flower freely. The first will also produce fruit. The Lilacs, both the common red and white, with the distinct Syrioga Ernodi, from the Himalayas, are almost always satisfactory, but should be planted in only small specimens, when they will have a chance to become acclimatised. Though their foliage is large, there must be some- thing in its form or structure that enables it to withstand rough winds. Of Deulzias, the hardiest are the Japanese D. crenata, either the single or double - flowering variety, but those that come from India, even so far north as Nepal, are not reliable. Rhus. — Good use may ba made of the Sumachs (Rhus), the variety, called from its stiff, red-brown inflorescence, Stag's Horn VR. typhina), making large straggling shrubs, that are best headed back every few years. These flower freely on the points of the shoots, and afterwards the bold pinnate foliage turns a brilliant scarlet, and remains some time to delight the eye, in contrast to the surrounding dark green autumn foliage. Gathered when in full colour, and pressed in a book, the foliage retains its bright colour, and may be used for decoration ; a thin coat of varnish, or even gum arabic, will stiffen the leaves, and help them to retain their colour. A variety of the N. American Rhus glabra, with foliage like a Fern, called laciniata, is worth growing for this alone; but the Cobweb - tree, Khus Cotinus, or Venetian Sumach, forms a most attractive object, and when covered with its singular seaweed-like flower-heads, is very ornamental. It should be granted a warm sheltered spot, and it loves a moist peaty soil. Staphylea. — The Bladder Nuts, Staphylea, are desirable, both from their distinct foliage aud their sweet-scented white flowers. The pinnate-leaved kind is a native plaut, but the N. American kinds are quite as hardy. The S. colehiei flowers too early for our cold springs, but is excellent when grown in pots for forciug. 20 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 13, 1900. FEUIT-TBEE ENEMIES. Unfortunately, there are still a few insect- pests for which no certain cure has up to the present been found, but a great deal of disease which now exists could be checked, and in some cases in time entirely cured, if greater attention were paid to washing the trees in the winter or early spring, and sprinkling lime around the roots, as most of the pests lie dormant or in the chrysalis stage, in the ground or in the creyices of the bark. I give below two excellent winter washes for trees, which if tried once, will I think always be used. The first should be used for Codlin-moth and American- blight, the second one for Lichen or other parasites : — 1. Boil 3 lb. soft-soap in half-a gallon of water for one hour, stirring frequently ; then take from the fire, and pour into it 1J pint of petroleum ; stir the mixture thoroughly until it becomes milky- looking, then add 24 gals, of water (rain-water preferred), stir again, and the wash is ready for use. It can be applied with an ordinary syringe while fairly warm. 2. Get a wooden pail or tub, and dissolve 1 lb. caustic soda in a little hot water, pouring the water on gently ; also dissolve 1 lb. pearlasb, mix them together, and dilute with 10 gals, of water. This should be applied with a brush, and worked well in to the crevices of the bark. The following show the most generally known enemies of our fruit-gardens, and the methods used for successfully combating with these pests : — Codlin-moth. The larva? of this most destructive of all insect- pests are found in the curled-up leaves of Apple- trees, generally in May. All the affected leaves should be, if possible, picked off and burnt. Later on in the season, the small and deformed fruits which drop off (not windfalls) should be treated in the same manner, or given to the pigs ; well spraying the trees with the paraffin-wash mentioned in the last paragraph of this article. Black Currant Mite or " Big Bud." There does not seem to be a cure, so far, for this destructive pest, which ruins whole plantations. Some growers pull up and burn all the affected bushes, and dig in a rjuantity of gas lime into the soil. Others, again, prune back very hard half of their bushes one year, and the remainder the next. This means a great loss as regards fruit. I have heard that where fowls are allowed the run of the orchards or fruit plantations the mite is scarcely ever seen, and the slight damage they do to the fruit-buds is more than repaid by a crop free from disease. It is well to plant Black Currants in rows, with other bushes between, to prevent the spread of the disease. American Blight. A woolly-looking substance, investing a coccus, and principally infecting Apple-trees. The fol- lowing recipe of a well - known fruit - grower is an excellent one : — Arsenite of soda, 1 oz. ; soluble petroleum, 2 lbs. (if this latter is not obtainable, boil 1J lb. of soft soap in 1 gallon of water (rainwater), and when melted, take from the fire and add \ pint of paraffin-oil, mixing thoroughly), and 12 gallons of rain-water. Dissolve each separately, the petroleum being dissolved in hot water, and stir them well together in an old wooden tub. Well syringe the trees with this mixture, and wherever possible, brush the boughs with a small brush dipped in the solution. Gooseberry Cluster-cup Fungus. This parasite affects both fruit and leaves, which, when attacked, show yellowish spots, gradually turning tooraDge-red. This disease greatly enfeebles the trees, and, unfortunately, there does not appear to be a radical cure. The best way is to cut off and burn all the affected boughs, and spray the bushes with sulphide of potassium or Iiver-of- sulphur, using \ oz. to 1 gallon of rain-water. Gooseberry Caterpillar. The saw-fly lays its eggs on the under side of the leaf, and having done so falls to the ground, where it" remains in the pupa state till the following autumn. Pick off the affected leaves and turn them, then sprinkle Hellebore - powder on the bushes after a shower, and in a few days well syringe them with clean water. In the autumn take away the top soil around the affected bushes and spread lime and soot underneath, adding fresh soil. Then towards the end of March dig in more lime. Canker. The signs of attack are shrivelling and crinkling of the bark, which at last bursts, and a large gaping wound is formed. This disease is generally caused by poorness of the soil, and by a fungus vihich enters the cracks of the bark ; the best remedy is to remove some of the earth and give the tree a good dressing of manure. The wound should also be dressed, rubbing it with a chisel till the healthy wood appears, and then brush on Stockholm tar. Mildew. The following solution is excellent for syringiDg or spraying trees with. In dry weather use liver- of-sulphur, 1 oz. to 10 gallons of water ; in wet weather, 1 oz. to 6 gallons. Gumming. If this occurs to a large extent the tree will slowly die. The best method to stop gumming is to scrape all the gum away and well wash the place where it formed, and stop it with a mixture of tar, clay, and horseelung. Lichen or "Muss.'' Wash the trees thoroughly with a strong solution of lime-water, and later scrape off the lichen, taking care not to injure the bark. Ants. Pour boiling water into their holes ; or paraffin is equally good. Aphis, or Green- fly. Well syringe and spray the affected trees with a paraffin wash, made as follows : Boil 1 lb soft soap for one hour in a quart of water, remove from the fire and add half-a-pint of paraffin oil, stir well and dilute with 10 gallons of water. E. H. Potter, Btdford Road, South Woodford, Essex. The Rosary. ROSES OF BECENT ORIGIN. Since the introduction of Turner's Crimson Rambler in 1S93, no climbing variety of equal value for garden decoration has appeared. We have indeed had those miniature beauties — Aglaia, Thalia, and Euphrcsyne ; but I do not think they have made much impression upon the minds of rosarians. In any case they have not created for themselves a universal popularity, such as that which was at once achieved by the brilliant climber (which, nevertheless, was very fortunate in its English introducers) to which I have referred. Nor do ,1 care much for Alister Stella Gray. Its flowers are almost too small to be effective ; they are pretty when in bud, or even half expanded, but they are not so attractive when fully blown. It is said to be a variation from William Allen Richardson ; if so, I can only say that the parent is iufinitely superior to its offspring. Both, how- ever, are lacking in substance and compactness of petal, a serious limitation. Then we have a white Marechal Niel, which, as might have been antici- pated,is not pure white. It has not, consequently, met with what could justly be termed an enthusiastic reception. Any Rose possessing the regrettably pendulous habit, tenderness of nature, and suscep- tibility to atmospheric influences (especially heavy rain) as Marechal Niel, is not constitutionally adapted for garden cultivation ; it should be re- stricted to the regions of glass. Climbing Perle des Jardius is better adapted for open-air culture j but while toften richly^ effective, it has a tendency to open impel fectly ; there seems to be some error in the arrangement of its petals, which Nature is utterly unable to rectify. I ha\ e a large plant of this beautiful climber on the end wall of this manse, "looking," as Tennyson says of his dark Cedar, in Maud, ' ' to the south, and fed with delicate air " (though not yet " haunted by a starry head") ; but I find that though adequately pro- tected from frost during the winter, and productive of exquisite foliage during the summfr, the new shoots being always of a tender chocolate colour, it is by no means very prolific of its flowers. The original non-climbing Perle des Jardins in the open garden is, in'irabile dicta ! much more productive, though growing in a somewhat shady situation. A derivative from this Rose, entitled the White Perle, is a favourite with me ; the delicate carmine- tinting on the edges of the white petals being very picturesque. Climbing Mrs. W. J. Grant, newly introduced into cultivation by Mr. William Paul, of Waltham Cross, has had a gratifying reception, and promises to be a very valuable "introduction.'' Several of Mr. Paul's Roses of comparatively recent origin have already achieved an enviable renown, especially such fine varieties as Enchantress, creamy-white in colour, and bearing a profusion of its graceful flowers, a precious hybrid between the Teas and the Chinas, and the most perpetual of all Roses, flowering very freely in winter under glass ; Empress Alexandra of Russia, whose very remarkable colour has of late created a kind of controversy with regard to its value among Rose cultivators ; Aurora, a charmingly-coloured pink Hybrid Tea ; and Tennyson, which is de- scribed as deriving its characteristics from Mr. Paul's White Lady, still one of the grandest Roses of its special class. Another hybrid Tea Rose of the rarest beauty and of commanding dimensions, besides being fragrant and very floriferous, is Bessie Brown, raised and introduced by those eminent Irish rosarians the Dicksons, of Newtownards, whose Meta, Beryl, Ulster, and Ardsrover (the last mentioned variety being a brilliant crimson, with a climbing tendency), are also highly interesting recent introductions. Purity, a beautiful white hybrid Bourbon, for which we are indebted to Messrs. Cooling & Sons, has won the Gold Medal at the National Rose Society, the highest honour that Association can bestow. Another new Rose that has been equally successful in this special direction, and promises to be of permanent value, is Mrs. James Cocker, raised by the well-known Aberdeen rosarians, whose attributes (I mean those of the Rose) have been derived from Mabel Morrison, a white Baroness Rothschild, and Mrs. John Laing. One of the loveliest varieties of recent origination is expressively entitled Sunrise, by reason of its extremely bright and luminous hues. It was raised by the Messrs. Piper, at their Uckfield Nurseries, in Sussex, and I had the gratification of seeing it nearly two years before the date of its introduction. Paul's Royal Scarlet I have recently acquired, and anticipate that it will prove a great acquisition. Among recently-introduced Continental varieties, two of the most promising are Comtesse Vitali and Grande Duchesse Anastasie (Nabonnand, 1898) ; while the richly-coloured Roses raised at Lyons, and dedicated by the great French rosarian of that region to the memories of J. B. and Catherine Guillot, have already achieved a considerable reputation. David R. Williamson. Florists' Flowers. A PLEA FOR THE FANCY PELARGONIUM. Who actually originated the fancy Pelargonium we shall probably never know with certainty, but there is reason to believe the remote parents were the species P. angulosum and P. grandiflorum. About the year 1840 the varieties were very few, and they chiefly of continental origin, such as Acidis, January 13, 1JM).] THE GARDE XE R S 7 C II li 0 Nl C L E. 21 Ibraham Pacha, Jehu, &c, and a variety named Queen Victoria, raised by a Mr. Sheppard, of Win- chester, which, it is believed, appeared about the time the Queen came to the throne. At that time the Pansy and the Dahlia dominated in floricul- tural circles ; the large- flowering Pelargonium was undergoing transformation from a starry, thin possess, though in the later productions of the late Mr. C. Turner this was not so apparent. But few new varieties are now produced, because, beautiful as the fancy Pelargoniums are from a decorative point of view, they are not grown so much as they deserve to be. It is to be hoped there will always be some one interested in this delightful class of good shape, be.ause they naturally take on a compact form. Then as soon as the plants break into growth at the stopped points, they should be shifted into their blooming. pots, so as to have the pots well rilled with roots by the time the plants flower. A rich soil is indispensable to the fancy Pelargonium, and it may consist of two parts of a Fk:. 6. — TAGETES LSMMOXI, SP. 'I. "IK OF FLOWEBS YELLOW. (SEE r. 18.) petalled, type to something more rounded in out- line, and of greater substance, and the fancy type undergoing similar change in the hands of Ambrose, Gaines, and others. It was noticed then, as it may be noticed in the present day, that the fancy type is of more delicate constitution than the larger- flowered type, of closer and softer wood, more floriferous, and there could be noticed that there exist shades of colour which the other does not Pelargoniums who will cultivate and preserve it from being wholly lost. The faucy Pelargonium thrives best in a little warmth during the winter season, needing more than the large flowered show types. Anyone having a warm greenhouso can at this time of the year obtain plants in 4 inch pots, and it is well at this season of the year to pinch back the leading shoots so as to induce the plants to assume a good, turfy loam, one part of leaf-mould, and one part of well decomposed cow-dung, with a free ad- mixture of silver sand. The pots need to be well- drained, as auything in the way of a soddened soil must be avoided, or the plauts rapidly go back. From this point to the time the plants flower, they should be kept as near the glass as possible, and that is why they are generally placed at the top of the plaut-stage ; they should be 22 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, [January 13, 1900. lightly syringed in sunny weather, never allowing the soil in the pots to become dry, or the foliage to flag. Fumigation is necessary should the plants become iufested with green-tty. Overpotting must be avoided as a mistake that may account for many failures. The root accommodation needs to be more restricted than in the case of the large- flowered type. The treatment after blooming may be set forth in a few words. By the end of July or the beginning of August, the plants should be turned out of the pots, the soil shaken from their roots, and the latter pruned ..t their points previous to repotting, selecting pots just large enough to take the roots ; then replaced in the greenhouse, shaded from the sun at midday, and kept a little close for a few days. Frequent syringings overhead should be given. A display of bloom can be had in autumn and the early months of winter by striking cuttings in May or early in June ; a little warmth is necessary for these late ones, to cause them to expand their blossoms freely. A good compost for such plants is equal parts of good turfy loam, peat, well-decom- posed cow-manure, and leaf-mould, with a good portion of silver-sand. The pots, at the last shift, should be made nearly half full of drainage. The following varieties of fancy Pelargoniums are obtainable? Delicatum and B,oi des Fantasies, two varieties which have been in cultivation nearly or quite half a century ; Nelly Fordham, Princess Teck, a charming light variety ; Bridesmaid, Mrs. Alfred Wigan, and Princess Helena. R. D. Popular White Chrysanthemums. Loi king over the records of the shows it is curious to notice what a high position many of the good white varieties occupy. First of all show Chrysanthemums is Calvat's fine variety, Madame Carnot. Others in order of merit are Madame Gustave Henry, Mrs. J. Lewis, Pride of Exmouth, Madame L. Ilemy, Mrs. H. Weeks, Mutual Friend, Nellie Pockett, Simplicity, Madame Ph. Rivoire, Ac. C. H. P. Propagation of Chrysanthemums. No time should be lost in getting in cuttings of varieties of all sections, whether the blooms are required for exhibition or for home use. With a few exceptions, the five members of the Viviand Morel family, all Japanese varieties, are the better for a long season of uninterrupted growth. In the cise of incurved varieties, early propagation is the more necessary. Contemporary growers do not succeed with the Chinese type of Chrysanthemum as they might do, by growing the plants in a more natural manner. Incurved Chrysanthemums require a long season of steady, uninterrupted growth, so that progress is marked by gradual maturation of the wood-tissues. It is only under the latter conditions that perfect examples of this section can be obtained. Liverpool cultivators twenty years since did not dream of taking their cuttings of the "Queen" family in February, they preferred to insert them in December. I have seen better blooms of this type growing against a south wall many years ago than I have seen blossoming in the best appointed greenhouse during the past two seasons. The single-pot system of propagation is best. If stout cuttings are inserted in sandy soil under a handlight in a cool house they emit roots readily, and with careful attention which will prevent moisture condensing on the leaves and stems, the tiny plants in one month's time will be ready for a position close to the glass in a house where frost only is excluded. Directly the small pots are full of roots shift on the plants to larger ones, and do not wait for a fixed date. There must be no check to growth. Watering at this season of the year should be •done with extreme care. Loss of chlorophyll, or colouring matter, in the leaves, is due to a check to growth caused by inaction of the roots, owing to an excess of moisture. The best, and much the easiest, of cures for pale-coloured foliage in Chrys- anthemums, is to keep the soil in the pots on the dry side, until a change in the colour of the leaves takes place, even if the leaves are almost at the flagging stage. Cuttings of decorative varieties should now be inserted, and to save space and time, two cuttings may be put in one pot. Both can be grown on together, or may be divided at potting time with- out much check. Do not forget a good batch of single-flowered varieties ; they will be found most useful at next Christmas. It is surprising what a long time the blooms of this type will last on the plants if the house is kept cool and airy. E. Molyneux. The Week's Work. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By A. Ward, Gardener, Stoke Edith Park, Hereford. Morello Cherries bear on the wood made during the previous season, and fruiting-spurs are there- fore unnecessary. A mistake, and that a common one, is to lay in far too much young wood during the summer, and these in consequence become much crowded. Trees in such a condition must be well thinned out, and care taken in future to see that this error is not repeated. The first thing to be clone is to cut away all the weakest and awkwardly-placed shoots and retain only the best, both in regard to their strength and situation. The knifesman must see that enough are left to furnish each tree with a sufficiency of bearing wood, which, when laid, should not be nearer to each other than from 3 to 4 inches. In the case of young trees, as many shoots must be left as are requisite for furnishing and extending them ; but cut back, or remove as may appear necessary, any that are unduly strong. Trees that have become very crowded, may, with advantage, be relieved of a few of the oldest and decrepit branches. Should this be impracticable such old branches may be shortened back to a point from which younger and healthy ones emanate. Sweet Cherries require treatment different to that advised for the Morello, inasmuch as they fruit upon spurs. If the trees were given proper cultural treatment last summer, but little needs now to be done, beyond shortening spur-growths, and tipping or cutting back, according to the space to be covered, young shoots that are retained to extend the tree or to replace faulty branches. Choice Cherries are well worth the protection afforded by a wall, and for such positions trees trained in diagonal form are best. The "fan" method is sometimes employed. Young trees trained after the latter form must be given close attention, and sufficient shoots left on the ends of the main and subsidiary branches to extend the tree. Cut back any "foreright" shoots to form fruiting spurs. Young trees that are trained diagonally will need, in addition to the shoots at the extremities of the branches, one left also on the main stem for upward extension. This will now require to be shortened to a point from which two shoots may be trained out right and left to form another tier of branches, and one to extend the main stem. Cordon-trained trees bear remarkably well if kept summer pinched. (Jut back upon such trees any extra long spurs. Dessert Cherries are not a success on all soils, and in some instances make too strong a growth, and gum badly. Lime-rubble is a good corrective in such cases, and lifting and laying the loots out in compost in which the latter is freely mingled. Im- poverished trees should be given a dressing of 3 lb. bone-meal, and 1 lb. each of muriate of potash and superphosphate of lime. Mix all together, and strew on the surface at the rate of 2 oz. per square yard. The Kentish or "Pie" Cherry succeeds well on north or east walls as fans, and needs similar treatment to that described above. Plums. — Established trees require much the same kind of pruning as the Cherry and Pear. Old and barren trees, having spurs projecting some distance from the wall, should be dealt with in the same manner as directed for Apricots, and if the trees are healthy, a fair quantity of new compost placed over the roots, after removing the inert surface-soil, will prove of great assistance in effect- ing their renovation. Cordons need to "be closely spurred, and thin them out if they have be- come crowded. Upon young cordons, cut back last year's growths as far as appears needful, and to a sound bud. Cordons may be trained to reach the coping of any ordinary wall in three seasons. Some varieties of Plums do not succeed as cordons, two notable examples being Victoria and Golden Drop. The latter, trained fan-shape, does well here on west, east, and north aspects. Impoverish- ment is ofttimes the cause of wall Plums ceasiDg to bear satisfactorily, and nothing restores them more quickly than a 2-inch mulch of partly-decayed manure, applied after loosening the surface -soil. The chemical manures recommended for Cherries may be used when farmyard or stable-manure is unobtainable. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. Yoong, Orchid Grower to Sir Frederick Wigak, Bart. , Clare Lawn, East Sheen. Propagation of Orchids. — Like the majority of Monocotyledons, Orchids can rarely be propagated from "cuttings,' as the term is generally under- stood, but easily from offshoots, or adventitious growths. Propagation by seed as a means of pre- serving the species has been seldom attempted, the chief aim having been to raise seedlings of hybrid parentage. There are one or two other methods by which our stock of certain Orchids may be increased, such as by the division of the root-stock, or rhizome, pseudo bulb, and leaf-stem. The first may be employed in nearly all cases where the plant has a progressive root-stock, to which are attached healthy living bulbs, with dormant "eyes " or buds. In this case the root-stock should be notched or entirely severed immediately in front of a promising bulb, far enough back from the leading growth to prevent injury resulting to the main plant. This operation should be performed now, when the plants are more or less at rest, so that the dormant bud may subsequently benefit from the early How of sap, and commence to grow at the best season for ensuring mature development ultimately. Until the new growth has attained a condition suitable for the emission of roots, the plants must not be disturbed ; then, however, they should be divided and potted-up, and treated as the plant from which they were obtained. This method applies more especially to Cattleyas, Lselias, Epidendrums, Dendrobiums, Ccelogynes, &c. Cypripediums may be divided when the plants are being repotted, and even if there be no roots on the severed portions, pot them up, afford them careful treatment, aud in most cases success will follow. Every portion of the root-stock of valuable Cypripediums should be saved, as the chances are greatly in favour of its breaking into life again. These need not be immediately potted, but laid amongst the plants on a moist stage. Division of Pseudo-bulbs. — The genus Dendro- bium, and one or two others, are most easily propagated by this method. Most Indian and Burmese species of Dendrobium having stem-like pseudo-bulbs may be cut into lengths, and laid on any moist substance in a warm position, and they will produce growths from nodes that have not flowered. These, when they commence to emit roots may be put into small pots. Species of Dendrobium that do not root so readily should only be cut half-way through between every second joint, otherwise decay may set in and destroy the portions. Hybrids may be treated similarly to the species from which they were obtained. The New Guinea, Australian, the D. thyrsiflorum, and D. uigro- hirsute sections of Dendrobium can seldom, if ever, be propagated in this manner. Sometimes adven- titious growths appear near the apex of the pseudo- bulbs, and these should be allowed to remain until roots appear, when they may be removed and potted. Thunias are easily propagated by cutting the old living pseudo-bulbs into short lengths, and inserting them in moist sand, when the new growths will eventually throw out roots. The apical portion of the deciduous Calanthe pseudo- bulbs may be treated in like manner. Various species of Catasetum, t'yenoches, and Mormodes, may also be increased by this method, though in their case moisture at the base may ace as a deterrent. The Vanda Section of the Orchid family cannot be propagated by any regular method, their increase being more the result of chance than calculation. In certain cases, however, strong plants of Vanda tricolor, V. insignis, V. suavis, and a few others having long bare stems, may be notched in a favourable position, and the portion between the notch and the lower leaves encased with moss, and January 13, 190(1. J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, 2:; kept moist to encourage the formation of roots. When these have reached some inches iu length, separate the upper portion at the notch and pot it up, leaving the basal portion in the original pot, so that side-growths may occur, which in their turn may also be taken off. The Genus Phahenopsk furnishes us with a pecu- liar form of propagation, viz , by young plants which develop on the (lower-spikes. To encourage the production of these the spikes should be per- mitted to remain after the flowers are removed, and in numerous instances young plants will form, which may be taken off when roots have been emitted. P. Stuartiana sometimes produces plants from the roots, but so far as my observation has gone, is the only oue that does so. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By J. Roberts, Gardener to tie Duke of Portland, Welbeek Abbey, Worksop. Peaches and Nectarines. — Where these have been kept moist, and well fed at the roots since the fall of the leaf, and given proper ventilation, there should now be no anxiety about bud-dropping. Steady forcing should result in strong and perfect blossoms. Avoid keeping the buds constantly saturated with moisture, as it tends to encourage too rapid wood- bud development. Freshly-started houses should be kept at a temperature of 45° to 50" with a rise of 10J from sun-heat. Give the borders a dressing of burnt ashes, and wash it well into the border. Houses containing trees in flower must be kept ventilated night and day, to keep the air in motion, as stagnation of atmosphere is fatal to successful fertilisation. Take advantage of bright days to get the pollen into the best condition, and go carefully over the whole of the flowers with a small soft- haired brush. This should be repeated daily until the petals begin to drop. A tempera- ture of 50° to 55° will be suitable during the flower- ing stage. Any late houses not yet dressed with insecticides should be treated without delay, and all tying and training completed as soon as possible. Figs. — The cultivation of Figs is steadily in- creasing ; they can be forced in pots with ease and certainty. For very early forcing it is necessary to have bushes that were potted late in summer, and that have got well established in their pots or tubs, before winter. Such plants may be intro- duced into heat at any time during December, and successions should follow at the present time. The most favourabl ; means for starting Figs is a mild hot-bed of leaves, with a slight admixture of short dung. This should be well blended and sweetened before introducing the Figs. Half- plunge the pots, and keep them in a steady tem- perature of about 65°. When once started, never allow the plants to suffer for want of water. The best varieties for forcing are Brown Turkey, White Marseilles, and Negro Largo ; some of the newer kinds are earlier, and that is all that can be said in their favour. Where there are established houses, the earliest should now be advancing into fruit and growth, and a succession-house may be started. Where the conditions are favourable, a slight hot-bed placed over the roots is a great inducement in developing the young fruits in the earlier stages of growth. Ventilate freely on all favourable occasions, to keep the growths lirm and steady. Disbud all useless and badly-placed growths as early as possible. Propagation of Fiiji.—The present is the best time for preparing a new sock. Any shoots of last year's growth should be cut into lengths, retaining one eye on each, and these may be inserted singly in small pots, or several in larger ones, putting them just helow the surface of the soil. Place them iu a steady bottom-heat of 70° to 75°, taking care not to keep them too wet until growth commences. Cucumbers- — The winter-fruiting plants, if not over-cropped, will still yield many fruits. If a little more freedom in the growth is permitted, and a top-dressing of light fibrous loam and leaf-mould given, fresh root action will be induced. A night temperature of (">5° to 70" should bo maintained, and advantage taken of every sunny day to change the air in the house. Seed of some approved variety should be sown at once in a bottom- heat of 70°, keeping the young plants well up to the light as soon as they appear. Fermenting materials may also be prepared for planting-time by mixing together half leaves and horse-dung. Melons. — No time should now be lost in making an early sowing in a bottom-heat not exceeding 75', as it is a mistake to develop germiuation too rapidly at this season. A stiff, sturdy-stemmed plant shiuld be the aim. Sow singly in small pots in light fibrous loam, and keep the young plants close to the glass in a night temperature of 70°. A good selection of Hero of Lockinge and Crump's Blenheim Orange are good types for early work. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By T. Edwards, Plant Foreman, Royal Gardens, Frogmore. Fuchsias. — Plants struck in the autumn should now be moved into 5-inch pots, using a compost of three parts good fibrous loam and one part decayed manure, with a good sprinkling of sand ; pot firmly, and encourage sturdy growth by placing the plants near to the glass in a warm house. Such varieties as Lady Heytesbury do not require stopping ; if well grown, and fed later with liquid-manure, they will form perfect pyramids of bloom in May and June. Stock plants may now be cut into shape and watered. Syringing twice a day will assist them to break uniformly ; when the shoots are just beginning to burst into leaf, the plants should be shaken out and repotted. Cape Pelargoniums will also require to be potted, using similar compost as for Fuchsias, but cooler treatment is necessary, and air at all times. Some stopping of shoots may be needful, and an occa- sional fumigation, to prevent aphis. So much indoor decoration is now required, that large, formally-trained plants are seldom grown; but well-grown, bushy Pelargoniums are always bright and effective. Early varieties should be moved to warm pits, 50° to 55° night temperature. Primulas and Cinerarias advancing to bloom will be much improved in flower and colour of foliage if watered with weak guano aod soot-water. The same stimulant will suit Freesias, which will require a neat stake for each bulb, so that the flower-spikes may be trained straightly. Stove Plants. — Gardenias for winter-flowering are best grown in pots, and a fresh stock raised annually from cuttings. They should flower in 6-inch pots ; if rooted early and stopped occasionally to ensure compact habit, young plants give larger flowers and better stems for cutting than old ones. They require a brisk heat — 70° night temperature — to bring them into flower in January. As soon as the bud is formed, pinch out the shoots ; if these are left to grow, the buds frequently become blind. For later flowering, plants put out in a bed will produce blooms in large quantities during April and May. A compost of equal parts of loam and peat, with a sprinkling of sand, suits the Gardenia well. Top-dress after the second year, and replant after the third. Codiamms (Crotons), Cordy lines (Dra- caenas), &c. , that have been previously rooted, and are ready for potting, may be shifted on, and kept in a strong heat with atmospheric moisture. The earliest Tuberoses should now be started in 5-inch pots, using light sandy soil. Place the bulb about half its depth in the soil, and plunge in bottom- heat in the forcing house : water once only, aud no more will be required until the roots become active, and growth has commenced. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By A. Ohapman, Gardener to Captain Holford, Weatonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire. Horseradish. — Evenly-shaped roots can only be produced by cultivation. Lift the roots now, and select the strongest for use. Tie them in bundles and cover them with soil or sand, or they may be laid in trenches under a north wall. The smaller roots from six to nine inches long will be required for planting. Well trench the soil, and pick out all small roots. Trench again aud add some well-decomposed farmyard manure at the bottom. When the son lias become settled it may be firmly trodden down, and the selected small roots dibbled in deeply at about one foot apart. Artichokes (Jerusalem). — To obtain tubers of good size it is essential that they be lifted annually and the largest selected for use. If these be stored in moist sand or pitted in the open to exclude the air, they will keep fresh for a long time. The tubers next in size may be retaiued for seed. If required to be grown in the sanif position the soil should be deeply trenched, cleaned, and manured, and after allowing the ground to settle, the tubers should be dibbled in, in rows 2 feet wide, allowing a distance of 9 inches between each set, and insert- ing them about 5 inches in the soil. Sutton's White is a great improvement on the old purple variety, both in productiveness and flavour, the tubers being also well shaped, pure white in colour, and having fewer eyes. Artichokes (Globe). — These are less hardy, and require protection during the winter months. If straw or litter has been placed round the crowns, an examination should be made to see whether rain has penetrated it, and if there are signs of decay it should be removed during dry weather, aod some fresh straw placed in its stead. Rhubarb. — This vegetable is always in demand at this season of the year. It is easily forced, and the largest sticks may be obtained if strong roots of from two to three years' growth are available. Rhubarb may be forced in the open ground, just- as was advised last week in the case of Seakale. A good crop may be ensured, however, if it is cultivated in a Mushroom-house, or similar struc- ture, where a fairly even temperature between 55° and 00° may be maintained. Crowns of the smaller and earlier-growing varieties, such as Champagne, Early Scarlet, Royal Albert, and Kel way's Queen, may now be lifted and placed in their forcing quarters, working some leaf-mould or other light soil between the roots. Occasional waterings with tepid water will be necessary. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By J. Benbow, Gardener to the Earl of Ilchester, Abbotsbury Castle, Dorset. Hardy Fern and Alpine Rock Garden. — Remove decayed foliage from the crowns of choice dwarf plants, and give them a top dressing of the best leaf -mould and sand. To prevent grubs and other troublesome pests, use fiaely-ground glass. Cork refuse is also suitable for such use in the rockery. Loosen the soil during mild weather with a small hand- fork. Frost and Snou: — Every precaution should be taken to provide against frost and snow. Have mats in readiness, and plenty of bracken, which is still one of the best natural coverings we have. Wreaths of twisted bracken are invaluable for binding round tender plants and shrubs. A num- ber of props should be ready for shaking snow from Coniferous trees, &c , and for leaving as supports during the night. Bamboo Dell. — If the Bamboos have been planted on the sunny side of the dell, they will be partly screened from cold winds : but if the clumps have assumed good dimensions, stout stakes and cord will be needed to support them. Strong east winds or snow brown the foliage of these plants. Small sugar-tubs make the best protections for young plants and choice species by covering them com- pletely over. The same treatment can be given many half-hardy plants during severe frost. Rhododendron*, Camellias, and Azalea*. — In localities where these are growing outside, tiffany is useful to cover the early buds, which are very prominent this year ; Rhododendrons Nobleanum, praacox, aDd ciliatum ; Camellia japonica and Azalea indica are worth a little extra care. Azileas. if nipped in the bud rarely open perfectly. Bulb Garden. — Anemones and Ranunculus should be planted duriug genial weather. A sunny, well drained position suits them best, and they need a deep aud good loamy soil, enriched with plenty of well-rotted cow-manure, and a little sand aud soot. When the beds are ready, plant the bulbs rather closely together, and '2 to 3 inches deep. The rarer kinds of the bulbous section of Irises, viz., Bakeriana, Danfordi, Histrio, Roseubachiana, are fast approaching their flowering stage, aud the most useful Iris stylosa is now in full blossom. The flower-spikes, as they appear, should be given neat stakes to support tliem during boisterous weather. A sharp look-out is necessary, for slugs are the.r worst enemy ; they eat off the spikes as soou as they have appeared, unless great vigilance is exercised. The Shrubberies. — Those intending to make new or add to or re arrange ornamental shrubberies should lose no time in commencing the work. The weather being damp, and free from much frost, the taking up and relaying of turf in conjunction with diggiog may proceed apace. 24 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, [January 13, 1900. 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. IJ desired, the signature will not be printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith. TheEditor does not under take topay for any contributions, or to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. ntni7un»v t . v. ,,-f Annual Meeting of the National TUESDAY, Jan. lbj Dahlia Society. THURSDAY, Jan. 18— Linnean Society, Meeting. 8ALES. MONDAY, Jan. 1.0.— Dutch Bulbs, Roses, Greenhouse Plants, &c, at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms. WEDNESDAY, Jan. 17.— Japanese Lilies, Tuberoses, Palm- seeds, Continental Plants, Lily of the Valley Crowns, &c. , at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms. Fruit TreeJ, Roses, Pearl Tuberoses, Araucaria excelsa, at Stevens' Rooms. THURSDAY', Jan. IS. — Roses and Liliuins from Japan, and Herbaceous Plants, at Stevens' Rooms. FRIDAY, Jan. If). — Imported and Established Orchids, at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms. Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from Observations of Forty-three Years, at Chiswick.— 36'8\ Actual Temperatures : — London.— January 10 (0 p.m.) : Max. 47° ; Min. 38°— January 11 : Light frost ; dull. Provinces.— January 10 (6 p.m.) : Max. 47°, S.W. Ire- land ; Min. 37°, N.E. Scotland. At this season of the year many Schedules. of the committees and officials having the management of flower- shows will be busy concocting their schedules and formulating the regulations for the shows to be held in the autumn or summer. They cannot be too particular. The greater part of the protests that are raised, and of the dis- satisfaction that is occasionally felt, is due to the faulty or ambiguous wording of the schedules. It is, we take it, the duty of the judges to follow the text of the schedule as far as possible, even if it lands them in absurdities. Their duty is to follow the schedule, as a compositor follows "copy," but to call the attention of the committee to the difficulty immediately, in order that the matter may, if possible, be set right before a final decision is given. The responsible persons are the members of the committee, and they should not endeavour to fasten undue responsibility on the judges. The judges, paid or unpaid, are the servants of the committee, for the time being, and they must follow out the behests of the committee as set forth in the schedule. If they are to judge properly they should not be hindered in their work by having to discuss disputed points in the schedule. It is a frequent practice to refer disputed cases to the editor of one or other of the horti- cultural papers. For ourselves, we find this practice objectionable, because in most cases we can have no first-hand knowledge of the details at issue ; and next, we have quite enough to do with our legitimate business without losing time in arbitrating in matters beyond our limitations. We take, by way of illustra- tion, three questions from a number that were submitted to us last season: — "Are Ferns foliage plants 1 — that is, can they be included in the same classes as what are known as ' foliage plants '! ' " Our answer was in the affirmative, because Ferns are grown mainly as " foliage plants," and the schedule said nothing to the contrary. Another question was, " Can bulbous plants, such as Lilium auratum, be shown in collections of herbaceous plants ? " — a very difficult ques- tion to decide satisfactorily, because, although a bulb is truly a herbaceous plant, it is in catalogues generally included in a distinct group. This difficulty, at least, might readily be met by schedule- makers, who, when de rising their classes, have only to specify herbaceous plants — bulbous plants excluded or included as they may prefer. Here, too, is a difficult question to decide in a hot tent, and, indeed, not much easier in a cool room: "Is Centaurea Cyanus admissible in collections of wild plants ? '' The answer, we take it, is " No," for the plant in question is reckoned by most, if not all, botanists as a cornfield-weed. Most collectors and wild-flower gatherers, we imagine, would not be so particular, but would class it among wild flowers. But such questions as these are few as com- pared with those that arise from the exceedingly loose way in which the majority of us still speak and write in ordinary language of botanical sub-divisions. Orders, families, classes, sec- tions, tribes, genera, species, varieties, kinds, are used indiscriminately, without thought, as if they were synonymous or interchangeable. Even at the fountain-head in the "Rules for Judging" we find "species" entirely omitted! and all "natural genera spoken of as kinds," and ' ' all variations within a genus as varieties." Of course, if the Royal Horticultural Society arbitrarily lays down the rules to be followed we must conform till a fair opportunity occurs of inducing the society to alter so singular a pronouncement. In the same document com- piled for the use of judges and schedule-makers we find Peaches, Nectarines, Apples, and Plums, called, " for exhibition purposes," distinct "kinds" of fruit, as everyone will admit, but surely Apples are so widely different that the distinction here is more than is implied by the word " kind." Then we find Cabbages, Kales, Savoys, Brussels Sprouts called distinct "kinds" of vegetables, though it is, we suppose, certain that they are all descendants from the same stock. We have, however, to do with the actual, rather than the historical, and we should not have called attention to the matter were it not for the fact that after calling Cabbages, &c, "kinds," a few lines lower down they are spoken of as the " Cabbage tribe," and on p. 17 there is a note on the " Cabbage family " ; while similar variations in Peaches, Roses, Peas, are called " varieties ; " so that "families," "kinds," "tribes," and "varieties" are all used to connote the same amount of difference. Obviously, this is not what the compilers of the rules for judging meant to do. Other illustrations of the confusion that arises from ignoring the relative degrees or ranks among plants may be cited from the same publication. " Collection of twelve dishes of ripe fruit, not less [fewer] than six kinds, nor more than two varieties of a kind " ; p. 1. Here, the word "species" would be preferable to kind. The six species might be Grapes, Peaches, Melons, Strawberries, Figs, Pines, or otherwise. " Collection of six distinct kinds of vegetables ; only one of the Cabbage tribe may be included." Here we should prefer "varie- ties" to "kinds;" while the word "tribe" should give place to "species," because tribe has a distinct botanical signification, below an order and above a genus, and to use it, as is done in this code, is as if we were to call a corporal a major-general, or an islet a continent. The only way out of the entanglement is to follow the plan adopted by all or, at least, the great majority of botanists, a plan laid down by LinnvEUS, modified by the elder De Candolle, and adopted at the Paris Congress of Botanists. This is based upon the following considerations, well known by botanists, but which are not sufficiently heeded by gardeners. All recognised " species " have a name. That name is two-fold, one half of it being generic, the other specific : thus Brassica oleracea is the name for the Cabbage species. If the distinctions in a particular plant be not sufficiently great, in the judgment of botanists, to warrant a specific name being given, the plant is not registered ; or,if registered, it is only so as a " variety," a " sub- variety " of a species, and so on. Few persons should be better judges of what constitutes a species than the gardeners, at any rate, where cultivated plants are concerned. Leaving scientific considerations on one side, and dealing with the matter solely from the point of view of practice and convenience, it may be said that any plant or group of plants deemed sufficiently distinct to have a separate sjin-iji,- name is a " species," as above described. If the distinctions are not constant or less prominent, a "varietal" name may be given. It may be said that one man will be of one opinion, one of another, and that therefore there will be no fixity about these names. That is quite true ; there is no absolute fixity about the plants or about the species, and therefore an arbitrary limitation has to be drawn by the botanist. A " species," though made up of an aggregate of individual plants, may be taken as the unit. It consists of all those individual plants which are so much alike that they are known, or may reasonably be assumed to have descended from the same parentage, and which will transmit their characteristics more or less completely to their descendants. Thus, all the garden fo-ms of Cabbage belong to the genus Brassica and to the species oleracea. Other specific units go to make up the Radish genus (Raphanus), or the Seakale genus (Crambe), and so on. All these genera we have mentioned are very much alike in their flowers and fruits and seed, and are probably descendants of the same stock, so they are included in the same Order Cruciferse. The specific units may thus be aggregated : into, first, genera, and then into numerous groups of gradually increasing degrees of im- portance. On the contrary, the specific unit may be divided into fractions. Varieties are, as it were, fractions of a sjiecies. Or it is permis- sible to liken the " species " to the unit placed to the left of the decimal point — 1-, whilst the varieties would be placed to the right of it, ac- cording to their relative degree of importance — 1-9876. All this is very elementary, and as interest- ing as a page from a text-book, but it is ab- solutely essential that the principle be firmly grasped and well understood before attempting to apply it in practice. In paragraph 3 of the code, we have the difficulty raised about "kinds " and " varieties." This might be got over by abolishing the word "kind" altogether in official documents. "Variety" in botany has a distinct significa- tion and a distinct place in the hierarchy as a sub-division of a species; "kind" has none. "Peaches and Nectarines " are, there- fore, varieties of a species. Apples are varieties of another species and of another genus. Plums Jani-arv 13, 1900. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. zo tire varieties belonging to still another species and still another genus. Peas are varieties of one species ; Cabbages, Kales, Savoys, Brussels Sprouts, are all varia- tions from one species ; though spoken of in the code sometimes as a " tribe,'' sometimes as a "family!" as if we were to speak of a com- pany of soldier.-: as a brigade or even an army- corps. Carrots are all varieties of Daucus Carota ; Broad Beans of Faba vulgaris ; Kidney Beans belong to an entirely different genus, and are varieties of a separate species. Roses, ■Chrysanthemums, and Phloxes, are respectively varieties of various species. In these cases .there is no need in the schedules for the word '* kind," as the term variety covers them all. to their relative rank which we have endeavoured to mark by differences of type. The " species " is, here, the pivot upon which everything depends : to the left are the higher, more com- prehensive groups, to the right are the sub- divisions or fractions of a species. To further illustrate the matter, we may add the following example : — Order, Vitaceoe ; genus, Yitis ; species, vinifera ; varieties. Black Hamburgh, Muscat of Alexandria, and so on ; or — < >rder, Cruciferce ; genus, Brassica ; species, oleracea ; varieties, Savoys, Cauliflowers, Kales, &c. Further sub-division into sub-varieties, varia- tions, &c. , might readily be made if requisite. We feel an apology is due for entering on rificmt Oak, illustrated by a supplement to the Gardener*' Chronicle, March 18, 1S99. This Oak grows on the estate of Brynderwen, near Usk, Monmouthshire, and the measurements of the tree are— Circumference of bole at ground-level, 51 feet ; trunk at 4 feet from the ground, 22 feet ; at gnarled parting of boughs from the trunk 6 feet 6 iuches from the ground, 35 feet. General Gil- lespie was very proud of this fine tree. The estate of Brynderwen ("Oak-on-the-HiU") is still the residence of deceased's widow. MRS. W. PAUL.— The many friends of Mr. William Paul, of Waltham Cross, will deeply sympathise with him on the death of his wife, who died at Waltham Cross on the 7th inst., in the sixty-seventh year of her age. Flfi. ". — VIEW IN THE GARTEN OF EILENROC, NEAR ANTIBES, THE PROPERTY OK MR. WYIXIE. (SEE P. 27.) In other instances the limitations should be of a wider character, as in the cla9s mentioned on p. 35, " twelve bunchesof Hardy Flowers, distinct- kinds, or distinct varieties." In such a case, if 'I variety" be used, it might, and we think, rightly, be taken to mean " distinct varieties of one species, so that a dozen Michaelmas Daisies might be shown, when the intention of the schedule-framer was probably to ask for bunches of different flowers. De Candolle the younger admits of twenty degrees or ranks, which is more than enough for ordinary purposes. The following will probably suffice for the schedule-maker :— ORDER. Genus. SPECIES. Variety. Variation. For exhibition purposes this is probably sufficient, always provided that they be not used promiscuously, but always with due regard these banalities; but if the reader will open the first flower-show schedule he comes to, he will probably see that it is high time a protest was made about the laxity and carelessless with which they are worded. MRS. MOORE.— We regret to have to record the death of Mrs. Moore, the wife of the sub- editor of this journal, who died at Fulham, on the .'ird inst., in the sixty-secoud year of her age. Mr. HARRY VeitCH.— We understand that Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Veitch are about to leave for a lengthened tour in Egypt, and the Holy Laud. Their numerous friends will cordially wish them a pleasant trip. Major-General Gillespie, whose death was announced recently, was the owner of the niag- Mr. H. V. Machin is spoken of in the Rosariant Y.ar Book as the largest amateur, and one of the most successful Rose-growers. He has about 40,000 plants, in addition to " garden Roses." He has won a first place 265 times in ten years, and twenty-four Medals for the best Rose, besides hundreds of other distinctions. Horticultural Exhibitions at Antwerp. — The Royal Horticultural and Agricultural Society of Antwerp has forwarded particulars of exhibitions to be held by them daring the present year. Of these the earlier (the 170th exhibition arranged by the Society), will take place from .luly 2$ to July 31, iu the Palais des Fetes of the Royal Zoological Society, and will be devoted to flowering and foliage plants, exotic Orchids, cut Bowers, and floral decorations. The 171st of the Society's exhibitions will be open, in the same locality, on November 10 to November 12, and will include 26 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, [January 13, 1900. Chrysanthemums, flowering and foliage plaits, floral decorations, and fiuit. Thes>e exhibitions ave under the presidency of Baron Ed. Osy ; the secretary is M. Anatole be Cock Exhibitors must be members of the Society as regards almost all the sections, a few only of those at the November exhibition being open to outsiders. Programmes and particulars are procurable from the secretary, and would-be exhibitors must signify their intentions to him (addressed to 9, Longue Rue de 1'Hopital, Antwerp), six days before the opening of the exhibitions. The French Horticultural Society of LONDON will hold its annual dinner on Saturday, the 13th inst., at the Imperial Restaurant, Strand. The French Minister will occupy the chair. "Botanical Magazine." — The .January number opens with a good figure of the extra- ordinary Coryanthes macutata, which flowered at Kew in May, 1899, tab. 7692. It is a Dative of Guiana. Hay/ockia pvsilla, tab. 7693, is a Crocus-like plant, but having six stamens and an inferior ovary ; it is a true Amaryllid. It is a native of Uruguay. Macleania insignis, tab. 7694, is a Mexican Vacciniad with stiff, scaly, robust, ovate, sessile leaves, and tufts of tubular orange-scarlet flowers about 1 itch in length. The limb of the corolla is shortly five-lobed, and the calyx is truncated and five-winged, about rj-inch long. Botanic Garden, Cambridge. Dioxtea juncea, tab. 7695. — A Verbenaceous shrub of loose, branching habit, with glabrous, opposite, or verticillate branches, and small sessile, oblong, toothed leaves. The flowers are in close, many-flowered racemes at the end of the short shoots. The corolla-tube is about }-inch long, curved, pale violet, with a spreading five- lobed limb. It is a native of Chile, and is hardy at Kew. Rhododendron arborcum Kinpianum, tab. 7696. — See Gardeners' Chronicle, 1899, ii., p. 306, f. 102. " The Rosarians1 Year-book " opens with a portrait and a note on the rosarian career of Mr. H. V. Maihin. Rev. J. H. Pemberton discourses on new Roses ; the Gold Medal Roses were Ulster, H. P. ; Bessie Brown, H. T. ; Mrs. Edward Mawley, T. (all from Messrs. Dickson & Sons) ; Mrs. Cocker, H. P. (Cocker); Sunrise. T. (Piper), figured in the Gardeners' Chronicle. Mr. George Paul has some interesting reminiscences about planting and pruning garden Roses. Mr. Mawley's sketch on the weather of the past Rose-year is, as usual, a summary which will be useful to very many besides rosarians. Royal Horticultural Society.— That the meeting on the 9th inst. should be small, and thinly attended, can be no matter for surprise. We cannot therefore wonder at the request sent up to the Council from the Floral and the Fruit Committees, that at this season of the year the meetings should be monthly instead of fortnightly. If Orchids, or some exceptionally interesting plant happens to bloom, it might still be exhibited on the alternate Tuesdaj s in the Lindley Library, and the members of the Committees would be spared the trouble and expense of corniDg to adjudicate upon nothing. The Charter of the Royal Horticul- tural SOCIETY. — We are informed that the new Charter has received the Queen's assent, and has been signed by Her Majesty. Asparagus. — A writer in the Heme Horticole, commenting on the vast quantities of Asparagus imported from France and Spain, goes on to tell his readers that the cultivation of Asparagus, forced or otherwise, is it peu pris nulle in England. We should say, on the contrary, that there is scarcely a kitchen - garden in the country without its Asparagus-bed, and we think if the writer could see the enormous quantities that arrive in the market duriDg the season from Colchester, Evesham, Sandwich, and other centres, he would no longer say that there was scarcely any Asparagus grown in this country ! The writer again tells us that the Argenteuil Asparagus, with thick white "sticks," with a short rose-coloured or violet tip, is not sold in London. It is sold in London, but at exorbitant prices. It is not in popular use, because our people so greatly prefer the English green Asparagus. It is a matter of taste, of course, but we think the preference of our countrymen amply justified. True, the Argenteuil Asparagus requires a different method of cooking. Stock-taking : December.— The Exchequer accounts for the nine months just closed show how great has been the recovery in trade during that period ; the figures for the past twelve months relating to the trade of the country are also most encouraging, though it cannot be denied that war has a way of disarranging both imports and exports. The Board of Trade Returns for the month of December and for the year thus closed, may be very briefly reviewed. The imports for the month foot up at £40,738,S76, against £45,364,786 for the same term in 1898, showing a loss of £4,625,890, which may be placed to the account of reduced values and quantities in food and drink imported, and to a large fall in the imports of materials for the manufacture of textile fabrics. In the food supplies a large reduction will be found in fruits, &c. The following extracts from the Summary Table of Imports show some of the decreases : — Imports. 1898. 1899. Difference. £ £ £ Total value 45,334,786 10,733,896 —4,625,890 (A.) Articles of food and drink — duty free 16,003,989 14,306,872 —1,097,117 " (B.) Articles of food & drink — dutiable 2,361,590 2,261,477 —103,113 Raw materials for textile manufac- tures 9,503,105 6,645,032 —2,947,473 Raw materials for sundry industries and manufactures 4,090,759 4,354,SJ9 -4 264,0'.'" (A.) Miscellaneous articles 1,575,364 1,416,372 —128,992 (B.) Parcel Post ... 77.SS5 75,399 — 2,4S6 It is worth mentioning here that the Commercial Intelligence Department is now at the service of anyone engaged in business. It has an office in Parliament Street, Westminster. This promises to be of vast importance to both traders and manu- facturers, and has long been a necessity. As to the supply of fruits, roots, and vegetables, we take from the mass of figures those herewith appended : — Imports. 1898. 1899. Difference. Fruits, raw :— Almonds . oirt. 16,876 12,639 —4,237 Apples ... . bush. 642,278 560,414 —81,864 Grapes ... ■ ,, 13,305 7,916 — 5.3S9 Lemons ... ,i L'L>3,4S1 170,969 -52,515 Oranges .. ,, 2,231,712 1,443,814 — 7S7.S98 Pears ,, 18,951 13,873 -5,078 Plums ... ,, 333 4 338 Unenumeratcd. - >, S0.52O 95,101 +14,043 Roots and Vegetables :— Onions ... .. bush. 494,379 535,713 4 41,334 Potatos ... . cwt. 75,354 221,670 4146,316 Vegetables, raw, merated ... unenn- . value £124,601 £95,210 --£29,391 Vegetables, it will be seen, supply the "plus'' quantities. The value of the imports for the year is placed at C4S5, 075,514, as against £470,378,583, or a difference in favour of 1899 amounting to £14,696,931. Possibly, had trade begun its upward movement earlier in the year, the figures would have been much nearer £500,000,000. The Exports for the month of December are placed at £22,038,489, as against £20,97S,40S in December of 1898— an increase of £1,000,081. The subjects of increase are in raw material, metals and manu- factures therefrom, and new ships. The year's figures are £264,660,047, against £233,359,240 in 1898, or a gain of £31,301,407. With these cheering figures we leave the double entry of stock-taking. CYTISUS SCHIPKAENSIS is the name of a dwarf shrub, with trifoliate leaves, and heads of white flowers. It is by some considered to be a variety of C. leucanthus. A figure is given in the current number of the Review Horticole. " THE GARDEN." — The first number of the new series, edited by Miss Jekyll and Mr. Cook, is before us. It retains its old form, and even more of its elegance. The paper is too highly glazed to be agreeable, but it certainly gives light and life to the illustrations, and brings up the type with great distinctness. The preface recalls the work which Mr. Robinson has done in scotching the bedding -out craze, and promises to "strengthen all The Garden'* good traditions." The Dean of Rochester gives the new series a sympathetic send-off, as hp did in the first number of the former series. For the rest, the articles are of the usual type, which is not to be wondered at, seeing that the writers are now for the most part the same in all the papers. The old-fashioned loyalty is not understood, and is a thing of the past. The illustrations are excellent, that repre- senting the Water-buttercup in a meadow-stream, though having little reference to horticulture, is very beautiful as a picture. Mr. Moon's repre- sentation of Violets show the vast difference be- tween the point of view of the artist and of the gardener and botanist. Fit tribute is paid to the work of Mr. G. F. Wilson, but the writer has omitted to say that Mr. Wilson fought hard for the guinea subscription to the Royal Horticultural Society, which has since been adopted with such conspicuous success. Coloured plates will be given, not weekly, but when there is occasion for them. We may be allowed to offer our congratulations on the appearance of the new series under such good auspices. A Crimson Madame Carnot Chrysanthe- mum I — It has not seemed probable that this large and popular Chrysanthemum would give a sport having crimson flowers. But we are informed that the stock has been purchased by Messrs. Wells & Co., of Earlswood, Surrey, of a variety that is described as such. There seems little doubt but the flowers are crimson, and the foliage is very nearly alike to that of Madame Carnot, but whether it will prove to be an actual sport remains to be seen. If this is so, we should be interested to hear if the original white-flowered variety, or one of the yellow forms, sported crimson. "The Horticultural Directory and Year Book FOR 1900" is a most useful publication. Besides the value it has as an address-book for horticulturists generally, the forty-first edition con- tains a large number of "useful garden receipts," and much information a gardener is likely to need. It is published at Is., at The Journal of Horti- culture Office, 12, Mitre Court Chambers, Fleet Street, London. "Fruit Farming for Profit."— By George Bunyard (Maidstone: W. S. Vivish, 28, King Street). This is the fourth edition, revised to 1900, of a "practical treatise embracing chapters on all the most profitable fruits, with detailed instructions for successful culture on the Kent system." There is certainly no one better qualified by practical experience to write such a book as this than Mr. Bonyard, and the proof of this is the success achieved by the previous editions of it. The volume before us will no doubt meet with an Jam arv 13, 1900. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE ■11 «qual welcome from all interested in fruit-farming and in fruit-growing on a smaller scale. The author begins with such primary matteis as soil, shelter, planting, and pruning ; going on to the consideration of each kind of fruit, the merits and demerits of old and new varieties, &c. ; and con- cludes with chapters on packing, gathering, and storing, prices and profits, labelling and insects, diseases and enemies. The Story of Attalea princeps. — In I' mi his Chap-book for 1S99 — 1900 (T. Fisheb I'.s win, Paternoster Square), is an allegory called "Attalea princeps," written by Garshine, and translated by E. L. Voynich. The story tells of a noble Palm, impatient of its glassy prison in the conservatory of a botanical garden, and growing in its pride and dissatisfaction to such a height, that it at last succeeded in breaking the glasB, and towering up into the cold, foggy air of autumn. The result may be imagined. The order went forth that the tree should be cut down. " We bution in the following spring; (2) Varieties which are exhibited with a distinctive name, together with the name of the introducer or raiser, the names of such varieties to be retained as their future distinctive appellation." Too Late For Almanac! -The annual exhibition for 1900 of the P^oyal Horticultural Society of Aberdeen will be held in the Duthie Paik on August 10, 17, and IS. Cyclop/edia of American Horticulture. — This monumental woik, edited by Professor Bailet, said to be the most comprehensive review of the vegetable world, is now in the press. Though distinctly an American work, not only plants indi- genous to the North American continent are mentioned, but also all the species known to be in the horticultural trade in North Ameiica, of what- ever origin. It is really a survey of the cultivated plants of the world. Prof. Bailey takes the view that a subject of commercial importance, one Fl(J. S. — ROCK GARDEN AT EILEXROC, NEAR ANTIRE< cnight build a special dome over it,'' said the Director, " but how long would that last? . . . And besides, that would cost too dear." So the Attalea, which was misunderstood in it3 life, and which knew and resented the fact, fell a victim to ambition and home-sickness, drawing to destruc- tion with it the "little weed " that had been its only faithful friend and companion. Fortunately for hard-hearted directors and gardeners such a botanical specimen is rare, if not unique, in its conduct. " PUNCH." — This journal is in more senses than one a contemporary, for it appeared in the same year as that in which the Gardeners Chronicle was first issued. In its new guise, and with its addi- tional attractions, we wish it all the success it deserves. We can do no more. National Dahlia Society.— Mr. Hudson informs us that the annual meeting will be held at the Horticultural Club Room, Hotel Windsor, on Tuesday next, January 10, at '2 p.m. In additiou to the usual agenda, notice has been given that the following new rule will be proposed :—" No new Dahlias shall be exhibited in competition in any class except :— (1) Varieties which are already in commerce, or are already advertised for distri- which engages the attention and affects the liveli- hood of thousands of bright people, is decidedly worthy the investigation of the trained botanist. In the Oyclopcedia of American Horticulture, there- fore, very full accounts are given of the botanical features of all important commercial plants, as the Apple, Cabbage, Rose, &c. At the same time, practical cultivators submit observations upon culture, marketing, and the like, and frequently two opinions are presented upon the same subject from different localities, so that the reader may have before him not only complete botanical infor- mation, but very fully the best practice in the most favourable localities for the perfection of any fruit or vegetable or economic plant. The contributors are men eminent as cultivators or as specialists on the various subjects. The important articles are signed, and it is expected that the complete work will include fully 5,000 signed contributions by horticulturists, cultivators, and botanists. The arrangement is alphabetical as to the genera, but systematic in the species. A very simple but complete plan of key-letters is used, and the whole arrangement is toward ease of reference as well as completeness of information. To each large genus there is a separate alphabetic index. A special feature of the Cyclopaedia of American Horticulture is its wealth of bibliographic reference. The world's horticultural literature has been thoroughly searched, and most carefully indexed, so that the student will find citations to every available article or illustration upon any subject consulted. The Cyclo- pedia of American Horticulture is to be completed in four handsome quarto volumes, embracing about two thousand pages, with more than that number of original illustrations. It is carefully printed upon specially made paper of a permanent character. The first volume will be ready in January, and the work will be completed during the year. The book is sold only by subscription, and orders will be accepted for the full set only. Terms and further information may be had of the publishers, the Macmillan Company, No. 00, Fifth Avenue, New York. The Invisible Enemy. — Further illustra- tion of the invisibility of the enemy to which a war correspondent made reference in the letter published recently in one of the daily papers is furnished in a letter from an officer in Lord Methuen's force, printed in the Evening News : "... And so your Chrysanthemums are out. 1 wish I could see them. V ou may think nry taste strange, but I would rather see one of your prize Chrysanthemums than all the Boers in Africa. Perhaps you think it is easy to see a Boer, but it isn't. We have fought four tolerably big battles against them, but few of us have seen a single Boer. He is the invisible enemy. He lies in the grass, deep down in a trench, or behind a rock, and spits death at us all day long, but we never see who is killing our men.'' Selborne Winter Lectures.— The Selborne Society has made a new departure by arranging a stries of monthly lectures, which it is hoped the members will heartily support. The second lecture will take place at the Linnean Society's Room at Burlington House, W., on Tuesday, January 10, at S.30 l'.M. The subject will be "Man's First Contact with Nature,' by PiofessorG. S. Bouloer, F.L.S., F.C-.S. ihe February lecture will, it is hoped, be the one promised some months ago by the Hon. J. Scott Montagu, M.P., on " South African Fauna and Flora ; " and the March lecture one by Dr. Lubbock. Publications Received. «J Agricultural Journal, November, 1SW. — J ,.-', Dec, 1899. — The IVi (Chicago aud New York), December 14.— Gardening (Chicago), December lb.— A Gardening (New York), December '.'. 1&99.— The Lentury Bool; of Hardening, Part IS. — Agricultural Journal, Cape of Good Hope, November 23 and December 7. — University ofTi Agricultural Exper.nient Station, vol. xi., No. 1, April, IStV. ns, by K. L. Watts. — University of l\ April, It:1'.', IX., contains : Historical sketch oi the Univer- >.ty, Oun.es of Instruction, aic — Annates Agronomiques (Masson & Cie., 120, Boulevard St. Germain,. Pins), Dec. 23, contains articles ou : Absorption par les plautes de quelques sols solubles, by M. Km. Demoussy ; ana La Section d' Agro- nomic an Congies de Bouloguesur-Jner, by M. Alulpeaux.— . , from the Anglo-Continental (.late Ohlen. doitl .-) Guano Works, 30, Maik Lane, E.C.— Southet n I .'.., second annual Report aid schedule of prizes to be offered at the exhibition to De held in UW.— Torquay Issociaturn, Report and Balance-sheet for 1899, and prize-lists for the spring show to be held ou March 21, lt'00, aud for the Chrysanthemum show to be held ou October 31, 1900. THE GARDEN AT EILEXROC, MKAR AiNTlBIiS. Near Antibes, at the very extremity of the Cape that divides the ancient military city from the beautiful Golfe Juan, is to be found one of the most beautiful gardens that 1 have ever seen. It is situated at the western extremity of the Cape, the white rocks of which, jutting into the deep, blue sea, have becu converted into a rock-garden of great beauty. This garden was visited by the ocicto do Horticulture of Cannes, which reported most favourably upon it ; indeed it is unrivalled even by the botanical garden at La Mortola, which is quite differently arranged. 28 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 13, 1900. Both are wonderfully beautiful and interesting, and both belong to Englishmen, who are courteous enough to admit visitors to see them. Eilenroc has an area of 15 hectares, and an environment of rocks. In addition, there are IS hectares of Pine-woods (the Croc Woods) in- cluded in the estate. Eilenroc has belonged to Mr. Wyllie since 1873, when he acquired part of it from Mr. Loudon, a Dutch gentleman, who had begun a plantation of Pine. At that time the present garden was a wilderness, overgrown with Cistus, Lentisc, and brushwood. On January 1, 1S83, Mr. Wyllie engaged a Swiss gardener, M. Ringiusen, who entirely transformed the place, and who is still at his post, improving, enlarging, and embellishing the whole. On his arrival at Eilenroc, M. Ringiusen cut paths, made plantations, and above all began to make use of the splendid natural rocks then considered inaccessible, but which now are traversed with a perfect net- work of paths and steps. It is this feature that gives uniqueness to the ground. These splendid rocks are in themselves wave-washed and barren, ranged round the villa like a rampart, 140 feet high, with a flower garden on the summit. M. Ringiusen has made in it a labyrinth of paths ; easy steps are cut between the Assures and grottos, scaling the roughest crags, and leading from the sea-coast to the terrace, and thence all along and up and down the rocks past many points of view whence on clear days Corsica is visible. In all the cliffs rising out of the sea, in all the fissures and clefts of the rock, are varied and interesting plants. The local rock -flora has been utilised largely, especially as regards decorative and ornamental species. Euphorbia dendroides rears its curious and massive heads, shading the elegant Cistu9, Coris monspeliensis, Statices, Con- volvulus althajoides, &c. And to all these the gardener has added specimens of Australian and Southern Africa, numerous Polygalas, Acacias, Aloes, and so on, and also American Cacti, Agave, and Scilla peruviana. At the time of my visit (March) the rocks were bright with Crocus versi- color. And then, specially protected, is the very rare Scolopendrium of Antibes, S. Hemiouitis. I was much pleased to see its plain, straight fronds, the base of which is cut into two large hanging ears, the blade of which is almost triangular in places. If the rocks form a frame, the picture within it represents a beautiful garden, well planted and maintained. Rare and line Palms, good collections of succulent plants of New Zealand or Australian species, pretty borders and clumps of annuals, and a wonderful collection of such shrubs as will stand the climate ; all these form a delightful and interesting whole. The proprietor of the garden opens it to visitors on Tuesdays and Fridays, charging a franc for admission, which amounts to a large sum every year, and is devoted to a charitable purpose. H. Correvon, Geneva. Enquiries. Encouraging Birds to Build. — Would any reader of the Gardeners' Chronicle, who has expe- rience, kindly say what shrubs or climbers are best to plant against a wall in order to get birds to build their nests in the branches? H. I. L., Botanic Garden, Cambridge. Fruiting of Euonymus. — Can any of the readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle give a solution to the following query ?— I have grown the green Euonymus for the last thirty years ; during that time I have never seen a berry on them until the present season (that is, in my own garden) From time to time a few have been seen in the islands, but very few. This season, however, the bushes are more like Holly bushes, the berries are so abundant, and of a beautiful colour. /. C. Tonkin, St. Mary's, Isles of Stilly. To Obtain Tree-seeds. — Where can I obtain tree seeds, especially of Coniferous species ? Does any nurseryman make a specialty of them? S. J. Westlahe, Woodhall, Exbourne, Devon. Home p 9 Correspondence. FERTILE FROND OF ADIANTUM C.-V. IMBRI- CATUM? — In reference to Mr. Hemsley's remarks in your last vol. (p. 475), that if the frond sent was one of the true variety, it had now reverted to its normal form. I have enclosed fronds both fertile and sterile : and, although they vary in form, I do not think you can get a true type of A. capillus-veneris. Although I have had specimens of fronds from other sources, they appear to be the same as I have now sent you. Mr. Hemsley quotes Mr. Schneider's remark, that plu- mose varieties are eutirely barren. I have only to refer Mr. Hemsley to the issue of Gardeners' Chronicle for August 18, 188S, where there is a record of fertile fronds of Adiautum t. Farleyense, which spores had produced young plants of that form ; and the Gardeners' Chronicle for October 13 of the same year gives an account of their being exhibited by Mr. Walton of Edge Hill Nurseries, Burnley, at the Royal Horticultural Society's Show on October 9. Not only does A. c -veneris vary in its seedlings, but many others do also ; and I have found as the rhizomes have got older, they have formed their fronds more after the normal form of the parent. Some years back there was a great quantity of A. Moritzianum grown, which I am in- clined to think was the South American form of A. c. -veneris ; but it seems to have gone, as I have not seen it for some years. E. Sandford. In reply to the above communication from Mr. Sandford, the tirst frond I examined certainly appeared to have spores ; but the bunch of fronds just received, although they have the appearance of being fertile, have no good spores, or I can find none [nor we either. Ed.]. The fronds were too much curled-up to be certain as to their identity with the variety I have known. Just now 1 have no growing plants with which to compare them, and I have sent to the Editor the only dried frond I had. There is no accounting for the vagaries and eccentricities of Ferns, and I should not like to be too positive on any point ; but in all my writings I am guided by actual personal experience, and I certainly maintain that the variety I have known as A. c. -veneris imbricatum has never to my know- ledge produced good spores, and until Mr. Sand- ford's communication 1 had never heard of its doing so. Mr. Sandford does not tell us if he has raised seedlings, or if the fronds sent are from Mr. Masters' variety. I am returning some fronds which I have pressed out, and 1 think if you compare them with the frond I sent with my last communication, you will find a considerable differ- ence. I should be glad to hear of the experience of other growers regarding this beautiful Maiden- hair. Now, with regard to the second portion of Mr. Sandford's note. I well remember the state- ment appearing that Adiantum Farleyense had proved fertile, and that seedlings had been raised. I sent you notes »n the subject, also a very tiny plant, which was obtained by taking the extreme point of a rhizome, and suggested that the sup- posed seedling was the result of one of these small points being accidentally dropped by the side of the stage where the plant was found growing. I also well remember the plants exhibited at the Drill Hall on October 9. 1888 ; for on that occasion I was with Mr. H. B. May of Edmonton, and whde staging the largest exhibit of Ferns we ever made. I was considerably hindered by friends calling my attention to these so-called seedlings, Mr. Ba-ron being the first to do so ; and the opinion I expressed on seeing them was stroDgly supported by more than one good authority on Ferns and their culture, the most forcible perhaps being that of our old friend, the late Mr. Shirley Hibberd. I should mention that the plants exhibited as seed- lings had, so far as I cau remember, fronds upwards of 6 inches long, ar.d none of the small basal fronds usually found on seedling Adiantums. 1 have had the opportunity of examining some thousands of plants since the above date, but up to the present have had no cause to alter my opinion that this beautiful Fern is absolutely barren. I have seen fronds, and enclose one, which shows some semblance of fertility [but no spores. Ed ]. I may add that there are some fine plants here standing about 3 feet high ; also others iu various sizes, but no spores. As I have said before, there is no accounting for what may happen ; and if any one should get a genuine fertile frond, 1 would travel a long distance to see it. A. Hemsley, Cambridge Nurseries, Worthing. MANURING. — Never was there a more mistaken idea than that of continual dressing of the ground, year after year, with strong manure ; the soil gets over fat, Potatos grow blotchy and become diseased, other vegetables have rank growth, and slugs and worms flourish. If any readers have been following the above practice, I advise them this year not to put on any manure, but give the land, instead, a good dressing of lime, spread evenly over the ground at the rate of 1 bushel to the rod ; leave the lime on the surface till the spring, when it should be dug in. An excellent artificial manure mixture for Potatos is : superphosphate, 3 lb ; kaimt, 2J lb. ; nitrate of soda, H lb., per squire yard. Apply this evenly over the surface, and work in, not too deeply, with a fork. Some growers prefer basic slag to superphosphate, but although the super- phosphate is a little dearer, it gives far better results. Another advantage is that the mixture can be used as liquid-manure, aud consequently becomes handy for watering fruit-trees when the buds begin to show, and, later, when the fruit is forming. On loamy land it is often a very good plan to burn a quantity of the loam, together with all the refuse and rubbish which can be got. Dig in the ashes and burnt earth. Growing crops : — A very good fertiliser for giving spring crops a good start is sulphate of ammonia and nitrate of soda, one ounce per yard, care being taken that the powder does not fall upon the leaves. Fowl-manure, being very quick in action, must not be used carelessly, especially amongst growing crops. It is best mixed with twice its own bulk of soil, and applied as a top-dressing. L'quid-manure : a very useful liquid manure for watering young crops, and even flowers, &c. , is made of good guaoo, using 1 lb. in '20 gallons of rain-water ; or, if desired to use dry, then 7 lb. to the rod (30] square yards) is ample. House-slops are good, but should be diluted with an equal quaudty of water. E. H. Potter, South Woodford, Essex. THE NEW CHISWICK. — The editorial suggestion that the Royal Horticultural Society's new experi- mental garden should be acquired rattier sooner than later is one that all familiar with the difficulties that surround experimental or trial gardening in old C'hiswick must approve of. It will be very interest- ing to learn from the President, or perha is through the Council's annual report, iuformation as to what has so far been done in the direction of efforts to secure a new site for the needful gaiden at the ensuing annual general meeting of the Fellows. It will aLo be interesting to learn whether the Council is annually setting apart any sum for the purpose of creating a new garden purchase fund, or whether it proposes to borrow the sum so required, or how it expects to obtain such a large sum as will be needful for the purpose. Whilst acquiring land, it will be desirable to obtain, if possible, fully 20 acres, and the cost of that area of really good land will be great. Then there will be the cost of fencing it in, largely with walls, the erection of superintendent's, foremen's, aud other houses, stables, and cart-sheds ; numerous sheds and stores for many diverse purposes, the erection of more modern glass-houses and pits, the laying out of the ground with roads and foot-paths, the trenching and manuring of the ground, and finally planting it with myriads of trees and other things of a some- what ) ermanent nature. Then it is evident that whilst it is easy to talk of a new Chiswick, the cost of supplying it must be a very considerable one. Naturally, the site must be within easy reach of London, yet far enough out from the metropolis te- ensure freedom from the smoke- area. It is doubtful whether it will be possible to secure such a site within 20 miles of London ; indeed, it would be folly to purchase ground where in a few years' hence a thick population may be planted. Pure air and ample breathing- space are such essentials, that they must be obtained, even if the distance from London, where January 13, 1900. J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. tbey may be found, seems rather considerable. Naturally a new Chiswick, so remote from the great metropolitan centre, would present many difficulties in the way of paying frequent visits to it. Such visits would be far more cosily to most of them than they are now, and would need the giving up to them of the entire day. There would be objections necessarily to be factd. But in a new and extensive garden, how much might be done to help make it full of pleasure and enjoy- ment to the visitor. If the site be of necessity part is devoted to the decorative art in gardening, a small refreshment chalet where needful food could be obtained by visitors who give notice of their needs, and also those members ot the committee who may be required to visit the gardens in the dis- charge of their respective duties. These are some, though not all, the matters that will need atten- tion whenever the new gardens are formed. It is greatly to be hoped that a suitable site may soon be found, and the transference of the old to the new Chiswick be of early accomplishment. A. D. Fig. 9. — agave j.uqiiniana, in the garden of the hotel dtj parc, Cannes (see p. 30.) somewhat remote from a railway-station, the Council should arrange to have a vehicle that could convey the respective committees to and from gratis ; whilst ordinary Fellows might, on giving a preliminary notice, be carried backwards and for- wards at a small charge. It may be even possible for the Council to come to some arrangemeut with the conveying railway company to carry Fellows going to the garden station at reduced rates on showing their membership-tickets. Then it may also be possible to erect in the gardens where some HAMBLING'S SEEDLING AND NEWTON WONDER APPLES. — Are thtse two very fir.e exhibition Arplts going to bear out the high character as late keep- ing sorts they were given when distributed ! I have been greatly disappointed with both varie- ties in this respect, but Hambling's Seedling in particular. We had about a dozen very tine fruits from a bush tree, all of which burst at the end of November, and were consequently unfit for use. We had a good crop of Newton's Wonder also from a bush-tree, but the finest fruits began to spot before Christmas, and we bad to use them. Despite this serious drawback, Newton Wonder will be largely grown in the future, as its flavour when cooked is superb. T. Turton, Sherborne, Dorei '. ISLES OF SCILLY. — The flower season here has just begun. Narcissus Suleil d'Or is furnishing from out-of-doors as well as the forcing houses many thousands of bunches of flowers for market. The promise of the crop is very favourable. J. C. Tonkin. CABBAGES. — Few plants have had more atten- tion or played a more important part in the garden, and in our time, than these; and few of us ever tire of growing, writing, or reading about, or eating good, sweet, tender Cabbages. Simple, too, as is their culture, it is by no means so easy as it may seem to keep the home well supplied with fresh, sweet Cabbages throughout the year. Hence, probably the number of good cultivators who have devoted much of their ski:l and time to the raising of improved Cabbages, and the selection of the finest and truest strains. No crops have been so severely rogued as seedling Cabbages, and many of our more popular strains are models of rigid selection. It was a happy thought of Mr. Wythes to combine the good qualities of the Rosette Colewort with the St. John's, say, Christmas Drumhead. By these and other crosses we might combine the earliest of the best Coleworts with the hardiest of our best winter Cabbages. The first fruit of this cross, Sutton's Favourite, is likely to have a long and useful life. There is often an embarrassing break in continuous supplies between the freezing-out of Coleworts and the coming-in of the early winter, spring, and summer Cabbages. I have known many growers who are ever grumbling that there are too many Cabbages already, but these are seldom found among those responsible for the supply of large households. WTe may have too many names, but that is a different thing. Most of us have known and grown the same Cabbage under hosts of names. Aliases here in our Cab- bage-beds and throughout our gardens are mostly testimonials to good chiracter, not subjects of doubt or suspicion, guilt or crime?, as in society or courts of justice; for few good gardeners would devote from thirty to fifty years of their life to perfecting a Cabbage or what-not that was not of sterling merit. Hence I am always charitable to the forest of names that burden not a few of our vegetable, fruit, and flower lists ; and there is generally this consolation — that should the new- comer prove yet another of the same with which we have long been familiar, that same will almost certainly prove one of the finest and most useful varieties. Who can say, for example, under bow many names he has grown Mr. WTythes' favourite Early Autumn and winter Cabbage, the Winning- stadt, sown in May ? O: how many varieties we have had as Early York, Portugal, Fulham, Bat- tersea, Imperial, Vanack, &c. As to the latter, I have heard of two gardeners growing it chiefly for fifty years each, one as Vanack, the other as Dwarf Battersea. It is early, compact, hardy, scarcely any stem exposed to the weather. It is also very dwarf ; for early work IS inches between the rows, and 10 inches between the plants suffice. As soon as cut, the Vanack starts afresh, and yields three or four sweet, tender Cabbagelets in an incredible short time. This old standard sort would yield a valuable cross with the Rosette Colewort. D. T. F. LATE PEARS. —I consider the following varieties of l'ears, viz., Glou Morceau, Josephine de Malines, Easter Beurrc, and Bergamotte d'Esperen indis- pensable in order to obtain an unbroken supply of dessert l'ears of the best quality to the end of January. For nineteen years at Maiden Erlegh, Reading, I depended chiefly upon these for late supply. My predecessor here, the late Mr. W. i'-. Pragnell, evidently recognised the value of these Pear.-', as he not only planted a number of trees of each, but he also planted them as far as possible at the foot of south and west walls. At Maiden Erlegh they were grown on west walls only, and they never failed to ripen satisfactorily. There are many varieties of late Pears sometimes recom- mended, but like Olivier de Series, which is a shy bearer, or Beurre Ranee, which is flavourless and lacking in appearance, they cannot he depended upon. Late Pears require a warm temperature to 30 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE, [January 1?, 1900. ripen them satisfactorily after they have been gathered, and the ideal room for storing Apples is unsuitable for ripening late Pears. Here I have had shelves fitted up in the Grape-room for them. It is heated by hot water, and is kept at a tem- perature of from 453 to 50°. T. Turton, Sherborne. AGAVE JACQUINIANA. A CORRESPONDENT writes from the Hotel du Pare, Cannes, December 6, 1898, with reference to the illustration at p. 29. In the centre of the picture may be seen the large Agave which I had previously mentioned. Before floweriog it was about 8 to 10 ft. (2-50 metres to 3 metres) high, and 15 ft. (4-50 metres) in breadth, if not more, whilst the flower-stem itself was fjuite 16 to 20 ft. (5 to 6 metres high. The flower-spike first made its appearance in February last, when the centre leaves were gradu- ally forced apart, and a number of email leaves were produced. Its actual flowering period is from •July to the beginning of August. We had the photograph taken when the stem had reached its full size, but it did not really expand its flowers until about a week later. This consisted of the buds opening slightly, and allowing a number of stamens to protrude ; their yellow colour, not to mention the great quantity appearing, produced a most imposing effect. One of our assistants, a sturdily-built fellow, wanted to have the pleasure of being photographed whilst hanging to the flower stem, but had to pay dearly for it, as the stem is also provided with sharp thorns, attached to the outer covering leaves. He had, eventually, to take a ladder to get into the position seen on the picture. Seated astride one of the large leaves is the head- gardener, who was also well scratched about the legs by the thorns at the sides of the leaves. The other is also an assistant. The plant soon began to wither, its leaves having then sunk considerably, and by the time it had done flowering they were all hanging on the ground. We cut them away some time afterwards, leaving only the flower-stem for visitors to the hotel to see. Behind the Agave, rising above the group of trees, may Le noticed the crown of an Eucalyp- tus C41obult s, unfortunately somewhat nl's.inct, being out of focus ; whilst adjoining are two Cupresses, the pyramidal one being Cupressus fastigiata. The uudergrowth is composed of Quercus ilex, Chamcerops humilis and excelsa, and a few Phormiums ; whilst the two tall trees to the right and left of picture are Pinus pyrenaica. To the left, below the Pinus, is an Arbutus Unedo (Strawberry-tree). Its fruits are ripe in November, having flowers and ripe fruits at the same time. Across the right top corner an overhanging Phoanix branch has also appeared on the picture. SOCI ETI ES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL January 0— The first meeting of the Committees of this Society for the year lflOO was held in the Drill Hall, James Street, Westminster, on Tuesday last. The display was little Letter than that shown on December 19, and if we except Orchids, there were very few novelties exhibited. In pro- portion to the rest of the exhibits, Orchids were very well represented, and many of them were new. There were awarded to these plants one First-class Certificate, one Botanical Certificate, and three Awards of Merit. Other than Orchids, the most important exhibit was one of Chinese Primulas from Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading. This was very extensive, and is remarkable as illusl rating a new "break" in regard to colour among the single-flowered varieties. The only awards recommended by the Floral Committee, which sat for only a lew minutes, were to these Primroses. But for two dishes of Pears shown by Mr. Geo. Woodward, Barham Court Gardens, Maidstone, the Fruit and Vegetable Committee might have been presented with white gloves. Floral Committee. f 'resent: W. Marshall, Esq., in the chair ; and Messrs. O. Thomas, C. T. Druery, H. B. May, R. Dean, W. Howe, J. F. MrLeod, R. B. Lowe, C. E. Pearson, J. Hudson, E. T. Cook, H. J. Cutbush, G. Gordon, C. E. Shea, C. Blick, H. Turner, G. Paul, D. B. Crane, and J. Fraser (Kew). Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, made an extraordinary display of Chinese Primulas, which fully furnished one of the long tables that run along the length of the hall. The plants were of admirable strains, and no less remarkable for the splendid cultivation they exhibited. A few small Palms relieved the centre of tbe group, and the plants were edged with young plants of Pteris serrulata. Amongst single- flowered varieties were noticed varieties bearing the following descriptive appellations :— Biilliant Rose, Blue Snowdrift, The Duchess (see Awards^, Crimson King, Rosy Queen, pale rose or puk ; Reading Blue, Crimson King. Several oi these colours wtre presented in two types, one with plain, and the other with Fern-like leaves. Among double- flowered varie- ties were Pink, Scarlet, Carnation Flaked, and White ; all of them were very good, and a double-flowered variety is de- scribed under "Awards." The "Star ''Primulas, or varieties of P. stellata, were shown in pink and white varieties, and were extremely decorative (Silver Flora Medal). Messrs. Sutton & Sons also showed a few plants in flower of their very distinct-coloured Cyclamen, Salmon Queen, and in addition white, pink, and red varieties of the " Papilio " or Butterfly type of Cyclamen. Mes&rs. Hugh Low &■ Co., Bush Hill Park Nurseries, Enfield, again displayed a group of Cyclamens with crested flowers. The development of this peculiar characteristic is exceeding interesting, and red as well as white varieties of this type are now obtainable. Messrs. W. Wells & Co., Ltd., Earlswood Nurseiies, Rsd- hill, Surrey, showed blooms of two good decorative Chrysan- themums, Kakor, a yellow Japanese, and Letrier, a pure white. Mr. H. J. Jones exhibited flowers representing the yellow and bronze spons of Chrysanthemum Etoile de Lyon. The bronze sport was figured by us on Dec. 2, 1899, p. 419, and is known as Mrs. Alfred Tate. The yellow one we -believe is at present unnamed. Mr. John N. May, Summit, New Jersey, U.S.A., exhibited a new Carnation, " Olympia." The one developed flower had a white ground, and was flaked with bright red. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery, King's Road, Chelsea, made a very prelty exhibit of their Javanico x jasminiflorum Rhododendrons. These were to be seen at the last meetings in the old, as well as the first in the new year, and indeed are always in bloom. None of the varieties are other than claiming. Awards. Primula sinensis " General French." — An excellent double- flowered variety ; colour of flowers deep but vivid crimson. From Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading (Award of Merit). Primula sinensis "Tlic Ducliess."— A most distinct strain in Chinese Primulas, obtained from cro^siog a single deep red- flowered variety obtained from Mr. H. B rldersou upon a pure white variety. The plant certificated had white flowers, with rosy-red colour around the greenish-yellow centre, the rosy colour shading into the white in a very charming manner. The blooms are of tine form, prettily fimbiiated, and of much substance. To this variety, showing the latest development in the tingle -flowered type, was attached the Award of Merit recommended by the Committee as a recognition of the whole strain. From Messrs. Sutton & Sons. Orchid Committee. Present : Harry J. Veitch, Esq., in the Chair ; and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (Hon. Sec), De B. Crawshay, H. Little, F. Sander, J. Gabriel, H. J. Chapman, W. H. Young, W. H. White, T. W. Bond, J. Colman, J. Douglas, H. T. Tut, and J. Gurney Fowler. Sir Trevor Lawrem . e, Bart., Burford (gr., Mr. W. H. White), showed a most interesting group, in which were further evolutions in the Burford hybrid Calanthes. Of these, Calanthe x Limatodes, a cross with Veitchi back on the plant commonly known as Limatodes rosea, an example ot which was also shown. The seedling, while retaining the form of C. rosea, was larger and of a darker colour ; sepals rose-coloured, margined with white; petals similar in colour, but with the tip only white ; lip ovate-oblong, rich carmine- rose, with white eye. Others distinct in form, and showing the influence of Calanthe labrosa wereC. X revertenssplendeus, bright carmine-rose ; C. X porphyrea, purplish rose. Also shown were C. X rubro-oculata splendens, a very fine flower ; and C. X Phcebe, light rosy lilac (one of Mr. Cookson's hybrids). Other noteworthy plants were Mormodes Buccinator Rolfei, of a rich red-brown (Botanical Certificate) ; M. B. Warscewiczii, bright yellow ; Cypripedium x Fascinator, and Platyclinis uncata. Sir Frederick Wigan, Bart., Clare Lawn, East Sheen (gr. , Mr. W. H. Young), was awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a fine group, in which was a iprofjse display of cut spikes of most of the showy Phakenopsis, most of which had been grown for many years (one of P. Schilleriana for sixteen years). The species shown were Phala-nopsis amabilis, P. Aphrodite, P. Schilleriaua, P. Stuartiana, P. Sanderiana, and the line P. S. Wigan's variety ; P. xCasta, P. xleucorrhoda, &'c, all in more or less quantity. With them were Cypriptdium insigne, Wigan's variety ; C X Statlerianum, C. X Rothschildianum, very line ; C. X Leeanum, and C. X Marjorie (Leeauum superbum insigne Sylhetense). Also L;elia Gouldiana, with six flowers on a spike; L. albida, Odontoglossum crispum, Cattleya Luddemanniana, cut sprays of the fine purple Pleurothallis Roezii, and two distinct hybrid Zygo-colax (see Awards). R. W. Rickards, Esq., The Priory, Usk, Mon. (gr.. Mr. Murrell), secured a Silver Banksian Medal for a neat group of excellently well-grown Odontoglossum Rossii majus, a magni- ficent plant of Cypripedium bellatulum, Usk Priory var.,with large, broad, fleshy leave?, and bearing three fine flowers with large distant purple spots on the face, and smaller rose- purple markings on the reverse side (Cultural Commendation) ; a form of Odontoglossum x Andersonianum, Odontoglossum crispum with a six-branched spike, ana one with a simple inflorescence ; Oncidium Forbesii, and a showy form of Cypripedium insigne. Messrs. H'-gh Low & Co. staged a good group in the back- ground, of which were three tine forms of Cymbidium Tracy- anum, each diifering from the others in its markings. In the centre wa* the fine yellow Cypripedium insigne Laura Kimball, the distinct C.X Leeanum Clinkaberryanum, C. L. giganteum, and the soft-tinted C. x insigne-hirsutissimuin. Also in the group were two good Cycnoches chlorochilion, fine Ladia Gouldiana, &c. A Silver Banksian Medal was awarded. Messrs. Linden, l'Horticole Coloniale, Brussels, sent Odontoglossum crispum Papillon, a fine white variety, with broad segments prettily blotched with brown ; O. X Adrians or na turn j a neat flower of a clear primrose-yellow, evenly spotted with red-brown, the labellum being white, with one large and some smaller brown blotches ; Cypripedium Liw- reuceanum splendens, a large flower with the dorsal sepal longer and narrower than usual, and tinted and lined with rich rose-purple; and C. x Gowerianum formosum (Liw- renceanum x Curtisii), a noble flower, with the upper sepal very large, tinged with bright rose purple, the apex and upper margin being white, dark chocolate-purple lines radiate from the base, changing to dark rose as the margin is approached. Petals heavily blotched with raised' dark purple spots; lip- face reddish-brown ; foliage handsome, like C. Lawrenceauum. Mr. Ed. Krimer, R iraima Nursery, Bandon Hill, showed a good plant of Brassavola nodosa grandiflora. Messrs. B. S. Williams & Son, Upper Holloway, showed an interesting group of Cypripediums, including C. X rubrum, C. X calophyllum, C. x Sallied aureum, C. x nitens super- bum, several C. X Leeamun superbum, C. Spiceriauum, C. insigne Maulei, C. i. Forstermanni, C. i. alb>marginatum, C. villosum, C. ■: Meisurisianum, C. X Fitchianum, C. x Williamsianum, C. X Pitcherianum, Williams' variety; and a pretty seedling raised between C. Boxalli and C. x Har- rUianura superbum. Mr. Jas. Douglas, Edeuside, Great Bookhain, again showed the pretty creamy-yellow La3lia x Briseis (harpophylla x purpurata). Norman C. Cook on, Esq., Oakwood, Wylam (gr., Mr. Wm. Murray), showed Calanthe x atrorubens (Wm. Murray ?, Oakwood Ruby), a very fine hybrid, of uniform rich purplish - red, tbe centre being the darkest. The plant is of compact habit; the flowers do not reflex, but arrange well, and are totally distinct from others in colour. J. T. Bennett-PoU, Esq., Holmewood, Cheshunt (gr., Mr. Downes), showed a plant of the fine Dandromum spectabile, illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle, December 30, 1899, the present variety being more densely marked with purple. G. W. Law-Schoeield, Esq., New-Hall-Hey, Rawtenstall, Manche^.er (gr , Mr. Shi 11), showed Cypripedium X Leeanum rubrum, with fine red-purple blotches in the upper sepal; and C. x Leeanum grandisepalum, a singular and handsome variety, in which the abnormally-developed lower sepals are white, with a green base, and as showy as the upper sepal. Sir Wm. Marriott, The Down House, Blandford (gr., Mr. Denny), sent Sophro-Lielia X Marriottiana (L. flava ? , S. grandiflora 6 ), differing in colour from former varieties, those of the present form being tinted like some of the yellow and orange Cannas now so popular. Sepals and petals yellow, with all but the margins flaked with orange-scarlet ; lip dark reddish-orange. Earl Brownlow, Ashridge, Berkbamstead (gr., Mr. R. Low), showed a fine plant of Cypripedium x Leeanum with upwards of twenty-five flowers. Messrs. Heath & Son, Cheltenham, showed C. x Leeanum viride. T. W. Swinburne, Esq., Corndean Hall, Winchcombc, showed Laelia Jongheana. Captain Holeord, Westonbirt, Tetbury (gr., Mr. A. Chapman), tent flowers of a delicately-tinted Cypripedium, resulting from C. x Godseffianum x hirsutissimum ; also C. X Hera Euryades, C. x Lathamianum, and a good Cattleya Percivaliana. Awards. ( ypripediv/m x Sir R. Bullrr.—A grand flower, with some of the aspect of C. X Swinburnei magnificum, but larger and showier. Dorsal sepal very large and flat, emerald green at the base, pure white in the upper half. Lower portion with heavily dotted purple lines, changing to rose-purple on the white upper portion. Petals yellow, tinged with rose, and bearing fine dark purple-brown blotches ; li]> yellow, tinged with red. From W. M. Appleton, Esq., Weston-super- Mare (First-class Certificate). Lcdia anceps Leean a, —Flowers white, with purple lines from the base of the lip to the yellow disc. Front of lip and side- lobes tinted pale rose. From Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart, (gr., Mr. W. H. White). (Award of Merit.) Zygo-Colax x Wiganidna {'A. intermedium x C. jugosus).— A well-defined hybrid, apparently with the strong habit of the growth of Z. intermedium. Sepals and petals pale green, barred with light brown ; lip white, with violet lines as in January 13, 1900.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 31 Z. intermedium. From Sir Frederick Wigan, Bart, (gr., Mr. W. H. Young). (Award of Merit.) Zygo-Colax x Lcopardinu*, Wigan's variety (Z. maxillare Gautieri x C. jugosus). — A very handsome flower, with the sepals and petals of equal proportions, emerald green, closely and uniformly barred witli red-brown. Lip violet, with some dark purple markings around the fleshy callus. From Sir Frederick Wican, Bart, (gr., Mr. W. H. Young). (Award of Merit.) Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present : Philip Crowley, Esq . Chairman ; and Messrs. W. Poupart, Jas. H. Veitch, C. Herrin, Alex. Dean, S. Mortimer, \V. Bates, W. Farr, Geo. Wythes, Geo. Woodward, H. Balderson, F. Q. Lane, Robt. Fife, and Geo. Bunyard. A Cultural Commendation was given to Mr. Geo. Wood- ward, Barham Court Gardens, near Maidstone, for a dish of excellent fruits of the Pear Passe" Crassane. Award. Pear Doyenne d'Aleneon.—A well-known late Pear, of good quality. Fruit, average size, rather short, thick; t kin, light green, very freely marked with patches and spots of russet ; eye small, open, set in a shallow depression ; stem short and stout, and set in a small basin-like cavity. A good Pear for so late a season, but somewhat gritty at the core. It has been urged as being very similar to Easter Beurre, but the fruits are not quite so first-rate. From Mr. Geo. Woodward (Award of Merit). YORKSHIRE GALA. THE ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of guarantors and life members of the Grand Yorkshire Gala was held last week at Harker's Hotel, York. Aid. Sir C. A. Milward presided, and there was a good attendance. The Chairman said it wasa matter of sincere congratulation to them all that last year's grla was one of the most pros- perous in the annals of the institution, and they could only hope that the forthcoming one would be equally pros- perous. He was afraid that the holding of the Royal Ag:i- cnltural Society's Show in the following week would materi- ally affect the attendance at the gala. The Chairman said he had to propose that the Lord Mayor of York be elected President for the ensuing year. This proposition was accepted unanimously. It is twelve years since the pre sent Lord Mayor, who then as now, occupied the chief civic position, also presided over the destinies of the gala. The Lord Mayor, in accepting the position, said ho did not think they need fear that the Royal Agricultural 8how would very much affect them, People would go to the Grand Yorkshire Gala, and they nn-lii remember that it was held a week before the Royal Show, which was very much better than a week after. The Lord Mayor then proposed that Sir Christoper Milward be elected chairman of the council, and after very consider, able pressure, this gentleman was prevented from vacating the position in favour of a younger man. Sir Christopher Milward has done a very great deal for the Yorkshire (iala. Mr. Alderman Border was re-elected vice-chairman ; Mr. Jos. Wilkinson, treasurer; and Mr. C. Simmons, secretary. After the elections to the council had been ">ade, the Lord Mayor proposed that the Society contribute til to the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families' (local) Fund, which was agreed to unanimously. The following grants were made :— £650 for the floral Kte, £230 fir music. £120 foi fireworks, 660 for balloon ascents, and £175 for amusements. SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL. January o._The annual meeting was held on the above date. The Association now numbers over 800 members. Horticulturists everywhere will be pleased to learn that, not- withstanding the war, and the change of band at the last moment, the balance-sheet was on the right side. Letters were read from the Lord-Provost of Edinburgh, the Secretaries of the Gardeners' Orphan Fund and of the Gardeners' Bene- volent Institution, acknowledging with thanks 50 guineas for the widows and orphans through the African War, and 5 guineas each for the two Institutions named. Great interest was taken in the proceedings. It was stated at the meeting that (his was the largest Society of the sort in existence. Mr. C. W. Cowan, Valleyfield, Penicuik, the president, and afterwards Mr. Alexander M'Kenz'e, Warriston Nurseries, presided. The President expressed the hope that throughout the year the character of the weather would be such as would be for the prosperity of horticulture. Nineteen gentlemen were elected to ordinary membership, and thirty-one were nominated for election, as well as three lor life members. The secretary (Mr. R. Laird) submitted the report, which offered congratulations on the continued success and increased pros- perity of the association. Reference was made to the general work of the year, including the floral competitions, and fit- ting tributes were made to the memory of the late Mr. M. Dunn and Mr. W. M. Welsh. Mr William Mackinnon, the treasurer, reported that the receipts af the Chrysanthe- mum show were £1C*S 4s. s.f., while the expenditure i ame to £1085 5s. 5t'., being a balance to the Association's fund of £22 19s. 3d. The ordinary income of the Association, includ- ing balance from last year, amounted to 2949 0j. 6Jtf., and after meeting the expenditure the surplus funds at the end of the past year were £777 12s. IV. The reports were adopted, and some alterations were made on the rules. Office-bearers, ■fcc.were afterwards elected. The Duke of Buccleuch was again chosen as honoi-ary president, and Mr. Cowan as presi- dent. Mr. Laird and Mr. Mackinnon were re-elected secretary and treasurer respectively. D. T. F. LINNEAN. December 21, 1899.— Dr. A. GI'mtiier, F.R.S., Pn in the Chair. Mr. W. G. Freeman, F.L.S., exhibited a tree of Hevea brasiliensis (Para Rubber), showing the method of tapping adopted in Ceylon. Dr. E. BRAiTHWArTE, F L.S., exhibited specimens of Hypnum Hochstetteri, Schimp., collected by him on the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides, the only known locality for it in Europe, though it is found in the Azores and Canary Islands. The Zoological Secretary communicated a paper by Prof. T. W. Bridge, D.Sc, F.L.S, on the "Air-bladder and its connections with the Auditory Organs in the Notopterido .■." Mr. F. Chapman, F.G.S., A.L.S., read a paper on some new and interesting Foraminifera from the Funafuti Atoll, Ellice Islands. The specimens described, and illustrated by means of lantern-slides, comprised the larger forms found at Funafuti, and on coral-reefs generally, together with a new genus (Haplocatenia) and eight new species. The next meeting of the Society will be held on Thursday evening, January 18, at 8 p.m. precisely, when the following papers will be read : — Mr. H. M. Kyie, B.Sc— On the Existence of Nasal Secre- tory Sacs and of a Nasopharyngeal Communication in the Teleostei. Mr Geor..e Masses, F.L.S.— On the Origin of the Basidio- mycetes. MISCELLANEOUS SOCIETIES. Wargrave and District Gardeners'. — An ordinary fortnightly meeting was held on Wednesday evening, Jan. 3. The Committee and officers for 1900 were nominated, and the judges' awards in the monthly and fortnightly competitions announced. The prizes will be awarded at the annual meet- ing, to be held shortly. A paper on " Violets " was read by Mr. Bazeley, of the Twyford Nurseries. He advocated the variety Marie Louise as the best for ordinary and market purposes. The kind of soil, manures, aspect, methods of planting requisite, and common diseases and remedies were described. Mr. Pope exhibited some well-grown plants of Euphorbia jaoquinuollora, and a nicely-flowered plant of Sophronitis grandiflora. Aberdeen Gardeners'.— The annual social re union took place in the Bon Accord Hotel on the 3rd inst, About 140 ladies and gentlemen were present. Supper was partaken of during an interval in the dances, and the chair was taken by Mr. Alex. Mortimer, Balnagask, who made a speech in which he reviewed the progress of gardening daring the past f.u t v years. Mr. Alex. Robson (Messrs. Smith & Son, seedsmen), proposed the toast of "The Gardeners," and there were several other toasts, all of which were well received, and pleasant evening was spent. Iarket Gardening. TOMATOS UNDER GLASS. Seed should be sown at once to raise plants for planting uuder glass towards the middle or end of March for fruiting in June. Chemin Rouge is the most reliable \ ariety, being a good cropper, the fruit excellent in size, shape, and colour. Challenger is another good variety, being a strong grower and free-bearer, the fruit usually attaining to large size, good shape, and fine colour. A few plants of new sorts should only be grown for trial, saving seed of any variety that in cropping quantities, size, shape, and colour of fruit may be considered a decided improvement on older varieties. In the matter of makiDg selections from recent intro- ductions, market-growers require to be very careful, and consider well the pros and cons before dis- carding old, well-tested varieties for new ones. The above remark is made for the benetit of those readers of the Gardener*' Chronicle who are "fresh" to the business of market - gardening ; old-established hands are well able to take care of themselves in this direction. Sow the seed thinly in shallow boxes filled to withiu half an inch of the top, with a compost cou- sistiug of sifted soil and short manure in the pro- portion of three parts of the former to one of the latter, this being made firm with a piece of board before sowing, and after coveriug the seed lightly with some of the mixture indicated. Each box should be provided with about five i-inch circular holes in the bottom, these beiDg covered with pieces of crocks, hollow side down, and a layer of half-rotted leaves for drainage. PHce the boxes in a forcing house, water through a fine rose, and cover with a few squares of glass to confine heat and moisture in the soil, and thereby hasten the germination of the seed. As soon as the plants appear, tilt up the glass a little with a piece of crock or wood in order to inure the seedlings to the atmospheric temperature of the house before removing the glass altogether a few days later. The b jxes should be given a position near to the roof-glass. An atmospheric night temperature of 55° to 60° should be maintained, allowing 5' to 15° more in the daytime by fire and sunheat. When the seedling plants have attained to a height of between 1 and 2 inches, they should be potted singly into 3-inch pots, having a piece of potsherd in the bottom of each for drainage, using the same kind of mixture as that advised for sow- ing the seed in, this being made fairly firm in potting. Stand the pots on a permanent or impro- vised stage near the glass, and admit a little fresh air to the house during favourable weather as soon as the plants have pushed their roots into the new soil ; water being applied to settle the soil in the meantime. Under the combined influence of increased light and solar beat, the plants will make satisfactory leaf and root growth, and therefore will require more frequent applications of tepid water at the roots, as growth proceeds. Should the young plants by any chance become affected with aphis, the house or pit in which they are growing should be fumigated with XL- All vapor- ising compound before they are planted in the house or houses in which they are to fruit. A space of from -20 to 24 inches should be allowed between the rows in planting, setting the plants at 1 foot from plant to plant in the row, the soil being pressed pretty firmly about the roots in planting. Sweet Peas and Mignonette. Xo time should be lost in making good sowings of Sweet Peas and Mignonette in ground which has previously been given a liberal dressing of short manure, ploughed or dug into it, bearing in mind that the better heart the ground is in, the better will be the results obtained therefrom. Sweet Peas should be sown in shallow drills from 3 to 4 feet apart, allowing a space of about 15 inches between the rows for Mignonette. In order to pre- serve theroots of Mignonette plants from theattacks of wire- worm, a little fresh soot should be strewn along the bottom of the drills before sowing the seed therein. For marketing purposes, Sweet Peas of distinct colours should only be grown. As soon as the Peas appear above grouod, a little soil should be drawn up to them on either side, and be dusted overhead with a mixture of lime and soot as a pro- tection from the ravages of birds, which must be guarded against. H. W. Ward. Raykiy/t. The Rock Garden. SAXIFRAGA RHEI. The genus to which Saxifraga Rhei belongs is a most important one for the alpine garden. It embraces plants of great variety in habit, many being among the choicest gems of the garden. The mossy section, to which the one under notice belongs, is the least appreciated ; but it neverthe- less includes a number of flowers of much beauty. Even the commoner species are very pretty iu spring, when the clumps of moss-like verdure are spangled over with the small flowers which, in many instances, are but little raised above the plants. Xor do these flowers exhaust the beauties of the plants, for when autumn comes the fo'iage assumes its brightest green, and looks cheerful throughout the winter. The flowers of these Saxifrages give us but little THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Jan fart 1?, 19(0. variety of colour. White, of great ev or lesser purity, vastly predominates. Saxifraga Rhei is one of the few exceptions. When it opens first, the little blooms are of a beautiful pink colour : gradually they become lighter, until they pass oft almost to a blush-white. They are larger, and better formed than those of that little beauty, S. mus- coides purpurea, which has several aliases, and whose exact name I do not venture to know. The plant is also more vigorous in its habit. One can hardly over praise this species in the eyes of those who have acquired an affection for Saxifrages. The writer has yet a vivid recollection of the admira- tion it inspired when a friend who had only added it to his collection a short time before drew his attention to it in his rocC garden ; its beauty was undeniable, and the writer was not long before securing a plant for himself. That is some years ago, but Saxifraga Rhei is a favourite whose blooming is watched for yearly with hopefulness. Like most of the mossy Saxifrages, its cultiva- tion presents few difficulties ; it grows well in either sun or shade, but has decided objections to drought. It shares this, indeed, with most Saxi- frages of the same section. It grows vtry well in a soil composed of peat and sand, 1 ut does not object to one of a stiffer nature. [It is a variety of S. muscoides. Ei> ] MAZUS 1'UMILIO. This alpine plant cannot be kept in the rock garden here for more than a year or two before it dies. It appears to live for several years in other gardens not very far away, and which have an even lower winter temperature. After a good deal of observation and comparison, I have come to the conclusion that it needs some protection from rain during the winttr months in this gaulen. Neigh- bourhood to the sea has its advantages for garden- ing, but it has a!so its drawbacks, and it may be that the frequent freezings and thawings are more injurious to some things than even the winter rains. Of course, we have more rain than those further inland, as what falls in the form of snow a mile inland is represented here by rain or sleet. This may be the cause of the failure of some plants, though the climate is generally very suitable for the growth of alpines. This may appear somewhat foreign to a mention of Mazus pumilio, but is necessary to explain the conditions under which some plants fail. It is rather disheartening to have a plant which has grown splendidly for a year or two, dwindle rapidly away just when it had, to all appearauce, established itself happily about the stones in the rockeries, and had crept among them in a most pleasing way. However, one becomes, in time, accustomed to these disap- pointments, for which there is no remedy save the precaution suggested of covering with glaBs in winter, or keeping a small reserve in a frame or alpine-house. I know that a good many people have never seen Mazus pumilio, although it has been introduced for more than seventy years. A brief descr'ption may therefore not be unwelcome to some readers. It grows only 2 or 3 inches high, and has flowers which the casual observer would at a glance imagine to belong to the !'ea family, although the Mazus is one of the Scrophulariaceaj. The blossoms are pale purple or violet in colour, with a white centre. The stalks are very short, and rise but little above the leaves, which lie almost flat on the ground. There are little protuberances or tubercules in the mouth of the corolla, and it is from their presence that the plant received its name; Mazus lieing derived from mazos, signifying a teat. The Mazus may be easily increased by division. It appears to like a soil of peat or loam and sand, and to creep close to stones. Vl RONK \ NUMMULARTA, Veronicas present many difficulties to those of us who like to have our plants correctly named. The taller plants in particular are often tantalisingly troublesome to name. There are, however, espe- cially among those bast adapted for the alpine garden, a good number with which there is little or no trouble on this score. Veronica nummularia is one of the latter class, and its accommodating habit in our gardens is marked. It is aptly named nummularia, from the resemblance of its leaves to those of the Money- wort, although on a much smaller scale ; they are also produced on creeping branches. The blue flowers, although not large, are quite proportionate to the height and size of the plants on which they are produced. They come into bloom about June, and last for a month or two in flower. This Speedwell, like a number of the other species, appears to prefer a rather moist soil of a gritty nature. It also lasts longer in bloom if not in full sun. It is a native of the Pyrenees, whence it was introduced in 1820. It is a very ornamental and pleasing little plant, with its deep blue flowers, and may be readily increased by division. S. Arnott, Carsethorn- by-Dumfries, N. B. Trade Note. Mr. James Webber, who has held the position of gardener for the past thirteen years to G. F. Luttrell, Esq., Dunster Castle, Somersetshire, will resign at the end of the present month, in order to commence business as a fruiterer and florist at Minehead. ©bituarp. Alexander Brown, who has been gardener to W. McAlpine Leny, Esq., of Dalswinton, near Dumfries, for about twenty-three yeais, expired in a painfully sudden manner on the 4th inst. He was sitting at the fireside in the evening when he complained of a pain in the region of the heart, and soon afterwards died from heart disease. Mr. Brown appeared to be in good health up to the time of the seizure. He was fifty-five years of age, and leaves a widow and two sons. Answers to Correspondents. Books : E. C. C. D., A.-hford. The twelfth edition of Culpeper's Compute Herbal, mentioned in our issue for December 30, p. 491, is published by Mes;rs. Milner & Co., Paternoster Row, London, E. C. — B. de Blouay. Observations on the Colour* of Mowers, reviewed on p. 481, vol. xxvi., may be obtained from Mr. E. William Hervey, 191, Hawthorn Street, New Bedford, Mass., U.S.A. — ./. B. ( 1 ) The Chemistry of the Gardi n, by Herbert H. Cousins, M A. ; published by Mac- millan & Co., Ltd., Price about tirf. or Is. (2) A Text-book of Plant-diseases, by George Massee. (Duckworth & Co., 3, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, London, price 5s.) Gardeners' Benefit Society : C. E. F. You doubtless refer to the United Horticultural Benefit and Provident Society. The Secretary is Mr. W. Collins, 9. Martindale Road, Balham, S.W. You cannot do better than join this excellent society, or recommend to your gardening associates the unique advantages it offers. Garcinia Manlostana : E. Milaie. The Mango- steen is a native of the Moluccas. It is also cultivated in the Straits Settlements, in Java, and in several of the West Indian Islands, notably Trinidad and Dominica ; and fruits have been produced by cultivated plants in those islands within the last fifteen years. The only recorded instance of its having fruited in Europe was in the garden of the Duke of Northumber- land at Syon House, Brentford, in 1SS5, under the care of Mr. John Ivison. This plant was brought from Calcutta in 1833. It was grown in a stove at Syon, and planted in turfy loam in a pot until about three years before it fruited, when it was shifted into a tub 3 feet square. A house was devoted specially to this plant, which was afforded a bottom heat of from 80° to 90° by means of hot-water tanks, the temperature of the atmosphere varying from 05° to 90°. Plenty of water w^s given to the plant whilst growing, and it was shaded during bright sunshine. The first flower expanded on November IS, 1854, when the plant was 15 feet high and 9 feet through. Four fruits were matured by the end of April ; they were spherical, nearly 3 inches in diameter, and a reddish -chocolate colour. The flavour was described by Sir William Hooker as delicious, like a mixture of a first-rate Grape and Peach. A figure of flowers and fruits from the Syon plant was published in the Botanical Magazine in 1854 (tab. 4847). Several notices of it were also published in the Gardeners' Chronicle for that year. In a wild state the trees are said to be about 20 feet high with spreading branches. Gar-lime upon Lawn : Bristo. It would not injure your grass if you use but a sprinkling. Do not allow it to be put on carelessly, or in small heaps ; and if it is not perfectly fresh, but has been exposed to the air, so much the better. Hyacinths : F. T. The attachment of the flower- spikes is due to their having grown too fast in porportion to the outer scales of the bulb, which have consequently pinched off the young growths. Another time do not force so much, or so hastily, but allow more time for all the parts to grow- equally. MAri.ES : T. T. You are not likely to succeed in striking cuttings. The best means of propaga- tion ot particular varieties is by budding or grafting, and of the species by seeds, which may be sown in spring or in autumn. Names of Fruits: J. W. 1, Waltham Abbey Seedling ; 2, Scarlet Nonpareil ; 3, Smart's Priuce Arthur ; 4, Golden Noble ; 5, Reinette de Canada. Names of Plants : Correspondents not answered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consxdt the following number. — E. G. Odonto- glossum Andersonianum, and Ladia anceps stella. — C. Scirpus maritimus. — E. G. Ruellia Por- telke. — B. W. 1, Sophronitis violacea ;, 2, Maxil- laria nigrescens. /. P., Mating. 1, Coronilla glauca ; 2, Diplacus glutinosus ; 3, Hibiscus rosa sinensis ; 4, Habrothamous elegans. — J. S. A very fine form of Dendrobium Wardianum. Palm in Dwelling-room : H. G. F. The injury to the foliage of the Palm was doubtless caused by its having been been kept in the dwelling- house under the circumstances you suggest. The foliage might have been so injured, and yet not evidence it much until removed to other quarters. Tennis Court: C. J. D. and W. H. E. The dimensions for a tennis court were given in our last number, but the design which we now repro- duce may help you and others the better to understand the requirements of the game : — 1 7S C 4.' -=-. •-=■. -' M a B, B A, double court for three or four players : s s, S s, single court for two players, a a and b B are the base lines ; a b, a b, and s s, s s, side lines ; c C and c c, service lines ; H H, half court line : n n, net. A court for the single game is 27 feet wide, and 7S feet long : and for the double game, 78 feet long, and 30 feet wide. The postsfor supporting the net should be placed 3 feet beyond the sides. The service lines run parallel to the net, and are 21 feet distant fiom the same. Commdnicatio>'s Releived.— R. L. C. — Secretary Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution.— E. O. Orpet.— P. L. Macin- tosh.—E.P. B.— IVHeleneveld Contich.— J. O B.-E. H.— W H .S. ES, M.— J. W.— St. Jnlien. — A Subscriber (next week).— Anxious (nex' week)— W. G. — A. W. Kingsdown (next week). — A. M. — Dilhorne. .R .L .C. Specimens and Photographs Received with Thanks.— H. Weber. (Fur Markets and Weather, see p. x.) January 20, 1800. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. THE No. GS2— SATURDAY, JAN. 20, 1900. CONTENTS. Adiantum cuneatuui var. imbricatum Adiantum Farleytnse seed- ling Apple Newton Wonder ... Begonia, a new i rea lalbane, the Marquis Cape Colony and Natal, the Mora of Conifers, seeds of Cyclamens at Lees, Cold- stream Deepdene, Dorking, The . Enonymus, fruiting of ... Ferns, plumose and barren Florists' flowers Gardeners' Royal Bene- volent Institution Gardening under glass ... Grafting, variations pro- duced by Hatfield cure for spider ... ilernngton, A India Law notes — Howcroft and Another v, Perkins (Seeds) ... Lothian, the Marquis of.., Manuring, expei iments on Manvers, Earl Odon toglossum crispum Moortebeekiense o'Mara, Patrick Orchid notes and glean- note- Pears, late ... Plant portraits Plants, new worthy — Masdevallia xauthina var. albida Hum.Coe's Golden Drop 44 Poisons, the sale of Potato Up-to-Date Potatos,a new strain of... Publications received ... Rainfall and sunshine of 1891' Seaside planting of trees and shrubs Shrubs fa v< mred by birds v*hen nesting Societies— Edinburgh Botanical ... National Chrysanthe- mum National Dahlia Royal Botanic Royal Caledonian Royal Hort. (Scientific Committee) Van Bulle, Hubert Jean . Week's work, the— Flower garden, the Fruits under glass Hardy fruit garden, the Kitchen garden, the ... Orchid houses, the Plants under glass Wild birds in London ... ILLUSTRATIONS. Bouquet from the seat of war, a 34 Cypripedium x Sir Redvers Buller ... 4:: Cyrtanthus helictus „ ;;' Cyrtanthns obliqnus ;j7 Views in the gardens of Lily Dr. .dies s of Marlborough, Deepdene, Dorking (Supplement) THE FLORA OF CAPE COLONY AND NATAL. I NTERESTS of all kinds centre at the present -*- time in Cape Colony and Natal, and the thoughts of those interested in plants instinc- tively turn to their favourites from those regions which Professor MacOwan once referred to as having the finest and showiest flora in the world, though the inhabitants took lint com- paratively little interest in it. If that is true <>f the colonists generally, the neglect of the majority is, to a certain extent, counterbalanced by the energy of the few, among whom may be named Mrs. F. W. Barber, and her brother Colonel Bowker ; the Rev. R. Baur, Mr. H. G. Flanagan, Mr. W. Tyson, Mr. Galpin, Professor MacOwan, the Government botanist, Mr. Harry Bolus ; and Mr. J. Medley Wood, who is now doing such good work in publishing the Natal Plants. Botany is not much helped b}r many of the so-called botanic gardens. Conflicting interests in these, as in most other matters, render it impossible for those who could and would do good work to get the necessary funds. At Cape Town, where Professor MacOwan struggled for years to make the establishment worthy the name of a botanic garden, the lack of sufficient interest shown in the scientific aspect of gardening, ended in the gardens being taken over by the municipal authority, and they are now under the superintendence of Prof. MacOwan's loyal second in command, Mr. H. J. Chalwin, one of the oldest and best respected of British-reared gardeners in Cape Colony, and who still continues to do what he can for the scientific, though forced to consider mainly the ornamental side of gardening. Prom 182.'! the persevering Drege used to collect plants, and large collections were identified or named by Meyer, Nees, and Kunth, a great many of the specimens having been collected in the now troubled districts of the Drakensberg and Stormberg ranges. Zeyhr and Ecklon also commenced their work at the same time, and the few years following 1823 were the mo3t important in South African botany. Curiously enough, while many new species have been added, often by residents fond of flowers, but not botanists, some of the plants recorded by Drege especially have not again been found. There is no doubt that in the outlying hills of Natal and the Transvaal, and along the whole of the Drakensberg, there are still many plants of equal importance to the recently- introduced Richardia Elliotiana and R. Pent- landi, new to science. Recently Mr. J. Medley Wood succeeded in getting two new Nerines of quite a new section — N. pancratioides and N. appendiculata ; also Cyrtanthus O'Brieni, which discovery was interesting, for the dis- coverer was attracted to the spot in the hills by seeing a dead Kaffir lying there. After his curiosity was satisfied as to the cause of death, a glance around disclosed the pretty orange- scarlet tubular flowers of an evidently new Cyrtanthus, which Mr. Baker described afterwards. A letter from Mr. John Marshall, of Dundee, a large cattle farmer (who has, or had, also a summer farm on the Drakensberg;, accompanied by a photograph of a few flowers gathered on his farm, but of which all but the Brunsvigia Josephinae (see fig. 10, p. 34), had withered by the heat of the sun, is of special interest, as it was taken shortly before the Boer3 invaded Natal. Mr. Marshall tells how he had to go with " nothing but what I stood up in. In the morning I could see the other Boers had taken possession of my farm, and had placed their big guns in the paddock just behind my house. Then they burned my home down, wrecked the premises, took all my stock, and thus swept away the fruits of the labours of the best part of my life. I had a nice collection of dried flowers, but now with the rest of my belonging! they are ashes. " For one who has lived a pastoral life in an ideal country for thirty years, to be driven away from a home so beautiful by hordes of marauders is a sad experience. In mentioning the many flowers surrounding him when he gathered those photographed, Mr. Marshall makes one long to be present in quieter times. There were Olivias, Nerines, Cyrtanthus, Crinums, Agapanthus, Hsemanthus, Gladiolus, the pretty Stenoglottis longifolia, with its elegant lilac-coloured sprays rising from rosettes of purple-spotted green leaves ; Disas, of which the fragrant white and violet D. crassicornis is one of the most beautiful ; Eulophias, of which a dried flower of a very handsome species is sent ; Richardias, white, rose, and yellow, a large spathe of a chrome-yellow, with purple centre, sent, being apparently different from either yet introduced. On these slopes of the Drakensberg, too, the Anoiganthus, with their bright yellow flowers, seem to take the place of the Narcissi in Europe. There are two species, A. breviflorus, and A. luteus, which is like a small form of A. breviflorus, though it has one or two peculiarities which point otherwise. It has been suggested that A. luteus is a highland form of A. breviflorus, as often the same species becomes dwarfer and smaller with altitude ; but Mr. J. Medley Wood, who is the best authority, points out that the habitats are the reverse of that suggested. A. lutens (the small one), being met with up to 1000 feet, while the larger, A. breviflorus, begins where it leaves off, at 1000 to 2000 feet. For plants of such close resemblance a singular reversion of the usual course, whether specifically distinct or not. The South African Nerines have occupied the attention of specialists, and the genus Cyrtan- thus would be worthy of the same attention, for all are elegant in form, and many brilliant in colour. C. sanguineus is one of the handsomest of Natal bulbs, its scarlet Vallota-like flowers being the showiest of the genus, and with the allied white C. helictus (fig. 11, p. 35) andC. uniflorus, would make an interesting group, to which might be added two or three others known to exist. The tubular-flowered or Monella section of Cyrtanthus is well represented in gardens, the most commonly seen being the white C. Mackenni, the yellow C. lutescens, and the scarlet C. angustifolius, which seems to be very variable in form and size according to its habitat. The most beautiful of this class are C. Macowani and C. Tucki, of a dark scirlet hue, both inhabiting the Boschberg at about 5000 feet altitude, and of the larger species C. obliquus (fig. 12, p. 37), C. carneus, and C. Huttoni, represent a distinct class. These South African Amaryllids grow well in any ordinary greenhouse, and being bulbous plants, require far less care than shrubby plants, and if Nerines, Haetnanthus, and allied plants are grouped together, the beauty and variety of their flowers soon make them favourites. To the amateur who has no know- ledge of the subject, it will simplify their culture if it is said that the main things are to water.freely when the leaves are growing, and dry off thoroughly in full sun when the decaying leaves tell that growth is completed. If Vallota purpurea of the southern provinces of Cape Colony is one of the handsomest of South African plants, and an old inhabitant of gardens here, where it is often called Scar- borough Lily. Cultivation does not seem to have improved this plant, for unless in some few gardens where it thrives well, it is not so hands >me as cultivated plants as in the fresh imported ones ; also, it has a peculiarity under cultivation of dying out ; and in the Channel Islands, in some cases, it has degenerated in quality, and in others been smitten in the same m inner us the Gladiolus are frequently in gardens. Let us hope that the time will soon come when the dwellers in South Africa miy bs again able to devote some attention to their flora. NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. MASDEVALLIA XANTHINA, v.ui. ALBIDA. The pretty and rloriferous section of Masdevallia which includes M. Estradse, of which some have considered M. xanthina a variety, while others have referred it to M. Wageneriana, is still further complicated by tho charming and distinct form which has just flowered with Mr. P. W. Moore, at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Ulasnevin. Dublin, and might as well be considered a distinct species as any of the others named, were it not that we have a note on the subject by its discoverer, Consul F. C. Lehmann, of Popayau, in his notes under M. xaathiua in the Marquis of Lothian's "Mono- O A THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 20, 1900. graph " of the genus Masdevallia, so finely illus- trated from drawings made by Miss Florence Wool ward. The note runs: — "In plants growing on the volcano of Solari, and at Paiobamba, near Popayan, the (lowers are nearly pure white, and have not the purple spot at the base of the lateral sepals, which is a constant feature in the flowers from all other localities. " That states on the best authority that the plant under notice is a variety of M. xanthina, provided it is the form referred to, though there are yet one or two details which the late Professor emphasised in his remarks on M. xanthina in the Gardeners Chronicle. " This is a rather pretty Masdevallia, with bright yellow flowers, and some dark violet at the base of the sepals, which are a little narrower than the odd one ; small petals whitish, lip yellowish, with a dark knob at the apex." In this variety I fail to find any trace of " a dark knob at the apex " of the lip, but that may have disappeared by the same process of evolution as the other colours of the typical plant. It has the broadly ovate-stalked leaf of the type, thicker in substance than usual ; scape 2 inches high ; flowers pure white, with a yellow tinge at the base of each of the sepals, which are continued into inch-long yellow tails. The Glasnevin plant is the only plant in cultiva- tion, I believe, the others sent by Mr. Lehmann with it having died on the journey, after the manner too frequent with these charming little Masdevallias. James O'Brien. resting period, which almost all plants require. There is a popular belief that a plant cannot be rested unless it be subjected to total dryness at the root, and so far as regards a large proportion of the plants we cultivate, this is no doubt correct. But many plants are never naturally subjected to psiiods of drought. In temperate and northern countries vegetation is forced to rest by lowness of temperature accompanied by much wet. Take as an instance, the resting season for the plants of our own land. Here we have much more moisture, as a rule, in winter than in summer ; mistakes are often made in the management of plants through this idea that to rest a plant it must be kept dry. We do not keep our Roses or Camellias dry when we want to rest them, and GARDENING UNDER GLASS.* {Continued from p. 18.) Water. — Taking Nature as a guide, we often find many plants thrive under very diverse conditions as regards soil and mois- ture ; as, for instance, among the plants which are native of our own country, the conditions under which the same species is found growing are often extremely varied. This is sometimes to be accounted for by the mutable nature of the species, which enables it to adapt itself to a variety of conditions ; but generally there is one set of conditions which is most suited to the welfare of a plant when wild ; and if we could be certain that we know what these conditions were, we might safely follow Nature as a guide in the cultivation of such plants. For hardy plants there is, as a rule, less difficulty in afford- ing the conditions supplied to them by Nature ; but for plants cultivated in pots under glass this is not so easy, aud sometimes it is quite impossible. The quicker the growth of the plant, and the larger the leaf-area, the greater must be the supply of water at the roots. Plants which grow slowly, and which have not a large leaf-area, will, on the other hand, require less frequent supplies. In a moist atmo- sphere, such as a stove, there is much less transpiration (perspiration) from the foli- age of plants than in an exposed, well- aired house. All large - leaved, thick - rooted plants require an abundance of water when growing ; plants with small leaves and fine roots, such as Heaths, Leschenaultias, &c, being satisfied with much less. Palms, Crotons, Dracaenas, Begonias, Agaves, Cycads, and many others, require to be kept constantly moist whilst growing. This is the golden rule with regard to watering — no plant should be allowed to get dry during its growing season, and it is owing to neglect of this that so many plants are injured and often killed. The second point to be considered is the * From a paper read at the Kew Mutual Improvement Society. Soils. Under the names of loam, peat, leaf-mould, and sand, we have a great variety of soils. The indoor gardener is by force of circum- stances generally in the hands of the vendor of these commodities. A soil to all appearances good, may yet contain matter more or less poisonous to the plants for which it is used. It therefore behoves us to take precautions against the use of deleterious soils. Experience enfbles us to tell with more or less accuracy whether a certain soil is suitable for any species of plant. Even when soils of the best quality are obtained, improper mixing, preparation, ' con- dition when used, or defective manipulation when potting, may militate against successful results. There are so many chances of accident Fig. 10. — THE I.A.ST BOUQUET: bru.nsvigia Josephine, galtonia and kniphofia. (see p. 33.) (Taken on a mountain-farm behind Dundee, shortly before the Boers burnt down the house, and planted their big guns in the paddock. Much reduced.) just as the conditions most suitable to them are supplied by lowering the temperature, so also it will be found equally effective with a great many of the exotics we cultivate. The time to supply water is when it is re- quired— not in the morning or the evening, or at any fixed time, but when the condition of the soil is such as to render water necessary. Much mischief is the result of the idea that the watering must be done only once a day irre- spective of weather. The use of water for atmospheric moisture is a matter which requires thoughtfulness. The right time to syringe, and the right way to do it ; damping time, steaming — these are opera- tions which deserve careful consideration. The application of a little common-sense ought to prevent serious mistakes as to time and method, and yet the ill-effects of too little or too much atmospheric moisture, or a too heavy use of the syringe, are too often evident in plant-houses. in relation to soils in indoor gardening that one might almost venture to recommend the super- intendence by a competent person of every operation in connection with their preparation and use. What soil to use for a given plant, if a compost of several, the proportions of each, these are questions which must appeal to the care of the thoughtful gardener. Some horti- culturists manage to grow all their plants in a light loam, and it is surprising how great a variety of plants will thrive in loam in combi- nation with sand, leaf-mould, or manure. Peat of good quality becomes more difficult to procure every year. It is largely used by some cultivators for plants which others grow successfully without it. For Orchids, peat^of very fibrous quality is generally by far the best material. Hard-wooded plants, such as Ericas, Boronias, and Epacris, and some stove plants such as Dipladenias, cannot be grown success- fully except in peat. At the same time, given January 20, 1900. THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE, careful watering', a great many more plants could be grown well without the use of peat than is generally believed. As already stated, much depends upon the physical properties or mechanical condition of the soil, more perhaps than on its chemical properties. In a recent number of the Gardeners' Chronicle there is a record of the result of an inquiry into the constitution of Rose soils, with a view to dis- covering if the soil of any particular locality favourable to Roses differed in its constituents fr< mi others. The results are said to be negative. Dr. Bernard Dyer states, that after careful study of the chemical results good mechanical and physical condition of the soil, and good drainage, are the probable principal factors in hesitate to experiment with a view to finding out which soil is most suitable ; if a plant is not thriving take it in hand at once, and if the soil appears to be unsuitable try another kind. On the other hand, do not change to another kind of soil if the plant is thriving. (To '< e >nthuie. 13.) § 3. Variations on the time or manner of flowering. — The effects considered under this heading apply to the ordinary and not to the mixed graft. In annual plants, the time of flowering is, as a rule, retarded, but in an irregular way, and according to the plants made use of. In biennial plants, com- plications arise on account of the respective ages of scion and stock, when the latter is in its first year of growth, and the former in its second, the results already considered may be looked for to a great extent. For instance, a Radish on a Brussels Sprout was retarded three weeks ; and a Toad -flax on a Snapdragon a fortnight. When both compo- nents are in their first year, the grafted plant flowers at the usual time in the second, the effects of the healing period having worn off by then. Sometimes a like result is obtained when two plauts are grafted in their second year. When a stock is tuberous, it is thickened by its scion in the great majority of cases. Exception must be made when the reserve food is inulin, which can only be used by a scion able to "digest" it. A Lettuce grafted on a Salsafy flowered much more rapidly than the control plants. Again, on grafting a biennial in its second year upon a perennial plant, an enormous amount of retardation of the time of 36 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January -20, 1900. flowering was obtained. Such is the exceptional case when the Salsafy is grafted on Scorzonera, for examples, grafted in the month of March did not flower until the following year. In retardation the healing process plays the important part ; in acceleration the difference between the functional activities of the two plants produces the results, at least in the majority of cases. When a stock has no reserve food that can be used by the scion, the latter uses its own supplies to form reproductive organs, and vegetative growth is stopped, as in the case of the Lettuce on Salsafy. Should the stock be without reserves, but able to absorb easily, as in the case of Cauliflower buds on a young Cabbage, after healing, which is a slow process, vegetative growth is continued while the stock is getting the materials from the soil which the scion needs, and flowering is delayed. From the practical point of view these data may be of considerable value ; by retarding the time of flowering until normal plants have passed that stage, hybridisation may be avoided, and by hurry- ing on the reproductive period ripened fruits may be obtained from plants that, as a rule, flower too late in the year for the seeds to be of any use. In perennial woody plants flowering time is, normally, reached but slowly, and only when the tree is adult ; the period of infertility varies with the plant. Grafting may lessen the purely vegeta- tive period. With well chosen scions it is possible to obtain fruit in the first year. This must not be confounded, of course, with the hurrying on of the fruiting period in annual plants ; these are induced to flower earlier in the year, the trees blossoming, with rare exceptions, at the ordinary season, but in an earlier year. Grafting has also an effect on the arrangement of the flowers. These may, for instance, be crowded together ; difficulties in flowering may also occur ; petals may be crumpled, buds may become detached, and the blossoms may come to nothing, when those of control plants produce seed. § 4 Parasites in grafting. — The degree of resist- ance which plants offer to the attacks of parasites is of supreme importance in horticulture. Such resistance is increased with the vigour of the plant, and is lessened if the latter suffers or finds itself in unfavourable conditions, and grafting may have a marked bearing, temporarily or permanently, on the question. In all grafts there is a time of provisional union, when the plants are most open to the attacks of parasites. When permanent union begins there is less danger it is true, but they are by no means safe. The kinds of parasites change, and they make themselves felt to a greater or less extent according to the perfection of the graft- junction, and the reciprocal conformity of func- tions in the two grafted plants. During the first period molluscs, such as slugs and snails, are most to be feared ; their attacks are due to the lessened vitality caused by the operations in graft- ing, and not at all to any modification of tissues. Parasitic worms may enter through the wounds or soft tissues ; woodlice and millipedes if in great numbers may endanger the success of grafts, and they attack by preference tubers and tuberous roots. There is little to fear from insects at this stage, though small beetles may do much damage. A species of Cheimatobius, for instance, lays its eggs in the buds on Apple scions, which should be carefully examined and the eggs removed, or some, if not all, the buds may be destroyed. Moulds do not develop unless there are sufficiently damp con- ditions, and the stock which has too much water suffers more, as a rule, than the scion which has too little. In the open air, except during heavy rains, moulds do not assume any importance, though when in bad practice the graft and stock are placed under cover they may be of too frequent occurrence, seeing that neither plant is in the sur- roundings which are suitable to it. When the pro- visional union is coming to an end, careful attention s necessary to ward off the ravages of parasites. nsects and millipedes come first in order of importance, then vegetable parasites, and lastly, molluscs, which in the previous consideration were most to be feared. Such a scheme is, of course, by no means absolute, and while woody plants suffer from the members of the first two categories, her- baceous grafts are most likely to be destroyed by those of the last. M. Daniel treats of this aspect in further detail, and sums up the facts by pointing out that the less perfect the connection between scion and stock the more likely are the attacks, saying, "Every badly-made or ill-assorted graft opens the door to parasites. ' (To be continued.) Florists' Flowers. AURICULAS. In the proper treatment of these plants during this month, much depends upon the weather. The frames should be covered with mats in frosty weather rather than afforded artificial heat ; the lights being drawn off when the weather becomes mild, and air afforded always when there is no frost. Abundance of fresh air is very essential to the Auricula at all times. Let all dead or decaying leaves be removed, and the surface soil stirred occasionally, to prevent the growth of moss, and admit air to the soil. But little water will be required this month, and do not wet the leaves. Upon the first sign of green- fly, fumigate the frame with tobacco-smoke — a most important matter, the insects multiplying very rapidly, and committing havoc on the plants. Hollyhocks. Where it is desirable to increase the varieties by the aid of cuttings, place the plants in a tempera- ture of about 50° by night to excite them into growth. As soon as the shoots are long enough, out them off with a heel, put each singly in a small pot, using sandy soil, with a pinch of white sand at the base of the cutting to induce the quick formation of roots. Let the pots be plunged in a gentle bottom-heat, and cover with a hand or bell- glass ; afford water sparingly, and wipe the inside of the glasses night and morning to remove condensed moisture, as too much of this or steam will cause the cuttings to decay. The ground in which these plants are to grow should be deeply trenched and heavily manured. If this is taken in hand at once, it will have settled down near its natural level at planting time — April. The manure, too, will be partly rotted, and in a better condition for the roots. Once or twice between now and then the surface soil will be all the better if forked over, choosing dry weather for the work. Paxsies in pots will need abundance of air to keep them stocky and in health. Dust the inside of the frame with soot to ward off slugs which are partial to the succulent leaves and stems, especially if dead or decaying leaves are allowed to accumulate on the surface. A nightly examination with a lamp will be the means of catching many when feeding. Plants growing in beds or borders may need pressing into the soil with the fingers, as the frost is liable to loosen the roots by the upheaval of the soil, thus disturbing the root action. E. Molyneux. NEW STRAIN OF POTATOS. Few of the great seed firms associated with gar- dening have done so much to popularise the Potato as a garden or field vegetable, and as a great article of food, than has the house of Sutton & Sons of Reading. It was that firm that put into commerce the famous Red-skin Flourball, one of the very first of the great disease-resisting strains. This was followed by the introduction of the far more famous and valuable Magnum Bonum. Since then we have seen scores of fine varieties put into commerce from Reading, varieties that have in gardening become like household words, so widely are they both grown and known. But these popular in- troductions were of other's raising, and not those of the firm. So far in the matter of Potato raising, Messrs. Sutton had confined their atten- tion to intercrossing original species with some garden varieties, chiefly for experimental purposes, but in relation to the production of varieties from garden Potatos alone, they had not, up to within the past two years, competed in any way with ordinary raisers. But death, old age, and other causes have materially removed from further active service many of the old Potato-producers. Clark of Christchurch, and Laxton of Bedford, have passed away. Fenn of Sulhampstead, Lye of Market Lavington, and Ross of Newbury, as well as the writer, have almost entirely ceased to inter- cross or otherwise raise new varieties, so that the field is largely cleared of the old raisers, and there is thus ample room for younger ones to come in and take up the work where others have left it. Undoubtedly, these raisers have in their work done very much to help bring Potato production up to a high level of excellence. What splendid Potatos we have to day, and with them existent, how difficult, as is found in so many things horti- cultural, is it to excel what has thus been created. But the gardening community is never satisfied. Even when perfection is reached, it sighs for yet- greater excellence, and so it is with Potatos. We want some that are earlier, or more productive, or that produce a greater proportion of even table used tubers ; also of more perfect form and higher table excellence, for, admittedly, there is ample room for improvement in that direction. Then we want much greater disease- resisting constitution in our varieties than so far has been found, and it is particularly in relation to this feature that Messrs. Sutton & Sons, in em- barking upon the work of Potato-raising from seed, have utilised as a parent their excellent Sutton's Flourball, which is not at all the old Red Skin variety previously referred to, although the tubers have bright red skins, but is a mid-season variety of somewhat dwarf habit and a heavy cropper, that so far in the firm's experience has never given one diseased tuber. The first crosses, and modest ones, were made in 1897 ; but the chief ones, in which the Flourball played so important a part as a progenitor, were made in 1898. The seed thus produced was sown in pans and shallow boxes under glass at the end of March, 1899, and after being duly pricked out thinly into other shallow boxes, and grown on strong, were planted out into the open ground of the seed-farm on May 17, and in rows 2 feet apart, being thence treated just as ordinary Potato-plants from tubers are. The product of every plant lifted and placed in a separate box or partition, I saw the other day in the firm's huge warehouse, set out in blocks according to parent- age. One of the most noticeable products was that from crossing the popular UptoDate witli pollen of the round Red Flourball. It was the product of two seed-balls, and eighty-one plants resulted. In this instance the female parent seemed to be the dominant partner in respect of colour, as only about twelve out of a total of seventy-eight diverse roots were red, all the others being white. But in relation to form, there the male parent seemed to dominate, as the roundness of the Flourball was very much in evidence ; but in the matter of produc- tiveness the diversity presented was remarkable. Some roots, no doubt very early ripeners, gave but a couple or three tiny tubers, in all not exceeding half an ounce in weight. But as the other end of the block of seventy-eight boxes was reached, the increase was marvellous, passing into pounds and dozens, until finally culminating in (i lb. and some forty to fifty tubers. This result will surprise many who have regarded Potato-plants direct from seed as being capable of producing a very few small tubers only. Here, not only in connection with this one cross, but associated with all, were sorts from seed that thousands of growers during the past year would have been delighted to find January 20, 190O.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, 37 Fig. 12. -cyrtaxthus irr.s xativje of natal, (see p. 33 equalled in production amongst their tuber raised plants. The next cross was that of Sutton's Kid- ney Reliance with tho Sutton Flourball, the latter again the pollen-parent. Here was a total of fifty- six boxes, all from distinct seedling- plants. In this case red skins predominated, but Reliance Kidney has a slightly tinted skin, and the result was not unexpected. Here the smallest produce was one tiny tuber one-sixth of an ounce in weight, and the heaviest one of fifty tubers of admirable seed size, and weighing 3 lb. 5 oz. But here again the round form predominated. Then came Windsor Castle as the seed- bearer, with Flourball as the fellow parent, the product being forty-two distinct seedling productions. The crops ranged from one very small tuber up to 5 IK - oz., a really remarkable result, and giviug over forty tubers to plant next spring if so desired. Here'all were round iu form, samples clean, and handsome, as might well have been anticipated. Tlu - 38 THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE [January 20, block was from Magnum Bonum female, with Flourball again the male parent ; red colour here was much in evidence, and round form greatly predominated. The crop gave seventy-one lots, ranging from J-oz. to 3 lb. 4 oz. Schoolmaster as the male, with Flourball as the female parent, the position being here reversed, gave nearly all reds, there being but eighteen whites out of fifty-eight diverse seedlings. Tubers ranged as before, from the least up to over 3 lb., and were generally smaller than those found in the preceding crosses. In 1S99 Early Puritan, female, was crossed with Early Regent, male. The produce in plants, owing to the drought of 1S9S, was so tiny that they were not lifted, but left in the ground all the winter, then covered up with long litter. Some twenty-two lots of these were kept last year, but even under such conditions gave great promise, some roots giving quite a large produce, and very «arly. Just two or three small tubers lifted out in 1897 were planted in 1S98, and six tubers saved from each and planted last year gave really quite heavy crops, as seen in baskets placed for inspec- tion. Oue or two other crosses were also seen, but those mentioned were the chief. There will have to be a huge trial during the summer, and whenever the lifting takes place may I, like the chronicler of Johnny Gilpin, be "thereto see." A.D. The Week's Work, THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. Xoono, Orchid Grower to Sir Frederick Wioan, Bart., Clare Lawn, East Sheen. Temperatures, <£c — The changeability of the weather during the present winter has rendered the regulation of the temperature very difficult. ( )u On many occasions frosty nights have been followed by mild, wet days, and then, unless great care was taken, the temperatures inside were much higher than was desirable. A high early morning tem- perature is more injurious to Orchids than at any •other part of the day, for measures to reduce it have to be adopted, whereas in the natural course there should be an increase. During unstable weather, the fires should be of small dimensions, and the furnace clean and free, ready for any emergency. The temperatures of the various departments during this and the next month, so far as fire-heat is concerned, should approximate to the following figures : — Morning Midday Night. East Indian and Phala-nopsis houses 65° 70° 68° Cattleya and Mexican houses 60° 65° 63° Intermediate house 55= 60° 58° Masdevallia house 50' 55' 53° Odontoglossum crispum, or eool-hcuse 4S° 53' 50* With the aid of sunlight, the registered figures may exceed those tabulated, and on the other hand they should not be quite so high during very frosty wrather. Until the early morning tem- peratures have advanced a few degrees, an increase of air should not be afforded, or any water afforded, or damping down performed. Chysis bractescens. — Plants resting in a cool part of the Cattleya-house since the pseudo-bulbs were matured, will now begin to make a renewal of growth ; and they should be placed where there are more light and heat. Water should still be sparingly applied, its needs in this respect being indicated as heretofore by a tendency to shrivel. Until the flower-buds have appeared, little or no root-action occurs, and when it does an increase of water becomes essential. When the flowers have passed away is the time to repot or furnish the plants with new rooting materials. This and other species of hybrids thrive best when planted in small perforated pans, having large quantities of drain- age, and a compost of two parts peat fibre, one of fibry loam, and the remainder of fresh sphagnum- moss and finely broken potsherds. Suspend the pans in a position as stated above, and water sparingly until root-action is general and free. The young growths are peculiarly adapted for thrips to ravage unseen, and frequent fumigation of the house they occupy should occur to keep them under, or disfigurement and decay will follow. Platyclinis. — This genus contains several desir- able graceful flowering kinds seldom met with, owing to the rage for large and more highly coloured Orchids. P. glumacea is now in the act of developing new growths and flower racemes, and a more liberal supply of water should be afforded. Immediately the flowers fade, repotting where needed should take place. Excepting when the centre has become bare, division of the ball should not occur, as these plants do not take kindly to disturbance of this nature. Well drained pots or pans, and a compost of two parts peat to one of fibrous loam, and one of chopped sphagnum should be used, sprinkling in a liberal supply of finely broken crocks as the work of potting proceeds. A light warm position in the Cattleya house should be selected for it during the growing period, water- ing it sparingly until the roots have entered the new soil ; afterwards, as the season advances, copious draughts are necessary. P. uncata has just gone out of flower, and until new growths and roots appear, the plants should be kept in an inter- mediate temperature, and watered at rare intervals. The strong-growing P. latifolium, requires more warmth, but otherwise the same treatment as the last-named ; likewise P. Cobbiana. P. filiformis thrives best when grown in a suspended basket or perforated pan. The temperature and other pre- vailing conditions of a Cattleya-house fulfil its requirements in those respects. It is now resting, and should have water given it at long intervals, until the new- growths project their tiny thread- like roots. Red-spider attacks these, and frequent sponging of the leaves is requisite to keep them free. Dendrobium aureiim, and hybrids derived from it, such as I). Ainsworthi, D. Leachianum, D. splendidissimum, &c., though commencing to grow, should not be given much water, or otherwise encouraged to make rapid growth, until the season is further advanced. They should occupy a posi- tion where all available light can influence and benefit their tender succulent growths. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By J. Benbow, Gardener to the Earl of Ilchester, Abbotsbury Castle, Dorset. Seed Sowing. — Hard-coated seeds, as those of Cannas, Acacias, Dracrena indivisa, &c. , all of which are useful in sub-tropical bedding, may be sown at once. Soak the seed in water in a moderately high temperature for a day or two. In the meantime, prepare a fine, rich soil, and crock the necessary pans or pots. These may then be tilled with the soil, and placed in heat to await the sowing of the seed. Begonias, if required to flower the same season, must also be sown. Great care is neces- sary, however. The soil must be finer, and the seed should be barely covered with it. When the seeds have been sown, place the pans on a shelf near the light, and exercise the greatest care in watering. If the atmosphere be kept moist, one thorough watering will be sufficient until the seed has nearly germinated. Picture Shrubs and Small Trees. — These include Sambucus (Elder), with yellow and white varie- gated foliage; Khus typhina, R. Cotiuus, R. coccinea, &c. Araliamandchurica, Amygdalus atro-purpurea, Primus Pissardi, and any others which make rank over-vigorous growth annually may be spurred back closely if crowding of the heads is feared, or there is a likelihood of other shrubs being over- grown. Do not, however, give any of the shrubs a shorn or unduly formal appearance, but leave some middling long branches at full length, in order to afford a symmetrical and natural contour. The Planting of Deciduous Shrtibs. — If the soil is light, and it has been prepared by manuring and trenching, or if stiff by draining and the addition of coarse strawy manures, planting may now be proceeded with whenever the soil is dry enough to admit of being trampled upon without injury, some finely-sifted soil or potting-bench refuse being first distributed evenly over the roots of the plants, following this with the staple. In planting, first ascertain if the roots are sufficiently moist, if the plants have been bought of a nurseryman, and should there be signs of shrivelling of the bark or rind-covering of the roots, lay them in water for a hour or two, or in soil, and afford water copiously, planting the following day. Bruised or mutilated roots should be neatly removed. It is better to mark the position of each shrub with a long stake, paying attention in doing this to the probable size of the plant or groups of plants will grow to. Unless this be done much of the natural beauty of the same will be lost. Standard trees and the taller-growing shrubs should be secured and tied to one, two, or three stakes, as may appear neces- sary. In light soils it is always advisable in plant- ing at this season to pour water copiously about the roots before finally covering them, and even heavy, if dry, should be similarly served. Bedding Plants. — If many plants are used, propagation of Verbenas, Lobelia of the erinus type, Alternantheras, Coleus, Fuchsias, &c, the established or stock plants at once commence, they should be encouraged to produce strong shoots by affording them a temperature of about 03°, keep them meanwhile close to the front glass on shelves, or near the roof. Watering may be afforded a little more freely to such plants. Wheu the cut- tings are large enough, prepare the required number of deep pans or pots, well draining them, after- wards filling them with fine leaf-mould two-thirds, and loam one third, with plenty of sharp pit or sea sand. Having done this, make the cuttings, insert them firmly, and afford tepid rain-water to settle the soil about them. On bright days the syringe may be used early iu the day, floor and walls damped regularly if a brisk temperature is maintained. Pelargoniums. — Cuttings of these will now root readily when obtainable from the autumn-struck plants, or from the old stools, if the stock be got luto growth, by the use of gentle warmth. Care, however, is needed so as not to spoil the stock- plants by cutting them too hard. Afford both cuttings and stock-plants plenty of light in order to prevent drawing and the culling, a bottom-heat of 75° to S0\ Celosias pyramidalis. — A sowing may now be made of these attractive plants. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By A. Chapman, Gardener to Captain Holford, Westonbiit, Tetbury, Gloucestershire. Potalos. — Where new Potatos are required early in the season, the tubers may now be started into growth. Trays or boxes about 3 inches deep are the best for this purpose. A layer of leaf-mould may be placed over the bottom, and the sets placed upon this at about 2 inches apart. Cover them with more of the same material. They should then be placed in a humid atmosphere at a tempe- rature of 55°, and kept moist by occasional syring- ings. As soon as the eyes commence to push they should be placed near the light, and they will soon be strong enough to place in pots and pits. Sutton's Ringleader, Veitch's improved early Ash- leaf, and Sharpe's Victor, are excellent varieties, being short in the haulm, very productive, and of good flavour. 31 ushrooms. — To keep up a continuous supply of these esculents, beds may, at about this date, be made in the open air with stable-litter from corn-fed horses, the long, strawy portion of which should be removed, only the droppings and short litter being made use of. This material should be placed in an airy shed, in quantity enough to form the beds. It should be spread on the floor to the depth of 2 feet, and turned at least once a week so that it may lose a portion of its heat, and become fermented equally in all parts. For an out-of-doors' bed the ridge is the best, and this should have a base of from 4 to 5 feet, and a height of 3 feet, boards 6 inches in depth being nailed to stakes driven into the ground on both sides. Another method of making a bed consists of taking the soil out to the depth of 1 foot, and 5 feet in width, and of any desired length. The manure should then be built up so as to form a ridge from 4 to 5 feet high. Some straw should then be loosely placed over, and testing-sticks put into the bed at various parts. Where the heat is subsiding and slightly below S0°, the beds may lie spawned, and in order to prevent the spawn from crumbling when broken, the bricks should be soaked in tepid water, and then divided into about nine pieces, and inserted trian- gularly iu rows 6 inches apart and 3 inches deep in the materials of the bed. The surface should forthwith be covered with a layer of fibrous loam 2 inches thick, beaten down firmly with a spade. Having done this, place as much dry straw over the bed as will retain its heat for some weeks. Field-hurdles thatched with straw should then be placed in a slanting manner and securely fastened over the whole. January 20, 1900.J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 39 Tomalos. — Seeds of early fruiting varieties, viz., Chemin Rouge, Early Ruby, or other approved varieties, may now be sown in pots rilled with a mixture of sifted leaf-mould and loam in equal proportions, and tirmly pressed down. The seed should be sown thinly and slightly covered with soil before being placed under handlights to ger- minate in a temperature ranging from 55° to 65 '. After germination has taken place, admit air to the plants gradually, and afford full exposure to the light before drawing takes place. Forcing French Beans require a temperature of not less than 65°, full exposure to the sunlight, and a certain amount of humidity. Pots 7 inches in diameter are best for the earliest crop, the blooms setting more freely when the roots are severely confined. A good mixture of soil for Beans consists of fibrous loam three parts, decayed manure one part, together with a sprinkling of half-inch bones, the whole being prepared some weeks previously. Before sowing, half fill the pots with this soil and make firm ; then sow and cover lightly. The stems of the plants should be earthed up gradually as growth proceeds. Ne Plus Ultra, Syon House, and Williams' Earliest-of- All, are capital forcing varieties, especially the last-named, which will produce excellent pods seven weeks from the time of sowing the seeds. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By T. Edwards, Plant Foreman, Royal Gardens, Frogmore. Hardy Forcing Plants that are in the open should be established in pots, and introduced to gentle heat. Lilacs in variety, Gueldres Roses, shrubby Spiraeas, Ghent and Mollis Azaleas, are invaluable for the supply of flowers for cutting, and as plants for conservatory and house decoration. It is a good plan to have two batches of each species of plant, and lift them alternate years, thus giving time for the plants to recover from forcing, and become well furnished with bloom. The semi- double Cherry (Cerasus Watered), is the most beautiful plant for forcing introduced during recent years, but is best permanently grown in pots aud plunged outside during summer and autumn. Deutzia gracilis is also best kept in pots and treated in a similar way. Both should now be top-dressed with rich material, and moved to a cool-house. Azaleas, Camellias, and hard- wooded plants gene- rally, require to be watered very carefully, keeping them on the dry side rather than otherwise for the present, and quite cool. Keep a sharp lookout for thrips, and when there are any signs of them, use the XL-All vaporiser at intervals of eight or nine days. Camellias, planted out and in pots, are greatly benefited by alternate doses of clear water and liquid-manure from a farmyard. At this time of year the latter may not require to be diluted, as the considerable rainfall passing into the tank prevents any excess of ammonia. Acalyphas, Variegated Abutilons, <£•<;. — The propagation of these plants should be attended to without loss of time. Cuttings of Acalypha his- pida (Sanderiana) strike readily in strong heat, and the plant is readily grown in good loam. As soon as the cuttings are well rooted, move them into 6-inch pots, and grow on rapidly ; if large plants are required before (lowering, repot before they become pot-bound aod syringe the tops fre- quently, red-spider being a very troublesome pest, and neglect soon causes disfigurement of the foliage. No stopping is required ; single stems from 2 to 4 feet high, well furnished with foliage and "cat- kins " down to the pot, make striking objects. A. h. tricolor and other varieties will make good plants in 48's. The colouring of the leaves is very hand- some. Abutilou F. Sawitzer is a most useful plant, of good habit, for table decoration ; an intermediate- house suits its needs, and it grows best in a mixture of equal parts of peat and loam, with plenty of sand. It is also likely to be found useful as a bedding plant, though the variegatiou is not so white as when the plant is grown under glass. The propagation of this and other varieties may soon be undertaken, with the usual precaution of eetting the stock plants into growth. Caladiums may now be shaken out of the soil and started in pans filled with sand. If an increase of stock is desired, plunge the pans in a brisk bottom-heat, and when started, divide the corms with a sharp knife ; dip the cut parts in pow- dered charcoal, and pot in a light mould iu 60's. C. argyrites can be increased to any extent, and grows more freely from parted corms than from old ones. C. minus erubescens is equally free, and it makes a good companion to C. arg) rites when used for the edging of groups. Hydrangea Hortensia. — Plants may now be placed in heat ; yearling plants are more useful when grown in 48's ; older plants should have their shoots shortened back to flower-buds, and be top- dressed. H. paniculata, which flowers on the current season's wood, should be pruned to two or three buds, and treated in a similar manner ; when in leaf syringing it frequently, it being very subject to be overrun with red-spider. A. Thomas Hogg is a pure white variety, of slender growth, whose shoots may easily be trained to any kind of shape, and is a most valuable plant for indoor culture, lasting a long time in flower. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By J. Roberts, Gardener to t»e Duke of Portland, Welbeck Abbey, Worksop. Strawberries. — A succession batch of these should be introduced into structures where the condi- tions are favourable to a gentle start. The first condition necessary to success is a well-rooted, well-developed crown. Plants of this description do not require bottom-heat to make a healthy start. As a preventive against mildew, dip the plants in a strong mixture of sulphur and water. If time permits, top-dress the whole stock of plants, using good fibrous loam, with a little burnt- earth and soot added. This will encourage new roots from the collar of the plant, which will be of great help. The varieties we favour for early work are Royal Sovereign and La Grosse Sucree ; and for late crops, British Queen and Leader. A tem- perature ranging between 45° and 55° for all plants under cover will be sufficient for the present. Cherries. — The ease, certainty, and also the cheapness, with which Cherries can be forced, should lead to a more extended culture of these fruits under glass. The improvement in the size and quality of the fruit, and also the leDgth of time it will hang after ripening, are additional inducements to plant a house where good varieties of the best kinds of dessert fruit are required during the months of May and June. Any well- ventilated glasshouse, facing south and west, or a span roofed house running north and south, will suit Cherries. A border 2 feet deep, resting on a good body of drainage materials, and consisting of good garden soil, with a slight addition of turfy loam, aud plenty of old mortar-rubble and chalk, will form a compost rich enough forChenies. The best system of training to employ in order to fill the house quickly with bearing-wood is three three-branched cordons. Trees of this description furnish the trellis much quicker than do trees fan- trained. The most reliable varieties for furnishing heavy crops are the following, which ripen in close succession, viz., Early Purple Gean, Frogmore Early Bigarreau, Black Tartarian, Monstreuse de Mezel, and Bigarreau Napoleon. The only forcing required is to keep a steady temperature ranging between 45° and 50° up to the flowering period, and this can mostly be accomplished without the aid of fire -heat. Plums. — To obtain the highest quality in this fruit, and to crop reasonably early in the season in cold districts, glass protection becomes necessary. Last season we planted a lean-to house ISO feet long with young palmette-traiued trees of the best dessert varieties ; these trees are now well- budded, and afford promise of a good crop of fruit. They are mostly five and seven-branched trees, and by being trained vertically the house will be filled in three seasons. Only a narrow border is provided, and the trees are lifted annually, which develops a dense mass of feeding- roots. Whatever kind of house is adopted, ample ventilation must be provided. The house here is built on Rendle's pateut principle — a system that affords a great amount of air in small quantities over all the roof-glass. The soil of the border should be of a retentive nature, capable of holding moisture for some long time. This must be cor- rected a little by the addition of burnt garden refuse and limestone grit. The following are the best varieties to plant : Early Transparent Gage, Golden Esperen, Jefferson, Denniston's Superb, Oullin's (iolden Gage, Bryanston Gage, Kirke's, and Goes Golden l>rop. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By A. Wip.d, Gardener, Stoke Edith Park, Hereford. Peaches and Nectarines. — Where the unloosening of the trees and tying the branches to stakes placed some little distance away from the walls, with the \ iew of retarding growth, is practised, the matter should soon have attention. This will afford an opportunity for carrying out whatever pruning is necessary, so that when the time comes to refasten the branches to the wall it may be done expe- ditiously. Here it is found that equally good results are secured by carrying out the pruning and training at the same time as the other trees. The pruning of Peaches and Nectarines is a small matter if proper attention was paid to the removal of shoots that fruited last season, and it will consist of merely thinning out any superfluous young bearing-wood, and trimming off jagged cuts or snags which could not be conveniently done in the autumn. The pruning of neglected trees will consume more time, as it may be necessary to thin out branches as well as bearing- wood. Much branch-thinning should be avoided as far as possible, as severe gummiug often ensues- afterwards ; but if the branches are much crowded it is imperative to cut out a few of the older ones, so as to make space for younger and more healthy wood. The thinning of the bearing- wood is the next consideration, and this should be done to such an extent that the young shoots will have a clear space of 4 inches between them when trained out, aud sufficient should be left to furnish the tree from the centre outwards. Regarding the selec- tion of wood to be retained, give that which is best furnished with fruit-buds and of medium strength the preference. Well-ripened shoots should be left at full length, and cut back only in cases of necessity. Unripened shoots should be pruned back to sound wood and to triple buds, or a single good wood-bud. Insects. — If the trees are infested with scale, let them be dressed with an insecticide at once if the trees are to be left until the last moment before- being trained out ; but if they are to be nailed or tied, as the case may be, it is better to defer the cleansing until it is completed, and then to spray them with caustic alkali solution. Wall Pears. — Like all other hardy fruits the cultivation of Pears, particularly in cordon form, now meets with greater attention. Where proper cultural treatment was accorded the trees duriDg the past season the pruning will now be of a simple description, consisting of cutting back spur-growths left too long last autumn, to two or three buds, and shortening back leading-shoots, whether on cordon or other forms of tree, as far as may appear necessary. Trees on which the spurs have become of great length should have these cut back, with a view of obtaining new growths from the portion left. On some trees spur-pruning may perhaps be unnecessary, but it frequently happeDS that the buds on the spurs are weak and debilitated through being over-crowded. Here a careful thinning is beneficial, and such is generally found to be more necessary with trees on the Quince than on the Pear stock. Old cordon trees may be rejuvenated by bringing up a new shoot from the base ; and young shoots should be left at convenient points in fan and diagonal-trained trees, with a view to re- placing worn-out branches in the near future. Training, Nailing, or Tying.— Some of the hands, if possible, should commence this work directly the primers have made a good start. Many gardeners wash or dress the trees before this is done, but if well-proved insecticides are used, or the trees sprayed with caustic alkali solution, this- may be done afterwards. The great point in train- ing fan-shaped trees is to regulate and lay out the main branches first ; these should be secured with tarred twine. Then follow with the subsidiary- branches, and afterwards the young wood. If this is done properly, each brauch and shoot will then be pointing in an outward direction. In the case of diagonal trees, keep the branches at an equal distance, and as straight as possible. Examine all shreds and ties, and replace with new any that need to be removed. Allow plenty of room when making ties of every description; in the case of wires, pass the material twice round the wire before securing the branch or shoot. Do not tie a strand of raffia to the tip of a shoot to draw it out straight, or it may be strangled. When twine has to be used to secure a brauch in position, aud then- is much strain, place a shred or a piece of old india- rubber tubing between the bark and twine. 40 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE, [January 20, 1900. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER. Local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to (he 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 le careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. TTtponiv t.~ oq I Royal Horticultural Society's Cnm- rUESDAl, JAI.. 23 j mittees. SALES. MONDAY, Jan. 22.— Ornamental Trees, Roses, Spiia-as, Tuberoses, &c, at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms. WEDNESDAY, Jan. 24.— Japanese Lilies, Greenhouse Plants, Azaleas, American Tlants, Carnations, &c, at Protlieroe & Morris" Ronnis. FRIDAY, Jan 26.— Imported and Established Orchids, at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms. Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from Observations of Forty-three Years, at Chiswick.— 38'3\ Actual Temperatures : — London. — January 17 (6 p.m.) : Max. 52°; Min. to°. January 18 : Fine; light frost. ' Provinces. — January 17 (6 p.m.) : Max. 47°, Scilly ; Mill. 37°, N.E. Scotland'. The Gardeners' The Gardeners' Royal Benevo- Royal Benevo- lent Institution, the annual ent Institution, meeting of which took place on Friday, the 12th inst., is making satisfactory progress. Its usefulness in alleviating the evils attendant on sickness, poverty, and age, is increasing proportionately. Under the guidance of the Treasurer, Mr. H. J. Veitch, the finances are in a very satisfactory state, so that at the meeting to which we refer it was possible to elect ten candidates without the trouble consequent upon election by vote in the usual way. These candidates were all persons who, at some time or other, had con- tributed to the funds of the Society, and helped while they were able to succour those less fortunately placed. In addition to these, six other candidates who had not subscribed to the charity were, by the votes of the members, elected as pensioners. Some of these must feel, we imagine, in the position of those who have had coals of fire placed on their heads. Of late years some subsidiary funds have been established which have gone far to remove certain objections which used to be raised. The Victorian Era fund, now completed, was established for the purpose of assisting those members of the Institution during the interval between their application and their election. We call them members of the Institution because they have been subscribers for longer or shorter times. The benefits of this particular fund do not extend to those who have not been subscribers. Candidates, then, who have done what they could in their days of comparative prosperity, are now certain to obtain some relief at once, though they may still have to wait a year or two before they can be admitted to the full benefits of the institution. Another fund has lately been started, which will assuredly commend itself to the fraternity — the Good Samaritan Fund. The object of this is to afford immediate temporary relief to those in trouble or sickness whose cases have been investigated by the committee. These two additions greatly enhance the power of the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution for doing good. During our own recollection the number of pensioners has been largely augmented, the amount of the pensions has been considerably increased, and now these two new funds have been instituted. During all this time, the financial position, always sound, has become more and more satisfactory. There will, no doubt, be large demands this year on our self-sacrifice and our means, but we must take care that while doing our utmost in other directions, we maintain the efficiency of those institutions which it is our special duty and privilege to support. The Committee gratefully acknowledge their indebtedness to the Stewards, donors of flowers, and to the horticultural press. They likewise tender their thanks to the Honorary Secretaries of the several auxiliaries for their services, and also to other friends throughout the country, who, by arranging concerts, flower stalls, open- ing their gardens, and in other ways have so materially assisted the Institution. The Com- mittee are glad to announce the formation of an auxiliary at Reading under the presidency of Charles E. Keyser, Esq., and the treasurer- ship of Arthur W. Sutton, Esq. Their thanks are specially due to Mr. Sutton, to whose in- fluence and indefatigable exertions the estab- lishment of the branch is due. To the Messrs. N. M. Rothschild & Sons, who have again contributed their generous annual gift of .£105 ; to the anonymous donor who left four £5 notes at the office " In Memory of Robert Fortune ; " and to other friends too numerous to mention who have so generously given to the funds, the Committee oiler their thanks. In respect to the election of pensioners to the Fund, it was decided that William Armstrong, Andrew Bryan, Thomas Chapman, George Chitty, William Hole, Francis Nixon, Samuel Smalley, Richard H. Smith, Joseph Willis, and John Wilson, whose cases had been investigated and appeared to be deserving, be placed on the pension list without election under the power conferred by rule iii., 5. The additional candidates subsequently elected were Isaac Page, 4519 ; Lucy Mitchell, 4282 ; Jane R. Edwards, 3086 ; Thomas Evans, 3383 ; William Thomas, 3228 ; Isabella Watt, 2845. William B. Glasscock received 3346 votes, and would have become a reci- pient of the pension but for the fact that since the list was published his circumstances had so changed as to render pecuniary aid from the Institution unnecessary. It was mentioned as remarkable that since the list had been ready, four candidates had died. There were only thirty-seven votes wasted this year through papers not being signed, as against nearly 600 last year. PATRICK O'Mara.— It is needless to detail the nationality of this gentleman. He is the business- manager of Peter Henderson & Co., and has lately been elected President of the New York Florists' Club. A. HERRINGTON. -A former Chiswick pupil, at oue time attached to the Garden, has been elected a Vice-President of the New York Florists' Club. Mr. Herrington has only been in America for four years, so that credit is due to our cousins for their cosmopolitan selection, and to Mr. Herring- ton for having in so short a time worked his way into so honourable a position. Hubert Jean Van Hulle, whose death in his seventy-third year at Ghent on the 13th inst. is announced, had one of those distinct personalities whom it is a pleasure to encounter. He was formerly a professor in the Ghent School of Horti- culture, and Inspector of the Municipal Plantations. A polyglot linguist, it was his wont to address the jurors assembled from all parts of Europe at the Quinquennial Exhibitions in at least live different languages. He was a member of that active band who take such an active part in horticultural matters in the Flemish city, and who were likened to the four-leaved Shamrock. The members of this league were MM. Rotjigas, Pynaert, Burvenioh, and Van Hulle. Well informed, courteous, and energetic, we sympathise with our Belgian friends on the magnitude of their loss. The Marquis of Breadalbane, in response to an invitation of the Council of the Royal Botanic Society, has signified his willingness to join the Council, in place of the Marquis of Bute, resigned. Mr. F. MOORE. — Our sub-editor has been the recipient of numerous letters of condolence and sympathy from contributors to this journal on the occasion of the death of his wife ; and, being unable from their numbers to thank them individually, he takes this opportunity of conveying to them his gratitude for their kind feelings expressed towards him in his trouble. The Marquis of Lothian. — The death of this nobleman is announced. To horticulturists he will be known as the possesser of Newbattle, with its noble Beech-tree. His collection of Masdevallias formed the basis of Miss Woolward's excellent illustrated monograph of that genus. Earl MANVERS died on the lGth inst. at Thoresby Park, Nottinghamshire. He was in his seventy-fifth year. Royal Horticultural Society.— The next meeting of the Fruit and Floral Committees of Ptoyal Horticultural Society will take place on Tuesday, January 23, in the Drill Hall, James Street, Westminster, at 1 to 4 p.m. A lecture on " Tbe Neglect of Flowering Shrubs in our Gar- dens," will be given at 3 o'clock by Mr. Geo. Bunyard, V.M.H. Royal Botanic Society.— The Brazilian Minister has presented to the Royal Botanic Society two copies of the Album do Para em 1899, no. Administrariio do Governo de sua Excia. o Senr. Dr. Jose Paes de Carvalho, containing a large number of reproductions of beautiful photographs with explanatory letterpress. NATURE'S BIRTHDAY. —January 15, being the fifteenth day of Shebat, is, according to our calendar, the new year for trees. Of the four new- years days ordered by the Talmudic authorities none is more apposite than that which recognises that the longest winter nights are over, that the sun renews its warmth to earth ; now the forests throw off the lethargy of the winter's sleep, and the sap commences to rise in the trees. Jewish World. Remedy for Gooseberry Mildew. —In Bulletin No. 133, from the New York Agricultural Experiment Station, potassium sulphide, 1 oz. to 2 or 3 gallons of water was recommended as the best remedy. According to a recently-published report, the results of three years show that it is still the best fungicide the Station has thoroughly tested. Spraying should be begun very early, just as the buds are breaking, and be continued at intervals of about ten days. Further testing will be necessary to determine the relative merits of soda, Bordeaux Mixture, and the copper carbonate solution, in comparison with potassium sulphide solutions for checking Gooseberry. mildew. Some Fruit Crops of 1899 in California. — We have been informed that this Garden of America has produced 5,250,000 lb. of Figs last year, against 4,780,000 lb. in the preceding year. The "pack" of dried Peaches on the coast is placed at 2S,300,000 lb., against 10,960,000 in 189S. The Apricot crop of last year was 7,000,000 lb. compared with 8,240,000 lb. in 1898. Experiments on Manuring. — From a paper on the "Arrangement of Experimental Plots in Gardens,'' issued by the South-Eastern Agricul- January 20, 1900.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. •41 tural College, Wye, the following are mentioned as being the requisite amounts of manure and the right proportions of their constituent parts : "The quantities required are 2 oz. per square yard of nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia, and kainit : 4 oz. per square yard of basic slag or superphos- phate; and 1 lb. per square yard of lime." Of course, many other manures will supply nitrogen and phosphoric acid, but the above are the most convenient. A New Begonia.— The Qartenflora inaugurates the new decade (it calls it the new century) by the description and an illustration of a new fibrous-rooted Begonia from German East Africa. The leaves are obliquely ovate-lanceolate, with two sharply-pointed, widely-spreading lobss at the base. The flowers are small and pink. It may be useful for hybridising purposes. It was discovered by Here Hedd in West Usambara, and is described by Dr. Warburg. Rainfall and Sunshine of 1899.— Mr. J. J. Willis, of Harpenden, writes : — "The year's rain- fall of 1899, according to Sir John Lawes' tain- gauge at Kothamsted, Hertfordshire, which is located 420 feet above sea-level, and is one- thousandth of an acre area in dimension, amounts to 27"14 inches. This is about 1J in., equal to .152 tons of water on each acre of land, less than the average fall in this neighbourhood extending over a period of forty years. There were seven mouths which gave an excess of rain compared with the average, and five months recording a deficiency ; these latter included March, June, July, August, and September. The total yearly amount of bright sunshine for 189!), according to the Rothamsted measurements, was 1803 hours, whilst at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, only 1704 hours were recorded out of a possible 4458 hours. The months of January, February, April, November and December were particularly gloomy. The three months which showed less sunshine at Kothamsted than at Greenwich were May, June, and August. In the total twelve months there were 99 hours more of bright sunshine at Kotham- sted than at Greenwich. Fruit in Ontario.— The 1898 report of the Ontario Bureau of Industries has just seen the light — arriving in London on January 1, 1900. Well, better late than never ; but for all that, earlier publication would certainly make a most excellent report of much greater value, or the publication of monthly statements of crop con- ditions, as in the United States, could not fail to be appreciated in this country. In Ontario, all descriptions of fruit suited for the climate are grown in rich profusion, as testified to by their appearance here, where all are highly appre- ciated. The fruit-growing area is gradually ex- tending year by year, and all modern means and appliances are in use so as to ensure an even amount of success. The test is to bo found here iu the prices obtained week by week in, say, London and Glasgow. Spraying, it may bo noted, is much in vogue ; and its beneficial action is duly noted in sectional reports. The advance of the province in the production of all farm produce, and of a high quality, is very observable. WILD BIRDS. — The regulations iu the County of London prohibit the killing and taking of wild birds from February 1 to August 31, both inclu- sive ; other birds' are protected during the whole year. In certain parishes all birds are protected on Sundays throughout the year. The taking or destroying of the eggs of certain birds is also prohibited for a period of five years. Fowls in Fruit-cultivation.— In the old ecember 30. Rose Grand Duke Adolph of Luxemburg. — ].<■ Mon&teur &' Horticulture, January, l'JOO. THE DEEPDENE. [See Supplementary Sheet.] Oup. supplementary illustrations this week are reproduced from photographs taken during last Summer at a delightful residence in the county of Surrey. Those who are familiar with the lanes and meadows, the hills and dales, the pretty villages of this county, will remember with lively pleasure the first time they beheld the surpassing beauty of the district around Dorking, and wan dered admiringly over Box Hill, the predominating feature of the local landscape. The land around Dorking is so uneven of surface, so distinct from most other parts of the county, that it has been described as "fairy-made," and if this description be apt of the district generally, it most certainly may be applied with special fitness to the estate of The Deepdene. The site upon which the estate is situated is immediately above the little town, and to the south of the Ranmore heights, whilst Box Hill, and at its foot Burford, Sir Trevor Law- rence's home, lie to the east or north-east. There appears to have existed a remarkable garden upon the site in Evelyn's days, and whilst living a couple of miles away, at Wotton, be mentioned the place in his Diary. About a century ago Deepdene was purchased by Mr. Thomas Hope, who wrote Anastalius, and it is still the property of the Hope family, from whom it was leased several years since by Lily, Duchess of Marlborough, who, with her husband, Lord William Beresford, V.C., now resides there. To a large extent, the charms of Deepdene are the outcome of its natural characteristics. Its surface is nothing more or less than a number of steep or sloping banks and intervening dells and ravines, and its soil is the well known greensand. What more suitable place than such an one could there be for the extraordinary groups of Rhodo- dendrons and Azaleas that there abound ? The answer is given by the shrubs themselves, for they have so taken possession of the place, so covered its slopes, scaled it heights, and filled its lowest levels, that it would be a difficult task indeed to eradicate them, even if such a spirit of vandalism could ever be entertained in regard to such a place. The Rhododendrons seed by thousands, and in some of the less trodden of the many shady, almost solitary paths, the pedestrian can hardly avoid crushing the young plants beneath his foot. Before visiting the south side of the residence from whence the photographs were taken, let us stay for a moment to admire the view upon the north side, where the lawn slopes from the house, and the many splendid old Cedars (C. Libani), a Tulip-tree, probably 70 feet high ; several large evergreen Oaks, five or six good specimens of the Purple Beech, in addition to the ordinary Beech, and a few less noteworthy species make the view an attractive one. Proceeding to the west side, one sees the good effect of the work Her Grace has effected in the removal of large bushes of Rhododendrons that intruded too near the buildiDg. This opening out of the immediate grounds around the house was much needed, and even now the pretty spire of St. Martin's Church is hardly visible, and we think a little more of the same work might be advan- tageously performed. On this west side, adjoiuing the house is a small flower-garden, but so small that in comparison with the other features of Deepdene, it is hardly noteworthy ; and it may be mentioned here that flower-gardeniDg as generally understood, as practised at Blenheim for instance, in the exceedingly large one illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle a fortnight ago, is not prac- tised at Deepdene. Coming now to the south side, the immediate view is that of a steep, grass clad bank, crowned by Rhododendrons, and rising from close to the house. This extends most of the way along the front, and terminates as shown in our illustrations of the south front as approached from the south east. The Rhododendrons there depicted being most in view have been planted by the Duchess, and are newer varieties with variously coloured flowers. Further in, and this refers to the plantations and thickets of Rhododen- drons, over the entire place, the bulk of the plants are of the species R. ponticum. On this same bank, and in various positions, are large Bamboos Broom, and species of a like nature. To the right of the house the photograph shows a fine Horse- Chestnut tree and a Copper Beech. The effect of the position of the camera, however, has given to the tree a greater advantage in height over the house than it actually possesses. But to obtain the better view we must walk to the extremity shown in the other illustration and that is a position occupied by an Egyptian Temple (just visible in the photograph), at a height reached through a slightly ascending narrow valley, the sides of which are high banks, covered with Beech trees, with Rhododendrons in front of them, and thence by a flight of 108 steps. It will simplify matters if we say that the two views were taken by turning the camera round and slightly altering its position. The height above described is known as The Terrace, and some very fine views of con- siderable distinctness are obtained from thence. Looking from the temple towards the house is a fine view of the features already described, and right away to Ranmore Common at the top of the heights. We should have mentioned that at the base of the narrow valley leading up to the terrace is a small plateau where there is a sundial and several figures. There were a few flower-beds here until lately, but they have been filled with new Roses that Her Grace admired and purchased whilst on a visit to the United States last year. The terrace is the highest point in the gardens, and is above the roof of the dwelling-house. Turning completely round, and looking south, the view from the terrace is quite of another character, and very extensive. Below is stretched the flat wealds of Surrey and Sussex. On a very bright day it is said that Brighton may be seen. On the terrace to the left we proceed to view Box Hill from this position, and the new forts thereon, that have recently been built to further protect this little island in the remote possibility of invasion. These walks, all of them flanked with great Rhododendron bushes, wind around and back again to the house; but instead of proceeding by that way, we may take the more interesting one in an exactly opposite direction, and thence back to the house on the west side. Starting from the temple, then, the first interesting feature is an avenue of beautiful Beech trees, that seen now are leafless, but not devoid of charm, their large, sleek-look iug limbs being admirable. Further along the terrace is an old rustic summer-house built in a tree, from which the view obtained is even more extensive. Now traversing paths, always between Rhododendrons, we descend like so many terraces, one path below another, the space between a thicket of Rhododendrons, such thickets that offer so good a harbour for foxes that about a month ago, upon a hunt-day, as many as four were killed in the gardens. At length the lowest position is reached on the western side, and it is possible to obtain a good idea of the Rhodo- dendrons above. What a blaze of colour when these bloom ! Could anything be more gay ? A bed in the base, very nictly sheltered, is just about to be planted with choice Azaleas, such as Anthony Koster, and varieties of comparative merit, that Her Grace has seen displayed at the Drill Hall and Temple shows. We need not further describe the pleasure-grounds, except to add that atone position to the east of the house a tine specimen of Abies Douglasii may be seen, and good trees of Araucaria imbricata, Cryptomeria japonica, Sequoia Semper- virens, Pinus iosignis, P. Cembra, Abies Pinsapo, and other Conifers, some of which have reached considerable dimensions, adorn them. Orchid and other Houses. Quite in conformity with the rest of the estate, the kitchen-garden, a walled-in. enclosure of some extent, affords hardly a rod of level laud. In a garden of slope everything must be grown upon a slope, and it is thus at Deepdene. But good crops are obtained all the same, and especially when the seasons are not abnormally dry ones. The Duchess of Marlborough, ever since she came to England, has been a very liberal patron of horticulture. When at Blenheim she acquired a rich and most valuable collection of Orchids in a short time, and when, upon her husband's death, a large number of these were sold, sufficient were retained to make a good collection in her future residence, which has proved to be Deepdene. But after acquiring the place, it was necessary to build houses suitable for their cultivation before removing the Orchids from Blenheim, and six excellent span-roofed structures were built by Mr. Duncan Tucker, of Tottenham, for this purpose, and for the growth of other plants. They are about 60 feet long, and there is. plenty of width and height. They have been built to last a life-time ; the front stages are l|-inch slates, and everything in their construction is of the best. Most convenient means of ventilation has been provided, and in each of the houses a tank runs the length of the centre stage for the storage of rain-water. When after two years storage at Blenheim the Orchids were removed to Deepdene, Mr. Whillans' foreman, Mr. F. Chamber- lain, took over the charge of the gardens at Deep- dene, and he may be credited in respect to the able manner in which they are now maintained. It is not necessary to write at length of the Orchids, for the present is not by any means the time when they show to advantage. But any reader who may wish to obtain particulars of the collection we would refer to our issue for July 22 of last year, when an able correspondent gave some very interesting notes upon the species that had lately bloomed. One of the new houses at the present time is filled with Richardias (Arums), just coming to- flower, and a large quantity of Cyclamens. Mr. Chamberlain described the strain as that of Messrs. Sutton & Sons. The distinctly-coloured Salmon Queen ; the deep Vulcan, and of white, the Butter- fly and Giant White were grand, and the cultiva- tion given them most successful. In another house Souvenir de Malmaison Car- nations were its occupants ; and in another one winter flowering Carnations. Mr. Chamberlain is a very successful grower of these plants. He says that Winter Cheer has deteriorated. It is difficult to obtain good blooms from it ; the best of the same colour is now John Peter Piufus, but as we saw it the calyx is less satisfactory, though the blooms are larger. In the Palm-house are some beautiful specimens, but if one be mentioned to the exclusion of the others, it should be that of Kentia Can- terburyana. We have never admired a more perfect plant. Next we noticed some Roses in pots in a forcing- house. The plants will soon be in bloom ; buda are already formed. The new variety, Sunrise, was among them, and a variety that for the pur- pose Mr. Chamberlain thinks unexcelled, is Sou- venir de Wotton ; it is so strong a grower, and produces its blooms upon really strong, fine shoots. That the Orchids are grown well is proved by the splendid specimen illustrated iu a supplement to this journal, June, 24, 1899. We were shown two excellent plants of the variety C. Mendeli Duke of Marlborough, one of the finest of this genus. Her Grace, the Duchess, has been tnown to observe that she would not accept £1000 for either specimen. The old houses January 20, 1900.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. that have been retained have been! entirely reno- vated; they include vineries, Peach-houses, and such like structures. An excellent stokehole has been made and fitted with powerful tubular boilers, and in all respects the garden is well appointed and liberally maintained. Mr. Chamberlain is exceedingly proud to show a beautiful gold watch with appreciative words engraved thereon. Three weeks ago [it was a flower on a plant of Canna Parthenope. On exami- nation of the spike it was found to have four flowers, the lowest being typical, the next parti- coloured, the third and fourth typical. The second flower was then fully examined : half of the ovary was found to be green, the remainder chocolate, a part of the stem attaching the ovary to the spike had a broad green streak which extended up the spike to the base of the ovary of the top, or fourth on a clump of C. Parthenope, in the Society's gardens on October 8, three flowers being half Austria and half of the type, two were pure Austria, while one was a true Parthenope. The supposition was that Austria and Parthenope were produced from the same cross, and had their origin probably from seeds yielded by one pod. Another suggestion was that Parthenope was the result of a cross between Austria and some dark flowered Fh.. 13. — CVPRIPEDI01 SIR REDVERS Iirr.1,1.1: (SEE P. 3o ) Christmas present from the Duchess and his Lord- ship, as Jan accompanying letter said, as a mark of appreciation of his loyalty in service. The cir- cumstance is interesting as showing the kindly feeling that exists between the Duchess and her gardener, and pleasing, because it is a case where merit has met with encouraging recognition. India. Another Pabti- coloured Canna. — On the morning of August 16, Mr. F. Gr, Clarke discovered in his f garden, at Ballygunge, a parti coloured flower, there terminating in a tine line. The ovary was cut open, and the interior was found to be coloured similar to the exterior ; the petals arising from the green side were found to be yellowish in colour. The flower contaiued one perfectly yellow petal corresponding in every detail to that pro- duced by C. Phoebe, auother petal was found to be half Parthenope and half Pha-be ; a third, the one commonly called the lip, had one-third paiuted yellow, and the rest was of the typical colour, the remaining two petals were true Parthenope. la the Proceedings and Journal, October-December, 1S0S, is to be found a report of a sport produced variety, and had 'sported'' [reverted to] one of its parents. Proceedings of the Agri-Horticultural Society of India. Law Notes. .SEEDS ALLEGED NOT TRUE TO NAME. Howcrofi ami Another v. Perkins. — This ease came on for hearing in the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court on January 13, before Mr. Justice Cuanuell, and was an action brought 44 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 20, 1900. by the plaintiffs, seed merchants, against Mr. George Perkins, a nurseryman and market gar- dener, of Leicester, to recover the balance of an account for goods supplied. The defendant admitted the claim, but set up a counter-claim, which raised a point of considerable interest to seed-merchants, nurserymen, and others. It appeared that in October, 1898, the plaintiffs' traveller called upon the defendant, and obtained an order for certain quantities of seed, including 1 lb. of Clayworth Prize Celery-seed, the price of which was 3s. The defendant said that instead of supplying him with what he ordered the plaintiffs sent him Turnip-rooted Celery- seed, with the result that the plants which he reared, numbering 14,000, only realised 6d. per dozen instead of Is. 6d. The defendants contended that the plaintiffs' traveller warranted that he should have what he had ordered, though he admitted that the invoice sent by the plaintiffs after the goods had been delivered contaiued a clause to the effect that the vendors gave no warranty, express or implied, as to description, quality, productiveness, or any other matter to any goods sent out, that they would not be in any way responsible for the crop, and that if a purchaser did not accept the goods on these terms they were to return them. The plaintiffs denied that there was any warranty, and contended that the defendant was bound by the terms of the invoice, which were common in the trade. They further said that unless they were protected by these terms they would have to go in for an extensive system of insurance. In this case the plaintilf had purchased seed of the value of 3s., and alleged that he had sustained damage to the extent of about £60. Mr. Justice Channell gave judgment for the plaintiffs, holding that the terms contained in the invoice were reasonable, and binding upon the defendant. Judgment accordingly for the plaintiffs, on the claim and counter-claim, with costs. CYCLAMENS AT LEES, COLD- STREAM. When on a visit to the Border district about the end of last November, I called at Lees, and found Mr, Cameron busy amongst his Orchids, which seems to form a great feature of the place ; and after having inspected the Calanthes, I passed through the fruit-houses, when, judging by what I saw, the crop must have been rather above the average. Chrysanthemums had been good, but at that late date the best of the blooms had been removed for house decoration. A long, low span-roof house, with a stage running on either side, and a path up the centre, was entered. It was filled with plants in pots of Cyclamen lactifolium, intermixed with nice plants of Eulalia japonica variegata, forming a very remark- able sight. The Cyclamens were growing in pots that varied in size from 4 inches to S inches in diameter, and were adorned with from ten to a dozen fully-expanded flowers on the smaller plants, to more than fifteen on the larger ones. The fine dark green foliage with flowers, ranges from pure white to dark purple, harmonising well with the dot- plants of Eulalia. Being greatly taken with this unique display at that dull time of the year, I could not refrain from asking Mr. Cameron a number of questions regarding his method of cultivation, the answers to which I give for the benefit of the readers of the Gard' ners' Chronicle. In the first place, he said that they must have a display of flowers during the winter months, and after having experimented with a number of dif- ferent plants, he had come to the conclusion that for a winter display in a green-house, for cut flowers, and as a decorative plant for the dwelling, nothing can excel the Cyclamen. There may be some other plant that will equal it, but cannot be better. He therefore sowed seed every year about the end of July or the first week in August, plunging the seed in the propagatingcase, and in due time the seedlings appear. These are kept as near the glass as possible, and by the month of December they are ready for potting into thumbs. The potting material consists of good loam, a small quantity of leaf-mould, and dried cow-dung well broken up, with enough sand mixed in the whole to give porosity. They are then stood on a shelf near the glass, great care being taken in applying water, for they should not get dry at any time. By the second week in April they are ready for repotting into 4-inch pots, the same mixture of soil, &c, being employed as before, with a small quantity of bone-meal ; the plants being replaced ou the shelves, and kept well shaded. By the end of the month of May the strongest plants are fit for being shifted into 6-inch pots, but the weaker ones are left in the 4-inch pots. All are placed on coal- ashes in cold frames about the end of the month of June, and shaded during sunshine and plenty of air afforded. In October the plants are taken indoors, the forwardest being situated and placed in the house above described, which is kept of an intermediate character. In a very short time the flowers appear. The more backward plants are placed in a cool house, and take the place of the earlier ones when they have done flowering, thus prolonging the season of flowering from October to May. When in flower, those which are considered worth growing again are labelled and planted out in a cold frame in May, all of the old soil being shaken from the roots ; they are planted in a mixture of much the same kind as that in which they were potted. The frame is kept close till growth is renewed, when the sashes are gradually taken off, and the plants exposed to the sun during the summer mouths. They are potted up about the end of the month of September, great care being taken of the young roots. They are now worked along with the younger plants. I have omitted to men- tion that the young plants are grown in stove temperature until the time they are planted in cold frames, in June. I had the honour of being taken through the public rooms of Lees House by Lady Marjoribanks, and there saw for myself how freely these plants and cut-flowers were used for room decoration ; and how well they harmonised with the antique furniture, and the paintings on the walls. It is surprising to how large an extent Cyclamens are now cultivated in private places, but it is even more surprising that few can grow these plants really well. If the unsuccessful cultivators who may chance to read these notes light upon any hints on practice likely to be of benefit, my purpose in penning them will have been secured. .4. L. M. The Apiary. Packing Honey. — There are several methods of packing sections of honey. Crates with spriugs are useful for quantities of three to four dozen sections, but if more are sent there is the risk of a spring breaking. The best plan is to get a cube sugar-box, No. 1, Tate's, and pad the bottom with shavings or hay, extending the pack- ing-material up the two sides and ends for about 6 inches ; this will prevent any injury when placed down quickly. It is to this sudden impact that is due the mischief that occurs to the capping at the top of the sections. Have these crates made each one to hold twenty-four sections, and to fit into the box one above the other ; this will allow of a very thin board being placed lengthways to wedge the seetions closely together. Care must be taken to place at least three layings between each crate to prevent any honey running from one crate to another if any breakage should occur. Two handles made of rope complete a good honey-case. Write on the lid " Honey, with care," and number it on the top, also on the front, so that you can at any time discover it at a glance. This will enable you to see which cases are missing. A little paint will improve the box in appearance, but they are so roughly handled that it is a waste of money. Feeding. — Any warm day a cake of candy or a broken section can be placed on the bars, but the same must be done as quietly as possible, so that the bees may not be disturbed. Expert. Home Correspondence. SEASIDE PLANTING OF TREES AND SHRUBS. — I am much interested in the articles by "Experi- ence " on this subject, especially as he is bringing to notice many comparatively unknown shrubs which very few care to introduce into their gardens, as they seem to have an idea that anything beside Kuonymus, and a few others which may be counted on the fingers of one hand, wiuld prove failures by the seaside. I can prove this to be utterly false, and strongly recommend intending planters to follow the advice of "Experience, ' and try for themselves the effect of some of the kinds suggested. There is one shrub not mentioned so far in your list, and that is Cupressus Lambertiana. If the true variety can be got, there is no handsomer tall-growing shrub for seaside planting, as specimens in this town will show. There seems a great difference of opinion among growers about this variety. Many, I believe, supply Cupressus macrocarpa for it, and say it is the same ; but if the true variety be once seen, no one can be misled, for C. Lambertiana has- a distinctly horizontal growth, quite different from the upright growth of C. macrocarpa. They are both grown in quantity by a nurseryman near here, and I am told that C. Lambertiana is rather difficult to raise, and grafting h as to be resorted to. C. macro- carpa can be very easily raised from seeds. A. Cameron, Revoca, Eastbourne. COE'S GOLDEN DROP.— On p. 12, Mr. Temple enquires if Coe's Golden Drop and other sorts of Plums succeed in this neighbourhood. In our col- lection of over fifty sorts (including most of the new ones), Coe's is still one of the very best. We never tried it as a standard, but upon walls, with both east and western aspects, it is one of the most reliable croppers. The flavour of fruits from the west walls is much the best, owing no doubt to the extra heat of the afternoon sun. As to the keeping qualities of this Plum, it certainly does hang upon the trees much longer than most sorts, but I think it should be said that the fruits may be preserved fresh for six weeks after gathering rather than six months. Other good late Plums that do well on the walls here are Grand Duke, Monarch, Belle de Septembre, and one or two seed- lings, which generally keep up a supply into November. Only the freer-bearing sorts should be planted as standards, although in favourable seasons they all crop freely enough when they have been properly attended to as regards root-lifting, water- ing, &c. There is nothing to equal the Victoria as a sure cropper but Early Prolific, Czar, Mitchel- son's Monarch, Gisbornes, and Bradley's King Damson, all do well as standards, and never fail to ripen their fruit. C. Webster, Gordon Castle Gar- dens, N.B. SEEDS OF CONIFERS. — In reply to the enquiry made in last issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle, by Mr. S. J. Westlake, I may inform him that should he fail to obtain the quantities of Conifer-seeds in this country, he may procure them from Johannes Rofu, a nurseryman at Skoofnikontoret, near Copenhagen. Globe Trotter. UP-TO-DATE POTATO. — Almost everyone is in- terested in the Potato, whether our interest con- sists in looking at it from a dietetic or horticultural point of view. I have no desire to intervene in the discussion between Mr. Harrison Weir and Mr. D. T. Fish in their respective support of yellow and white-fleshed Potatos. I should like to remark, however, that Up-to-Date is not absolutely perfect as a disease-resister. I live in a district where this and other Potatos are very largely grown, and this year disease exists rather largely in Up-to- Date in several farms and gardens. It is also a bad keeper in pits if damp should enter. Its great cropping qualities lead it to be largely grown ; but some farmers who have discarded Maincrop for it, appear to regret having done so this season. The January 20, 1900. J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. V, last issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle (January 13) shows that the averge price of Dunbar Maincrop is 10s. above that of Up-to-Dates from the same dis- trict. The inference is obvious. S. Arnott, Carse- tJiorm, Dumfries, N.B. THE NEWTON WONDER APPLE. — In the issue of January 13 there is a letter from Mr. T. Turton, gardener, Sherborne, Dorset, on the merits of the Newton Wonder Apple as a keeper. I should like to ask Mr. Turton if his fruit was stored in a high temperature, or frosted before being stored, it being an unusual thing for the fruit to get spotted. I have kept the fruit till September, and should be much obliged to Mr. Turton for particulars as to his mode of storing, through the medium of the Gardeners' Chronicle. This correspondence may induce others to afford information in regard to storiDg long-keeping fruit. I may say that I was the reiser of Newton Wonder Apple, and I am quite convinced after trials against other so-called long keepers that it is the best in the country, and I know now at the present time of families that will have no other in for dessert while they can get this variety. And to show you it is a keeper, I will send you the name and address of one buyer who never touches his fruit till March, and he would today pay a good sum down to ensure having next season's crop, as his customers are so eager to get hold of such a splendid all-round Apple as this has proved to be, as anyone who has had it once always asks for it again, and will have no other, and it commands a good price in this neighbour- hood. W. Taylor, King's Newton, near Derby. PLUMOSE AND BARREN FERNS.— With refer- ence to Mr. A. Hemsley's remarks on the barren- ness of plumose forms of Ferns (January 13, p. 28), he is perfectly correct in saying that "there is no accounting for the vagaries and eccentricities of Ferns," and amongst such vagaries there is always the possibility of a truly plumose form reverting eo far as to bear spores. All the plumose forms are necessarily sports from fertile forms ; and hence, however constant they may be, must inherit the spore-bearing capacity. Among our British plumo sums, most, even of the more foliaceous, are more or less fertile ; but one of the Athyria — A. f. -f. p. Barnesii — is reputed to be perfectly barren. I have examined many robust plants, and with one excep- tion, invariably failed to rind a trace of spores ; the exception occurred in my own collection. I divided a plant into several crowns, and the fol- lowing season one of the crowns produced a com plete series of extremely fertile fronds, the sori being so dense as to cover the under-surfaces with a thick brown confluent mass. As all the divisions were planted in the same frame, I am utterly unable to account for this soriferousness ; and since the following year I could not find the plants, I was forced to the belief that the reversion was only temporary. P. v. cambrionm on the Welsh Poly- pody is, 1 believe, invariably barren in all the true forms found. A plant at Kew so labelled was recently pointed out to me as fertile,but it was P. v. pulcherrimum, a much-divided and superficially similar form, but which is not plumose, lacking the thinpapery texture, a case which I mention merely as showing how mistakes may arise, on the per contra side of the argument. The true crispum Hart's-tongues are also apparently constantly barren, but there are numerous well-frilled and even papery types which bear spores in irregularly distributed masses, even the finely fimbriated ones of ultra- plumose looking character doing the same thing. Some of the finest and densest plumose Polystichums are reputedly barren, but grown hard in the open they are sparsely fertile, and even under glass I have forced and raised plants from quite isolated sporangia, only detectable with a strong lens. P. ang. pi. Patezii, a wild lind, and certainly true plumosum, is invariably barren with me and most growers; but a plant at Carnforth which I saw some years ago, had here and there a sorus, and showed spores under the microscope, though I failed to obtain prothalli from them. Other reputedly barren Ferns, such as Asp. t. incisum and P. aculeatum pulcherrimum, are also reported on good authority to have swerved now and again from their usually strict adherence to barrenness. Hence, I am strongly inclined to think that even As. Farleyense might do the same, especially if plants of it were subjected to varied conditions which would tend to harden or toughen its delicate fronds, the delicacy of which, and con- sequent increased beauty, is usually the sole aim of the grower. Ad. c. v. imbricatum does not rank with tbe ordinary barren plumosums, since it pro- duces bulbils on the sites of the sori, as does also Ad. c. v. daphnites, as figured by me in one of your issues a year or two ago. In most of the plumose Athyria, however, the same thing occurs, but sporangia, as a rule, are associated with the bulbils, and contain perfect spores ; further inves- tigation may consequently show Ad. c. v. imbrica- tum to do the same. Naturally, where the fertility only gets the length of isolated sporangia, extremely careful inspection is needed to detect it, and possibly if such care were devoted to pinnules of Ad. Farleyense which presented any slight indi- cation, the search might now and then be successful. C. T. Druery, F.LS., Y.M.H. SEEDLING ADIANTUM FARLEYENSE.— I have read with much interest the correspondence of Mr. Sandford and Mr. Hemsley on this subject. I am surprised that the former should accept as proof positive of the ability of A. Farleyense to produce fertile fronds the solitary supposed instance he refers to. It is a well - known fact that A. Farleyense can be best propagated from minute portions of the rhizome, and young plants thus pro- duced from old plants, denuded of their fronds, present in a remarkable degree the appearance of Ferns raised from spores. Whilst at the Barton Nursery of Mr. W. B. Smale, Torquay, I surprised more than one old hand by inviting them to come and see a batch of seedling A. Farleyense. On one occasion I was well-nigh deceived myself by the appearance of a young plant of the above, having all the appearance of a seedling, growing in a potful of Begonia Gloire de Lorraine cuttings, in a house far removed from the fernery. On recollect- ing, however, that the soil in which the cuttings were inserted was the refuse from a panful of A. Farleyense propagated from portions of the rhizome, I was quite satisfied that this supposed seedling did not owe its origin to a genuine fertile froud. Ed. J. Love, Topsham Road, Exeter. I have never attempted to raise any plants from spores of this variety. Mr. Hemsley says that it is Mr. Masters' variety, of which I have no doubt, as the frond figured in tbe Gardener*' Chronicle of January 21, 1S88, is a true specimen of the variety that I have. 1 cannot understand your not being able to find any spores, as the edge of the pinna- is turned over to the underside; and on turning this back, I have no trouble in finding spores in quantity. I may be at Worthing this week, when I will take some specimens direct to Mr. Hemsley, which no doubt he will report to you. E. Sandfonl, Boynor. DISSEVERED CROPS.— The planting season being now on, it may be profitable to consider what can be done towards arresting the spread of plant diseases and pests by a judicious practice of splitting up a given crop into two or three sections, and planting each section as far apart from the others as the limits of the garden will allow. Crops all the world over have suffered all the more severely from the scourges that affect them because large areas, in which plant touches plant, have been open to their attacks by close contagion, without a single barrier formed by a different kind of crop, or break of any kind. It is not possible to arrange crops, or portions of crops, within the circumscribed limits of a garden so that every scourge would be confined to the small radius of the spot from whence they originated ; but the gardener, who seeks to extend the season of every crop by sowing seeds at different periods, and by planting perennial crops in warmer and cooler parts of the garden, has every oportunity of splitting up given crops for the purpose under notice, without interfering in any way with the extension of their seasons. The Asparagus-beetle, the Cabbage-gall weevil, and "clubroot" caused by slime fungus; the Straw- berry " leaf-spot," thrips, and various, but not all, mildews, are a few of the instances that have come under my notice of scourges which spread rapidly from plant to plant, and which have been checked and confined to the places where they originated, although similar host plants have been growing in other parts of the garden free from any of these troubles. I would suggest that in every case where rules of rotation, water-supply, and con- venience of cultivation admit, no two crops of the same kiud be grown side by side ; that permanent crops should be so split up as to lessen the risk of total loss, in cases where the plants are particularly liable to diseases and pests ; and that bush fruits which usually occupy an area to themselves, be so arranged that the one sort would intercept the spread of any disease or pest of the other. I view with apprehension the prevailing practice of erecting large ranges of glass-houses for Tomato- culture by market growers, without any division that would separate one house from another in cases of an outbreak of one or more of the infections diseases to which the Tomato has shown peculiar susceptibilities. Such houses may be perfect from a cultural point of view, but they provide no safe- guard against contagion — an important point to consider when a large area is covered. On'. B. Malle.lt. [We have often called attention to this risk. Ed.] A WEIGHTY TESTIMONY TO THE MERITS OF GOLDEN DROP PLUM.— Were it not absolutely true that good wine needs no bush, the columns of the Gardeners' Chronicle would have been crowded with such as that borne by my old and able frieud Mr. Temple, of Carron, N.B. , as to the bearing and quality of this fine Plum. But Mr. Temple, whom his friends old and new are always glad to read and listen to, represents seven counties and two countries, and possesses a rich, mellow, and successful experience, testifies to this Plum doing exceptionally well in various places and aspects, especially on north walls. It speaks volumes as to the hardiness and fertility of this fine Plum that Mr. Temple should match the Golden Drop with- not against, the Victoria in those qualities in which the latter especially excels. No doubt surface, rooting is a great element in intensed fertility in this and other Plums, and in most of our fruits. Supplies of Golden Drops in private gardens through the month of November would prove a boon for late shooting parties, and probably, in the case of Mr. Temple and many others, they prove so luscious and popular, that few or none were left to finish the old or furnish fruits for several months in the new year. Still, I can assure all concerned that by following the simple instructions given, and growing a tine lot to start with, niost'of your readers may enjoy this finest of all Plums from nine to twelve months. D. T. F. FRUITING OF EUONYMUS. —In answer to your correspondent, J. E. Tonkin, as to the abundanoe of berries on the Euonymus, there is no doubt that it was owing to the last extraordinary hot summer. There are in this district great quan- tities of berries, especially on plants that are growing against walls. There were in 1893 and 1896 a good many berries, but never to the same extent as at the present time. The past summer was most favourable to the ripening of the fruits of Ampelopsis Veitchi, an occurrence which I have only noticed once before within the last ten years. I have enclosed a few berries which you will see have perfect seeds in them. E. Sandford, Bognm. Probably the almost tropical heat of the last two summers has had much to do with the fruiting of the Euonymus in Mr. Tonkin's garden. In a neighbouring garden, a variegated form of E. japonicus trained against a wall, produced last season for the first time panicles of fruit -. the bright scarlet arils of the seeds contrasted finely with the variegated foliage. Our native Euony mas europ;v?us has been more heavily laden than usual with fruit. This is a much-neglected species, it being a valuable subject for planting in and around woods, for it will thrive and fruit freely in a shady position and in poor soil. Its height in a wild state is usually about (i feet, but given generous treatment it will soon attain a height of from 15 to 20 feet. The Spindle, or Pincushion-tree, as it is sometimes called, is ol easy propagation ; this may be effected by layering, cuttings, or seeds. A Pomegranate planted in these gardens in 1831 has for many years flowered more or less freely, according to the season ; last year it produced its first and only fruit, which it perfected, and was of very fair flavour. In July this tree flowered in great profusion, having four flowers at the extremities of the strongest shoots. In south Cornwall the out-of-door Camellia bushes were last autumn laden with fruit. The suuny side of the fruit beiug of a reddish colour reudered them very attractive. A. C. Bartktt, Pencarroto, Bodmin. The paragraph dealing with this matter in last week's issue of the Gardeners' ChroiiicU was of interest to me, as a fen years ago 4a THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 20, 1900. I visited a small seaport about 3h miles from Redruth, on the north coast of Cornwall, where I was surprised to see the fruiting Euonymus Mr. Tonkin alludes to. When I returned to Redruth I looked all about, but I could not find a. buBh bearing a fruit. Every year since, I have made it my business to go to the seaside place named to ascertain if the fruiting was an annual occurrence, and to my surprise I found fruits in abundance, whilst inland the species is entirely fruitless The Euonymus grows vigorously on the Cornish coast in company with Privet. After a gale the latter will be found deprived of all its foliage, whilst the former seems to be not any the wor3e for the storm. Evidently these plants have a liking for the sea coast, and the mild climate enables their flowers to expand and become fertilised freely. An Old Kcwite, Redruth. ODONTOCLOSSUM CRISPUM MOORTEBEEKI- ense. — In reply to your favour re Odontoglossum, Gardeners' Chronicle, Dec. 9, 1899, p. 431, fig. 13G, there has been a mistake. The name should be 0. Lindeni ; and to make and set matters right I should like a note inserted in the Gardeners' Chronicle correcting the name. Please let me know that this will be done, and oblige, A . Warhurton, Vine House, Haslinr/den, Jan, 11, 1900. THE HATFIELD CURE FOR SPIDER. — I Saw this method of sulphur fumigating some years ago in the very extensive and most successful Rose-forcing establishment of Mr. John Dnnlop, Toronto. 1 think it was in the mouth of March when I walked through a house with him some 300 or 400 feet long, which was being fumed at the time. The vaporised sulphur was only just mildly unpleasant, and to the beat of my recollec- tion there were not more than three lamp? at work. These being shifted in sections of perhaps about 10 yards apart along the pathway of the house when sufficient vapour had been emitted at any one point. The Roses in this house were in all stages of growth, from those with the tenderest leaves and shoots to mature wood with flowers thereon. Mr. Dunlop used it as a preventative and exterminator of mildew, and considered it the most effective remedy for this pest. A. Ingram. I have read with much interest the corre- spondence through these columus on the cures fpr red-spider. I think that too much cannot be said or written on the subject, as it is the worst enemy the gardener has to deal with ; aud it is to be hoped that anyone who has a cure will make it known. What are the effects of burning sulphur (not merely evaporating) in the vinery when the Vines aie at rest ? T. A. [This is not safe, the sulphur injuring the buds. Ed.], SHRUBS FAVOURED BY BIRDS WHEN NESTING. • — In reply to Mr. Lynch's enquiry respecting favourite shrubs and climbers for birds to build in, I beg to submit the following for his perusal, namely : — Laurustinus, Azara integrifolia and A. microphylla, Eleagnus reflexus, and other species ; Smilax tamuoides, Berberis stenophylla and R. Darwini, Laurus nobilis, Myrsine africana, Loni- cera gigantea, L. japonica aurea, Crataegus pyra- cantha, C. p Lelandi, Cotoneaster microphylla, Myrtus communis, M. lineata, Ceanothus dentatus, C. Gloire de V ;rsailles, Physianthus albens, Camellia japonica, and Euonymus japonicus aurea. The above-mentioned are all adapted for nesting, and at Abbotsbury, where the birds are fostered always, and fed in the winter, they rest in them all very freely, especially if the bushes and climbers are allowed to grow naturally, and not trained in too flat and thin. I admit that most of the species mentioned have at this place the advantage of age, and they are all quite hardy, having withstood 20" of frost, excepting the Phy- sianthus, and I could thoroughly recommend the others, especially for planting against a warm wall. Joseph Benlio'i', Ahkotshurn. LATE PEARS. — It was exceedingly kind on Mr. Woodward's part to bring a few Pears and a dish of hail injured Apples all the way from Barham Court on the 9th inst., and thus to save the Fruit Committee at the Drill Hall from an absolutely blank meeting. The remarkable thing about the Apples, Reinette du Canada, was that though so injured and cut into by hail-stones that the fissures in them were an inch long and half an-inch deep, yet no decay had followed. Possibly something was due to the well-known dry flesh of the variety. In any case, the exhibit was very interesting. But the late Pears shown, Passe Crassane and Doyenne de Aleneon, both quite old varieties, indeed, were gathered from wall-trees twenty years' planted on a west aspect, were remarkable for their unusual size and fine development, hence the Cultural Commendation awarded. But Mr. Woodward holds that late Pears particularly need special attention, aud each winter he strips off the top soil from over the roots of the trees, puts on a good dressing of half-decayed animal manure, and replaces the soil. Then, towards the autumn, when the fruit is swelling, he gives the trees liberal waterings, as then they specially need such aid. Still further, as the fruits enlarge, each one is securely tied to the branch from which it hangs by a piece of soft string fastened to the stem, as such assistance greatly relieves the strain on the stem when maturity approaches. Thus the fruits are allowed to hang so long as they can safely. Each fruit is protected from birds, not by fancy aids, but by pieces of round card about 3| in. over. These pieces have holes punched in their centres, and a slit is cut from this hole to the outer edge in each case. Then, when fixed over the Pear, the slit is opened, passed over the stem, and then allowed to close, the centre hole holding the stem. These cards are effectual protectors, not only from birds, but also from hail. Mr. Woodward speaks in high terms of them from his wide experience. A. D. We can add our personal testimony that the exhibits at both shows were so numerous that considerable difficulty was found in placing them, and especially at the autumn display. The quality of the exhibits ketps pace with their increasing number, Lord Lothian was unanimously reelected President of the society, which was first instituted in 1809. Mr. D. P. Laird was appointed Vice-President by twelve votes, as against five given to the Earl of Moray. The following were chosen as Councillors: Messrs. George Maekinuon, Massie (Dickson & Co.), Bryden, Innerleithen ; ai.d James Morrison, Archer- field. During the past year the Royal Caledonian Horticul- tural Society had lost twenty-one members by death, includ- ing Mr. M. Dunn and Mr. W. M. Welsh, to whose work and memory a feeling tribute was paid. I>. T. F. SOCI ETI ES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Scientific Committee. January 9.— Present': Dt. M. T. Masters, in the chair; Dr. H. Miiller, Mr. Michael, Mr. E. im Thurn, C.M.G., and Rev. G. Henslow, Hon. Sec. H orse-radish Attacked by HhhofihrpJins.— Some roots of this, as also of the Lily of the Valley, attacked by this roite, were received from Mr. Abbey, of Avery Hill, Eltham, who for- warded a long list of plants likewise attacked. Mr. Michael observed that it is a subterranean species, and that although it prefers bnlbs, it is very injurious to many — indeed, most other plants with lieshy roots, though it may not thrive equally well upon them. As a remedy, Dr. Muller suggested lime and sugar or treacle, as being better and stronger than lime-water, as well as more persistent in its action. Mr. Michael also observed that heat, as in boiling water, was destructive, but the mite resisted chemicals to a remarkable degree. With regard to the life history, it passes through several stages, commencing with the egg ; this gives rise to a hexapod larva, then to the nymph, a very active octopod. After a new change of skin in a large number of cases, but uot in all, there emerges— with- out any discoverable cause— a being totally unlike the preceding, formerly known as Hypopus, having been thought to be a quite different genus. This has a soft body inter- nally, but covered with a hard and usually chitinous inte- gument. Its mouth organs are rudimentary, and it probably does not feed. It is provided with discs, by means of which it adheres to insect* such as ants, bees, beetles, &c, and to other small moving creatures. These it utilises as means of migration, clinging to them, but without being parasitic. As soon as a suitable environment is met with, the mite changes back into the last nymphal stage, and then proceeds to pass into the adult male or female condition. It may attack plants in all stages, except that of the migratory Hypopus. The HypTpus in practically .impervious to chemicals, and can endure without injury exposure to heat and drought, which would destroy the creature in any other stage. Apples injured by Hail.— Some fruit was received from Mr. Woodward, of Barham Court, Maidstone, which had received severe injuries from hailstones. But although the skin was cut through and the flesh exposed, this had dried up and so protected the interior, which had not at all decayed. The storm occurred on July 19, 1899. Mr. Michael observed that when birds plunged their beaks into Apples through thirst, the injured spots usually resulted in dcay. ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTI- CULTURAL. January 10. — The annual general meeting was held on the afternoon of the above date in Dowell's Rooms, Edinburgh. This is one of the oldest horticultural societies in the king- dom, and has rendered very distinguished services to horti- culture through the greater i^art of the century. It has two great shows in the year, the spring and autumn, both of which have done much to stimulate the love of horticulture among all classes of society, and they are so well supported by horticulturists as to strain to the utmost the ample resources of the Waverley Market. Mr. Buchanan of Peni- cuik occupied the chair. The secretary, Mr. P. Murray Thomson, read the report of the council, which regretted that neither at the spring nor the autumn shows was the attend- ance of the public such as the council desired and hoped for. EDINBURGH BOTANICAL. January 11. — A meeting of the members took place on the above date at their rooms, 5, St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, under the presidency of the Rev. D. Paul, the President of the Society. Dr. William Craig read the report of a three days' excursion to Kirkby Lonsdale, Yorkshire, of the Scottish Alpine Botanical Club. Commencing with a description of the character and formation of the various hills, he proceeded to give an account of the plants found upon them. Amid the more notable among these were the popular garden plants Lily of the Valley, Solomon's Seal, and other garden plants, here growing quite wild. These and similar plants were also found on other mountains, such as Tarleton Fell and Hutton Roof. The very rare Ribes alpinus was also found on Sedbergh, in company with Primula farinosa, and Genista tinctoria. Mr. Craig's paper was richly illustrated with lantern-slides. In conclusion, he stated that the Society was founded in 1S70, and gave a list of the principal plants that had been collected since that period. There was also ex- hibited an interesting collection of specimens collected during last year's excursion. Mr. J. A. Terras, B.Sc, also communicated a paper, suit- ably illustrated, on the "Lenticels of Solanuin dulcamara.' MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF ENGLAND ORCHID. January 11.— Richard Ashworth, Esq., Newchurch (gr. Mr. Pidsley), exhibited the rare Cypripedium venustum var. Measuresianum, the " albino " of the type, and was awarded a First-class Certificate for same ; also a very nice form of Cypripedium insigne Sanderianum, which has been previously dealt with by the Committee. E. Stanley Clark, Esq., Wrexham (gr., Mr. Edwards), showed Cypripedium insigne "Stanley Clark," the chief pecu- liarity of which was a kind of fusion of the spots on the dorsal sepal into almost a complete mass, similar to that which is typical of C. Boxalli. O. O. Wrigley, Esq., Bridge Hall, Bury (gr., Mr. Rogers), staged a group of well- grown Cypripediums, amongst which was a fine form of C. X Lathamianum aureum giganteum, a name that somewhat overwhelmed the plant ; C. insigne Berryauum was the best plant in the collection, it has a fine dorsal sepal of intense depth and fairly broad, while the markings are large and distinct (Award of Merit). T.Baxter, Esq., Morecame (gr., Mr. Roberts), staged a handsome little group of Orchids, principally Odonto- glossums. Dendrobium heterocarpum, also shown in this collection was very fine, being in a 14-inch pan, and having seventy or eighty pseudo-bulbs, about twenty-five of which were in full bloom (Cultural Certificate). A very fine form of Odontoglossum Wilckeanum was staged under the name of O. prinopetalum, which the Committee corrected, and an Award of Merit was voted to the variety. O. x Loochristiense was shown in flower, and was of better form than than exhibited at a previous meeting, it proves to be a very worthy acquisition to a popular class of plants ; no further description of this is necessary than to say that it is an O. X excellens, with O. x crispum for a parent, instead of O. Pescatorei (First-class Certificate). O. x crispo-Harryanum was exhibited from the same col- lection, and proved of much interest ; at first sight this plant seemed to be a form of a very rare natural hybrid, viz. O. x Wattianum, and showed strongly the supposed parents of that Orchid, being of a yellow ground work, heavily spotted with brown markings, this colour, it appears, developed with the age of the flower. Two other examples of this hybrid, shown by Messrs. Backhouse & Son, of York, had a whitish groundwork and brownish-red markings. The two exhibitors were awarded First-class honours for their plants. A Silver Medal was awarded to Mr. Baxter's group. W. G. Groves, Esq., Windermere (gr., Mr. Robertshaw), obtained an Award of Merit for a very good form of Cypripe- dium x Swinburnei magnificum. J. Leemann, Esq , Heaton Mersey (gr., Mr. Edge), had a few plants, amongst which were Odontoglossum crispum var. Papillon ; the varietal name is not quite descriptive, but the variety was good, aud an Award of Merit was given. O. x Adrians? var. ornatum, from the same collection, was awarded a First-class Certificate ; it belongs to that very handsome section of natural hybrids between O. crispum aud O. Hunne- wellianum, which cropped up a year or two ago. Cypripe- dium Lawrenceanum var. splendens proved to be a very striking variety, not too well shaped in its dorsal sepal, but certainly one of the richest-coloured forms extant (Award of Merit). January 20, 1900] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, 47 W. Thompson, Esq., Stone (gr., Mr. Stevens), showed a small group of Orchids, pretty amongst which were half-a- dozen well-flowered plants of Masdevallia tovareDsis. Odontoglossum Hunnewellianum var. superbum was voted an Award of Merit ; while Cultural Certificates were awarded to O. crispum var. Stella, bearing a spike 8 feet long ; and to Lfelia Gouldiana, a line plant, with many richly-coloured blooms. T. Statter, Esq., Whitefield (gr., Mr. Johnson), gained an Award of Meiit for Cypripedium x Leeanumv. Albertianum ; and a First- class Certificate for C. insigne, Harefield Hall var. Mr. John Robson showed a well- flowered Lycaste under the name of L. Leschenaulti, but which appears to be a form of L. lanipes, and an Award of Merit was given, subject to the name being verified. Messrs. Charles worth & Co., Bradford, exhibited Worthington's var. of Ludia anceps alba, but the llower had suffered in transit. T. W. Swinburne, Esq., Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, exhibited La-lia Jongheana in three varieties ; the peculiarity of the labellum is very noticeable (Award of Merit). E. Bostock, Esq., Stafford (gr., Mr. Gill), exhibited two good Cypripediums, viz.,C. - " Colin" (insigne alba marginata < villosum aureum) (Award of Merit) ; and C. x Lilian Green- wood (bellalutuui x barbatum), the latter of a very fine rich colour, and nicely shaped (First-class Certificite). P. W. SOCI^TE FRANCAISE D'HORTI- CULTURE DE LONDRES. The members and friends of this prosperous Society celebrated the eleventh year of its existence at its annual dinner on Saturday, January 13. It was held at the Imperial Kestaurant, Strand, there being a goodly assembly, over which M. Geoffbay, the Fiench Minister in England, presided. Among those present were M. Leon Clerc (Secretary of the French Chambre de Commerce), Mr. George Schneider (Presi- dent Titulaire of the Society), Mr. George Gordon, Mr. Thomas Bevan (Chairman of the Floral Committee of the National Chrysanthemum Society), Mr. Harman Pajne (Foreign Secre- tary of the same Society), Mr. Tucker, Mr. Gaskell, Mr. W. Howe, &c. The first toast on the list was that of " The Queenaud oth-r members of the Royal Family," which was proposed t»y t }j-- Chairman, and very warmly received. Then came the health of the President of the French Republic, proposed by Mr. Harman Payne. These were followed by "The Chairman," who, in reply, complimented the Society on its useful work, on its con- tinued prosperity, and expressing satisfaction at the way in which it was cementing the good fellowship that existed between English and French horticulturists. He thought that nations as a^rule did not know one another so well as they ought to do, and by means of snch a Society as this mud] inter-communication [of ideas arose, and could not fail to be beneficial. He concluded by asking them to drink to the " Continued Prosperity of the Society, and to the Health of its Olticers." Mr. Schneider responded, [and gave details of the past year's work, which are of the most satisfactory nature, there being an increase in the membership of upwards of 100. Financially there is good cause for rejoicing, and the Society was in the position of receiving substantial support from many mem- bers of the horticultural trade in England, and others, a e of whom he was pleased to see present ; while he regretted that others, viz., Mr. George Nicholson, Mr. Arnold Moss, Mr. Drost, Ac, were compelled through illness to be absent. He would conclude by asking them to drink the "Health of the Visitors." At this moment a tribute was paid to Mr. Schneider's interest in the young people, for whose benefit the Society was mainly started ; and a testimonial, consisting of a handsome pair of porcelain vases, was handed to him in recognition of his help and assistance. Mr. Schneider suitably acknowledged the unex- pected presentation. Mr. Harman Payne replied on behalf of the visitors ; and having proposed the "Health of the Absent Members," the proceedings were brought to a clobs, Class A., pr. lb. 14-19 per bushel 4 0-50 — Class B. , per lb. 10 — Wellingtons, — Muscata, CI. A., bushel 5 6-76 per lb 2 0-30 — Various, bushel 2 6-00 — Almeiia, dz. lb. 6 0- 9 0 — Nova Scotia, barrel 24 0 — various, barrel . 17 0-22 6 Lemons. Messina, Baldwins, 260' 6 0-12 0 barrel 20 0 — Lycbees, Chinese, Gr eenings, new, pkt., 1 lb. 10 — barrel IS 6 — Oranges, Denia, 420 8 0-14 0 Golden Rus- — Blood 8 6 10 0 sets, barrel 25 0 — — Jaffa, case of — Californian, 144 9 0 10 0 cases, New — Mandarin, boxes 0 9- 1 S Town and Red . 6 0-10 0 — Mnrcia, case of — Various Cooking 240 8 6 10 0 per bushel 2 6-60 — Valencia, case 13 0 15 0 Bananas, per bunch 6 0-10 0 Pears, half cases ... 10 0 — Chestnuts, per bag 5 0-56 — California^ Easter — Spanish 15 0 Beurre 12 0 — i iitrons, each 0 9-10 Pines, each 16-40 Cobnuts, per lb. ... 0 7J- Sapucaia Nuts, Jb. 1 0 — Cranberries, case ... 6 0-70 Walnuts, Naples, — American, per kiln-dried, per qt 0 4 — bush 20 0 — Plants in Pots.— Avuraqi Wholesale Prices. s. d. 5. d. i *. d. s. i* Adiantnms, p. doz. 5 0-70 Foliage plants, var., Arbor-vit*e,var.,doz. 6 0-36 0 | each 10-50 Aspidistras, p. doz. 18 0-36 0 ; Lily of Valley, each 19-30 — specimen, each 5 0-10 6 | Lycopodiums, doz. 3 0-40 i Crotons, perdoz.... IS 0-30 0 Dracjenas,var.,doz. 12 0-30 0 — viridis.perdo*. 9 0-18 0 Ericas, var., per doz. IS 0-36 0 Euonymus, various, per dozen Evergreens, var. , per dozen Ferns, small, per 100 Ferns, in variety, per dozen Ficus elastica, each Marguerite Daisies, per dozen ... 8 0-1- 0 Myrtles, per dozen 6 0-90 Palms, various, ea, 1 0-15 0 — specimens, each 21 0-03 0 Pelargoniums, scar- let, per dozen 8 0-1- 0 Poiusettias, p. doz. 18 Primulas, per doz. 5 0-8 0 Roman Hyacinth 4 0-1S 0 per dor. ... 10 0-12 0 16-76 Tulips i<- dOZ. ... 16-26 6 0-18 0 4 0-1S 0 4 0-60 IS THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 20, 1900. B Vegetables. ArtichokeB, Globe, per doz. — Jerusalem, per sieve Asparagus, Sprue, per bundle — Giant, bundle . — Paris, Green, per bundle — Spanish, bndl a 1 is, Channel Islands, per lb. — Madeira, per basket.. Beetroots, new, jer do; en . — iu bush. Broccoli, Cornish, crates ... Brussels Sprouts, p. sieve — per bushel Brussel's Sprouts, Tops, per bag... Cabbage, tally — dozen ... — Savoys, p. tally Carrots, English, p. dozen bunches — good, cwt. bags, washed Cauliflowers, dozen — Cornish crates. — Italian, baskets of IS Celeriac, per dozen Celery, red, per roll dozen Chicory, per lb. .. Colewort, p. bush. Cress, doz. punnets Cucumbers, doz. ... Endive, new FreLCh, per dozen — Batavian, doz. Garlic, new, per lb. — per cwt. Horseradish, Eng- lish, bundle ... — foreign r. bdle — loose, fine, doz. Leeks, doz. bunches Lettuce. French, Cabbage, per dozen -OS -10 0 U 0 6 0 5 0 1 0- 1 0- 5 0- 1 0- 2 0- 1 0- 4 0- 1 0- 4 0-10 0 i, i, 2 0 1 0 4 0 2 3 2 0 I 7 O 1 6 I — Average Wholesale Pricks e. d.t. d. '■ d. s. cf. Mint, new, Ch. Is., p. doz. bunches 4 0 GO M 0 — New French in boxes, lb. ... — 0 4$ 1 — Tineriffe, in 2 0- 2 6 | b xes, cwt. ... 9 0-14 0 , Radishes, Long, pr. 3 0- 3 6 | doz. ... ... 0 1")- 1 0 1 6- :i 0 Radishes, round ... 13 1 G r. 0 0 0 j Rhubarb, Yorlcs, pi. dozen bunches 1 3- 1 G :i fi - Salad, small, pun- l 9 - ■ nets, per dozen IS — Salsafy, bundle ... 0 4 — 8 0-1S 0 Scotch Kale, bush. 2 0-20 0 5— Seakale, per dozen 16-20 punnets ... 10 0-15 0 16 — Shallots, per lb. ... 0 3-0 3j 5 0 10 0 Spinach, French, crates -2 G~ 3 0 SpiDach, Winter, per bushel 4 0- 5 0 Sweet Potatos, lb... 0 3- Tomatos, Canary, deeps 3 0-4 6 Tomatos, Trays ... 16 2 0 Turnips, per dozen bunches : 0 i — cwt. bags ! Turnip Tops, bags Watercress, p. aoa. 1 0- 1 6 I bunches ... 0 9 0 10 1 9 2 '.) 0 2 14 0 1 6 1 0- 1 9 1 6 1 2 1 6 2 0- :: 0- 2 0 POTATOS. Main Crop. &c. 70s. to 90s. ; Dunbar Up-to-Date, 100j. ; Dunbar Main Crop, IQ5s. Other varieties, 655. to 85s. John Hath, 32 <£ 34, Wellington 8tre> t Remarks.— Trade generally is slow. Dunbar Potatos ara not in much request : good Savoys are a commanding vege- table ; Cauliflowers and Broccoli are lowiu price. Capefruits, according to advice to hand, are expected shortly ; Plums will be the chief part of the consignment. The French Onions now being sent in bags are of very good quality. {For remainder of Markets and Weather t see p, x.) Trade Note. THE RHODES NURSERY. MIDDLETON. CHANGE OF PROPRIETORS. We are informed by Mr. Alexander Hoyle, formerly gardener at Beech House, Heywood, Manchester, that he, in company with Mr. George Olarricoates of Manor House Gardens, Hallaton, Uppingham, have succeeded Mr. Isaac Simpson in the business of nurserymen, seedsmen, and florists, carried on at the Rhodes Nursery, Middleton, Manchester. Enquiry, A'HLBOTTIN's DRESSING FOE FRUIT- TREES. — Will some reader of the Gardeners' Chronicle kindly inform B. M. & Sons where they can obtain this protective dressing '!. Answers to Correspondents. Apples with Spotted Flesh : T. H. The fruit is attacked by Penicillium gliucum. which pene- • trates the rind by wounds or the lenticels, causing the brown-spotting noticed, and eventually the premature destruction of the fruit. Spraying several times in tie summer with the Bordeaux Mixture would keep the fruit free of fungus foes, and this one among others. Moist air in the fruit- room favours the spread of the fungus. Aspect and Ventilation oe Glasshouses : W. Brown. A house at right angles to the south must be at right angles to the sun's rays at !2 noon. Surely this is clear. Bottom ventila- tion as recommended as a means of ventilation is quite another matter from opaning the top ventilators of a vinery, for instance, to regulate the temperature. W: W. Books: R. Owen. An Illustrated Natural Hittoru of British Moth*, by Ed. Newman, was published by W. Tweedie, of 337, Strand, W.C., iu 1869. You might meet with the work at the second- hand book shops. Botanic Gardens : A. C. Brazil— Rio Janeiro ; Director, J. Barbosa Rodriquez. British Guiana — Berbice ; Keeper, R Huut. Georgetown, Super- intendent, G. S. Jenman. Peru — Jardinero Botanioo, Lima ; Director, M. de los Rios. Venezuela — Caracas, Jardin B)tanico, and Museo National : Director of latter, A. Ernst ; Jardin Botanioo de la Univeraidad, Director, P. H. G. Bourgoin. New Grenada — F. Carl Lehmxnn, German Consul, Popiyan ; systematic collections Orchids, flora of Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, &c. Chile— Santiago, Jardin Botanioo ; Director, Fredrigo Phillipi. Chrysanthemums ; /. A. IV. You are quite right ; the brown patches upou the leaves sent are the visible signs that the plants have been for some time attacked by the fungus Puccinia Hieracii, commonly known as the Chrysanthemum " rust'' fungus. You may find an illustration of a leif so attacked, and the fungus itself magnified, by referring to the Gardeners' Chronicle, October 8, 1S98, p. 269. Adopt the treatment there recom- mended. Double Mushroom : F. W. It is a case of the spawn having crept over the top of another Mushroom and vegetated there, and with the pileus (gills) uppermost. The occurrence is not rare in Mushroom-beds. — A. M. Such cases are frequent. Discoloured Blooms of Riciiardia, Primula, &c. : ft H., St. Leonards. The causes of dis- coloration may be various, namely, fumes fro in the furnace, from the hot - water pipea. from factory - chimneys, strong winds off the sea heavily laden with salt, ingress of frost, &c. You have set us a puzzle, and afforded no information that would assist our judgment. Gardeners' Wages during Illness : G. F. ft The usual practice is to pay full wages for a few- weeks, or till it is seen that complete recovery is in sight. In the case of prolonged illness, the matter would seem to us to rest with the em- ployer or his agent. There is no rule that applies, excepting in the cise of a gardener living in a bothy, who would have the same status as a domestic. Nameof Fruit: W. T. Gascoigne's Scarlet Seedling. Names of Plants : Correspondents not answered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the. following number. — Subscriber. 1, Phyllostachys aurea ; 2, Arundinaria japonica; 3, Arundinaria japonica ; 4, Arundinaria japonica (syn. Bambusa Metake) ; 5, Arundinaria nobilis : 6, Arundinaria auricoma ; 7, Arundinaria For- tunei. — W.Bean andG. ft Thank you for sending such good specimens. Oh, that there were more like you ! 1, Abies ooncolor ; 2, Picea Khut- row ; 3, Sequoia sempervirens (Red Wood) ; 4, Pseudotsuga Djuglasii ; 5, Picea Morinda ; 6, Gaultheria Shallon (extra fiae). — Sam. The yellow flower is Reinwardtia tetragyna, illus- trated in the Gardeners' Chronicle, December 15, 1894, p. 721. The other is probably one of the Aloe tribe, but it is impossible to say by the scrap sent. — Hartwell. A very good variety of Cypripedium x Leeanum. The other is Rhea discolor, commonly called Tradescantia discolor in gardens. Peach-border : Old Subscriber. If the natural soil is adhesive, or the situation low, raise the border a foot or higher than the general level. Make it at the least 2 feet deep, and put in rubble-drains at light angles to the wall, 20 feet apart and 3 feet deep. Cover the rubble with sods. If you possess the material, let the border consist of pasture - loam, which should be chopped up roughly, and mixed with one-sixth its bulk of horse-droppings and 2 bushels of lime-rubble per cart load. Make it at the least 1 foot higher than its future level, and trample the loam pretty firmly if it be not wet at the time. Failing a full supply of loam, the staple-soil must be used, but it should be brought from a part of the gar- den not previously cropped with stone-fruits, and it should have some fresh loam and the other substances mixed with it. We will give you the names of varieties in our next issue. Phylloxera: American Correspondent, Massachu- setts. We have not seen or heard of this in English vineries for the last few years. Radical measures, familiar to you, have kept the enemy at bay. In France and Switzerland, and in most wine -growing countries, grafting on American stocks has proved most successful. Bisulphide of carbon is an inflammable liquid, which requires care in using. No matches, and needless to say, no smoking, should be allowed in its vicinity. It is injected into the soil when the Vines are at rest, by means of a special syringe, manufactured by Vermorel of Paris. The quantity used is 10 grammes, or one-third of an ounce, and this i3 injected into the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches, or deeper in the case of heavy soils. One such injection will serve for one square yard. After the injection is made and the syringe withdrawn, stamp the soil round the Vine, so that the vapour shall not escape. The bisulphide, when properly apolied, kills the insect without injur- ing the roots, but it does not kill the eggs. If the soil is clayey, the results are not so satisfac- tory. We have no doubt Richards' XL All would prove very efficacious in the case of the leaf form, but in this country the leaf form was always less common than the root form, and we have had no opportunity of trying the effect of concentrated nicotine vapour. The winged form is said to appear about midsummer, but we have never seen it. If your second house is still free from the pest, put it in charge of a different set of gardeners, so that there shall be no com- munication " by boots " between the two. The winter egg is deposited on the roots in autumn, and hatched in spring. From May till October six generations of sexless insects are developed, varying in their character, the last formed descend to the roots in autumn. Take care to burn all affected pirts so far as possible. We thank you for your good wishes, and think you must be the worthy son of a worthy sire, since the peruBal of the Gardeners' Chronicle has become hereditary ! We, however, consider the Gardeners' Chronicle and its supporters much too young and vigorous to be likened to the "Grand Old Man ! " Tulips, Hvacjnths, Roman and Other, Failing T3 Grow : A. W. The case appears identical with some bulbs sent us in December last by " C. W." and " C. H.," and we would refer you to the reply given at p. 492, December 30. Vines and Peaches : /. Bean. You will be acting rightly by proceeding in the manner described. The proportion should be three-fifths loam, not much decayed in regard to its fibre; one- fifth lime-rubble or quicklime inpDwder, one fifth manure, but depending rather more in this aid to growth on liquid-manure afforded when growth is most active, much manure in a Vine-border under glass being undesirable. You might afford a manurial mulch iu the summer if your loam is light or sandy. Soot always does good when used in moderation ; in excess, it makes the sur- face pasty, and prevents the ingress of air to the roots. One pint to 2 square yards is enough to afford at one dressing, and thrice during growth is sufficient. It will not be enough to give all your attention to the top of the border ; but you ought to ascertain the state of the border and the roots down to the bottom, and the drainage. If the soil is found to be close in texture, and unduly wet. and the Vine-roots are destitute of the fiuer roots which collect nutriment, things are not satisfactory, and you will have to collect materials for a new border to be made next October or November. The drainage is a very important matter. Provided you do this, your Vines and Peach-trees may be kept in a bearing state for many years. Communications Received. — S. A. — J. K. Kiug.— S. H., Bitten Pooll.— Dr. Crie, Rennes.— G. M, Wrest.— O. T, Frogmore.— F. T.— T. P., Antwerp.-G W. -G. G-— A W. — B. W.— Bailey Wartds.— H. B. C.— D H., Coutich.— R D. J. E. J.— C. T. D.— G. Mackiulay.— A. C. F.— D. T. Fi- ll, w. W.— W. W.— E. H.-W. H. S — P. M. T.— E. M — G. H.— R. P. B.— St. Jutien Arabic DIED. — On January 16, Charles Wood, cf Woodlands Nursery, Maresfield, Uckfield, aged 84 years. c o O o a o p o o « erf < O O) w a u D Q >< h O H <1 W CO w a H O Z M O Q < w z w z M Q ft W W Q h < Z o z < a o o o CN January 27, 1900. J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 49 fulfil Ailif i^b^^ocf- THE No. 683.— SATURDAY, JAN. 27, 1900. CONTENTS. Adansonia digitata ... 58 Adiantnm c. v. imbri- catum 60 Agricultural Department in Aberdeen University 58 Apple Newton Wonder ... 60 Argyll Rose, a wonderful 51 Balchin, presentation to Mr. W 58 Book Notice- Publications received... 55 The Praise of Gardens 49 Botany teaching 58 Clematis Princess of Wales 53 Codlin moth, trapping the 60 Colonial notes 52 Education, rural 56 Euonymus, fruiting of ... 60 Forestry, rotation in ... 52 Fruits in Ontario 5S Gardening under glass ... 53 Grindelia patens 59 Kew notes 59 Law note- Pharmaceutical Society v. Whi.e 61 Obituary— Blackmore, R. D. 5S, 63 Fraser, John .., ... 63 Nuuns, John 63 Orchid notes and glean- ings— Dendrobium Curtisii ... 49 Hamaria discolor ... 50 Plant portraits Primula obconica, a ro- mance of Quince, the Roses for a penny-in-the- slot Ruskin, John, the late ... Seeds not true to name ... Societies — Devon and Exeter Gar- deners Royal Horticultural ... Society Nationaled'Hort. de France Sulphur-fuming Sussex fruits Sweet Pea, Bicentenary Celebration Tobacco in Canada Violets for exhibition. Ward, Mr. A Weed - killers and other poisons, sale of Week's work, the— Flower garden, the Fruits under glass Hardy fruit garden, the Kitchen garden, the ... Orchid houses, the Plants under glass Wood, Charles, the late ... Wye College manure ex- periments Zygopetalum mystacinum ILLUSTRATIONS. Adansonia digitata as growing in the Transvaal 07 Clematis Princess of Wales 53 Grindelia patens 59 Portrait of the late Richard Doddridge Blackmore ... 63 View of a White Argyll Rose in Canon Norman's garden, Berkhainstead 51 Zygopetalum mystacinum 50 "THE PRAISE OF GARDENS." rpHE Praise of Gardens, an Epitome of the Literature of the Garden Art, by A. F. tSieveking, consists of two parts. The first consists of quotations from writers on gardens arranged chronologically (pp. 1 to 313), and a " Historical Epitome " (pp. 315 to 413). The author is not so much concerned with the plants cultivated as with the characters of the gardens themselves. These are readily divi- sible into two kinds — rectangular enclosures with numerous beds, divided by small paths, which prevailed from the earliest times to the seventeenth century ; then, the more natural and varied character of park-like scenery, effected by landscape gardening, which began to supersede it, though both kinds may be com- bined, as they are about many of our English mansions of to-day. The earliest historical gardens are those of Egypt, pictures of which are engraved on the walls of tombs ; one from that of a military chief of the eighteenth dynasty was figured by Daubeny in his Roman Husbandry, and is re- produced by the present author. The ' ' hanging gardens " of Babylon appear to have been artificially constructed on arches bearing terraces, and rising in series one above the other. Those on the small island of Isola Bella, in the Lake Magiori, seem to be a good imitation ; all the earth for the last was brought from the mainland. The garden mentioned in the Song of Solomon is of the rectangular type, walled in, and pro- vided with raised beds of herbs. It was into such a garden that Ahab converted Naboth's vineyard. The Greeks had olive grounds and orchards, but no gardens that we know of, in our sense of the word. The ancient Romans appear to have done better ; for we have descriptions of gardens by Varro, Pliny, and others, both outside and within cities. Loudon, in his "History of Gardens" (in the Cyclopadia), gives plans of the Laurentine-villa on the Tiber, now called San Lorenzo. Pompeii has also preserved them, now restored and replanted, a3 shown by a photograph — an excellent example — growing in a rectangular enclosure, with pillars down the sides, trellises, ' pergolas, statuary and fountains, &o. In fact, it closely resembles a garden of the last century of some nobleman's establishment. Similar gardens, but simpler, existed by the early monasteries and abbeys, though, as the Hon. Miss Amherst points out, the relics of them are now few. Their contents consisted of kitchen -herbs and medicinal drug- plants, arranged in parallel beds, each bed being, as a rule, devoted to one kind of plant. Gardens of the Norman dynasty more re- sembled our orchards, as " comparatively few- trees or esculent plants were known in England till even the latter centuries." Little remains now of the old Abbey gardens ; but Miss Amherst has given a charming pho- tograph of a corner of the garden of Ash- ridge,* with its Box "knott" and edging, which may perhaps represent its primitive con- dition. Topiary work, a favourite form of ornament with the Romans, has been carried on even down to the present time. Of Italian gardens of the sixteenth century, the author refers to, and gives an illustration of those of "St. Germain-en-Laye, built for Henry II., running down to the Seine in a series of terraces, under which were grottoes in rock and shell-work, and figures disporting themselves in the waters, were considered one of the marvels of the age." Miss Amherst's illustration of a garden in a town, from a French MS. , of the late fifteenth century, shows how the Roman plan. of having a number of rectangular beds was persistently adhered to. Exactly such a garden is described by Carolus Stephanus in his little work, De Re Hortense Libelius, 1545, A.D.f The best and greatest example of Tudor gardens was that of Hampton Court. " They were characterised by moats and walks, while the ' knotted ' beds are railed with painted wands, or surrounded with low fences of trellis- work. Mounts at the corners, galleries, dials, cabinets of verdure, columns, and pyramids of marble, topiarian work and fishponds, complete the details." " As an introduction to the Elizabethan garden we must return to Italy. . . . The mediaeval Italian gardens are founded upon the Roman villas, evolving into fortified cities or monasteries, of which many of them occupy the sites." An illustration of the Villa d'Este, Tivoli, gives an excellent idea — " The terraces, rendered necessary by the hilliness of the ground, with flights of steps leading to the different levels ; the piazzas, for shade and air ; avenues and plantations of Olive, Vine, and Myrtle ; fountains, statuary, urns, and vases ; these are the decorative elements of the later * .4 History of Gardening in England, p. 26. + An account of this was given by the present writer in the Gardeners' Clironirk, December 11, IS!1", p. 425. stately architectural Italian gardens, with their line perspectives." The illustrations of the terrace and well-house in the garden of the late Mr. Harry, of Malta, given in the Gardeners' Chronicle, April 12, 1890, p. 447, will show how this type of garden was imitated there. We now reach the date of Gerarde's Herbal, 1597, when " physic gardens" were advocated. He himself proposed that one should be made at Cambridge, "to encourage the faculty of simpling." " The Herbal was, so to speak, the Catalogue Baisonne'ot the physic gardens, which, on the revival of learning, were instituted one after another throughout Europe." That at Chelsea is the last, still so called, in England. It must be borne in mind that plants were mainly cultivated for their medicinal values, real or imaginary, as well as for culinary pur- poses. Thus, the Cabbage, though always culti- vated for food, yet was supposed in Pliny's time to have eighty-seven distinct medicinal virtues '. And although plants with conspicuous flowers were grown, as Poppies, P;eonies, Mari- golds, Violets, Wallflowers, &c. , yet it was as much for their curative properties as for beauty, though many were used for chaplets and other decorative purposes. "The Dutch style of laying-out gardens, introduced into England by William III. and Mary, is not unlike the French ; but everything is on a smaller, almost too minute, a scale, and much care is expended upon isolated details and ornaments (often trivial), such as glass-balls, coloured sands and earth, flower-pots innumerable, and painted perspectives ; and the garden is usually inter- sected with canals degenerating into ditches." Hampton Court, in Queen Anne's reign, was the finest example in England of the Dutch style, of which a bird's-eye view is given, as it appeared in 1700. With regard to the second, or natural class of gardens, it appears " the reaction in favour of them was largely assisted by the letters of the French Jesuit missionaries describing the Chinese Emperor's gardens at Pekin," of which an illustration is given, ' ' begun in 1723, pillaged during 1860." " Landscape-gardening, as understood in the eighteenth century, may be defined as the curved versus the straight line . . . later on, the curved became less manageable ; and finally zig-zagged to such a degree that a witty French- man suggested that in order to design an English or natural garden, all that was requisite was to intoxicate your gardener and follow his footsteps ! " Several eminent names are asso- ciated with the new style, such as Kent, the originator of modern park scenery, and " Capa- bility " Brown, and "Amenity" Repton. The author finally considers some foreign gardens, European and Asiatic. The book is a very interesting one, and although the History of Gardens in England of Miss Amherst overlaps certain portions, this is immaterial, and the illustrations are good and apposite. George Hensloto. Orchid Notes and Gleanings. DENDROBIUM x CURTISII. In the year 1S96, Messrs. F. Sander & Co., of St. Albans, flowered a pretty-looking hybrid between Dendrobium x Cassiope and D. aureuni, and gave it the name at the head of this note. The same year the Right Hon. Joseph Chamber- lain flowered a cross between D. x Ainsworthi var. THE GARDENERS* CHRONICLE. [January 27, 1900. and D. x Cassiope, which bore a remarkable resem- blance to the one previously named. Indeed, it seems to be a characteristic of all D. :: Cassiope crosses, no matter how remote the other parent, to adhere closely in form and in the arrangement of the segments to D. Cassiope. A good example of D. x Curtisii has been sent by J. I. Holmes, Esq., Beechen Cliff, Bath. Its flowers, which are 3 inches across, have the sepals and petals arranged like D. Cassiope, white, with a faint primrose tint ; lip similar in colour to the petals, but with a bright purple disc. Flowers fragrant, like D. aureum. H.EMARIA DISCOLOR. With those who succeed in cultivating it suc- cessfully, this is an excellent white winter- flowering terrestrial Orchid, the handsome leaves rendering the plant well worthy of a place as an ornamental subject. The old form has velvety, olive-green leaves, purple beneath ; the variety Dawsoniana, dark bronze, veined with copper-red ; and the variety Ordianus, bright green leaves, with gold-coloured markings. All the species have much the same sort of flowers, which are borne in numbers from ten to twenty on the upper part of the flower'- stalks, which are about 9 inches to ! foot in height. The flowers are white with a yellow centre, and each has at its base a pinkish bract almost as long as the ovary. It thrives well in an ordinary stove- house, potted in turfy-loam, with a small quantity of peat and sphagnum-moss added thereto. A fine inflorescence taken from a plant which bears four spikes is sent by H. C'ary-Batten, Esq., Abbots Leigh, Bristol. the Pear and the Quince, are not natives of England, but are found wild in the southern parts of Europe. The Quince scarcely succeeds in the northern counties of England. It has not been known to ripen its fruit beyond the Tees more than twice in twenty years, though it flowers freely. The Medlar, the Walnut, and the Chestnut succeed no better." In Sussex the Medlar, the Quince, the Walnut, the Chestnut, and the Fig are all equally at home. There is the widest possible [superficial] difference between a Quince and a Medlar. The latter is a small, rough, brown fruit, with a very large superior calyx, which persists to the end. The Quince, on the other hand, has much the appearance, in the finest fruits, of a golden Pear with a smooth rind. Its shape varies, as does that of the Pear, but one species assumes the more globose form of the Apple when properly cultivated aud developed. It is a pretty sight for a stranger to gaze upon a Quince- tree when the fruit is ready for picking, but there are many people who find its peculiar and dis- ZYGOPETALUM MYSTACINUM. Described in 1S81 as Kefersteinia graminea from a plant collected by Falkenberg, and flowered by Consul Kienast-Zolly, of Zurich, it seems singular that this Zygopetalum should again appear in the same locality. The plant this time has flowered with Frau Ida Brandt, Brunnenhof, Riesbach, Zurich (gr., Mr. Schlecht), who kindly sends flowers and a photograph of the plant (rig. 14). It may be designated a pretty and curious botani- cal species, equal in merit to the plant known in gardens as Kefersteinia graminea. The sepals and petals are yellowish, the lip lighter in tint and nearly white, the callus and stalk of the lip pure white with purple dots. The species belongs to a section of leafy Zygo- petalums, including those known as Batemannia, Bollea, and Pescatoria, all of which are considered difficult to cultivate here. This difficulty most likely arises from the fact that Orchid growers keep them associated with pseudo-bulbous species. They thrive best when grown together in a tolerably warm, moist house (one inner compartment open- ing out of another house). Plants of this section usually do well with Miltonia Roezlii also, and like that species, they are liable to be greatly injured by cold currents of air. J. OB. SOME SUSSEX FEUITS. {Continued /mm p, 445, vol. xxvi.) II. — THE QUINCE. The Medlar, if not a true native, is naturalised in Sussex. Not so the Quince. It has never made any pretence to belong to the British flora. If, however, there is any county in England where it would be likely to escape the boundary of the orchard, and grow in the hedgerow, that county is Sussex. The fruit nowhere else attains so large a size or so rich a flavour and hue. In the north it is unknown. The correctness of the following note will be acknowledged by those who have studied the distribution of fruits, as well as by those who have resided in different parts of England and in foreign lands. " The cultivated Apple is thought to be a variety of the Crab, and may therefore be con- sidered a native of England. Its near relations, and Quyne, all of which correspond with the French Coin or Going, a Quince. All the forms are ultimately referable to Italian Cotogna, the Latin Cotoneum, which stands for Cydonian, and so brings us to the Greek word for the Quince, namely, Cydonian Apple. Cydonia, "' one of the chief cities of Crete, was one of the places where it was originally cultivated with great success, and when the Greeks saw it there, or received it from the City, they applied this name to it, just as we still call the little dried Grapes which our merchants bring from Greece, Corinths, or Currants. This custom of naming products after their place of growth or export is common enough. We have port from Oporto, while sherry and many other names tell the same story. Having traced the name back to the Greeks we may now make the early allusions to the fruit our starting point, and bring its history down to modern times. As no name for the Quince has been found in Sanskrit it is assumed that the fruit was unknown to the early Aryans. This suggests that it did not grow "^ Ik V St; ^JB^^^^ A [ - - >^^ [Wpck*.o* *» Fid. ]4. — ZYGOPETALUM MYSTACINUM. tinctive scent objectionable. Just as some people never acquire a taste for the Mango or the Tomato, so there are those who cannot relish the Quince. It is curious to note the effect of false derivations. Thus in French the Quince-tree is known as the Coignassier, and an able writer affirms that the name was applied to it because the disagreeable odour of the fruit requires that it should be placed in a coign or corner of the orchard or garden. I called one day in November on some friends, who grow a considerable number of Quinces. As we chanced to allude to the subject, the gentleman said he would bring me some specimens. He left the room, but on returning said the cook had made them all into jelly as soon as they were brought in, because the odour tilled the house unpleasantly ! It would appear that Du Hamel thought the name had been coined by the French, whereas a simple reference to the form it assumes in the allied languages would instantly have shown him that the name had an origin and history quite indepen- dant of Gaul. The history of the name is long and interesting. In Sussex it is frequently called Quintzey (perhaps because it had some supposed connection with quinsy), and in old books it is spelt Quence. Earlier still we find it in English as Coin, Coine, beyond Central Aisia, although it is found wild in the woods in the northern parts of Persia, where it is known as Haivah. This may be the same word as the Russian aiva— the cultivated Quince, as dis- tinguished from the word armud, from the Arme- nian armada, the wild Quince. The names which exist in Poland, Albania, and elsewhere, are evidently not imported, but belong to the lan- guages of the people, from which we may reason- ably infer that the fruit was not introduced commercially, but was known ages ago as an indigenous growth, or a fruit which had long become established in those countries. Pliny, the verbose and gossipy author of a work on natural history, which constitutes a vast store- house of information on all that the ancients knew about these matters, has something to say respecting the Quince, which shows its antiquity in Greece. With all gravity, he informs us that a circle is traced around the root of the tree, and the root itself is then pulled up by the left hand. If care be taken by the operator to state at the time what is the object for which the root is procured, and for whom it is required, it may be successfully * Some writers assert that Cydonia was so named on account, of its fruitful l) ess in Quinces, but they do not say how the Quince obtained its name. January 27, 1900.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 51 worn as an amulet, or employed as a cure for the scrofula. One is reminded of the Mandrake, and the curious rites associated with that wonder- working plant. From Pliny also we learn that from it an oil was extracted. It was called melinum (from Mf Ion, a fruit, an Apple ; the Quince being known as Melon cydonia), and in order to make it choice must be made of fruit which had grown in a dry soil. For this reason Quinces, which were imported from Sicily, were moBt highly esteemed. The Quince-tree has twice been found figured among the frescoes of Pompeii, which indi- cates the knowledge the ancients possessed of it. In Pliny's time the fruit was suspended on the statues of the divinities which ornamented the bed-chambers of the rich. This custom lends colour to the statements frequently repeated by early writers, that the Quince was associated with love. It was consecrated to Venus, and looked upon by Grecian lovers as a token by which they pungent smell, and also ripen later than the others. De Candolle remarks that, though this fruit was probably naturalised in the east of Europe before the epoch of the Trojan war, it has been little modified by cultivation, and is as hard and acid when fresh to-day as it was in the time of the ancient Greeks. As to the distribution of the Quince, we find it wild in Northern Persia, " near the Caspian Sea, in the region to the south of the Caucasus, and in Anatolia. A few botanists have also found it apparently wild in the Crimea, and in the North of Greece ; but naturalisation may be suspected even in the east of Europe, and the further we advance towards Italy, especially towards the south-west of Europe and Algeria, the more it becomes probable that the species was naturalised at an early period around villages and in hedge- rows." Though there is no Hebrew name for the Quince, the tree grows wild on Mount Taurus ; i 'L**4 v* ''-*. 'i «, . ...»*' ** -^ J"" V- "" "•":■.- ^^ ^ *» ' $r?' ■'•'0^i*»' * ' »• - . f* * -V * - * ' ■ if----' ' *>* F \*. •-. v;^*#»^x= ftp*- «*TL v*? * £f % - ' ■"» ' * ' '*• '■£* ■ 0 -. < TO * : >* i t n. ' '"i/y \ '■■ •- i •Sit iP it. V%" Fig. 15. — the white aegyll rose, gbowisg in canon nohman's garden, bkkkhamstead. might express their amours. It is often affirmed that this fruit constituted the Golden Apple of the Hesperides. One species was named Chrysomelum, which literally means Golden Apple, and Pliny describes it as having indentations and a colour inclining to gold. He makes also certain allusions to the other species of Quince known in his day, from which we may cull the most important facts. "The fruit called by us Cotonea, and by the Greeks Cydonia, was first introduced (he says) from the Isle of Crete. These fruits bend the branches with their weight, and so tend to impede the growth of the parent tree. The varieties are numerous." Next to the Golden Apple he puts "the one that is known as the Italian Quince, which is of a paler complexion, and has a most exquisite smell." Probably it was on this account that these fruits were placed "in the ante-chambers of great men, where they receive the visits of their courtiers." The peculiar odour which is offensive to some, is exceedingly grateful to others. Pliny adds, that the Quinces of Neapolis are also held in high esteem ; while the smaller varieties have a more its distribution seems, therefore, to correspond pretty generally with that of the Medlar. It is quite naturalised on the open hill sides near Fuu- chal, in Madeira, particularly across the valley to the Eouth-west of the church. The "slender, tough, flexible, twig-like branches " are much used by the Portuguese as riding-switches. The fruit is "irregularly globose, or short and thick, more or less knobbed, of an uniform golden-yellow colour ; austere, hard, and inedible, with a slight taste of garlic, but very fragrant, and making a , delicious marmalade, which is in particular request among the Portuguese, especially as a remedy in colds and sore-throats." Turner tells us that in his day the juice of a raw Quince was regarded as a certain autidote against deadly poison. In folk- lore we rind that it is a favourable sign if one dream of Quinces, as a speedy deliverance from sickness and other troubles is indicated thereby. The folk lore of the fruit is, however, usually of an erotic character, and does not bulk largely among the Anglo-Saxon race. As for its mode of growth, we learu that the Greeks already produced the finest fruit by graft- ing. They employed a wild or common variety of the Quince for the stock, while the graft was taken from the superior kind, which came from Cydon. With ourselves, the Quince is raised by layers, but budding and grafting are also resorted to, and the Pear is often employed as a graft, with the Quince as stock. The fruits require great care in gathering and storing, since they are readily injured by rough handling, in spite of their apparent firmness. Wasps often attack them to such an extent that the whole crop begins to decay as soon as gathered. There are now several varieties in cultivation, the fruit in one case being shaped like a Pear, in another re- sembling an Apple ; while the Portugal Quince, with its oblong, more juicy, and less harsh fruit, is in special request for marmalade, the pulp assuming a beautiful red or purplish tint when carefully prepared. With many people, this kind of preserve is held in the highest esteem. It should be observed that though the word marma- lade is now principally used of a conserve made from Oranges, it originally related to Quinces, and came from the Portuguese, who call that fruit "Marmelo," and the tree " Marmeleiro. " This name is associated with the Latin Melimelum, sweet or Honey-Apple Quince, and the Greek word for a sweet Apple, or an Apple grafted on a Quince stock. Though the fruit is not eaten raw, it is much esteemed by many people when cooked with Apples in pies and tarts. A syrup is made from its juice, and the seeds are employed in medicine on account of the mucilage they yield. It has an emollient effect on cracked lips and inflamed parts, and is also employed by hair-dressers when making plaits and braids. The old Greek phy- sician, Hippocrates, employed the fruit as an astringent in cases of diarrhcea. In Sussex, a further use is made of it by the careful housewife, who places the fruit among her linen, and thus imparts to the wardrobe a grateful odour, while at the same time she keeps the fruit under the best possible conditions. Gerarde has much to say anent the Quince, but he closes his notice with words which are very suitable to our present study. There are, he says, " many other things which, for brevitie sake, I let pass." Sussex Naturalist. A WONDEEFUL ARGYLL-ROSE. The accompanying photo fig. 15), taken during last summer, shows a wonderful display of white Argyll-Roses in the gardens of Canon Norman at Berkhamstead, Herts. The flowers are commonly produced in loose clusters of three to seven. It would seem that two Yew-bushes were origi- nally planted at a distance from each other of 4 to 5 feet. Two Rose-trees were also planted, the intention evidently being that they would in the course of time cover the arch. Presumably, one Rose-tree has died, but the remaining one has sworn eternal friendship for the Yew-trees. From the first they have grown up together. The Rose utilises the Yew for its support, and hangs over it everywhere with its Ion" trailing branches and exquisite festoons, covered with pure white blossoms, which, with the Yew's background of dark green, makes a very striking picture. It is impossible to estimate the number of blooms during the season, but the following measurements will give some idea of the dimensions of the tree. The Yew-tree has a circumference at its base of 4 feet S inches, and is 28 feet high. On the south side it is 25 feet long, on the east 17 feet, and on the north 22 feet. The Rose has a circumference of 5 feet [?] at the base ; and only a little more than a foot intervenes between the bole of the Yew and the stem of the Kose. At a few inches from the base the Rose throws up eleven great stems, with an average circumference of about S inches. These stems spiead through the Yew iu every direction, on the 52 THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE, [January 1900. south side to a height of 22 feet, and then branching very freely, hang over in festoons about two-thirds of the way down on that side. The Rose clothes the east side, and it is here that it is most dense, and spreads itself over the whole length of the north position ; not content with this, it covers all the nearest sides and top of a wire structure of three arches which is at the northeast corner. W. Percival Westell. Forestry. ROTATION IN FORESTRY. {Continued from vol. xxvi , p. 430.) A very general opinion exists among planters that rotation is as necessary in forestry as in agri- culture. A good deal is, however, assumed in regard to farm and garden crops that is not borne out by the facts ; but in the case of forest-trees it would almost seem that rotation is of little or no consequence. I am not here speaking so much of trees succeeding trees, but of the same species of trees following each other generation after genera- tion— probably from prehistoric times in some cases. I had lately sent me, by one of the Jarrah timber companies in Western Australia, the late Mr. Ednie Brown's report of the forests there (in connection with the business of one firm), from which it would appear that the different varieties of the Eucalyptus must have grown on the same soil from a remote period of the world's history, and that the young seedlings still keep coming up in the greatest abundance where clearings have been made, while trees of all ages are found iu the same tracts of forest. In fact, the Jarrah forests appear to be unlike natural dense forests elsewhere, inas- much as the trees are comparatively thinly distri- buted, and not even-aged, an enormous extent of ground having to be ransacked by the owners of lots to get trees of the right dimensions, many small poles and trees being left. To supply a greater variety of useful timber, Mr. E. Brown proposed, had he lived, to introduce quite a number of our European Firs and hardwoods to Western Australia, the timber of these species being at present imported from Europe. It is the same in the great timbered regions of Europe. Iu the Hartz Mountain region they have no traditions of anything but Beech and Spruce mainly ; while on the sandy plains further south it has always been Scots Fir principally, the original soil having been long buried deeply by the humus that has accumulated from the fallen leaves, and resembling the black surface-mould in America where the Pine forests have been cleared. William Black, the novelist, describes in one of his books hese gloomy, dark Pine forests, under which no vegetation is seen except the dark green moss, which keeps asserting itself above the constantly augmenting deposit of Pine leaves and cones that fall from the trees. In the case of the Spruce Fir forests of Germany an attempt is made to clear the ground of the old stools before replanting with the same species, but it occurred to the writer that the clearance was only partial, numerous roots being unavoid- ably left in the Boil after the stools were removed, digging or trenching being out of the question. In the Beech forests the stools are left to decay. The same course of reproduction has boen going on for thousands of years in the old Scots Fir forests in Scotland — Scots Fir, Birch, or Heather, growing together or succeeding each other where Nature has had her own way. The Heather disappears under the Scots Fir, but reappears again when the Firs are cleared off, no matter how long the forest has existed. On one highland estate, about which there was trouble among the heirs, much fine Scotch timber was felled, the ground being left uncared for, and in a few years the Heather was knee-deep. Indeed, the common Heather may be regarded itself as a kind of timber crop that ' goes on for ever " on the same soil. In England there are numbers of natural old Oak woods that have continued as long as any records exist, not only producing fresh generations of trees from seed, but crops of poles of good useful size from stools until the third and fourth generation. I have ofteu found little families of Oak poles occupying a circle of ground that had once been occupied by the original stools long since decayed, leaving only the outer ring that held the groups together. I am of opinion that it is a matter of little con- sequence how often we repeat the crop so long as trees only are produced, and coarse weeds and under- growth are kept down. But once old woods become thin some usurper invades the soil, and the common Bracken is one of the worst. I know old and thin woods where, during the past thirty years, the Bracken has advanced over the ground in a square line — pushing on and on in front, killing underwood and all other growth in its progress, and never exhausting itself, but thriving on its own dibi is till you could cut the rhizomes out in solid blocks with a spade. It appears to me that when a wood is kept with close cover the trees themselves provide more food, on the soil, than they consume. I certainly know plantations sixty years old, and some less, in which the leaf-mould is now so deep that one could shovel it off, and in this mould, and between it and the original poor soil nearly all the fibrous roots of the trees appear to be. A spade cannot be inserted anywhere on the surface without cutting into masses of roots. Originally the ground was a miserable cliff of rocks and stones, without much soil of any sort. This is the experience also of Continental foresters. Trees want but little else than a root-hold from the soil, and what they take up in the shape of food they more than put back again, and there is always the rain from heaven, and the original soil besides, to supply their quota. J. Simjison. Colonial Notes. «. — , NOVA SCOTIA. It is pleasing when one so constantly hears grumbles about the British climate, to find some part of it held up for admiration. The climate of Southern Nova Scotia is, says the Canadian Horti- culturist, such as to make it ;> favourite resort in summer from the heat of New York and Boston. "The summer fogs are very constant. . . . This condition of things explains why it is that Straw- berry-growing has lately been found so remunerative, and that Roses are grown to such perfection." GAEDENING UNDEE GLASS.* (Concluded from p. 35.) We have now considered the fundamental principles whicli underlie indoor gardening, namely, the construction of houses, tempera- tures, shading, ventilation, water, and soils. I propose to conclude this paper with a few observations on the — Present Style and Taste in Indoor Gardening. Commercial gardening differs from ;esthetic gardening, in that the end in view of each is not the same. The nurseryman and market-gardener grow to sell, and all their arrangements are distinctly utilitarian. It is from them, how- ever, that many valuable lessons in horticultural practice may be learnt. Their object is ever to produce the best and the most by the quickest and cheapest methods. They cover large areas of land with light, generally cheap, structures, designed however to catch all the sunlight and heat possible. The internal arrangements for * From a Paper read at the Kew Mutual IiiiproveineDt Society. the accommodation of their plants are often, apparently, of the most make-shift character, but essentially perfect for the end in view. Much of the market-grower's produce is forced — that is, grown under conditions which, whilst favourable to rapid development, are generally more or less destructive. Both in the United States and in England, the progress made in this one department of horticulture within the last half of the century has been most rapid, and where one acre was covered with glass fifty years ago, twenty are covered now. The number of large establishments devoted to the cultiva- tion of decorative plants in pots is another striking feature of modern commercial horti- culture. These are managed on the most economical methods, but in the best of them one sees abundant evidence of wise fore- thought, careful planning, and a knowledge of the factors essential to success. I am certain that these methods, compared with those of the ordinary garden, are controlled by a greater knowledge of and attention to important details. Whilst nothing is wasted, at the same time everything essential is provided by the up-to-date market - grower and nurseryman. True art in indoor gardening, however, does not concern him. He manufactures material ; he studies only the question of supply and demand. 1 made the following observations a few months ago when noticing the new department in the winter- garden at Kew : hitherto, true art in the garden has been limited to gardening in the open air, but if the cultivation of orna- mental plants under glass is to continue to find favour in this country, considerable reform of means will be necessary. The eternal red flower-pot, stages, exposed hot-water pipes, and the ugly foimality in arrangement, which characterise most plant-houses, are tolerated only because we have not learnt to grow plants under glass as they are grown out-of- doors. A collection of alpine plants in pots- would appeal to few tastes, whereas the same plants arranged in Nature's way among stones- produce an effect that is pleasing to all. Hardy shrubs or trees grown in pots or tubs would not only be unsatisfactory to look at, and costly to keep, but they would not grow into character, however great the care bestowed upon them. Yet we continue to contort, ill- treat, and starve our indoor plants by confining their roots in pots, and setting them on stages where they are often as unhappy as they look. There are, however, evidences here and there of reform in this matter, and the results are, so far, so satisfactory that all who love glass- house gardening must follow sooner or later. These new structures at Kew are examples of what is meant ; the plants being set out in beds, so that one walks among them with very different feelings from those experienced in the old-fashioned, big conservatory, where tub and pot, and a huddled arrangement prevail. The tendency is to grow too many plants in a glass-house. In a botanic garden, the col- lector's spirit must predominate, but even here much more selection should be practised than is usual. In the private garden, however, the first aim should be a pleasing arrangement, and this can be obtained by abolishing the stage and flower-pot, and substituting beds of soil in which the plants can be permanently placed. The difference in the first cost between this and the pot-and-stage system is as three to one. There is a belief among gardeners that bottom-heat would be necessary for tropical plants if grown in beds ; but this is quite a January 1900] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, -JO mistake, as may be seen in various tropical houses at Kew, where the plants are thriving in unheated borders. Some plants cannot be easily accommodated except when grown in flower-pot or basket ; but these are com- paratively few. 1st, that the plants cannot be removed to less conspicuous positions when leafless or otherwise unattractive ; 2nd, when planted out they are apt to rush into a luxuriance of growth, and soon become too large for their positions. A well-groomed plant should be interesting at all Fig. 10. — clematis princess of waxes. The ideal glass-house garden would be one where the plants are arranged and planted in the ground precisely as when grown in the open air, the structure over them being as light and unobtrusive as possible. Such houses would not be costly, and there is plenty of proof that they would afford far better conditions for the plants than the most carefully-designed house of the ordinary pattern. The only possible objections to this planting- out or natural treatment or indoor plants are, times. We do not want to dig up our Roses or other hardy shrubs because they are leafless and flowerless for some time. With regard to the rapidity of growth, I would say that it is surely better to have a healthy, luxuriant specimen for two or three years than a miserable half-starved scrag of a plant for twenty. If a succession of plants be kept up in the propagating department, so that overgrown specimens may be rooted out and replaced, the changes thus brought about would be commendable rather than otherwise. Even small houses can be made picturesque by the adoption of some such natural arrangement as that in the Nepenthes-house at Kew, for instance, where not only is the general effect pleasing, but the individual plants are far more attractive than they ever could be if grown in pots or pans. The improvement in gardening art, so marked within the last twenty years, has not yet affected the indoor department. People of taste find more pleasure and interest in the rock-garden, the herbaceous border, the shrub- bery, and arboretum than among the plants in the houses, and consequently indoor gardening receives less attention than formerly wa9 the case. This is due largely to the inartistic arrangements which characterise the ordinary conservatory, stove, or Orchid -house. By making an effort to get rid of all that is ugly in our plant-houses, and by affording to the plants treatment more suitable to their requirements, we may probably induce more to take an interest in the houses than do now. We must get out of the old rut formed in the days of our grandfathers. I believe we have all the appliances to enable us to produce much better results than we do now, if we only study them and the plants we have to grow. CLEMATIS PEINCESS OF WALES. This, though one of the older varieties, is still one of the best, being, as stated in Moore and Jackman's The Clematis, an exceedingly fine Clematis, remarkable for its refinement, and the substance and richness of colouring of its flowers (fig. 16). It belongs to the lanuginosa series, flowering early, and having very large flowers, some 7 inches across, of a bluish-mauve colour, with a satiny surface. It was raised in Mr. Jackman's nursery at Woking. The Week's Work. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By A. W&rd, Gardener, Stoke Edith Park, Hereford. Morello Cherries. — As these bear on the wood made in the previous year, the method of training them is somewhat similar to that accorded the Peach. It follows, therefore, that the pruning needed is of the same nature as the Peach, with this difference, and that if branch-pruning is necessary it may be practised freely. I have never known harmful results to follow : but, on the contrary, much good, and old trees can be entirely rejuvenated by its adoption. Spraying. — When training and nailing are com- pleted, the trees should either be sprayed or washed with an insecticide while growth is still dormant. Spraying is the most economical method of applying insecticides, there being less waste of the insecticide. Nothing, I think, can surpass the caustic alkali solution, the use ef which now is gaining ground in this country. Some are nervous about its use, but there need not be the slightest apprehension if the formula for making it be strictly adhered to, and the best of chemicals employed. It is made by taking 1 lb. each of caustic soda and crude potash (the latter can now be bought in a soluble form, 1 pint of which is equivalent to 1 lb. of the dry chemical), and place these in separate wooden buckets or tubs, pouring boiling water on them, and when dissolved mix both together, and dilute to 10 gallons. The person making this wash should be careful not to hold his head over the vessels when first pouring the water on the chemicals, as they boil violently, neither should he let any of the resulting liquid touch his hands. The solution should be applied while hot through a proper sprayer, fixed either on a syringe or at the end of a hose attached to a garden -engine. The latter is the best means for applying it where there are maoy trees, and a length of tube for reaching to the tops of walls and tall trees 54 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [[.January 27, 1900. out in the open should also be provided. At the strength mentioned it may safely be used for Plums, Pears, Apples, and Cherries. For Apricots, Peaches, and Nectarines, dilute to 14 gals. Those who altogether object to its use may employ petroleum emulsion, or one of the many insecticides now sold, applying it according to the directions. The recipe for making petroleum emulsion having been given so often in these columns, it is un- necessary to repeat them. Bush Apples and Pears. — After the wall-trees are pruned, these will be next to claim attention. If all summer growths on the spurs were stopped last August, the chief thing now to he done is to shorten back any pieces of wood then left of too great a length, and cut back leading shoots accord- ing to the available space. On bush trees which have reached full limit, this will mean cutting them back to three or four buds ; and on others, where there is still room for extension, to one-third or one-half their length. The spurs on old trees, when they are grown too long, should be thinned in the manner advised for wall-trees. This will lead to a sacrifice of bloom buds, but the remainder will benefit by it, and the resulting produce will be •all the finer. Pay particular attention to varieties which set fruit-buds on the tips of the young shoots, which should be left till next autumn, and then cut back. A few varieties prone to do this are Cornish Gilliilower, Gascoyne's Seedling, York- shire Beauty, Ecklinville, Tyler's Kernel, Pott's Seedling, &c. Take out bodily a few of the worst- placed or cross branches in trees that are too crowded. Trees, the shoots of which were not pinched in the summer, will stand in need of a considerable amount of pruning at this season. This winter- pruning may be avoided by stopping all growths, excepting the leaders, iu the month of August. Young bushes should be so pruned, that only suffi- cient shoots are left to form the framework of the future tree, and no more, and all others should be spurred iu. For bushes, a centre or leading branch is not necessary, and with some varieties, or such as are strong growers, it is not desirable. Each branch should have sufficient space, so that when fully developed, sunlight and air have free play among them, and each will thus in course of time become clothed with fruit-spurs from base to tip. With the aid of a few stakes and some tarred twine the branches miy be drawn down, and made to assume their proper positions, if they do not do so naturally. In the course of two or three seasons these branches become rigid, and need no further attention. Espaliers and borders need precisely the same treatment with regard to cutting back to three buds all growths on spurs, and the thinning out of the latter when of undue length. Take care to leave shoots on young trees to extend them both laterally and vertically, and these should be cut back to firm and well-ripened wood. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. Yodno, Orchid Grower to Sir Fredericx Wioan, Bart., Clare Lawn, East Sheen. Cool Odontoylossums. — The species O. crispum, O. Andersonianum, 0. Ruckerianum, 0. Wilcke- anum, 0. Pescatorei, 0. Halli, 0. luteo-purpureum, O. triumphans, and some others, are, at this season, developing their pseudo-bulbs, and pro- ducing flower-spikes and fresh roots, and should in consequence not be allowed to get into a state of absolute dryness. Owing to the mildness of the winter, these plants have not been subjected to too much fire-heat with its evil effects, and their present appearance gives promise of a good show of bloom. The need of but little artificial heat calls for less damping-down and affording water to the plants. Any of these plants which were not re- potted or surfaced may now receive attention, or as early as the conditions of growth permit. When repotted as they should be — just previous to roots appearing at the base of the new growth — rather more than ordinary care should be taken when affording water, the roots soon entering the new materials and requiring it in some quantity. Snails and slugs, which do much harm if allowed to exist, must be sought for nightly. Odontoglossum Rossii. — This plant is usually grown in hanging baskets, and its flower-scapes are now being formed, which occurs just previous to the pseudo-bulbs reaching full dimensions and maturity, consequently a liberal supply of water will still be needed by the plant. Odontoglossum Ceroantesii and (Erstedi having completed the growth of their pseudo-bulbs should receive water at longer intervals of time, and be allowed to remain dry for several days. Odontoglossum Edwardi. — This species when under cultivation does not seem to make its new growth at any regular season, different plants showing diverse stages of progress at about the same date. Their season of flowering is the spring, and any plants the flower-spikes oi which are in course of development, should be allowed to remain dry for a few days before affording more water. Plants which are still growing, but have not formed new roots, should be noted, and when the latter seem prominent, repotting or surfacing per- formed as may seem required. After the removal of decayed material, place the plant in a clean Orchid-pot, rather more than three parts filled with drainage, working in amongst the roots and packing well up to the base, a compost consisting of lumpy peat two parts, and one part of fresh sphagnum- moss. When finished, the base of the growing part should stand slightly above the rim of the pot. Be rather cautious in affording water before the roots have entered the new material, but let enough be applied as will keep the sphagnum-moss alive. A good position for the plant is one where a few degrees more heat are obtainable than the cool-house affords. Odontoglossum^ cirrhosum and elegans. ■ — These species require more warmth than O. crispum, as well as much drier conditions at this season ; any excess of moisture at the root or in the air being apt to bring on the decay of the tips of the leaves, if not something wTorse. Odontoglosstun cilrosmum should occupy at this season a position in the intermediate house, being either staged or suspended near the glass, and afforded water only when shrivelling in the pseudo- bulbs becomes severe. With this plant, soon after the last made pseudo-bulbs attain to full size, new growth emerges from the base, out of which, when this has progressed an inch or more, the flower- spikes protrude, and untd this occurs water is almost unnecessary. Odontoglossum^ grande and Insleayi likewise re- quire a very small quantity of water from this date until the end of the month of May ; and a very suitable place for them is found on a shelf in the intermediate-house, where there is little risk of water reaching them when damping down. Wood- lice injure the roots during the resting period, and must be kept under by traps of bits of Potato, Turnips, or Carrots, made with a cavity in them, placing these on the pots, and frequently examining them for the marauders. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By J. Benbow, Gardener to the Earl of Ilchester, Abbotsbury Castle, Dorset. Pruning Deciduous Flowering Trees and Shrubs. — Many of these invaluable adjuncts to the flower garden will now require to be pruned, thinned, &c, and a good deal of discretion will be needed in carrying out the several operations. With the large specimens all large decayed branches should be removed close up to the sound wood with a saw, and most of the useless branches in the inner part of the crown which, if left, usually die early and rob the outer branches of light, and as a conse- quence vigour. Misplaced branches should be cut back to the lowermost fork or to the stem, as the case may be. All large wouuds should be dressed with Stockholm-tar or slate-coloured paint. At this season Weigelas, Deutzias, Spiraeas, Philadel- phuses, Ribes, Forsythias, Lilacs, and others, which flower on the last year's wood, should have the coarse, flowerless shoots removed, and the weaker ones thinned in numbers. The chief pruning of such species should take place towards the end of the flowering season of each. Roses. — Now is the season, weather permitting, for the formation of new Rose gardens, stations, beds, &c, the renovation of old beds and borders, and the digging up of old cankered and worn-out plants. In making a new rosary the position should be such that it is fully exposed to sunshine during the better part of the day, and does not pos- sess many shady trees or large bushes to overshadow the beds. Failing these conditions, the shoots of the Roses will be immature, and flowers few and poor in quality. Low-lying and damp situations should be equally avoided for similar reasons ; a drier level, even if colder, is preferable, as by natural or artificial drainage it can be rendered warm. Assuming that the site has some natural or artificial protection, at a moderate distance from the beds on the north and east sides, and the roots of trees and shrubs have little chance of access to the Bose-beds, favourable results may be antici- pated. The various Lord Penzance Briars, Gloire de Dijon, Souvenir de Madame Metral, climbing Turner's Rambler, Rosa Polyanthe grandiflora, Reine Olga de Wurtemburg, Souvenir de la Mal- maison, and other sturdy nearly evergreen Roses may be readily utilised as shelters, hedges, or wind guards, and they give added interest to a P^ose garden. Soils, and the Preparation of the Beds. — Provided the ground has not been in recent years under cul- tivation, it should be bastard-trenched, especially if the sub-soil at 2 or 3 feet rests on gravel or a porous material, keeping the best or top soil on the surface, and mixing well-decayed manure and crushed bones with the whole during the operation. Heavy loams are best suited for Roses, especially for grafted Hybrid Perpetuals and Climbing Roses, which are usually worked on the Briar stock. For Teas, and hybrids of them, lighter soils are to be preferred for such as are worked on the Manetti, or which are on their own roots. If clay is met with, it should be cleared out 3 feet deep, rubble drains laid to carry off the water to a main drain, the bottom of the excavated portion being covered with 10 inches of brick-rubble. The beds should then be filled with a compost previously obtained from pasture land, which would be less retentive in character. Planting. — The beds should be allowed to settle before this operation is commenced, and a dry day chosen for digging out the holes. These should be 3 feet apart, and large enough to allow of the roots being laid out at full length. All broken or badly bruised roots, should be removed with a knife ; and all grafted or budded plants have the scion, or the point of union of stock and graft or bud buried 2 inches below the surface. Plant carefully, and make each plant firm in the ground. The planting completed, the beds will be raised a little above the surrounding level. Bracken or straw should be twisted about each plant, never using rank stable- dung at this season ; the decayed manure used in the digging being sufficient at this season. The standard Roses and the climbing varieties should be secured to stakes, &c. Lawns and Grass Borders. — After the copious rains, rolling and some sweeping when the sur- face is dry will be required. Daisies, Plantains, and noxious weeds will now be easily extracted with a spud or piece of hard wood shaped like a budding - knife handle. For destroying worm- casts use a hurdle dressed out neatly and tightly with Thorn-branches on the principle of an enlarged "Scotch broom." Such a light iron hurdle may now be drawn regularly over the lawns, levelling the worm-easts, and also renovating the grass by destroying moss. After the operation use the roller. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By A. Oeiapman. Gardener to Captain Holford, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire. Slugs, snails, and grubs are a great nuisance, especially during warm showery weather in spring. They harbour in ground of a damp and tenacious nature, and in crevices at the base of garden walls, and may easily be destroyed by sprinkling some gas-lime over the surface of the soil, especially between such plants as Broccoli and other late spring vegetables. Gas-lime that has been exposed to the air for a considerable time is the safest to use, and if this be pounded up and sprinkled in quantity sufficient to cover the surface it will soon be washed into the soil by the rain, and the grubs, and the eggs of the slugs destroyed. When the soil is hollow or parted from the base of the walls, lime may be put in quantity, as it will not in any way harm the roots of the trees that may be grow- ing against them. Where the soil is of a lighter nature a liberal amount of salt may be used with the lime, and this is best put on ground that has been recently dug, when it will not only destroy slugs, but act as a stimulant to the future crops. Forcing Asparagus. — Those who have pits heated with hot water will have no difficulty in forcing this vegetable, providing the return -pipes pass at the bottom of the pit, and boards are arranged January 27, 1900.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, (irmly on supports to allow about 2 feet of manure being placed upon them. A regular temperature may thus be kept, and as growth proceeds a gradual increase of heat afforded. Over the manure spread some soil of a light nature to the depth of 4 inches, and as soon as this has been warmed to a temperature of 60°, strong roots of about three years' growth should be plauted therein moderately closely. Cover the crowns with about 6 inches of leaf-mould, and sprinkle the surface with water through a fine-rosed watering-pot so as to settle the mould. The pit should then be kept close till the growths commence to push, when the heat may be increased to 70", admitting air at the same time which will improve both the colour and flavour of the heads. In gardens where there is not the con- venience of a heating apparatus, a good depth of litter and manure should be spread evenly in a cold frame up to within 12 inches of the glass, and made tolerably firm. This may then in a few days' time be covered with 4 inches of mould, and when the temperature is about SO0 lay the roots upon this, and add a little fresh soil for the first few days, so that the increase in the temperature may be very gradual. The frame should be covered with mats each night, and during cold days, in order to keep the beds at an even temperature. Carrots. — Autumn-sown Carrots of the Shorthorn kind will keep fresh and tender in the ground till they commence to grow, when they split, and become hard in the centres. It is therefore neces- sary to keep up a supply of fresh roots, that seed be sown now in pits. The beds should be prepared in the same manner as advised for Asparagus, with the addition of ordinary garden-soil. Sow the seeds moderately thick, in rows G inches apart, thinning the plants to an extent that will allow the roots to become of a moderate size. Early Nantes, French Horn, and Parisian will be found reliable varieties for this purpose. Radishes may be forced successfully, if treated in the same manner as Carrots ; but an addition of some burnt refuse should be the staple, and the surface of the bed should be brought near to the glass. Make the soil firm, aud do not sow the seeds too thickly together, as they germinate freely. Cover them slightly with fine mould. French Breakfast and Wood's Early Frame are varieties that force well, and if some Early Scarlet and White Turnip- rooted be mixed when sowing, the supply will be prolonged. Broad Beans. — There is very little, if any, advan- tage to be gained by sowing seeds of these in November, as those raised in boxes under glass, and afterwards planted out, pod as quickly, and are more regular in growth. The boxes selected for this purpose should be about 3 feet long, 1 foot broad, and 4 inches deep, and if these be made so that the nails may be easily drawn from one side the plants may be taken out without damage to the roots. Place some fibrous turf at the bottom, and half-fill the boxes with rather rough loam and leaf-mould. Plant the seeds about 2 inches apart, in four rows ; keep the soil moist, and when the seeds have germinated they may be gradually exposed to the air, and duly hardened off for planting out. Beck's Early Green is a good dwarf, early sort, followed quickly by Early Mazagan and Green Windsor. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By J. Roberts, Gardener to fie Duke of Portland, Welbeck Abbey, Worksop. Vines. — The present is a good time to start a Muscat-house for an early autumn supply, as by the time the Vines get into flower the weather will be favourable for securing a good set of fruit. Examine the border, and if found dry, give a watering with a weak solution of nitrate of soda, to assist in the early production of new roots. The earlier-started houses of Hamburghs will now require regular attention in disbudding, stopping, &c. The first operation should be done in an early stage of growth, but not before it is possible to detect which are the most perfect bunches. Remove all but one from each spur, and the spurs should not be closer than 2 feet 6 inches alternately on each side of the Vine. This distance will allow for a full development of the finest foliage ; and as good finish and high quality in the fruit are dependent on good stout foliage, maintained in a healthy condition to the end of the season, this is a vital point in good Grape culture, and this initual stage of development is the most important in forciog the Vine. The conditions necessary to secure a fine spread of healthy foliage, capable of resisting insect attacks, and not crumpling into dead tissue, on the first hot day in June, are a healthy root-run, in a well-made border, kept in a steady, moist con- dition. Another point to aim at is, to set up a quick root-action. This should commence by the time the Vines have made 3 or 4 inches of growth. Until this occurs, anything like rapid forcing should be avoided. A steady temperature, ranging from 55° to G3° will secure short jointed wood and foliage of good substance. Avoid too much atmos- pheric moisture, except on sunny days, and keep a crack of air onthe top- ventilators during all weathers. Stop the shoots the second or third leaf beyond the bunch, and after the fruit is set, the shoot may again be extended a few more leaves with benefit to the root-action of the Vine, and the quality of the fruit, and also to the strengthening of the wood for next year's pruning. All late fruit now hang- ing should be cut and bottled, and kept in a dry room at a temperature of 50°. After re- moving the fruit, the house must be kept cool for a few days before pruning. After this operation the house and Vines must be carefully cleansed, but avoid removing the old bark from the Vines, except where mealy-bug has to be contended with. Any renovations or additions to the borders should be attended to without delay, so that any mutila- tion of the roots may have time to heal. Throw the house open, except during frosty weather, for the next six weeks. Pines. — The active season with these will soon commence, and a slight rise of temperature, and more liberal supply of moisture at the root and in the atmosphere may be given with advantage. Plants likely to throw up fruit during the spring may be top dressed at once. Remove a few of the old leaves from the base of the plant and the old surface soil, and pack some good light fibry loam and bone-meal, with the addition of a little soot, firmly around the collars of the plant. A temperature of 70° by night and 75° by day, with a bottom heat of SO3, will suit the fruiting stock. Succession Plants. — For the general potting of the youug stock next month, the soil may be prepared at once by chopping up the necessary quantity of tough fibry-loam, removing the finer particles from it with a dust-sieve. To this may be added some soot and bone-meal, and the whole spread out in a dry shed for a few days, when it may be damped with a strong solution of sulphate of ammonia, afterwards throwing it into a rounded heap and covering with old mats until the soil is required for use. A bottom heat of 70° and top heat of 70 by day, and 00° to 65", will keep this sturdy for the present. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By T. Edwards, Plant Foreman, Royal Gardens, Frogmore. Bouvardias. — Plants whose flowering is over should be afforded a period of rest, and only suffi- cient water to prevent flagging. About the middle of February prune to within about 2 inches of the older wood, and when growth starts, shake out and repot. If flowers are wanted in quantity, it is advisable to plant them out at the end of May on a warm border, stopping the shoots from time to time. Pay close attention to their needs io regard to water at the root ; lift carefully, and pot early in the month of September. For pot culture, young plants are the best, aud cuttings should be taken off with a "heel'' when about 1J inch in length, and rooted in a propagating frame in strong heat. After potting them off, remove to cooler quarters. Perns. — Those which have been cut over may now be divided and potted, using clean pots and an open compost, in which there is plenty of leaf-mould aud sand. Lomarias, Blechnums, and some of the stronger-growing Adiantums and Pteris, require a more loamy soil. For filling small vases, &c. , it is best to raise Ferns from spores, sown in autumn. Some care is required in pricking off, otherwise moss will smother the young plants. Potted in 00's, they make pretty plants, which are better furnished with fronds than old divided stools. Seed-sowing. — Seeds of Cinerarias for autumn and winter flowering should now be sown in pans, and placed in a pit having a temperature of about 50°. Germination takes place in about ten days, when the pans should be raised as near the glass as possible, air being admitted freely, for if kept close the seedlings soon spoil. When large enough to handle, pot oft in GO's, and afford them air night and day. Primulas require more care, and ger- minate best in a temperature of 60° to 65°. Let the seed-paus be prepared in the usual manner, and fill to within \ inch from the top with a compost of loam, leaf-mould (sifted fine), and peat-dust (from which fibre has been picked for Orchids, &e. ), with plenty of silver- sand, leaving the surface perfectly level. Afford water with a fine rose-can, and wait three or four hours before sowing the seeds. When sown, lightly press the seeds into the soil, and cover them very slightly with some of the compost sifted finely ; afford a light watering, and cover the pans witb panes of glass, no more water being applied until the seedlings come up, when the pans should be placed on a shelf near the glass. Tilt the glass, and gradually harden off. These remarks apply also to Begonias, Gloxinias, Lobelias, and various small seeds, which in inexperienced hands fre- quently fail to germinate, and the seedsman ia blamed for supplying "old seed." I am led to- mention the above details "for young men,' as I have been asked by seedsmen on two or three occa- sions what percentage of Primula-seeds had ger- minated, complaints having been received that none, or very few, of some stock had come up. Grevillea robusta makes nice decorative plants in one season. Place the seeds edgeways, and start in stove-heat. Sweet Peas may appear out of place among "plants under glass,'' but now that there are so- many lovely varieties they are well worth growing in pots, and the plant can be obtained in flower six weeks before those sown or planted outside. Sow the seeds in 4S's, and when the pots are filled with roots, shift into 24's, using good, rich soil, potting firmly, and growing on in cold pits. If the sticks are neatly put in they will be clothed from top to- bottom, and scarcely seen when the plants are in flower. Early in May stand the plants outside, under a south wall. For corridors or grouping they are very suitable subjects to employ. For planting out sow now in 60's, and plant out in drills at the end of March, according to the weather. Cannai, .ic, should now be divided and potted, starting them in an early vinery or Peach-house ; and LUium Harrisii, and others, top dressed with rich soil, examining the points of the stems for green -fly. Various. — Hyacinths, Narcissi, &c, may be placed in the forcing house for succession, and the plants in the conservatory re-arranged ; Gloxinias and tuberous rooted Begonias may be shaken out of the old soil and re-potted. Gloriosa superba re- quires liberal pot-room, and tubers may be started forthwith in strong heat. Seeds of the East Lothian aud Princess Alice Stocks should be sown at once, the latter being the best white Stock grown. Plants from this sowing will flower in the months of .lune and July. When two true leaves are made, the seedling should be potted-off singly in 60's, taking care not to injure the tip of the root. They may be planted out at the end of April in good soil. Veitch's Perpetual is a very fine white Stock, of good branching habit, and one that continues to bloom longer than most varieties. Hiscellant ous Seeds. — Clerodendron fallax seeds- should be sown early in stove-heat ; the seedlings grow strongly, and make noble plants for con- servatory-work during the autumn. Rhodan- thes Manglesii, &c. , may be sown thinly in seed- pans or boxes, the young plants being picked off, nine or ten, in 4S's. Torenia Fournieri, a tender annual, should be treated similarly. Sow Migno- nette in 4S's rilled with loamy soil in which lime- rubble is mixed, and thin the plauts early ; sow also Calliopsis, Phlox Drummondi, and Godetias, in variety. Some of the latter are very brilliant, and they may be raised in quantity in cold pits with very little trouble ; for succession, sow in quantity iu pots as may be required. The seeds of most kinds of plauts vegetate better when kept in the dark. Publications Received.— From the united state* Department of Agriculture, Division of Entomology: r>->U- miliary Reporton the Insect Enemies of Forests in the A West. An account of the results gained from a reionnaisanee trip made in the spring and early summer of 1899. Prepared under the direction of the entomologist by A. D. Hopkins Ph.D.— i 0 .■ Dicembre 1899 50 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE [January 27, 1900. 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. Illustrations.— The Editor will thankfully receive and select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, £c; hut he cannot be responsible for loss or injury. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. WEDNESDAY Jan. 31 FRIDAY. Annual meeting of the Royal Scottish Arboricultural Society. { Nursery and Seed Trade Associa- , J tion, General Meeting at 30, " j Wood Street, Cheapside, at (. 4.30 P.M. SALES. MONDAY, Jan. 29.— Roses, Ornamental Plants, Hardy Bulbs, &c, at Frotheroe & Morris' Rooms. WEDNESDAY', Jan. 31. — Japanese Lilies, Greenhouse Plants. Roses, Lily of the Valley, Spiiu-as, Tuberoses, &c, at Frotheroe k Morris' Rooms. FRIDAY', Feb. 2 — Imported and Established Orchids, at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms. Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from Observations of Forty-three Y'ears, at Chiswick.— 38'9'. Actual Temperatures : — London. — January 24 (6 p.m.) : Max. 54' ; Min. 44°. Provinces. — January 24 (G p.m.): Max. 50', Crouiei ; Miu. 41°, Peterhead. There has recently been a de- Education niand for a system of education in our rural districts which shall not tend to alienate the children from country pursuits. In this connection it may be of interest to turn to the latest circular issued by the United States Department of Agriculture on A German common Sclmol with a Garden. While discussing, as is customary, what has been carried out in other countries, it might not be amiss to look for once at what has been done to encourage a love of nature in our own villages. In the Rhine Province, where the school that Mr. C. B. Smith describes, is situated, the law has ordained, since 1895, that during the last two years of the course, two hours' instruction each week shall be given in fruit-culture, gar- dening, and general farming. The majority of teachers in German schools come from the cities, and hence the greater part of the in- struction in the subjects we are considering is theoretical. Here and there some especially active and wideawake teacher sees in the garden, that is usually used as a soiu'ce of income and pleasure to himself, a means of practical instruc- tion and a field for observation. To quote Mr. Smith's words : — "The teacher's Nature-study charts are supple- mented with real flowers and fruits, grown in his own garden, and with insects, birds, bees, and low forms of life that make their homes in his hedge- row, or feed upon his choicest plants. Pupils working among these flowers, pruning trees or gathering fruit from Vines planted and tilled by themselves, may acquire an interest in Nature and husbandry which will remain with them through- out their after-life. Certainly they will acquire a practical knowledge of the ways in which fruits, flowers, ar.d garden vegetables are planted and cared for, which will be of value to them in their future work as farmers or the owners of homes and gardens." The particular school is at Alfter, and has 400 pupils and six teachers ; the principal has taught there for thirty-two years, making horticulture one of his subjects from the first. He is thus in a position to gauge of the effect that the horti- cultural instruction he has imparted had upon the community at large. So far as vegetable gar- dening goes, it is not easy to judge what influence the school has had in securing the high state of perfection that at present prevails, but the varieties of plants grown were intro- duced by the principal. The improvements in flower and fruit culture, however, are claimed as direct results of the school work. The suggestions as regards the training are sent in outline to the principals of the schools by the provincial government, but the details are left to the teachers, so that the needs of their districts may be supplied. Space will not allow of us giving the draft syllabus in full, but some idea of it may be gained from the following : — First Year. April and May. — Anatomy of plants, roots, and soil food. June. — The construction and function of leaves and flowers. July. — The soil and its improvement. August. — Fruit culture, nursery work, grafting. September. — Fruit utilisation (this is specially for girls). October and November. — Fruit-tree management. December. — Enemies of fruit-trees. January. — Insect pests. February. — Materials used in pottery and brick- making ; table-salt. Marcli. — Common metals, coins. Second Year. April and May. — Garden work ; vegetables. June. — Vegetables continued. July. — Field crops. Auyust. — Crop rotation, manuring, weeds. Si ptember. — Injurious and useful insects and mammals. October and November. — Harmful birds. December. — Domestic animals. January, February, March. — Physiology of man. In the Alfter school, whose principal gained his own interest in rural pursuits from an academic teacher who was thoroughly in love with horticulture, the work of cultivating the half-acre of garden is done by the boys of the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades ; twenty at a time carrj'ing it out under the direction of the principal. For instance, the actual work of pruning is done by the children, but nothing may be removed until the pupil has shown the necessity and extent of the pruning suggested. The garden is intensively worked, and made a source of revenue ; the same soil being used for two or three crops, and the produce sold. The children enjoy the garden work. They collect seedlings from the woods, and graft and bud them at home, so that they soon have their own fruit-trees, and nearly all have flower-gardens or potted plants belonging to them. The obvious remark upon all this is, that what is successful on the continent would most likely be so in this country ; but has nothing of the kind been going on here, or, at least, been possible ? The answer to this question is, that much has been done, and the possibilities for more still exist, though the speakers who cry most for education in rural pursuits would appear to assume the contrary. The reason may be that the direct teaching of the science of life that has been done of late years under the Technical Instruction Act and the Science and Art Department, has not affected the children of the labouring classes so much as those of the farmers and middle classes. The explanation of the desire that the former shall receive such education as shall cause them to retain an interest in the country, is that thereby the "labourer may be kept upon the land." Whether the hoped-for result would follow, does not concern us here ; it is only our aim to show that children in our village elementary schools have been interested in Nature by their teachers. At least one County Council has been training numbers of elementary school-masters and mistresses in a way that has made something of enthusiasts of them, and has led them to give every scrap of information about the every-day work of Nature that they can to their pupils. There may be no class on botany or horticulture recognised at a school, for instance, but the object-lessons have been given on " a pot of Geraniums " or a " Currant-cutting." There is, however, the point to consider which Mr. Smith says the Germans are becoming aware of, and this is, that the success of any scheme depends entirely upon the individual teacher. What a few may accomplish for love, the mass cannot necessarily carry out to order. The task of the agricultural educationalist is to find the proper men for the work. We have alluded to the Science and Art Department, and there exists its alternative syllabus of elementary biology, devised a year or two back by Professor Ml all, a very good course for intelligent country children. The writer has already called attention to the suit- ability of such an one for our grammar-schools ;* but at the same time he must point out from personal experience that the methods required to ensure its success are very different from those usually in vogue in schools. The classes must be small ; there must be plenty of mate- rial to handle ; the discipline must be excep- tional, for the temptations to play are increased ; country rambles, systematically conducted, must be part of the curriculum ; and lastly, the teacher must have his subject absolutely at his fingers'-ends, and bring forward as many points as possible which will appeal to the instincts of his pupils. [Since the foregoing was written, the question of teaching Natural History in schools has been considered by the Con- ference of Science Teachers, convened by the London Technical Education Board. The importance of several of the points touched upon, especially in our last paragraph, were em- phasized by Prof. Miall and other speakers. ] H.H. the Duke of Teck died on Sunday night at White Lodge, Richmond Park. The Duke, who was in his sixty-second year, was married in 1866 to the Princess Mary of Cam- bridge, who died in 1897. Mr. Charles Wood.— In our last issue we briefly alluded to the death of one of tiie oldest and most respected of our nurserymen. After leaving school in May, 1830, he went to the Clapton nurseries, then in possession of Mr. John Mackay. Here he remained four months, and then returned to the Woodlands, Maresfield, where he has been in harness ever since. In a letter written in October, 1S97, he describes himself as in his eighty-second year, but "fond of office work." MR. A. Ward, who has been gardener to the late Lady Emily Foley, at Stoke Edith Park, near Hereford, informs us that he will now need to seek a new engagement. Mr. Ward is now writing our Hardy Fruit Garden Calendar, and his manage- ment of the gardens at Stoke Edith has been exemplary. John RuSKIN.— The decease of this great naturalist, whose ardent love of simple Nature has effected so considerable an influence upon the pre- sent generation, is a great loss. His tastes were simple and pure, and his writings tended wholly to the elevation of the mind. We have received appreciative references to Mr. Rdskin's work, and regret that this week we are unable to use them. * " Biology as a Branch of Education," Westminster Review, December, 1890. January 27, 1900.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, 57 FlG. 17.— ADANSONIA DIGITATA BROWING AT KLEIN LKTAB.t, TRANSVAAL, S. LAT. 24 . (SKE P. 5S.) 58 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 27, 1900. Adansonia DIGITATA. — This genus, which belongs to Malvaeesc, contains a few of the veritable vegetable giants of the earth, rivalling the mam- moth trees of California autl Australia. The tree reaches 70 feet, but the height is not in anything like proportion to the size of the trunk, which some- times measures 30 feet in diameter. The tree soon divides into branches, which attain to an immense size, forming dense masses, with deciduous leaves resembling those of the Horse- Chestnut. The flowers are white, solitary, and pendent on long pedicels. The specimen which we figure on p. .57, is growing at Klein Letabit, Transvaal, in S. lat. 24°. It is known as the Baobab and Cream of Tartar tree. The photograph from which our figure is reproduced was kindly furnished by Mr. Adlam, the superintendent of the Public Park, Johannesburg. The Surveyors' Institution.— The next ordinary general meeting will be held in the lecture-hall of the Institution on Monday, Jan. 29, 1900, when the adjourned discussion on the paper read by Mr. John Nisbet (Colonial Fellow), en- titled " Forest Management, with Suggestions for the Economic Treatment of Woodlands in the British Isles," will be resumed. The chair will be taken at 8 o'clock. LlNNEAN SOCIETY.— (In the occasion of the evening meeting, to be held on Thursday, February 1, at S p.m., the following papers will be read : — I. "On Botanic Nomenclature,"' by Mr. C. B. Clarke, M.A., F.R.S., &c. II. "On the Zoological Results of an Expedition to Mt. Roraima in British Guiana, undertaken by Messrs. F. V. M'Connell and J. J. Quelch," by Professor E. Ray Lankester, D.C.L., F.R.S., Ac. The Agricultural Department in Aber- deen University. — At a recent meeting of the Sub committee on Experiments, there was read a letter from the Cruickshank Botanic Garden Trust, intimating the terms on which the Agricultural Department of the University might obtain the use of a portion of the new Botanic Garden at Old Aberdeen. Tbe portion of ground consists of about half-an-acre of good soil, forming the south- east coiner of the garden, and is very suitable for agricultural purposes. Last season it was cleaned and cropped with Potatos. It appeared to the sub-committee that the whole of this ground might be advantageously used for teaching purposes, and it was resolved to hold the next meeting on the spot with a view to approving of a scheme of crop- ping which might be instructive to the students of the department, and also to some extent to others engaged or interested in practical agriculture. The Ahlbottn's Tree Protective Com- position.— We are enabled to inform those of our correspondents who desire to purchase this effective dressing against hares, cattle, deer, &c, that it may be obtained of Nathaniel Ahlbottn, 21, St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh. Aberdeen Natural History and Scientific SOCIETY. — Under the auspices of this Society a lecture on " Bacteria in the Service of Higher Plants," was delivered on Friday night, 19th inst., in Aberdeen University by Mr. James Hendrick, B.Sc, lecturer on agricultural chemistry in the University. The lecture was an exceedingly in- teresting oue, and was illustrated by diagrams, experiments. &c. The lecturer traced and dealt at length with the various experiments which had been made since the begiuning of the century to prove that bacteria was of service to the higher plants. At the close, Mr. Ferguson, LL.D., of Kinmundy, moved a hearty vote of thanks, in the course of wh;ch he complimented Mr. Hendrick on his admirable lecture. Dr. James W. H. Trail, Professorof Botany in Aberdeen University, occupied the Chair. Election of the Official Staff of the French Horticultural Society. — As the result of elections recently held by the Society, the following members now constitute the official staff, and the administrative council of the Societe Nationale d'Horticulture de France : President, M. Viger ; First Vice-President, M. Albert Truf- faut ; Vice-Presidents, MM. Ch. Baltet, Delavier, Leveque, Vitry ; General Secretary, M. Chatenay ; Assistant General Secretary, M. E. Bergmann ; Secretaries, MM. Sallier, Dauthenay, Ferd. Cayeux, Ph. de Vilmorin ; Treasurer, M. Paul Lebieuf; Assistant Treasurer, M. Marcel; Li- brarian, M. Gibault ; Assistant Librarian, M. Hariot. The following are the members on the council : MM. Bernard, Martinet, Grenthe, Quenat, Chemin, Thit-baut, Croux, Cappe fils, H. Defresne, Vacherot, Ausseur-Sertier, Nanot, Mussat, Maurice de Vilmorin, Ozanne, and Villard. Roses for a Penny- in -the -Slot. — M. Albert Maumene describes, in a recent number of La Nature, a new variety of the automatic distri- buting machine, from which Roses can be obtained. The idea originated in Germany, and the falling of ten pfennige ensures the movement of a Rose from its position behind a glass screen to a place where it can be reached and drawn out by the purchaser. The machine is stocked every day or every alter- nate day with fresh flowers placed on view in little tubes of water, whence they move, as said above, to a place where they can be obtained by those desiring them. A Romance of Primula obconica.— The name and nature of Primula obconica are utilised in a short tale in our contemporary, The Lady's Realm. One of the characters in the story, after CDntact with the plant, suffers from a "hideous eruption " that is happily but temporary in its effects. " Primula obconica possesses in the green cup from which the petals rise, a small and highly poisonous hair. The slightest touch of this on the hands or other surface of the skin will produce on some persons violent humours, and swelling and symptoms which otherwise resemble both erysipelas and eczema." The authoress has successfully con- sulted horticultural authorities for her facts, and in the guise of fiction may impart a useful caution as to the dangers of too freely handling this Primula, to readers Dot likely to learn such matters from original sources. Palm-house in St. Petersburg. — The Oarten Flora has an illustration of the new Palm - house erected in the St. Petersburg Botanic Garden. It is a hexagonal structure of iron and glass, 73 feet in height. It is anticipated that the noble Palms which suffered in their old home will speedily recover in their new abode. Botany Teaching.— Professor E. C. Miall, F.R.S., recently opened a discussion at a public meeting at South Kensington on "The Teaching of Botany." He said that chemistry and physics were now making rapid strides, but the spread of botany was not what it ought to be. Botany should be encouraged because it was essential to scientific agriculture ; but as taught at the present time it was no more than book-learning. What was wanted was practical and experimental teaching. Consideration ought to be given to the young who were growing up to live on the farm or in the garden, and who were practically ignorant of the processes of raising crops and rearing stock. The teaching of botany should be taken in the school course, but under the present system there were too many subjects crowded into it, with the result that nothing of any value was acquired. One of the aims should be to give a practical experimental demonstration of the way in which plants dis- charged the functions of mitrition and reproduction. TOBACCO IN CANADA. — The Agricultural Department of Ontario has got well ahead with its report for the past | year — a notable comparison with the collected report for 189S. Concerning Tobacco culture we find there has been a great falling off ; it appears to have been successful where grown. The yield of the "weed" is esti- mated at 2,241,562 lb., from 2,206 acres — or 1,016 lb. per acre. Of this amount the county of Essex produced 1,636,760 lb., from 1,411 acres. The production in 1898 was 10,560,590 lb., from 7,S71 acres, of which the county noted contributed 7,095,970 lb., from 5,0S0 acres. Fruits in Ontario.— From the just-issued Departmental Report for 1S99, relating to Ontario, we learn that in most fruit-producing sections there was a considerable surplus of fruit over local demand— especially of Apples, and many heavy shipments are noted. Though the crop, on the whole, was much below the average, the quality was very variable. Pears, Plums, and Grapes were in excess of home requirements. Owing to the wholesale destruction of Peach-trees in the previous winter, the crop of this fruit was very limited. Of small fruits there was an abund- ance, as well as a plentiful growth of the wild- varieties in the back townships. It is noted that the yield of Apples is placed at 19,126,439 bushels, or an average of 3 02 bushels per tree of bearing age. The bearing trees number 6,324,842, and the young trees 3,445,135. " Le Chrysantheme."— This journal, which is- the official publication of the French National Chrysanthemum Society, is an unusually bulky one this month, and contains what may be regarded as a comprehensive account of the Chrysanthemum work carried on in France during the past season. Reports of shows in Paris, Orleans, Limoges, Riberac, Montauban, Rouen, are given in addition to the ordinary matter concerning the Society. By far the larger portion of the number is taken up with an account of the Lyons show. This includes- the full text of the speeches and papers read at the Conference, &c. The balance sheet shows that the Society starts the new year with over £S0 in hand. Cheap Transit of Fruit. — What was originally an experiment — the sending of small parcels of fruit by rail at a cheap rate— has proved a great success. An inquiry of the Superintendent of the Great Eastern Railway (Mr. Drury), has elicited the information that the farm-produce traffic still continues to increase, and during 1890- the company carried 147,500 packages, against- 135.S60 during 1898— an increase of 11,640. Surely a most encouraging result. Presentation to Mr. William Balchin, Junk. — Advantage was taken of the recent meet- ing of the Brighton and Sussex Horticultural Society to present to Mr. W. Balchin, Jun., an illuminated address, on his retirement from the post of chairman of the committee, which he has now vacated solely on account of the pressure of business. The address bore testimony to valuable services rendered to the Society during the ten years he had discharged the duties of chairman, and was an expression of gratitude and esteem. By way of keeping Mr. Balchin in as close touch as possible with the governing body of the Society, he was appointed to the post of Hon. Treasurer. It isgratifying to know that the balance-sheet of the Society shows a profit on the year's working of .C39 2s. 4tt., and that there is a balance in the hands of the bankers of £107 7*. 3d. Mr. Geo. Miles, the Vice-chairman of the committee, was elected Chairman ; and testimony was borne to- the efficient services of the Secretary, Mr. Thorpe. Mr. Blackmore and his Pears.— "F.R.H.S.' writes :— Distinguished as was the position occupied in the literary world by the late R. D. Black- more, it is probable that, horticnlturally, he was best known as a grower of Pears. With respect to those fruits, no doubt ho possessed a very wide knowledge, although it must be understood that it was largely limited to his own gardens at Tedding- ton, not at all the best place in the kingdom for testing the merits of these pleasant fruits. The late Dr. Hoog seems to have placed a very high opinion on Mr. Blackmoke's judgment in the matter of Pears, for the references to the distin- January 27, 1900.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, 09 guished Teddington novelist in the Fruit Manual are extremely frequent and effusive. But Mr. Black- more, all the same, may not have had wider know- ledge than have many good growers, whether gardeners or traders. Less depends on the variety grown, if all be grown on one method, than on knowledge of diverse methods of culture and treat- ment, [such as is found in our best gardens and great excellence. The daily papers mention that Mr. Blackmore rather lost than gained by Pear- culture. Well, every grower for market sale knows that having all one's eggs in one basket inevitably leads to loss. Still, very little is known as to the nature of the crops obtained, the samples secured, or the method of marketing adopted. But it is certain that several years since other gardens were FlG. 18. — C4RLNDELIA PATENS. (From specimens kindly sent us by Mr. Gumbleton.) elsewhere. At Teddington, Pears have been chiefly grown in a very free way. Anyone passing the extensive walled-in gardens will not fail to notice the pyramidal or standard trees towering up high above the enclosures. This style, which may literally be described as free, is hardly that com- monly adopted in good gardens, where restriction, with occasional root-pruning and liberal feeding, is found to accomplish wonders in the case of all Pears, and many that as free-grown trees are indifferent, by this system are made to be of thickly planted with Pear-trees, that now show up well above the walls, apparently in luxuriant health, and their presence rather leads to the belief that Pear-growing at Teddington was not un- profitable. PLANT PORTEAITS. Salvia splendens " Silverspot."— Leaves green, dotted with yellow. Florists' Exchange, December 30, 1899. San< Lower Bdmonton. The plants were examples of good cnlti- vation, though none was of large size. Of such as are not frequently met with we may mention Pteris straroinea, a species with fronds of a refieshiug bright green tint and erect growth ; Adiantum Collisii, having fronds of a light green tint, and sparse habit; Pellsea rotundifblia, Gymuogramma dobroydense, an effective "golden Kern;" Pteris Victoria, NothoclEena sinuata, Adiantum dolabriforme, Asplenbmi ornatum, A. Belangeri, a very graceful specif s; the dwarf- spreading Hemionitis palmata, sever altasselled forms of PVj is, Lastrea lepida, L.'aristata variegata:&c. An award of a S Iver Flora Medal was made. Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bosh Hill, Enfield nurseries, staged a small group of Cyclamen latifolium ami others, i>- eluding "Bush Hill Pioneer," of a rosy-purple colour, effec- tive and tree ; and Bush Hill Pioneer, the white form of the crested Papillio, or Butterfly strain, likewise effective ; and lastly, C. Papillio in variety in white, and half-a-dozen < p crimson; "Luther alba,'' a small, white flower, with a yellowish-green centre; "Miss Doris," another Lne \vb ;» variety; "Swanley Blue," &c. The plants were mostly grown in small 4S's. Some bigger plants included "Lady White," a very fine white ; a brilliantly-tinted, semi-double red ; " Duchess of Fife,"' a grand pink flower. &c. An award of a Silver Flora Medal was made. Messrs. J. Veitcb & Sons, The Royal Exotic Nurseries, Chelsea, had their usual welcome boxful of cut b.ooins, Rhododendron Javanico-jasminirlorum hybrids, Souvenir de J. H. Mangles, of rich crimson tint, and large Irussand flower. The firm also exhibited that charming seasonable Witch Hazel, Hamamelis arborea, four plants well furnished with flowers. Messrs. Barr & Sons, King Street, Cevent Garden, shi wed a potful of Galauthus Elwesii var. Whittalli, grown ou'.-oi- doors. The flower externally is pure white, supported on a peduncle S inches high, i.e., 1 iuch higher than the leaves at this date. Two paosful of Polyanthus Narcissus, otherwise the Good Luck Lily, were shown as an example of water culture. They were robust and floriferous. Awards. To Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons. Ltd., Royal Exjtic Nur- series | Chelsea, for Rhododendron multicolor var. "Triton, ' a variety with a small truss of moderate sized flowers of a cherry-red tint, very free, and novel as regards the colour (Award of Merit). To Leopold de Rotflscrild, Esq., Gunner- try House (gr., Mr. Hudson), for Ju&ticia fiavicoma. The species is a useful addition to garden plants which flower m the winter. The flowers are terminal, freely produced, and of a light yellow tint (Cultural Commendation). Orchid Committee. Present : J. Gurney Fowlei, Esq., in the Chi s id tf< ! Jas. O'Brien (Hon. See), J. Colman. J. Douglas, E. Hill. A. Hislop, H. A. Tracy, F. J. Thorns, W. H. Yo rag, W. H. White, H.J. Chapi an, I Ga*rle1, P. Sande ■ ,; ehay, H. T. Pitt, and T, B. BTaywoot G2 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, [January 27, 1900. The show of 0ichid3has been much better than has been the case at the last fe>w meetings, and a number of interesting subjects were brought before the Committee. Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart , Burford (gr., Mr. W. H White), sent a good collection of finely-growu plants, showy, and also of botanical interest. Among the former were splendid plants of the Burford hybrid Dendrobium x IJurfordense and D. x melanodiscus Rain- bow, very profusely flowered ; also a plant of D. x Cordelia, a mass of blush-white flowers with purple-coloured centre; Cypripedium ■: Sallieri Hyeanum with ten fine flowers ; C. x Leeanuui Albertiaomu, very fine ; the singular Epidendrum aruplexicaule, aud others, which will be found in the list of awards. Sir Frederick Wioan, Bart, Clare Lawn, Bast Sheen (gr. , Mr. W. H. Young), was awarded a Silver-gilt Flora Medal for a very handsome group composed of fine examples of rare things, many of which, such as the Phalienopsis, of which there was a display, are considered difficult to grow. There wore twenty-five spikes of P. Schilleriana, and one of the unique white variety "Vestalis;" P. Stuartiana, aud the fine Wigau's variety of it ; P. Aphrodite, P. amabilis, and others. Also in the group were Dendrobium afro-viola- ceum with eighteen spikes ; D. Ainsworthi Leechianum, Laslia Lawrenceana, riOme good Ltelra autumnalis atrorubens ; Cypripedium insigne "Harelield Hall variety," C. xGodseffia- num, C. callosum, Vanda lamellata, brides Vandarum, with eleven flowers ; Oncidiiim Warscewiczii, Masdevallia x Pour- baixi, and tho handsome Lailio Cattleya x Callistoglossa " Princess of Wales." The Bight Hon. Lord Rothschild, Tring Park, Tring (gr., Mr. E. Hill), showed a magnificent spike of a very fine variety of Odontoglossum crispum, grown at Tring Park for seventeen years, the flower,, being of good size and shape, each of the sepals bearing a purplish blotch. The inflorescence, which was about 8 feet 0 inches in length, had three branches, the number of flowers being thirty-seven (Cultural Com- mendation). Baron Bohrodeb, The bell, Staines (gr., Mr. H. Ballantine), showed a magnificent spike of Odontoglossum x Wilckeanuni Schroderianum, with a broadly-branched spike of white flowers, heavily blotched with purple. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, staged an effective group, in which were good examples of Cypripedium,-. Niobe, G. x Leeanum, C. >: Hera in many varieties, C. x vexil- larium, C. X Minos, C. ■: Harrisianum Dauthieri, C. x Leonidas, C. X Canrasi&num, Veitch's variety, C. x Lathami. aiumi, Dendrobiuni ■ Wardiano-.iaponicum, D. atro-viola- ceum, D. x Cassiope, b. x euosmum leuopterum, D. x dulce, D. Findlayauuiu, the pretty new Phakenopsis •; Hyiuen (Manni?, LuddemannianajJ), &c. Messrs. Hucu Low & Co., Clapton, showed two distinct forms of Cymbidium Tracyanum, Dendrobium x Vanneria- nunt, Phakenopsis x Schilleriano-Stuartiana, and P. x inter- media Brynieriana. G. F. Moore, Esq., Cliardwar, Bourtonon-the-Water (gr., Mr. Morris), sent Cypripedium x Beekemanni in fine flower; C. x Mooreanuin, resembling a fine form of C. x Hera; and' Cattleya Percivaliana, " Chardwar variety." W. P. B0RKEN3HAW, Esq., Hessle, Hull, sent Cypripedium X nitens, " Hessle variety," a very handsome form ; and C. x Hera punctatum, in which the large white dorsal sepal bore rose-purple spots. Sir Wm. Mabbiott, The bown House, Blandford (gr., Mr. Denny), sent Odontoglossum crispum castum, a pure white variety, with light orange-coloured blotches on the lip. Messrs. F. Sander & Co., St. Albans, showed a finely- flowered specimen of Dendrobium atro-violaceum. J. T. Bennett-PoK, Hoimewood, Cheshunt (gr., Mr. Dowues), showed a splendidly grown plant of Lslia anceps Sanderiana with four spikes, three of five and one of four flowers (Cultural Commendation). R. G. Thwaites, Esq., Chessington, Christchurch Road, Streatham, showed Dendrobiuni x Galatea (moniliforine ;.;' Rolfeic roscum). Messrs. Ohablesworth & Co., Heaton, Bradford, showed Lajlio-Cattleya x Cappei (L. cinnibarina x C. Warscewiczii) with pretty light yellow flowers, with purple markings on the narrow wavy lip; and Cypripedium x Cowleyanum matrni- ficum. De B. Cbawshay, Esq., Rosefield, Sevenoaks (gr., Mr. S. Cooke), showed four good forms of Odontoglossum' Rossi! majus. Messrs. Stanley -Morus & Ashton, Southgate, sent Cattleya Luddemanniana Abnor Hassall, a pretty variety with dark rose markings on the petals. G. W. Law-Scuofield, Esq., New-Hall-Hey, Rawtenstall (gr., Mr. Shill), sent Cypripedium x nitens alliens. Awards. First-class Certificate. Cypripedium y. Sanderiaiw-C«.rtisii (Sauderiauum <$ Cur- tisii?).— A very stately hybrid with the foliage much resem- bling a strong. light-coloured C. Curtisii, the large Iabellrun of the flower and staminode also closely following that species. The ovate, acuminate upper sepal is greenish-white, with distinct chocolate-purple lines. Lower sepals similar, but smaller and lighter marked. Petals arched and deeurved, extending about six inche.,, whitish-rose, with dark purple spots. Lip and staminode reddish-rose. The wavy upper edge of the petals closely resembles C. Sanderianum' From NoBMAK C. Cooks oh, Esq., Oakwood, Wylam (gr , Mr. Wm Murray). Eij„kiulruM ... Wallisio-cUiare supcraum (Wallisiixciliare).— A fine improvement oa the others of this singular cross. Sepals and petals dark yellow; lip white, with rose purple markings. From Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea. Pliakcnopsis x Schilleriano-Stuartiana.— A very fine hybrid, with well-rounded flowers, partaking of the characteristics of both parents named, especially in the lip, which is quite inter- mediate. Flowers white, with a delicate rose-pink tint on the sepals and petals, and red markings on the yellow disc of the lip. From Messis. Huoh Low & Co., Enfield. Awards of Merit. Calanthe Regnieri hololeuca. — A pure white variety of the pretty winter-flowering species. From Sir Trevor Lawrence Bart, (gr., Mr. W. H. White). Laiio-Cattleya x callistoglossa Princess of Wales (C. Warsce- wiczii x L. purpurata Russelliana).— A finely- formed flower of a delicate rose colour, the front of the broadly-expanded labellum being of a bright, yet dark rose-tint. A fine plant with eight flowers was shown by Sir Frederick Wigan, Bart., Clare Lawn, East Sheen (gr., Mr. W. H. YoUDg). Cypripedium x Acta-us Langkycnsc (insigne Sandene $ Leeanum ?). — In form this resembles C. x Leeanum, though in colour it is nearer to C. insigne Sandene. The upper sepal has a pure white ground, with a small green blotch at the base, and a few purple spots. Petals and lip are yellow, the former with a slight brown line, and some dark coloured hairs at the base. From Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea. I.ali" x Mrs. Gratrix snperba, (cinnabarina ? Digbyana).— Flowers of a clear yellow tint ; the lip fringed. From Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons. Phodcenopsis x intermedia Ilrymeriana (Aphrodite x rosea). —In this case probably P. rosea was the seed-bearer, as the variety Brymeriana has flowers with more of the form of that species. The sepals and petals are tinted rose-pink ; the lip dark rose-crimson. From Messrs. Hugh Low & Co. LceliO'Cattleya X Fanny Leon (L.-C. x exoniensis X C. labiata). — A fine flower somewhat resembling L.-C. x eximia. The sepals and petals of a clear rosy-lilac ; the lip rich purplish-crimson, with yellow markings at the base. In outline, the lip partakes closely of L.-C. x exoniensis. From H. S. Leon, Esq., Bletchley (gr., Mr. A Hislop). Lttlio-CattleyaxSunray (L. cinnabarina? C. superba^.)— A very distinct aud brightly-coloured hybrid of a new form, the labellum being curiously modified to approach C. superba. Sepals and petals .bright copper-orange ; lip claret-crimson, with yellow centre. From Messrs. Charlesworth & Co., Heaton, Bradfi rd. Lcelio-Cattleyax Chirlesworthi (L. cinnabarina 9 C. aurearf). —A very fine hjbrid, with flowers equal to those of L.-C. X Hippolyta, but different in colour. The sepals and petals are of a reddish-orange tint ; the lip is marked with bright purple. From Messrs. Charlkswoktii & Co., Heaton, Bradford. Botanical Certificates. Dendrobium Madonna.— An elegant species of the slender growth of D. Amboinense, and bearing profusely, drooping sprays of white flowers, the labellum having a greenish tint, and some rose-coloured markings at the front. From Messrs. F. Sander k Co. Tainia Pcnancjiana.—A Malayan species, with tall sprays of curiously-shaped brownish-green flowers. From Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart, (gr., Mr. W. H. White). Maxillaria leptosepala — Flowers small, white, tinged with rose. From Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart. M'lillaria arachnites. — Flowers numerous ; segments narrow and drooping ; clear yellow. From Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bait. Fruit Committee. Present: G. Bunyard, Esq., in the Chair ; aud Messrs. W. Poupart, Jos. Cheal, James J. Veitch, A. H. Pearson, Alex. Dean, S. Mortimer, W. Bates, C. Herrin, Geo. Wythes, H. Baldeison, J. Smith, G. Norman, J. Willard, and Robt. Fife. A vote of condolence was passed with the family of the late Mr. Blackmore, who was for many years a meniberof thiscommittee. Messrs. Sctton & Sons, Reading exhibited a quantity of ripe fruit of a new Tomato Winter Beauty, a smallish-flattened, very sligtitly furrowed fruit of a bright scarlet colour. If it be a free c opper, we have a useful winter variety in Winter Beauty, ft has previously been given an Award of Merit. Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, sent a handsome dish of their Royal Late Cooking Apple, a culinary variety that has already been given an Award of Merit. This award was confirmed. Mr. J. Chinnery, gr. to the Marquis of Abergavenny, Nevill Court, Abergavenuy, sent a dish of Apples " Welsh Beauty," of fairly good flavour and appearance. From Messrs. G. Bcnvard & Co., Maidstone, came fourteen dishes of Apples, of excellent appearance, and generally of good quality. Included were the following varieties : Im- proved Ashmead's Kernel, an Apple of good flavour, and a late keeper ; and Transparent de Croncels. said to be useful from October until February as a cooking Apple, or for jelly ; Hormead's Peaimain, a good old variety, was well shown ; as also were Foster's Seedling, a cross between Blenheim and Cellini Pippins ; Beauty of Kent, a goo 1 old kitchen variety, but rather past ; Belle de Pontoise, Chabley's Kernel, Farmer's Seedling, King of Tomkins County, White Nonpareil, and Twenty Ounce. Mr. Morris, of Sandhurst, was introduced to the members of the Fruit Committee, and showed specimens of di ied Plums and other fruits converted by a ucw and (said to be) a cheap process. The chief question, however, he appeared anxious to solve, was that of how to obtain a supply of Plums aud other fruits for drying at a sufficiently low cost to compete successfully with those imported from California and else- where. Awards. Apple Honneod's Peanmin. — A well-known cooking Apple, in season from November until April. From Messrs. Geo. Bunvard & Co., Maidstone (Award of Merit). Apple Norman's Pippin. — A dessert variety of medium size, slightly russety, and of fairly good flavour. From Messrs. Geo. Bunvard & Co., Maidstone (Award of Merit). DEVON AND EXETER GARDENERS'. January 17. — The opening meeting of the spring session took place on the above date, Mr. J. Meeritt, gr. to Mr. R. Ashbv, Watford House, Exeter, being the essayist for the evening. The subject of the essay was " The Management of Caladiums for Decoration and Exhibition." Mr. Merritt said, that effective as Caladiums were as exhibition plants, the small prizes offered at provincial shows for them discouraged their cultivation by gardeners and specialists ; there was also the further disability in the plant requiring the utmost care in packing and transit to preserve the foliage from injury, and the susceptibility of the plant to injury from being placed in a draughty tent or hall. Treat- ing of thtir cultivation, Mr. Merritt said he potted up his bulbs early in February, the soil used being rough turfy loam, charcoal, rough leaf-mould, sharp drift or silver- sand, and some rough stable manure, not sodden, but similar to that of a spent Mushroom-bed. He used lG-pots, the size in which he exhibited them ; they were potted up like Lilies, leaving room at the surface for a top-dressing. Not having the requisite bottom-heat for starting them in, he put them on a bed of moss on a thick plank on one of the flow-pipes under the staging. After they had attained a height of about G inches, be put them on the top stage behind other plants, gradually inuring them to the light As they strengthened, they were afforded an increase of light by degrees, the roots fillir.g the compost. When they were so far advanced he then top-dressed them, and applied a little weak liquid-manure water, increasing the strength of it as the leaves developed. When the plants were fit for exhibition, he shifted them from the stove to a vinery, having a temperature several degrees lower, and he then afforded more air. The larger leaves he supported by placing a blunt-ended stick under them. For ordinary purposes of indoor decoration he used 4S's, 04's, and 32s pots, but instead of forcing the plants into growth, he placed them on the ordiuary stove-stage, giving them very little water until they had made a fair start, subsequently taking them to the coolest end of the stove, or the warm end of an intermediate-house, not coddling them in any way. An important consideration is, not to afford a great deal of water. He kept the bulbs through the winter, after allowing the foliage to die down, by placing them on a thick plank on the flow-pipes, looking them over about once a month and applying some water to prevent dry rot. SWEET PEA BICENTENARY CELE- BRATION. January 19. — The lirst general comudttee meeting in con- nection with the Bicentenary Celebration of the Sweet Pea was held in the Horticultural Club Room, Hotel Windsor, on Friday, when Mr. George Gordon, V.M.H., presided over a very representative gathering. The Chairman briefly alluded to the desire expressed in 1899 by leading amateurs, nurserymen, seedsmen, and market growers, that a comprehensive exhibition of Sweet Peas should be held during 1900, together with a Conference, one duty of which should be the classification and selection of varieties. This desire led to a meeting in Edinburgh in September last, when Mr. Gordon (chairman), Mr. H. J. Jones, and Mr. R. Dean (secretary) were elected as a preliminary committee to draw up a scheme for the celebration, and submit it as early as possible to the general committee. After this brief statement, the Chairman requested the Secretary, Mr. R. Dean, V.M.H., to read the letters received from the Crystal Palace Company and the Royal Aquarium Company. The former offered to accommo- date the exhibition, provide the necessary conveniences for a conference meeting, and subscribe £20 to the prize fund ; this being the best offtr, it was agreed, on the proposal of Messrs. H. A. Needs and H. J. Wright, that the Bicentenary Celebra- tion be held at the Crystal Palace, Sydenham, on July 13 and 14, 1900, or as near those dates as could be conveniently arranged without clashing with other exhibitions. Havicg settled the place and date of celebration as far as possible, the next point for discussion was the schedule of prizes, of which a preliminary draft had previously been communicated to the Vice-President and committee. Before the discussion of classes and prizes, a list of subscriptions received and promised, up to date, was submitted by the Secretary, amounting to nearly £90. As the whole of the subscriptions received were unsolicited, the committee felt that the success of the undertaking was practically assured, believing that those interested in the most beautiful, useful, and fragrant of aunual flowers, the Sweet Pea, wouldnot fail to show their practical sympathy with the committee's efforts as soon as affairs had received definite form. The schedule is a comprehensive one of twenty - eight classes, each with four, and some with five prizes, offered on a most liberal scale. C-ass by class the schedule was discussed, and numerous minoralterations made. Nineteen open classes are provided for cut blooms, all to be shown in vases, these including classes for forty-eight, thirty-six, and eighteen bunches, and thirteen classes for one January 27, 1900.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 63 bunch of a specified colour or colours. Four classes are limited to amateurs employing either one or no regular gardener, and there is a division, open to all, consisting of live classes instituted for the purpose of demonstrating the value of Sweet Peas in all forms of decoration. The total amount offered in prizes in the preliminary schedule exceeds t°0, and this comparatively large sum should ensure a display of the most beautiful and instructive character. Special prizes are invited, but they must, in accordance with the resolution passed at the Edinburgh meeting, be free Irom any trade conditions. Already several firms have inti- mated their intention of providing the prizes in certain classes, and at this meeting it was decided to accept Mr. Henry Eckford's generous offer of £15, the sum offered in Class 1 for forty-eight bunches of Sweet Peas in not fewer than thirty-six varieties, an offer made by the Wem vete-an to com- memorate the fact that this is the twenty-first year of his work in selecting and cross-fertilising Sweet Peas. Mr. H. J. Jones' offer to supply the prizes in Class 25, for an epergne of Sweet Peas, £2 ]Ts. ; and Mr. R. Sydenham's offer to supply the prizes in two of the amateur classes, amounting to upwards of £5, were accepted and acknowledged. With refer- ence to the rules and regulations for competitors, it is worth while noting that from subscribers of 10s. tW. and upwards no entrance-fees will be demanded, but non-subscribers must pay an entrance-fee of 5s. to entitle them to compete in any six classes (subject to divisional schedule regulations), but a further entrance-fee of 5s. mnst he paid if this number is exceeded. Conference proceedings, subscribers' tickets, publication of report, and other matters were referred to, but reserved for final discussion and settlement at the Committee meeting to be held on Friday, February 23, by which date the complete schedule, regulations, &c, Ac, will be ready for acceptance and immediate publication. Meanwhile, the Committee desires the sympathy and finan- cial assistance of all horticulturists, so that the forthcoming celebration may be made the unqualified success its interest and importance demands. Any surplus funds remaining after the payment of prizes and necessary expenses will be given to the gardening charities. Further particulars can be obtained from the Hon. Secre- tary, Mr. R. Dean, V.M.H., Ranelagh Road, Ealing. MISCELLANEOUS SOCIETIES. Ipswich Gardeners' and Amateurs' Mutual Improve- ment Association —The public meeting mentioned in the Gardeners' Chronicle, January 6, was held in the Ipswich Town Hall on the 15th inst , most of the local nurserymen and gardeners attending. The proposition to form an associa- tion was carried unanimously, a committee of nine being appointed to arrange details ; Mr. W. E. Close, Holy Wells Hardens, was elected Hon. Secretary. ©bftuatr. R. D. Blackmore.— We much regret to record the death of this celebrated novelist, which took place at his residence at Teddington on Saturday, January 20. To the general public Mr. Blackmore will be best remembered by his novel, Lorna Doone, which appeared in 1869, and is one of the great novels of the century. By gardeners he will be long remembered as a cultivator of Pears and market-gard»ner, carrying on busi ness at Teddington, and as we know from personal correspondence not with any great amount of success. Probably the busy man of letters re- garded his venture in this field of activity chiefly as a means of relaxation, not looking over-carefully to the monetary side of it. The late Dr. R. Hogg thought highly of his estimate of the cropping and edible properties of Pears, and interspersed the novelist's opinions freely throughout his descriptive notes on varieties of Pears in the Fruit Manual. For our own part we attached but little value to these estimates and opinions, being aware of the immense influence of soil, climate, situation, and methods of cultivation on the cropping capabilities and quality of Pears, and that what might or might not succeed at Teddington would turn out other- wise in other localities. Mr. Blackmore, besides Pear-trees, possessed at Teddington a most prolific Vine, of which he was very proud. Some years ago he actively identified himself with the work of the Royal Horticultural Society, and for some time was a member of the Fruit Com- mittee. He was born in 182.5, at Longworth, Berkshire, his maternal grandmother being a descendant of Dr. Doddridge, whence his name, Richard Doddridge Blackmore. JOHN FraSER.— The death of Mr. John Fraser, on the 20th inst. , at the age of seventy-eight years, removes from horticultural circles a well-known figure. In the course of his life he had come into notice as a high-class cultivator and successful ex- hibitor, as judge, valuer, committeeman ; and in other capacities he lived and moved among his con temporaries till the close of his life. He is almost the last of those who occup:ed a seat on the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society when it was first formed in 1859, and he died one of its Vice-Presidents. Of his early years but little appears to be known. He and his brother James succeeded, when young men, to the management of the business in the Lea Bridge Road, founded by their father, and under their management the firm became widely known for the cultivation of hard-wooded plants, and as exhibitors of specimen stove and greenhouse plants. At all the great horticultural exhibitions held in London during the past half century they were exhibitors. Specimen Pelargoniums of all sections they grew well ; Azaleas were successfully grown and exhi- bited ; and their encounters with Mrs. Laurence The I. mi- RICHARD DODDRIDGE BLACKMORE. (Reproduced by permission of Mrs*?*. Sampson Low, Marstoti .1 Co., from a photograph by Mr. Frerffc. Jenkins.) and other leading exhibitors is a matter of history ; as is also the incident of Mrs. Laurence purchasing from the Lea Bridge firm the whole of the collec- tion of plants which defeated her's at one of the great Chiswick shows, and taking over May, the grower, also with the plants. As one of the founders of the National Flori- cultural Society in 1851, Mr. Fraser remained con- nected with it as one of its leading censors until it was dissolved in 1859. His services were in great request as a judge, and as a valuer of horticultural stock he was, perhaps, almost without a rival ; his high-minded integrity was acknowledged on every hand. The firm exhibited at all the Chiswick exhibitions up to the last in 1858 ; at the Regent's Park, at the Crystal Palace, and at some, at least, of the provincial shows of the Royal Horticultural Society. At the Great International Horticultural Exhibition held at Kensington in IStifi, they were important exhibitors, staging, in addition to Pelar- goniums, Azaleas, &c, twenty-four large specimen greenhouse plants, of which the names and dimensions were recorded at the time. Some years ago the partnership between the brothers was dissolved, and the business was carried on by John Fraser. While at Leyton he took great interest in local matters, and was for a considerable period chairman of the Local Board. A few years since the rapid growth of the neigh- bourhood necessitated the transference of the busi- ness to South Woodford, where an entirely new nursery was formed, and where Heaths, Vines, Ivies, &c, in addition to a general stock, are the leading features. The business will henceforth be carried on by his son. Mr. John Finlay Fraser. During the past year, Mr. Fraser was able to put in an appearance at the meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society ; but he, except on one or two occasions, no longer sat at the committee- table. Having been widely known, his death will create a feeling of regret in the hearts of many who in the course of his long and active life had come into contact with him. John Nunns. — Many of our readers will learn with regret of the death of this once well-known gardener, on the 15th of this month, at the age of seventy-one. The deceased, who had retired from the gardening world for some years, was for twenty-six years head gardener to Sir lohn D. Llewelyn, at Penllergare, near Swansea. Markets. _COYENT GARDEN, JANUARY 2d. (We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They are furnished to us regularly every Thursday, by the kindness of several of the principal salesmen, who revise the list, and who are responsible for the quotations. It must be remembered that tnese 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 npon 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. Erj.l Oct Flowebs, &c— Avebaoi Whoiesale Prices. . d. j. d. Arum Lilies, dozen blocms 14 0-1S 0 Asparagrs "Fern," bunch 2 0 2 6 Carnations, perdoz. blooms 2 6-50 Cattleyas, per dozen 15 0-18 0 Eu.ii.ui-, per dozen 8 0-10 0 Gaidenias, per doz. 3 0-60 Lilac, white, bunch 5 0-70 Li ium Barrisii, per dozen blooms ... 10 0-34 0 Lilium longiflorum, per dozen ... 12 C- 10 0 — lancifolium al- bum, per dozen 6 0-40 — lancifolium ru- brum. per doz. 3 0-40 Lily of Valley, per doz. bunches... 12 0-24 0 Maidenhair Fern, per doz. bunches 4 0-60 Marguerites, p. doz. bunches 8 0-40 Mignonette, dozen bunches ... 4 0-60 s. d. i. d. 6 0- e 0 3 0-76 3 0-40 4 6-96 9 0-12 0 3 6-76 3 6-76 3 6-76 3 6-36 8 0- 6 0 9- 1 3- 1 0 2 0 Narcissus (yellow) doz- bunches — (double)-!;'. Vtl — (white) doz. Odoiitoglossums.per dozen Poinsettias, dozen blooms 15 0-1S Roman Hyacinths, doz. bunches ... Roses indoor, per dozen — Tea, white, per dozen — Yellow, Perles, per doz. — Safrano, perdoz. Smilax, per bunch Tuteroses. per doz. blooms Tulips, per bunch . Violets, Parma, per bunch ... ... — dark (French), perdoz. bchs.... 2 6-46 (English), perdoz bchs.. Fbctt.— Avkragk Wholxsali Pbiois $. d. a. d. i Grapes, English, Alicante, peril*. Grapes, Belgian — Gros Colmar, Class A., pr. lb. — Class B. , per lb. — Muscats, CI. A., perlb 2 6-40 — Almeiia, dz. lb. 6 0- 8 barrel ... 21 0-30.0 Lemons, Messina. ;>60 12 0-14 0 — Palermo, case... €0-7 Lychees, Chinese, new, pkt., 1 lb. 0 10 — Oranges, Denia, 420 25 0 — i 0 so 5 0-70 5 0-60 4 (1- 6 0 6 6- s 0 I 2 6- 6 0 Apples, in sieves : — Beelings, bshL — Blenheims, bsh. — Northern Greenings, per bushel — Queenings,bus. — Wellingtons, bushel — Various, bushel — Nova Scotia, various, barrel . 17 0-22 6 Baldwins, barrel ... 16 0-18 0 Greenings, barrel ... 16 0-18 0 Golden Rus- sets, barrel 25 0 — — N. Spies, barrel 20 0-22 6 ( — Californian, cases, New Town and Red . 6 0-10 0 — Canadian Gldn. Russets, barrel 21 6 — I Bananas, per bunch 6 0-10 0 Chestnuts, per ag — Spanish 8 0-12 0 4 0-50 «.& a. d. 12-16 0 S- 1 2 16-10 10-13 8 0 10 0 Blood - Jaffa, case of 144 — Mandarin,boxes — Mureia, case of 240 — Valencia. ,il 714 IP 0 16 Pears, half cases... 10 0 — 0- 6 0 ' — Californian Easter 0 I Bcurre, case ... 18 0 abundantly at the first, increasing the amount as the plants recover their health. Daisies in Bowling Green : D. W. Encourage a smothering growth of the grasses by using Watson's Lawn-sand, fish, or other manures. If but few Daisies exist, spudding them out might be advisable. If the turf is much infested, nothing short of digging the ground and resowing with the finer grasses will be of aDy use. Furze on 5 acres of Land : H. W. C. You will find that seed sowing is more economical and satisfactory than planting. The land should be deeply ploughed and well harrowed, the seed being sown in drills and after covering, well rolled. Insects in Mushroom - Beds on Boots of Tomatos, &c. : B. P. The little glassy-white worms are not Tylenchi, but the larva? of a species of Sciara, and probably the S. fucata ; but in the absence of the perfect insect, it is impossible to state definitely to which species they belong. Many of the larva? sent had pupated en route, which in due course will pro- duce very small, swarthy, two-winged flies belonging to the order Diptera. The food of these larva- consists almost entirely of decayed vegetable matter. They often swarm in leaf- mould, dung, &c. ; and S. fucata has been known to attack young Wheat plants. Those in your Mushroom house were carried in with the manure ; and those present at the roots of your Cucumbers and other plants, were probably introduced in the compost, which, judging from the sample submitted, contains a large percentage of decayed vegetable matter, such as these larva? would revel in. You may attract the larva? by inserting pieces of decayed Potato into the soil near the affected plants, and in the Mushroom-beds ; and if the perfect flies are now appearing, fumigation would destroy them ; but your safest course is to remove the affected soil and make a fresh start. P. N. Names of Plants : Correspondents not answered in this issue are requested to be so good as to conmlt the following number. — May. 1, Selagi- nella Wildenovii ; 2, Polystichum angulare ; 3, Nephrolepsis tuberosa ; 4, Asplenium lucidum ; 5, Begonia maculata argyra?a ; 6. Begonia incarnata metalica. — Lamb. 1, Dieffenbachia nobilis ; 2, Fittonia Pearcei, Codueum (Croton), but which variety it is not possible to say by the poor specimen sent. — F. L. Stanhopea Wardi aurea. Paris-green for Spraying Apple-trees : Viridis. First application, before the buds start — im- portant; second, just before the flowers open ; third, soon after the latter fall ; fourth, ten to fifteen days later ; fifth, ten to fifteen diys later if spot disease is severe ; and for borer at end of June. Formula : Paris-green, 1 lb. ; lime, 1 lb. ; water, 200 gallons. Peaches for Forcing: Old Subscriber. Alex- ander, Early Rivers, Early Grosse Mignonne, Doctor Hogg, Grosse Mignonne, Noblesse, Belle- garde, Stirling Castle, and Albatross. These ripen in the order of their names. Pomegranate not Flowering : C. B. In your latitude (Sheffield) the plant should not be placed out-of-doors in the summer, but be afforded a warm situation in the greenhouse or intermediate-house, not shading it at auy time. Look to the roots, and afford new soil in March, and ample drainage. Pot firmly, in loam, peat, leaf-mould, and sand. The plant being deci- duous, should be afforded a good loDg rest in a cold place, seldom affording water in the winter. Keep the shoots fairly thin, cutting out all those too weak to bear (lowers, leaving short snags to form spurs. Keep it syringed well whilst growing. The sort of pruning afforded the Plum and Apricot suits the Pomegranate. Pond Clearing : ./. S. The stuff is almost value- less, excepting when dry, as a dressing for poor grass-land. Being destitute of all fibre, roots, &c, it sets together very closely when used alone, and is quite unsuited to the growth of the Rhododendron. Reducing the Height of Palms : A'. There is nothing to be done, if you cannot sink the recep- tacles in which they are growing into the floor of the house. They might live if you headed them back, but their beauty, even should they throw out growths, would never be recovered. Roses, H. P. 's, doing well on their own Roots : B. F, Vik and Vadsbro, Sweden. A. K. Wil- liams, Anna Alexieff, Baron Bonstettin, Baroness Rothschild, Baron Prevost, Beauty of Waltham, Black Prince, Boule de Neige, Dr. Andry, Duchesse de Yallambrosa, Duchess of Bedford, Duchess of Norfolk, Etienne Levet, Fisher Holmes, General Jacqueminot, Jules Margottin, Lady of the Lake, Louis van Houtte, and many other hardy varieties. Topping an Araucaria excelsa : C. B. With a sharp knife partially sever the leader at any desired height, and let it hang down by a strip of wood and the bark. When in the course of time the wound makes a callus, it may be taken off ; insert in a pot in sandy soil, and place in a warm case to make roots. If the callus becomes black, place the cutting in fresh soil. Vermorel's Spkaying Syringes : H. B. Scan our advertising columns, or make application to some horticultural sundriesmen, as Osman, An- derson, and Richards, whose addresses are often to be found \n our columns. Webs on the Bark of a Tree : P. Murray Thomson, Kilpunt, Broxburn. The conspicuous webs in the crevices of the bark of the Laburnum are not scales, but are the silken coverings made by female Psocida? to protect their eggs. These insects are not injurious to the trees ; they feed chiefly upon the Protococci on tree trunks. B. N. Communications Received.— P. W — A. H. — A. C— 8. A.— T. C— W. 8.— A. C. F.— E. P. B.-G. B. M.— H. G. B.— G. H.— H. W. W.— B. C— W. Grossman's letter has been forwarded to its destination.— G. P. — S H., Lincolnshire. — Lancashire.— Nemo — F. J.— De Graafe Bros.— R. F. — K. S. (many thanks). —Old Subscriber.— Buller II. — J. K.— J. 8. M.— Ed. R.— Young Gardener.— S. H., Lincoln.— Wild Rose.-D. T. F.-A. O'N.— H. C— A. H.— Subscriber (will try to discover cause of delay).— B. B.— G. G.— J. K.— H. H. T.— R. D.— J. H.— W. T.— G. B. M.— W. R.— A. C. F. — G. M.— C. T. D. Continued Increase in the Circulation of the " GARDENERS' CHRONICLE." Important to Advertisers.— The Publisher has the satis/action, of announcing that the circulation of the "Gardeners' Chronicle" has, since the reduction in Ik,- price of the paper, Wat- TREBLED. -»@ 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 'is preserved for reference in ail the principal Mtraries. February 3, 1900.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 65 _ ^r^MBMrfTr'ii THK barters' djjhrmride No. 684.— SATURDAY, FEB. 3, 1900. CONTENTS. Alpine garden, the Apple Newton Wonder ... Banana, the Abyssinian .. Blackmore, R. D., the late Book notice — Vegetables for exhibi- tion and home con- sumption Bulb garden, the Chrysanthemum Madame Carnot Cultural memoranda- Vines from eyes Currant, Comet Red Deepdene, the entrance- hail *t Txhibiti jn-schedules to hand Flax cultivation Florists' Mowers ... German exhibition of the florists' art, a Grafting problem, a Horticulture and the study of Nature Hybrids, &c., permanenc3 of Ireland— The Dublin Museum ... Law Notes London Botanic Gaiden, the: Market Gardening 68 Musa Ensete Nursery Notes — Chinese Primroses, &c, at Reading Obituary— Fraser, James ... Turner, Charles Orchid notes and glean- ings Orphan Fund, the Royal Gardeners' Poisons, sale of horticul- tural Quiuce stock and Pears, the Red-spider, the " Hat- field " cure for Root-pruning of Apples and Fears Rosary, the Ruskin, John, the late ... Seeds not true to name ... Societies 73, 74. Sophro-L;clia X Marriot:- lana Sweet Peas Vegetables — Onions should be sown indoors Vine*, influence of stock upon worked Violets, exhibiting Week's work, the... 70, 71 69 66 76 ILLUSTRATIONS. Cypripedium x Sanderiano-Curtisii 75 Musa Ensete, bunch of fruits of 69 Piimula " The Duchess" 67 Sophro-Leelia x Marriottiana 66 View of interior of entranre-hall at Deepdene (Supplement). THE LONDON BOTANIC GARDEN. FOR more than two centuries Chelsea and its vicinity has been celebrated for its gardens — botanic, nursery, market, private, and tea-drinking. It is still one of the Meccas of floriculture, and its Apothecaries' Garden remains to remind one of a time when the city was far distant, and Chelsea itself a rural hamlet. The private gardens have long since degenerated into back-yards, where Mignonette and Geraniums lead a brief and sooty existence of a few weeks' duration ; and the market- gardens have long since been elbowed some miles further out into the suburbs. The history of Chelsea and its various gardens would fill a fairly large volume, of which a very considerable portion would be taken up with Cremorne Gardens and its manifold frivolities. Apart from the gardens of the Society of Apothecaries, no phase in the earlier history of Chelsea Gardens is more interesting than that of the London Botanic Garden, which William Salisbury successfully inaugurated in 1807, and which was in existence for about a quarter of a century. It is not easy to realise, in visiting Chelsea to-day, that men by no means very old remember the place when it was a pleasant retreat, with a distinctly countrified air about it. The penny 'bus and the underground railway have long since robbed it of its rural character. The rapid merging of Greater London into London proper has been the immediate cause of the obliterating of landmarks and historical spots without number, and among these the London Botanic Garden. Of William Salisbury, the man who planned and laid out this remarkable place, very little is known. In the Gentleman's Magazine of 1810, in an article describing his Botanic Garden, he tells us that he was in 1792 a pupil of Curtis, whom he joined as partner in 1798. His first publication, Hortus Pad- dingtonensis, was an exhaustive catalogue of plants cultivated in the garden of John Symmons, F.R.S., at Paddington House, to whom Salisbury was gardener, and to whom the book is addressed. The preface is dated September 25, 1797, and the writer speaks in very high terms of his employer's liberality and of his " generous bounty," so that the catalogue was doubtless published at Mr. Symmons' expense. The catalogue is an extraordinary one, and the garden probably could have claimed to contain a greater variety of plants than any other private establishment in the kingdom. Close upon 4800 species and varieties of plants and trees, English and foreign, are alphabetically enumerated, first by the Latin and then by the English name, followed by an initial to indicate whether the particular plant is hardy, or stove, or greenhouse, and then the signs of the plant's duration. Curiously enough, my copy of this striking memento of a Paddington garden of a century ago is bound up with the second edition of James Donn's Hortus Contabrigiensis, 1800, from which it would seem that the Botanic Garden, Cambridge, claimed to possess only about 5400 different species and varieties. Salisbury left Mr. Symmons soon after his elaborate catalogue was finished, and became a partner with William Curtis (the well-known nurseryman, and founder of the Botanical Magazine), at Queen's Elm, Brompton. Curtis died in July, 1799, and Salisbury (owing to the lease of the Brompton Garden being on the point of expiring) removed soon after to Cadogan Place, Sloane Street ; and it was here that he formulated and carried out the London Botanic Garden. The idea itself was not original, for Curtis had started a similar institution at his nursery garden near the Queen's Elm Turnpike, the subscription being one guinea per annum, or two guineas, which entitled the subscriber to seeds, roots, and so on, up to a certain value. Salisbury doubtless succeeded to Curtis's library of botanical books and extensive collection of drawings, and these, with the great variety of plants, formed the nucleus of the new gardens. The London Botanic Garden consisted of about six acres of ground, so arranged that a person could walk nearly two miles without entering the same path twice ; the whole form- ing, apart from its scientific arrangement, a "delightful promenade," as Faulkner states in his History of Chelsea (1829). The scope or aim of the garden is fully explained in the preface to Salisbury's Botanists' Companion, which the author describes as an introduction to the knowledge of practical botany and the uses of plants either growing wild in Great Britain, or cultivated for the purposes of agri- culture, medicine, rural economy, or the arts. The book was published in two volumes by Longmans in 1816. The admission to the garden and library was one guinea for twelve months. During summer there were, on Mon- days and Thursdays, lectures written by Salisbury himself, on botanical topics ; and about twelve excursions were made within three months to such places near London " as are known to produce the greatest number of plants." To attract those who cared for neither lectures nor excursions, the proprietor arranged for concerts on Tuesdays and Satur- days, from May to September. The Botanists' Companion is, for the time, a really noteworthy compilation, and the arrangement is on a similar plan to that of Graefer's Catalogue (1789), and Galpine's Com- pendium (1806), and is one of the most com- prehensive works of its kind which had appeared in England up to 1816. A very considerable part of Sloane Street, between the Square and Cadogan Place, was taken up by Salisbury's Botanic Garden, and for some years it was a very fashionable prome- nade. In 1820 the property changed hands, the new owner being aMr. Tate, who altered the place considerably, and converted it into a nursery. The London Botanic Garden, however, during its existence, absorbed a number of interesting collections of both living and dried plants. G. Ackerman presented a number of new and undescribed plants from South America, includ- ing Echeveria grandifolia ; Capt. Paterson, of the East India Company, gave a ch.ice collec- tion of Chinese plants ; a Mrs. Brown, of Cadogan Place, sent some Ceylon plants. It also absorbed Bullock's extensive collection of plants formed in Mexico ; and many rarities came from Mr. R. P. Staples, whose collection of Cacti is described in the Philosophical Trans- actions by Mr. A. H. Haworth. Other benefactors included the Hon. and Rev. W. Herbert of Spofl'orth, and the Right Hon. Lady Amherst. When the London Botanic Garden was in its prime, a plan was drawn up and engraved for the Gentleman's Magazine (to which Salisbury was an occasional contributor), and published in the issue for August, 1810. ThiB plan was republished as a frontispiece to the first volume of Salisbury's Botanists' Companion six years afterwards. It is not known for certain — or, at all events, I have been unable to ascertain —when the London Botanic Garden ceased to exist. Pro- bably, as is generally the case, it was encroached upon bit by bit. It was described by Faulkner in his History of Cltelsca in 1829, but it ia not alluded to in any way by J. C. Loudon in the edition of his Encyclopaedia of Gardening, which appeared in 1835. As Loudon had lived at Bayswater for many years when Faulkner wrote his book, the London Botanic Garden must have been known to him, and if it then existed, would have received due notice in the Encyclopaedia. It is, however, rather a curious fact, that Salisbury's publications are not men- tioned in either the Encyclopcedia or in the Hortus Britannicus. Salisbury died in 1823. Early in 1816, Salisbury published, in addi- tion to the elaborate Botanists Companion, already mentioned, a small book of about 200 pages (through Longmans), entitled, Hints addressed to the Proprietors of Orchards, and to Growers of Fruit in General." It consists largely of observations made during the previous summer in a tour through the cider counties of England. The author urges certain improvements in the methods of culture, and insists that no more fruit-trees should be grown on any farm than "can be allowed the proper management neces- sary to promote the ends for which they are intended." Two interesting points are revealed in the course of this little book : first, that several farmers near Pet worth " have this season paid their rents by the produce of their orchards ; " and secondly, that the author had just recently purchased, for the sake of propa- gation, the stock of new fruit-trees raised by Mr. Knight at Elton, near Ludlow. 66 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 3, 1000. After leaving the London Botanic Garden, Salisbury wrote one pamphlet, The Cottagers' Igricultiiral Companion, 1822, which ran into a second edition in the same year. This little book reveals the fact that the author was still in business at his " nursery ground " at Brompton, Middlesex. In his pamphlet, Salisbury, in an address to the proprietors of landed estates in Great Britain, enlarges upon the necessity of im- provement in the education of the labourer and his wife. This, he maintains, may be effected by inducing them to cultivate plots of land on what is now known as the allotment system. Salisbury especially commends the system, "adopted with the best effect" at Newnham under the Countess of Harcourt. His i bttagers' Agricultural Companion had an extensive circu- lation, and it probably did much good; he con- templated, in furtherance of this amelioration of the farm labourer's lot, a pamphlet on the culture and management of bees, but he apparently did not live to finish the work. Although his name is not perpetuated in the usual manner, he undoubtedly rendered botany and ho-ticulture very considerable services, and worthily sustained, as a practical gardener, the good fame of his tutor and partner, William Curtis. W. Roberts. SOPHRO-L.ELIA x MAEEIOTTIANA. On several occasions Sir Win. Marriott, The Down House, Blandford (gr., Mr. Denny), has exhibited examples of his pretty hybrid Sophro- Lselia, obtained by crossing Ladiaflava and Sophro- nitis grandi flora, and some variation in the dark yellow colouring of the flowers has been remarked. At the Royal Horticultural Society's meeting on January 9 last, a plant of it showing a still more remarkable variation was staged, and from it our illustration (fig. 20) was prepared. The sepals and petals were yellow, with a flame-like series of orange- scarlet flakes, extending from the base of each segment to the well-defined, clear, yellow margin. The lip was yellow, with dark reddish- orange markings, having some yellow lines ex- tending from the base. The whole flower, in colour, preseuted the appearance of one of those yellow and orange flowering Cannas, now so popular in gardens. Nursery Notes, CHINESE PRIMROSES, Etc., AT READING. A large exhibit at the Drill Hall, on January 0, afforded a foretaste of the display of Chinese Primulas Messrs. Sutton & Sons have now in bloom at Readiug. It was a most interesting collection of plants, and in one or two instances particularly, varieties possessing flowers of new shades of colour attracted much attention. Since then, however, we have had the opportunity to inspect the entire collection "at home," and it would be very difficult indeed to adecpiately describe the lovely effect of the thousands of plants grouped in colours, in the many span-roofed houses at the Portland Road Nursery. And in passing, a remark may be made upon the excellence of the houses just mentioned. How admirable they are for the cultivation of Primulas, Cyclamens, or other dwarf - growing, partially delicate plants, that, blooming at a season of the year when the days are short, and the weather variable, require all the light and sunshine that may be obtainable ; and fresh air occasionally, without the injurious accompaniment of culd draughts ! The task of many a gardener, who tries his utmost to successfully grow and flower batches of these plants, and winter -blooming Pelargoniums, would be materially assisted did means permit of his acquiring these first essentials. The Reading plants are grown for the purpose of producing seeds, and it has been found that small plants in 5-inch pots, or even less, are best suited to this purpose. Accordingly, the seeds are not sown, we believe, until midsummer has been passed, and if there are no "specimen" plants, with numbers of flower-spikes, and large foliage, they are little missed, for in proportion the younger and smaller ones flower just as freely and strongly, and are each as perfect as the imagination could desire. In the work of developing such flowers as the Primula, the processes of selection, cultivation, and cross-fertilisation are all great factors. Which is the most important matters little ; certaiD is it, that once cross- fertilisation is practised, selection becomes essential. Both these processes may be observed in operation at Reading : here a flower has been fertilised with pollen from a flower of a distinct character, but possibly only in the matter of colour ; there, are a few plants with- drawn from a well-known strain. Tbey have shown an improvement over the rest of the same strain, preserved for years, it was noticeable that varieties are kept so true from seed that little difference in shade of colour even could be detected in the large batches of plants. Choice fixed Varieties. Speaking now of single-flowered varieties, there are Snowdrift, Pearl, Turity, and Royal White ; the first-named is the earliest to bloom, and has many good qualities, its pure white flowers and fern-like foliage being very pretty. Pearl is rather later, but is one of the best of growers, and has been a favourite for nearly twenty years. Royal White has dark foliage, and is therefore distinct from the others of this colour ; its flowers are large and beautifully fringed. Of varieties pro- ducing flowers other than white there is an ever increasing number, and in the known sorts the strains have been improved by intensifying the colours. Brilliant Rose was very noticeable as /fli Fig. 20.— sciphro-l.-klia x marriottiana : colour yellow ami (iranfie-scarlet. and it is from such that seeds may be obtained to maintain the strain at its present standard of quality, or possibly raise it in a little degree above any previous condition. Cultivation, the other factor in development, is often helpful, but sometimes a little troublesome. To cultivation is due, to a very large extent, the evolution of the semi-double type from single- flowered varieties, and the gain has been an immense one ; but its influence in some directions, for instance upon the "star" or "stellate" section, is to bring these free-flowering, graceful- habited plants, that recently have been accorded considerable popular favour, more and more into likeness to the florists' type, and in order to preserve the simple form it is necessary to resist or neutralise the influence cultivation would naturally exert upon it. Thus is the work of maintaining and develop- ing a collection of Primulas pursued. In one section or "strain," a certain characteristic is encouraged ; in au jther lot of plants the same characteristic is rigidly excluded. There are thus endless balancing of influences, directing of ten- dencies, and shaking up of possible latent forces. As we looked over the strains that have been being true, and in every respect desirable. Crimson King also is excellent ; its fine flowers are un- usually fimbriated, and there is a dark, narrow circle round the centre. A fern-leaved form of this variety has just been prepared for distribution. Brilliant Ruby, which superseded the old Ruby King, is a first-rate red-flowered Primula of dwarf habit, but needs some little encouragement in order to get the blooms thrown well above the foliage. Then there are Reading Pink, which flowers moderately early ; Gipsy Queen, one with bizarre-like flowers, white, splashed with rose ; Rosy Queen, a pretty variety, with fern foliage ; Reading Scarlet, and others in the single-flowered section, of which we will only further allude to those known as "blue." The best of these is Reading Blue, having plain foliage, and very fine flowers. One known as Sutton's Blue has fern foliage, but is otherwise hardly so good ; and a new one obtained from crossing the Reading Blue upon a white variety, is the Cambridge Blue — this is of an exceedingly delicate tint, and with the very light green foliage has a somewhat aesthetic appearance. The semi-double varieties appeared beautiful. February ::, 1 900. THE GAEDENEMS' CHRONICLE. GT They flower freely, are capable of reproduction by seed, and though the flowers are not of the same quality as the old double White, they are never- theless useful for button -holes and spray-making. There aie varieties all true to colour in pink, scarlet, carmine, white, crimson, blue, salmon, and carnation flaked. The Carnation flaked semi- double is a very popular variety, one of the strongest growers, and an abundant bloomer. A new stock of this has been obtained by crossing again with Crimson King. The flowers are spotted rather than flaked, and the spotting is very free. It is only recently that a salmon tint has been produced by the doubles, and we are not sure that it is ready for distribution. But it will be very highly appreciated when generally known, as the shade is perfect. habit of the pyramidalis strain to acquire only part of the excellence in flower possessed by the florists type. The Most Recent Novelties. As typical of the best of the novelties, our artist has reproduced ia fig. 21 flowers and foliage of "The Duchess," shown at the meeting at the Drill Hall above referred to, when an Award of Merit was recommended to the strain. The cross was one of Crimson King and Pearl, and this blending has resulted in the charming seedling variety. Its flower-stem is strong and erect, flowers large and of much substance, having a 3 ellowish centre, and white, profusely fimbriated petals, but around the eye is a starred ring of intense rose, which to some degree suffuses the white. We saw other novelties from this and similar crosses that will be certain to FlO. 21.— NEW l'l'.mil.v, "THE Mrlll.ss": COLOUR WHITE, WITH DEEP ROSE CIRCLE IROl M> lll.lnw EYE. The giant strains were not yet fully in flower, but there are giants in most of the colours that is, varieties that are grosser in all their parts, but produce in consequence fewer leaves and fewer flowers than ordinary strains. The "star" or "stellate" Primulas quite de- serve recommendation. They are so free - bloom- ing, and their graceful, branching, pyramidal habit gives to them much effect as winter flowering plants for decoration. The flowers are only small, have no fimbriatiou, but merely a wedge-like notch in the centre of each petal, yet are the plants so be- decked with them, that they are exquisite to behold. There is the white form and a pink variety, and a recent lilac-tinted on 1 An improved whito on very dark foliage was admirer1. In additiou, there are varieties with new shades of colour, and others more or less intermediate between the type and the florists' varieties. The latter are the least satisfactory, because they forfeit the charming command admiration. Several of these resembled greatly the Duchess itself, but were even more deli- cate, the colour being softer. There were flowers of magenta colour, red. vermilion, and a purple or plum-blue, and generally the eye is yellow. The process of "selection" and "fixing" has to be applied to these, and the results should be most gratifying to lovers of the Primula. Amoog the novelties we should perhaps include General French, a semi-double variety, also given an Award of Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society on January 9 : it represents the best crimson semi- double up to date, and is most vivid. Contemporary with all the newer varieties, we noticed a fine batch of the old white single-flowered alba magnitica, very true in strain, and flowering with abundant freedom. The most useful, but rather dangerous, P. obconica, made another house very gay with its flowers of quite a different type. The Cyclamens were not at their best at the time of our visit, but though their freshness had been partly lost, there were hundreds of plants with a crop of flowers. Most of the varieties are well known. Of Whites, for instance, Butterfly we have seen again and again acquitting itself with credit : its flowers are very showy. The "Giant' White is of another character, its flowers are more regular, prim, and proper, but equally good. Then there are strains to colour, such as Rose, Cherry Red, Crimson, Purple, Pink. &c. But surpassing all of these latter in distinctness are the varieties Vulcan, an exceedingly rich crimson ; and Salmon Queen, a Cyclamen that may be identified in any collection possessing the variety. We have not seen another so distinct a Cyclamen of this colour. Messrs. Sutton & Sons are very satisfied that they have just acquired giant forms of these two varieties, but we suppose they will not be ready for distri- bution at present. Each of them, though excellent in CDlour, has needed rather a stronger habit, larger flowers, and stems that would carry them well above the foliage. We can hardly conclude such a note as this without mentioning the enthusiasm of the late James Martin, under whose care these plants were for so long. Fortunately, Mr. McDonald, who has succeeded to the charge, had worked side by side with Martin for a great number of years. Orchid Notes and Gleanings. L.ELIA ANCEPS AT ROSEFIELD. In Mr. De B. Crawshay's gardens at Sevenoaka, so ably managed by his gardener, Mr. Sidney Cook, Odontoglossums have been the leading feature for some years, and the collection is rich in many specially-named varieties of 0. crispum and other species. The whole of the plauts in the four houses devoted to them are in very fine condition, and a large proportion of them are producing very strong flower-spikes, though but a few are yet in bloom. Some of the plants have been acquiricg increased vigour for many years, one example of Odonto- glossum crispum, for instance, since the year 18S0. A noticeable feature about both the houses and the plants, and one which gives a clue to their suc- cessful culture, no doubt, is that all are kept scrupulously clean. The second specialty at Roseneld, and the one which is making the best show of flowers at the present time, is Lselia anceps, and of that species there is a very interesting collection of named varieties. Some of the best of them form a pretty group at one end of a curved span-roofed house, which seems to suit the plants perfectly, though the greater part of the plants were still in bud at the time of writing. For general garden purposes, no doubt the easily -procurable good ordinary type of coloured Lselia anceps, with the now plentiful white L. anceps Stella and L. anceps Sanderiana, are suffi- cient ; they are free-flowering and showy, and answer most purposes. But to form a collection of many-named varieties is not an easy matter, as such forms often have to be increased by divisions from the original plant, and the difficulty of this is only known to those who have undertaken it. The plants in Mr. Crawshay's collection are in admirable condition, and well furnished with flower-spikes, but even in his skilful hands, not all the plauts can be made to bloom. Several plants of one of the earliest of the importations of white Lselia anceps have never yet bloomed in this couutry, although those of other importations gave no trouble in that respect. The form alluded to, with its long, thin, Schomburgkia - like pseudo- bulbs, will no doubt be recognised by many growers who have had similar experience of it. In the centre of the group, side by side, are two very fiuely-coloured and related forms, vis., It anceps Chamberlainiaua, and 1.. a. Crawsliayaua. A 68 TEE GARDENERS' CERONICLE. t February 3, 1900. glance reveals the main difference, for the former has a broader front lobe to the lip, while the hue of the latter is a slightly darker purple-crimson. Per- haps the best and most distinct is L. a. Amesiana, " Crawsbay's variety," illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle, January 22, 1898, p. 59, and which has always been much admired when shown. L. a. Mrs. De B. Crawshay is a very handsome dark- coloured variety, characterised by its rich and almost entirely claret-crimson lip, in which but little yellow is visible at the base. Among the white varieties in flower, two plants of the original L. anceps alba, one of the earliest albinos of typical L. anceps, appears to advantage, its white flowers with a yellow disc, and minus the dark markings on the side-lobes of the lip seen in other white forms rendering it quite distinct, and easily recognisable. Among others, L. a. Stella and L. a. Sanderiana are very effective ; while of the rare things not in bloom were noted a plant of the true L. a. blanda, the best variety of L. a. Hilliana, with four spikes ; L. a. Rosefieldiense, L. a. Williamsiana, a plant of L. a. Dawsoni from the original stock, and many other good forms. Arranged beside them were Lrelia albida, with a pale yellow tint, and a very handsomely-coloured form of it near to L. a. Stobartiana, and some plants of L. Jongheana in bud. In the same house are a number of plants of Cattleya Warsce- wiczii, imported a good many years ago, and as yet undowered, like the unproductive form of white Lffilia anceps alluded to above. Suspended on one side of the house are a number of hybrids, the result of interesting crosses with Ladia anceps, and representatives of other genera (in one case Sophronitis grandiflora). All of these somewhat closely resemble in growth L. anceps, as they have done in former crosses. Among other species in flower were some very pretty varieties of Odoutoglossum Rossii majus, one with the inner halves of the petals densely spotted with dark rose spots, being specially distinct. All the plants are in excellent health, and the rare varieties are equal in vigour to the ordinary and as yet unflowered forms. arket Gardening. CODLEUMS (CROTONS). These are now largely grown for market-sale. In establishments where Codioeums are made a specialty of, their brightest colours are fully deve- loped, and it is found that most varieties will withstand exposure, provided that they are not taken from a high temperature whilst the leaves are young and tender. We have seen Codiieums used with good effect in groups of Chrysan- themums, and although tbe association perhaps is not a perfect one, it is difficult to obtain bright foliage from greenhouse plants ; and when the effect is desired for a short time only, it is not necessary to confine oneself to plants which would naturally grow in the same climate. Codireum leaves are also very effective for use with cut flowers, and for a variety of such purposes. Those varieties that become a bright red colour are most valuable, but others that are bright yellow when highly coloured are much appreciated. Culture. — The most important point in their cultivation is to secure strong, well coloured tops as cuttings. This can only be done by growing the stock plants under the most favourable con- ditions. They must be kept free from red-spider and thrips, and other insect pests. Frequent examination is necessary to prevent the plants from becoming infested before it is noticed. The bulk of the propagating may be done during the winter months, but it should not be confined to this period. The system of "mossing " is recommended, as much larger plants may be thus established. Cut the stem half through and split it a little way up, putting in a wedge to keep the halves apart ; or, instead of cutting the stem, pierce it through with the point of a sharp knife, and insert the wedge. Then bind it up with sphagnum-moss and sand, and keep it moist. Roots will be produced before very long, and the tops should then be removed and potted-up into a light sandy compost. Place them for a time in a close propagating-pit to become established. If such tops are taken at different intervals it will not weaken the stock-plants so much as taking them at one time. In the case of plants having a single stem, the tops should not be taken until a good length of hard stem can be left. In taking cuttings, it is necessary to keep them fresh. They should be taken off and put into a close-pit, having a good bottom heat, with as little delay as possible. Young plants may be grown on in a high temperature, and afforded plenty of atmo- spheric moisture and exposure to the sun's rays, but after they have grown well a more moderate tem- perature and less moisture will enable the plants to finish off well. Although Codiseums in active growth delight in a high temperature, they will withstand cold much better than is generally supposed. During the autumn and early part of the winter, specimens may be kept tolerably cool. They will then start into growth much better in early spring. Varieties. — It is hardly necessary to enumerate these. The older sorts, such as Queen Victoria, Majesticum, and Evansianum, are still among the best. Mortfontainiensis and Thomsonianum are worth growing in large quantities, as they always colour well, and make good plants ; the same may be said of Countess, Lidy Zetland, and Prince of Wales. Reidii and Emperor Alexauder III. are fine varieties for autumn use. For market work it is better to start with a limited number of reliable sorts, and thoBe who take up their culture generally find opportunities for acquiring sorts most suited for their purposes. A. H. Melons. Good Melons always command a ready sale in large towns during the summer and early autumn months, and especially so in London during the time Parliament is sitting. Sow the seed singly in 3-inch pots three-parts filled with fine loamy soil and short manure (free from worms), at the rate of three-parts of the former to one of the latter, covering the seed with a little of the same mixture. Stand the pots on a board placed on the hot-water pipes, and cover them with a few squares of glass, afterwards giving sufficient tepid water to keep the soil uniformly moist. This is necessary throughout the whole period of the plant's growth. When the plants appear through the soil, remove the glass and transfer them to a position near to the roof- glass, and a few days later top-dress with some of the same kind of warm compost as that in which the plants are growing, pressing this gently to- gether, and being careful not to touch the stems. Good free-growiDg varieties which are noted for the size, handsome appearance, and fine quality of the fruit which they produce with perfect freedom under ordinary treatment, should be grown. Car- ter's Earl's Favourite and Blenheim Orange possess the above-mentioned qualities in a marked degree. This I say from a long experience in the culture of both varieties. For the production of early Melons a lean-to house, facing due south or south-west, and effi- ciently ventilated, is undoubtedly the best, seeing that not any of the glass area is exposed to the biting north winds. However, I shall confine my remarks to low, span-roofed houses, this being the description of house generally erected by market gardeners. The glass and wood-work having been washed with soapy water, and the brick-work with hot lime-wash, proceed with the formation of the hillocks. These may be made at intervals of 2 feet and at 1 foot from the wall for the entire length of the house on either side of the central pathway. The mounds, or hillocks,- should be about 15 inches deep and 2 feet wide at the base. The best soil at command should be em- ployed as a rooting medium, and one-third or more, of horse-droppings or peat-manure, according to the natural fertility of the soil. Lime-rubble may with advantage be added to the above-men- tioned ingredients in the proportion of one - fifth of the whole, if easily obtainable. The compost should be warmed by putting it into the house or houses at least three days before being brought into contact with roots of the plants. When the little plants have made two or three rough leaves, they should be transferredone to each hillock, making the soil quite firm about them in planting, and afterwards affording tepid water to settle the soil. Put a small stick to each plant for support, and secure it to the first wire of the trellis. Do not stop the leading shoots until they have nearly reached the top wire of the trellis, the object being to obtain an equal set of fruit, and an even distribution of it over the plants. This may be achieved by pinching out the first flowers that show on the laterals proceeding from the base of the individual plants, and afterwards trained to tbe first set of wires. Thus treated, they will produce side shoots from the base of each leafstalk along the entire length of the stem, and in their production the latter will thicken considerably. Superfluous growths should, however, be pinched off at one joint from the main stem. Train the shoots forming the plants at about 15 inches from one another on either side anglewise, and when they have made two or three joints of growth, stop them. When the flowers are open, fertilise them in the ordinary way with the small (male) flowers about mid- day, when the pollen is dry. Stop the fruit-bearing shoots at one joint beyond the fruit, and when it can be seen beyond doubt which fruits are going to swell, remove all of the superfluous ones — leaving from five to seven of the best and most even-sized fruits upon each plant. Seven fruits will be none too many for ordinarily strong-growing plants to ripen. All superfluous growths and flowers appearing after the fruits have began to swell should be kept persistently pinched out, so as to avoid anything approaching crowding of the shoots, and needless exhaustion of the plants. Damp the plants over-head and the house generally with tepid water, morning and afternoon on bright days. Ventilate somewhat freely during favour- able weather to secure short-jointed growth. As soon as the roots push through the sides of the hillocks, add a layer of the same kind of compost as that in which the plants are growing, a couple of inches thick, and continue to make such additions until the intervening spaces are filled to within an inch or so of the top of individual hillocks, thereby preventing the possibility of the stems of the plants and the soil immediately about them becoming too damp by the lodgment of water. Very little moisture should be distributed in the house when the plants are in flower, or when the fruits are approaching maturity. A minimum night temperature of 65° to 70° should be aimed at, and 5° higher by day, with fire-heat, running the temperature up to 85° with sun-heat, air being given at this point when the fruits are swelling, running the temperature up to 90° or 95° when closing the house, and distributing plenty of tepid water over the plants, walls, and pathways, same time. Should aphis effect a lodgment on the plants, fumigate in the evening with XL-All vaporising compound. When the Melons have become nearly full-grown, they should be sup- ported by two cross-bands of matting secured to the trellis. When the Melon crop has been taken, the house can be prepared for, and planted with, Tomatos for a late crop. H. W. Ward. The Rosary. The present is a good time to examine the Rose- bushes, and note any blanks caused by frost, old age. and so on. On looking over our own, I do not find so much harm from frost as was feared after the spell of very sharp weather experienced in December. The majority of the plants have well-matured wood, February 3, 1900.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, 69 and in many instances, especially among the Hybrid of temperature so common at this season. Under Chinas and Bourbons, the buds are pushing into glass there are insect pests to contend with as soon growth. No time should be lost in completing the as the days commence to lengthen. Early measures jtkr' F*" m^mm •JC: ■ *'^'i*MM mam i^ta S. &<4 g?' ^ Fn:. 22. — BUNCH OS PBUITS OF MUSA ENSETE. planting in places where this has not yet been against these are not only much easier, safer, and done, more effectual, but the necessity for usiug strong Pot Roses should be pruned and brought under solutions of insecticides is avoided. Too ofteu it cover, not for forcing, but in order to preserve happens that the remedies applied do almost as them from excessive wet and the extreme changes much harm as the insects. Use the syringe freely upon fine days, but let it be early, that the foliage may become fairly dry by night. Very many growers afford too much ventilation to Roses when in early growth. Far better is it to regulate the temperature without this and so avoid draughts, which are certain to cause mildew, and more or less to check the growth at a most critical time. Soils for Hoses. — All lovers of the Rose would do well to get the little treatise upon Soils for Hoses, issued by the National Rose Society ; although this does not tell us just what is the best soil, it gives most valuable hints. It may interest readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle to know that upon Christmas Day, quite a nice bunch of flowers of Reine Marie Henriette was cut from the open here. This iB a grand old climber Rose, and when allowed to grow at will it is seldom out of flower from the end of May until sharp frosts arrive. The hips upon the hybrid seedling Briars are still most showy. In one warm corner, and where a few plants are used to hide a low building containing a steam-boiler, the Sweet Briar is bursting into leaf sufficiently to draw attention by its perfume. Seldom have the buds worked during the previous summer looked more promising than those in this neighbourhood at the present time. Whether upon the many varieties of dwarf stocks or standard Briars, it is the same. A. Piper, Ucktiehl. THE ABYSSINIAN BANANA, MUSA ENSETE. We are indebted to the Director of Kew for the photograph of a bunch of fruits of Musa Ensete, reproduced in fig. 22. The plant has been repre- sented in the pages of the Gardeners' Chronicle on several occasions, notably in 1SS1, vol. xv., p. 4N..> ; where two very fine specimens are shown in a view of Jamaica scenery ; and in a supplement to the issue for December S, 1894, where it is shown grow- ing in the open air in the garden of Mr. Howard Fox, at Rose Hill, Falmouth. Flowering examples may row and then be seen in the houses at Kew. The bunch of fruits now figured was forwarded to Kew by a Covent Garden agent, who had received it from the Azores as a " peculiar Palm fruit, which might be obtained in quantity from that island.'' The diameter of the bunch was 12 inches. The fruits weie not mature, consequently they did not contain the large seeds which this species generally produces abundantly. In this respect, and also in the fruit being coriaceous, dry, and inedible, M. Ensete differs from the Banana proper. M. sapientum. The soft inside of the ''stem'' (really the folding bases of the leaves), is, according to the traveller Bruce, the best of all vegetables. When boiled, it has the taste of the best new Wheat-bread not fully baked. Ooly the white "heart'' of the stem is eaten; this is well boiled, eaten with milk or butter, a it is wholesome, nourishing, and easily digested. M. Eusete is a native of Abyssinia and equatorial Africa, but it is now widely distributed in the tropics. Young plants of it are used for summer effect in the London parks. According to the Ktvr Bulletin, the total weight of a single plant grown in the tropics is about a quarter of a ton. SWEET PEAS. The first week in February is a suitable time to make sowings of Sweet Peas. The seeds may be sown to the number of rive in a oA-inch. pot in sandy soil, placing the seed-pots in a cold gHss- house. In some light soils and warm districts the seed may be sown in the month of November, but the gain by this early sowiug is doubtful. The plant iloes not make much headway before April, and I fail to see the advantage of autumn sowiug over that of sowing in pots iu cold houses and frames. The aim cf the gardentr should be to obtain plants S feet iu height early iu August. Some lor sons may think this an extraordinary height ;>> THE GARDEJVEBS' CHRONICLE, [February 3, 1900. wish Sweet Peas" to grow to, but from experience I can say the higher they grow the better tbey flower, and we cannot have too much bloom from Sweet Peas. Now that varieties are so numerous, the correct method would appear to be to set out or sow in clumps, and by that means keep the varieties distinct from each other, not only for the sake of seed saving, but for a display also. When growing side by side, there is no fear of the varieties becoming mixed from inoculation by insects, as it is not possible for any insect to cross- fertilise varieties as in the case of many plants, owing to the development of the sexual organs prior to the expansion of the blooms. There is no flower in the garden which is capable of affording such large returns for the amount of labour expended on it as the Sweet Pea, com- mencing, as it does, to unfold its blossoms in June, and given the right kind of treatment, continuing till checked by frost. A long season of steady unin- terrupted growth is the chief point to aim at. In growing Sweet Peas there are three common mis- takes which are made. First, the seed is sown much too thickly, in consequence of which the plants are so much crowded that continued vigorous growth is impossible. I like to see side shoots that extend to a length of 6 feet, then I am sure the plant is not lacking in vigour, and there will be a corresponding quantity of blossoms. The blooms should be furnished with 10 inches, or more, of stalk, and most of thete carrying four blooms. Another mistake, and a common one, is not to gather the blooms. The harder the flowers are cut the more numerous they become, the flowering season being thereby extended; whereas, if few blooms are cut, a full crop of seed-pods is the result, which, whilst they are maturing, rob the plant and bring flower production to a standstill. Let the blooms be removed frequently, and thus obtain a succession. The third mistake is to withhold water during spells of dry weather, when the plants should be in active growth. Some persons are apt to put tbe blame on an attack of mildew, but they forget how little they do to prevent such an attack. Drought at the roots is the common, and I might say, the only cause of mildew on Sweet Peas. Affording a mulch of half rotten manure long before the mildew is discernible would be a step iu the right direction, but too little attention is paid to the matter of mulching. Abundance of water at the roots, and occasional heavy applications of liquid manure are important matters. By sowing the seeds in pots in cold frames at the time named, an early growth is obtained without incurring any trouble from slugs. When the pots are filled with roots let the plants be re-potted into small 32's, employing a compost consisting of two parts turfy loam, and one of half-decayed horse- manure ; whenever the weather is statable draw the lights off from the frame, so as to ensure stocky growth. Early in the month of A pril strong plants 1 foot high will be provided, which, when set out in the open around, will start into kindly growth forth- with. As a means of support nothing is better than untrimmed Pea - stakes, fixed perpendicu- larly alongside the plants soon after planting, in order that the tendrils may cling directly they are long enough. It is at this time that mulching is best carried out. My note would not be complete without a selec- tion of varieties. Like many other popular flowers, the varieties of Sweet Peas have increased so fast that a selection of the best is not easy, there being no fewer than 200 varieties in commerce. The following four dozen will give a good display if the cultural conditions are of the right kind, as they embrace the best of both old and new varieties. In white-flowered varieties we have Sadie Burpee, Blanche Burpee, and Emily Henderson, all very fine sorts, possessing the points most desirable in a Sweet Pea. In blue, we have Countess of Cadogan and Navy Blue. In blush, Mrs. Fitzgerald, Duchess of Sutherland, and Countess of Aberdeen. Claret-coloured sorts are well represented by Duke of Westminster and Duke of Clarence. Creamy- white varieties are pleasing, and the best are Lemon Queen, Lady Beaeonsfield, and Venus. Crimson is well represented by Salopian, Mars, and Firefly. Duke of Sutherland and Shazada afford desirable indigo tints. Telling varieties of lavender are found in LadyGrisel Hamilton, Lady Nina Balfour, and Countess of Radnor. Lady Skelmersdale and Colonist are representative of lilac tints. Of dis- tinct magenta, Calypso, Othello, and Black Knight are recognised as being the best. The mauve- coloured Fascination is a desirable variety. The orange-coloured section has now become a large one, and Lady Mary Currie, Gorgeous, Countess of Powis, Chancellor, and Triumph are nice examples. In pink, we have Duchess of Westminster, Countess of Lathom, Hon. F. Bouverie, and Lovely, which are the cream of this tint. Monarch is a desirable purple-coloured variety. Varieties of rose colour are numerous. Lord Kenyon, Mrs. Dugdale, Prince of Wales, Splendour, and Apple Blossom are all first class. Iu scarlet, Prince Edward of York deserves extended cultivation. Striped varieties are numerous, but not so popular as some other types. Admirers of this class may choose with the surety of having something nice from Aurora, Mrs,. Joseph Chamberlain, Duchess of York, Princess of Wales, and Senator. Yellow is a colour that has many admirers, especially if it be pure in tone. Queen Victoria gives blooms large and in every way desirable ; in fact it would be difficult to select a variety more pleasing in any colour. Cream of Brookhampton is an improvement upon Mrs. Eckford, itself desirable where numbers are required. E. M . The Week's Work, FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By J. Roberts, Gardener to t^e Duke of Portland, Welbeck Abbey, Worksop. Peaches and Nectarine s. — The advancement of the early house from the flowering to the growing stage will necessitate close attention to disbudding. But the young growths are the principal promoters of root action, and if these are removed in too great quantities a check may be given to the regular supply of sap to the young fruit. At the same time, a too large crop of growths has a tendency to rob tbe fruit of the necessary nourishment. Remove first a few of the strongest and worst-placed buds at the base of the shoots, allowing one on the upper side to remain to form a shoot for future beariug. The thinning out of young growths must be done at intervals of a few days. A few of these if growing in connection with well-placed fruits in the middle of the shoots, may be left till last, and then be shortened to two or three leaves with the thumb-nail. The strong tendency of the shortened shoots to draw sap will benefit the young fruit. In order that the trees may start cleanly, give them a thorough syringing, and fumigate with XL-All. A night temperature of 55°, with a rise of 5° by day, is quite, sufficient at present. Succession houses may be started as required to meet the demand, or retarded, if needs be, to meet any special occasion. Where new houses are ready for planting, the best tree, whether standard or dwarf, is one that has been lifted annually for three seasons before being taken under glass. This ensures a mass of fibrous roots, and subsequent fruitful growth. Reliable varie- ties for early forcing are : — Peaches : Amsden June, Alfred, and Hale's Early. Nectarines : Early Rivers, Precoce du Croncels, and Lord Napier. Mid-season Peaches : Crimson Galande, Grosse Mignonne, Royal George, Violette Hiltive, Dymond, and Bellegarde. Nectarines : Drydeu, Violette Hiitive, Pine-apple, Humboldt, and Spenser. Late Peaches : Barrington, Nectarine Peach, Princess of Wales, Sea Eagle, Gladstone, and Lady Palmerston. Victoria is the best late Nectarine. Strawberries. — The earliest plants will soon be in flower, and this is the only critical stage in forcing Strawberries. If the flower trusses are strong, and thrown well up above the crown of leaves, the prospect of a good set will be favourable. The Strawberry-blossom contains many stigmas, and these are not ready for pollination at one time, but usually develop from the top of the fruit down- wards. The failure to set one or more of these stigmas produces irregularity in the shape of the fruits. Remembering, also, that the flowers open in succession, it will be seen that much patience is required during the flowering period. The con- ditions most favourable to a perfect set are an elevated position on shelves near the glass, a moderately dry state at the roots, a liberal supply of fresh air free from cold currents, and a rather dry atmosphere. Advantage must be taken of fine days to distribute the pollen over the principal blossoms. This may be done with a very soft brush, and a wooden fan about a foot square with a strong handle is also useful to assist in the pollination of Strawberries. It is used as a wisk for creating a sharp movement of the air, and thus setting free the pollen. Temperatures of 50° to 55° by night, and 65° on sunny days, is sufficient for the trees whilst in flower. Introduce succession plants into warmth every fortnight. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By T Edwards, Plant Foreman, Royal Gardens, Frogmore. Stove Plants. — If the cleaning of plants (as pre- viously advised) is finished, the potting of the various species of stove-plants should now be pushed on, a commencement being made with Marantas, Anthuriums, Alocasias, and other orna- mental foliage plants. Specimens which have grown beyond a convenient size may be divided with more safety at this season than if the operation be deferred, as then the danger of the leaves being scorched and disfigured is very great. Each plant should be examined, and re-potted where this is found necessary, and top-dressed in others, removing as much of the old spent ball as possible without injury to the roots. Alocasias and Anthuriums succeed in a compost consisting of fibrous-peat one half, and hand-picked loam, with the dust shaken out. one quarter ; the remainder being made up with sphagnum-moss, silver-sand, and bone-meal. Marantas should be potted lightly in peat, leaf -mould, and a small quantity of loam, plenty of sand being incorporated with the whole. It is advisable to make warm all composts intended for use with stove -plants before use. Nepenthes do not require much rooting - space, success depending chiefly on atmospheric moisture. Remove with a pointed stick as much of the old material as possible, and replace it with Orchid-peat, live sphagnum-moss, and clean crocks. If any of the plants are getting leggy, let them be cut down to two or three leaves. Cuttings of Nepenthes strike freely if placed through the bole of an inverted 60-pot in a propagating frame, stood on cocoa-fibre refuse dust, or on sphagnum-moss, and frequently syringed. Whilst iu this stage they should be syringed occasionally, and as soon as the roots arevisibh, the tops should be potted into 60's, the same kind of treatment being continued till they become es- tablished. Afterwards hang them near the roof. Humeas seem to be coming into fashion again. The final potting of these plants may soon be carried out, using pots from 9 to 10 inches in diameter. A compost consisting of light fibrous loam, flaky leaf-mould, and sand suits the needs of the plants admirably. Keep the plants in a oool greenhouse, avoiding sudden changes of temperature. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By A. Chapman, Gardener to Captain Holford, Westonblrt, Tetbury. Gloucestershire. Early Peas. — These may be easily grown under glass in hot-water pits or frames, if sufficient light is afforded to induce sturdy haulm. If sown in pots choose 8-inch ones, place a few crocks at the bottom, fill the pots for three-quarters of their depth with a mixture of fibrous loam, leaf- mould, and a small quantity of half-inch bones. The seeds may then be sown moderately thickly. The plants when 3 inches high may be left eight in a pot ; the temperature by day at the commence- ment should be 55° and not exceed 60°, air being admitted in favourable weather. When the roots of the plants fill the soil, a top-dressing of the same materials should be afforded, and small, well sprayed Pea-stieks placed around the rim of the pot. When the pods are formed, occasional applications of liquid-manure will help them con- siderably. The varieties William Hurst, Chelsea Gem, and Early Sunrise, are of dwarf growth, succeeding admirably under pot culture. February 3, 19U0.J THE GAB DENE US' CHRONICLE. Peas Out-of-doors. — For the earliest crops out- doors, Exonian, American Wonder, and Farliest-of- All, may now be sown to the number of twelve seeds in each 5-inch pot, and the latter placed in gentle heat till germination takes place, and then be shifted to a cool frame close to the glass. Ventilate the plants by degrees, admitting more and more air till the plants are 4 inches high, when planting- out may take place. The early crop of Peas should be taken from a border in the front of a south or wtst wall, which should be prepared by deep trenching and ridging, in order that it may be dried and pulverised by the sun and wind. Cauliflowers. — Plants of Walcheren raised in September and pricked out into cold frames must be afforded free ventilation, or a check will follow the planting-out. In order to be prepared for a possible deficiency of plants, seeds of the varieties Extra Early Forcing and Early London may be sown forthwith in pans or seed-boxes, placing these in a gentle heat and near the glass. When the seedlings show the second leaf, prick them out into beds in pits and frames, in order to gain size and strength before planting them out-of-doors. These plants will then form heads of a moderate size by the end of the month of May. Cabhages. — Beds planted iu the autumn should have every vacmcy in the lines planted up from the reserve or the seed-beds ; and if the demand for Cabbages is large, seed of All Heart and Veitch's Earliest-of-All may now be sown, and the seedlings treated in the same manner a9 advised for Cauli- flowers. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By J. Bknbow, Gardener to the Earl of Ilchester, Abbolsbnry Castle, Dorset. The Dahlia. — Tubers of varieties selected for propagating may forthwith be placed in a warm- house, or on a hot-bed, being set fairly close together with cocoanut fibre refuse or coarse leaf- soil packed round and over them, to a depth of from 3 inches. In whatever manner heat is afforded to start the tubers into growth, they should be afforded plenty of light from the moment they commence to put forth shoots. When a Bhoot has reached a length of 4 inches it is fit for making a cutting [a heell. Such cuttings may be inserted singly in pots filled with sandy soil, which may be plunged to the rim in a hot-bed frame having a warmth of "0° to 75°. Qannts. — These useful plants should be got into growth early this month, potting them into rich soil, and affording good drainage. Plunge in mild bottom-heat, and on signs of root activity being noticed, afford tepid rain-water, increasing the quantity as the roots fill the soil. A suitable tem- perature is one of from G0° to 65°. Choice or new varieties may be now increased by division of the root, taking care that each piece is furnished with a bud. Choose pots to suit the size of the divi- sions. Plunge these in a hot-bed such as I have recommended for striking Dahlias. Afford water sparingly until a move is noticeable iu the growth, when a little more may be applied ; but much caution is needed at this stage, or decay will be set up in the rhizome. Potting-plwnU. — Various kinds of soil may now be got in readiness for potting purposes ; sifting light loam, leaf-mould, grit, &c, and mixing, and otherwise preparing the different composts, so as to suit the plants to be potted. Let pots of all the suitable sizes be washed or bought in, and let them be kept under cover. Pelargoniums which have been rooted in the usual sort of box must be potted before over- crowding weakens them ; and in potting, the soil should be dry enough to allow of the soil beiDg made firm without it. sticking to the gardener's hands. The best soil is one of which two-year old pasture-loam forms three-quarters of the whole. Not much hard drainage is required in the pots ; one or two concave pieces, hollow side downwards, and a big pinch of roughish loam or dried horse- dung being enough. Rooted cuttings of Lobelia erinus in variety may in turn be potted, and re- placed on shelves where they were rooted. These potted plants will in turn afford cuttings, which are very useful where large numbers are needed. Echrveria seeunda glavca, Mentha Pulegium, and Sedums which are pricked out thickly in slightly- warmed frames should have the lights drawn off the frames on bright days. Seeds. — Weather permitting, a sowing may be made of Sweet Peas, sowing thiuly in lines. Seed of alpine plants may be sown in small plots, making the soil firm by patting it with the back of a spade. Cover with fish-netting raised above the soil, and set traps for mice. Bedding Plants. — After foggy and wet weather let all kinds of plants be cleared of decaying leaves, affording plenty of air when the weather is not frosty. If the coal-ashes on which the plants are standing is very moist, replace it with fresh mate- rials, and make use of the hot-water pipes during the day in conjunction with ventilation to drive out damp. Calceolarias, after clearing away de- cayed leaves, should have charcoal- dust strewn between the cuttings, in order to arreBt decay. Verbenas, being subject to attacks of mildew, should be kept in a dry, warm house, near to the roof glass, and if a dusting with sulphur be afforded in early morning the spread of mildew will be arrested. General Remarks. — During mild weather cover- ings which were placed at the base of half-hardy plants may be partially removed in the warmer parts of the country, but in the colder parts there should be no hurry to remove anything yet. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By A. "Ward, Gardener, Stoke Edith Park, Hereford. BvJlh Plums. — The pruning of Plums is similar to that of the Apple and Pear, excepting that the young breast shoots and others left for forming fruit-spurs need less severe cutting back ; at the same time they should not be left of any great length, or the bushes will become very dense with growths. Some gardeners leave a greater number of branches in the Plum than in the Apple, but this I consider to be mistaken practice, <[uite as heavy a crop of fruit, if not heavier, being obtained from bushes the branches of which are kept thin and the centres open. Bush Plums are more economical than standard trees, as the bushes may be planted at 9 feet apart each way. It is probable that to keep bushes fruitful root-pruning and lifting will have to be performed once or twice ; but afterwards they bear well. Pyramidal Apples, Pears, and Plums. — These require exactly the same treatment as bushes, with the proviso that the leading shoot must be retained for the exteusion in height in the case of young trees that have not reached their limit. These shoots should have the tips removed. Maiden Trees. — Such of theBe as consist of a single shoot should be cut back to a point where there are five prominent buds, if they are to be trained as pyramids ; whereas for forming bushes four buds will suffice, a leading shoot Dot being required. Bush Che rries. — Culinary varieties, such as the Morello, Belle Magnifique, and Kentish, will simply need the shoots to be thinned out where crowded, the weakest wood being that first removed, after- wards taking out the remainder if the crown is still too dense. The use of nets in protecting the fruit of the Cherry is apt to cause the trees to assume a drooping habit of growth, and is a check on upward growth. Those who have but a small wall area at command should always adopt this method of growing the Morello and kindred varie- ties, for the trees may be planted at 0 feet apart, aud will in a few years form a very fruitful hedge. Dessert varieties of the Cherry, if they were sum- mer pruned, will require only a shortening of such leading shoots and spurs as may have grown to too great a length. Dessert Cherries in bushes, in orde r to keep them healthy aud vigorous, are better cultivated on the extension than the restrictive method. Cleansing Trees and Bushes. — Pruning finished, spray the trees, &c, with the caustic soda in solution as previously recommended, before the borders are pointed over. Trees infested with American-blight should be well brushed on stems and branches with petroleum emulsion, and the roots laid bare for a yard or two : and if any of the insects are found, sprinkle with water to which petroleum has been added, at the rate of two fluid ouuees to each gallou of water, or use strong soap suds iu- stead. Remove the soil which has covered the roots and char it, replacing it with soil from the vegetable quarters, or with fresh loam. Trees covered with moss and lichen may be washed with caustic soda. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. Yoono, Orchid Grower to Sir Frederick Wioau, Bart., Clare Lawn. East Sheen. Masdevallias. — Orchids at this season begin to make slow growth, generally necessitating an examination of the roots and rooting material. Amongst the first to need attention are Masde- vallias. To enumerate the varieties would occupy too much space here, and it will suffice to say that with few exceptions, viz., M. tovarensis, and those of the Chimasra section, Masdevallias may now be resurfaced with fresh material, or repotted as the case may require. This, however, only applies to plants that need not be pulled apart when repotting them, for where such an operation is necessary, better results will be obtained if it be carried out later in the year. Small plants and others which require larger pots and pans to hold them in an unseparated state, may oe safely repotted forthwith, The strong varieties as M. Harryana, M. ignea. M. Veitchi, &c , are suitably accommodated in pots ; but M. Shuttleworthi, M. muscosa, M. Wageneri. M. tridactylites, and others of a similar nature, thrive better when grown in suspended pans. Pots and pans should be three parts filled with clean crocks, and afterwards a compost con- sisting of one half of fine textured peat, and one half of clean living sphagnum, well incorporated with each other. Plants about to be repotted should have no water afforded them for a few days previously, in order that the stale materials may be picked out readily ; and when the new is placed about their roots, the condition of the plant can be easily ascertained, and water afforded accordingly. For some considerable time a moist condition should be maintained, but prolonged saturation at this season causes the leaves to drop. It is seldom necessary to break the pots in order to detach the old compost from the roots, and the clean pots used should be proportionate in size to the plants. The material should be worked in evenly and made firm about the roots, but not pressed very hard, or elevated above the rim. Sand is often used with the compost, but excepting river-sand from unpolluted streams, it is of little value, and finely-broken crocks are better for securing poro- sity. For some time after repotting, a slight sprinkling of the surface will supply the plants with all the moisture they require. Phahcnopsis of all species, more especially those that have just flowered, should be given a short season of rest, by restricting the amount of water afforded, allowing a moderately low temperature, and a drier air. Soon after blooming, the oldest leaves turn yellow and tall away, and attempts are sometimes made to avert this by affording much moisture, and thereby, iu my opinion, render them more susceptible to decay, rather thau preventing it. As the sphagnum moss will be replaced in » month or two, no attempt at keeping it alive should be made. Alpine Garden. sAXIFRAOA APICULATA. Some large tufts have been covered with flower- ing spikes for some weeks. In southern gardens this is a somewhat unfortunate fact. Plants that are full of promise some weeks prior to Christmas do not always fulfil that promise. Many flowers were expanding early iu December, but the severe frost was too much for the rather teuder footstalks. Fortunately, S. apiculata is very free, and the more or less backward rosettes soon fill gaps made by the frost. To some extent, the tendency to flower early may be modified by giving the plants a shady position, whether planted in the rockery or in po s. The plants are very successful in such posi- tions in summer, growing much more freely than iu sunshine. This is better practice than giving any kind of protection to the advancing flowers. aud much as the earliest flowers are appreciated, it is better to have them quite natural, if possible. The pale yellow blossoms of this kind make a good display, and in the open I have known them continue attractive for several weeks. Tin- plant requires but a good ordinary soil, with plenty of grit in it, and succeeds in smoky London as we) as elsewhere. E. Jenhn'. 72 THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE, [February 3, 1900. 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 0/ interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice 0/ horticulturists. Illustrations — The Editor will thankfully receive and select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable, plants, towers, trees, 6tc; 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 FEBRUARY. MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY, THURSDAY, TUESDAY, Feb. ,/ National Chrysanthemum Society, I Annual Meeting. Feb 13 f Roval Horticultural Society's Com- t mittees Meet. Feb. 15— Linneau Society Meeting. ("Annual Meeting of the Kew Guild • Feb. 22,' Manchester and North of Eng- L land Orchid Society's Meeting. Feb. 2' j Royal Horticultural Society's Com- ( mittees Meet. SALE8. MONDAY, Feb. ,'.. - Hardy Perennials, Roses, Fruit-trees &c, at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms. WEDNESDAY, Feb. 7.— Japanese Lilies, Palms, Greenhouse Plants, Azaleas, Roses, Hardy Border Plants &e at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms.— Clearance Sale of Stove and Greenhouse Plants. Orchids, Garden frames, kc at Braddon Tor, Braddon Hill Road West, Torquay, by order of Captain W. Fane Tucker, by Protheroe & Morris at 12.30 o'clock. FRIDAY, Feb P.— Imported and Established Orohids, at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms. Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from Observations of Forty-three Years, at Chiswick.— 39'33. Actual Temperatures : — London.— January 31 (6 p.m.) : Max. 41° ; Min. 35°. Pbovikces. — January 31 (0 p.m.): Max. 41°, Coast of Mayo ; Min. 35°, Peterhead. A German Exhi- bition of the Florists' Art. We are informed by the Presi- dent of the Committee, Dr. M. Schmidt-Metzler, that it is in- tended to hold a general exhibition of objects of the florists' art -cut blooms and articles used in the work of a florist— in the Palm Garden, Frankfort-on-the-Maine, on June 23, 24, and 25 1900. The exhibition is the outcome of a desire on the part of professional and amateurist patrons of the business, which has greatly increased as an industry in Germany as else- where, to afford the general public a collective idea of the florists' art of the present day, and of its capabilities. The exhibition will cover the entire area of the florists' industry, such as the decoration of saloons and apartments ; the flowers and greenery necessary in carry inor out different descriptions of decoration, baskets, china, glass, and other objects used in the work, being of German origin. Frankfort has long pos- sessed a reputation for excellence in the florists' art, and it is hoped that an exhibition in that town will lead to an improved taste being dis- played in other parts of the country. A large number of prizes in money, as well as gold and silver medals, will be awarded to competitors. Horticulture and the Study o Nature. Last week we touched upon the tubject of rural education in this country, and on the day our article was printed, an influential deputation from the Agricultural Education Committee was received by the Duke of Devon- shire in his capacity of Lord President of Council. The object of the deputation was nothing more nor less than to urge the taking over of the teaching work of the Board of Agrf- culture by the new Board of Education, which begins work next April. The suggestion was made with a view to the introduction of such teaching as we dealt with last week into the village schools of this country. The necessity of appointing a number of specially-qualified inspectors to see that the instruction is properly carried out was emphati- cally brought forward at the same time. The Duke of Devonshire, who expressed his agreement with the improvements desired, seemed to think that the success of their intro- duction depended altogether upon the manner in which the local bodies who deal with educa- tion took up the matter. When once the inte- rest in the kind of teaching advocated became general, this might easily be carried out. There can be no doubt as to the truth of what the Duke of Devonshire said, but there are a number of other things to be reckoned with. We have already pointed out how much depends upon the teachers themselves, who have to guide the children in the study of Nature, and upon their own training. One of the first pieces of work to be done, if rural subjects are to be efficiently taught, is to arrange for an organised system of normal classes at suitable centres for the instruction of our village schoolmasters and mistresses. There will, of course, be some little difficulty in find- ing a sufficient number of instructors of the right kind, and probably the only useful plan to adopt will be to give to a trained biologist the help of a practical man. The selection of inspectors will also be by no means easy, for the proper men for the post should not only be field naturalists, but should combine a knowledge of modern methods of science teaching with the applications of biology to the cultivation of plants and the rearing of animals. With reference to the Duke of Devon- shire's remarks as to the co-operation of the schools, it might not be amiss to see what evi- dence on the subject can be gleaned from the English Education Exhibition which has just been held. The fact may not have forced itself upon the ordinary visitor's mind, but a careful examination of the exhibits soon made manifest what a surprising number of teaching establish- ments in this country include some branch of Nature-study in their curricula. It would be out of place here to criticise academic teaching, except so far as the training of teachers is con- cerned. We need not say anything further about natural history in ordinary secondary schools than that it is usually scrappy, often only theoretical, and, to judge by the speci- mens exhibited, by no means taken seriously. The work that is of particular interest to us is the instruction in horticulture and botany in elementary schools and under County Councils. By the Church of England Schools, under the heading of " Manual Instruction," photographs of school gardens at Freshwater and Stratton were exhibited. In the first case these were accompanied by note-books, and in the second by vegetables grown by the boys. The work of the British and Foreign Schools Society was represented by similar pictures of the school gardens at Boscombe. Note-books again were in evidence, with plans of the whole garden and a single plot ; while a report dealt with gar- dening as a part of General as well as of Technical Instruction. Granting that these schools are the only ones in the two series where horticultural instruction is given, the fact remains that work of the kind has already been begun in our country schools. Botany is a subject taught both in "British" and Wesleyan Schools, and seeing that the Board Schools in cities and big towns like London, Leeds, Sheffield, and Brighton teach the same subject under difficulties, it should not be a hard matter to adopt a course of Nature-study in country establishments of a like constitution. Although it does not bear directly upon rural education, it would be a pity not to mention the fine exhibit of botanical material which, through the action of the authorities of the London parks, is now supplied to one hundred and forty London Board Schools. The metal cases, containing a fortnight's supply, were also to be seen, and seventy of these are despatched each week. Very interesting were the note-books of the students in the day training-classes for elemen- tary teachers at Oiven's College. In these, a series of lessons had been drawn up for children of seven years old, dealing with a flower such as the Rose, or the Violet. The legendary, poetic, and artistic aspects were grouped to- gether as " humanistic," while quite a number of others were rather broadly termed "scientific." With some slight modifications, such a series of lessons might well be arranged for country children. We mentioned last week the training of school-masters and mistresses to teach rural science, under the auspices of county councils. The only evidences of the work of teachers so trained were included in the exhibit from Essex. The carefully-written and illustrated monographs prepared by the normal students each dealt with the minute structure, growth, and general life history of some one plant, and showed that in addition to theoretical knowledge, methods of manipulation, and of observing and recording facts, had been tho- roughly mastered. When such original work is part of the test to be passed before a teaching certificate is gained, it is not likely that school lessons will be snatched from a text book, instead of being taken straight from Nature. From the foregoing it will be seen that those who will be responsible for the success of rural education have some work already accomplished in this country to guide them. It is more than likely that a great deal more has been quietly going on than was to be judged from the Education Exhibition, for many branches of instruction were very badly represented. Let us leave elementary education, and look how far those interested in horticulture took the trouble to show what systematic teaching of this subject is being carried on in England. The distribution of practical gardening schools, and the places where lectures and demonstra- tions had been given in Somersetshire, were shown on a map of the county by its Council. That of Essex exhibited both the " Science " and ' ' Practice " note-books of first and second year's students in their horticultural school, as well as the year's prospectus of the latter. The position of Swanley College (aided by the Kent County Council) was shown on a map on the scale of four miles to the inch. Cheshire not being represented by any exhibit, no allusion was made to the horticultural side of Holmes Chapel College. In a portfolio were the " school garden schemes" of the Surrey County Council, but no evidence of the existence of the Prac- tical School at the Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park (which is helped by the London County Council), could be found. Here again the only important exhibit came from Essex. The chief Agricultural Schools were repre- sented but very poorly as regards the results of their teaching work. The natural history speci- mens shown were in many cases poor, dirty, or devoid of any trace of the curator's skill. February 3, 1900. J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 73 View of the Entrance-Hall at Deepdene (see Supplement). — Id our issue for January 20 we referred at some length to the beautiful gardens attached to the Deepdene, Dorking, the residence of Lily, Duchess of Marlborough. and Lord William Beresford. Our supple- mentary illustration this week is of a different character to the views then given, as it shows the interior of the eDtrance-hall of the residence. There are some very fine specimens of Palms at Deep- dene, and in our illustration is shown what a beautiful effect may be obtained in dwelling rooms by a skilful use of these graceful plants. There are few species of plants that lend themselves more fully than Palms for purposes of indoor decoration generally. The Late Duke of Teck.— The death of H.H. the Duke of Teck creates a vacancy in the Presidency of the Royal Botanic Society. R. D. BLACKMORE was a good cultivator and a practical man ; we have seen him pruning his own Vines and fruit-trees. When fruit-growers were being lectured upon the necessity of selecting the best fruits only, of taking great pain- with packing and other details of marketing, Blackmure once drew us aside with a curious smile to show us that what was being recommended was just what he had been doing for years. In these particulars he was like Thomas Rivers, who, however, was not so lenient to those who were presumptuous enough to think they could teach him how to grow fruit- trees. There is one trait in our friend's character that has not been alluded to, though the reader has but to look at the genial portrait we gave last week to see that a keen sense of humour was one of his most prominent characteristics. Those who were present at a certain conference on Vine diseases held at Chiswick some years ago, will remember the rich, rollicking humour with which he described a certain disease whose nature at that time was unknown. The way in which he criticised the plant-dootois with an imperturbable countenance, was one of the richest bits of fun we ever remember. Unfortu- nately the critic was no better but rather worse informed, but everyone enjoyed the fun neverthe- less. Another characteristic of our lamented friend was his generosity. Several instances of this came under our notice. He could not say "No" when pain, or poverty, or distress appealed to him. It is possible his want of success as a business man may in a measure be attributed to this. Twice within our recollection the waggons in his yard were loaded and about to start for market, when a poor broken-hearted man, whose wife was dying of con- sumption, came and pleaded for some Strawberries, which were then at a high price. The man went off with the Strawberries, telling the writer o these lines that he felt ashamed to ask such a favour from Mr. Blackmure, as he had so often received similar kindness. LlNNEAN SOCIETY.— On the occasion of the meeting of January 18, 1900, Dr. A. G0NTHER, F.R.S., President, in the chair, Mr. Geo. Masses, F.L.S., read a paper on the origin of the Basidio- mycetes. He remarked that Juel, a Danish myco- logist, had recently demonstrated that Stilbum vulgare, hitherto regarded as a typical Hypho- mycete, is a true Protobasidiomycete. Following up this hint, the majority of the species of Stilbum, some of which are the known conidial phase of species of Sph;erostilbe, and others existing without any known higher form, were examined, with the result that the conidial condition of Spha;rostilbe microspora and S. gracilipes proved to be identical in structure with Stilbum vulgare, in other words, true Protobasidiomycetes. This discovery reveals the fact that the conidial condition of an ascigerous fungus may be a true Protobasidiomycete. Similar discoveries have been made with forms of Tuber- cularia and Isaria known to be the conidial stages of ascigerous fuugi. An exhibition of lantern- slides in illustration of Mr. Massee's remarks was deferred. Permanence of Hybrids, Crosses, and Garden Races Generally. —Mr. Ibwin Lynch, of Botanic Gardens, Cambridge, writes, "Having undertaken a lecture at a meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, f should be very grateful to aoyone who would kindly provide me with evidence and opinion, derived from their own experience, concerning the above. I am particu- larly interested in the reversion of hybrids to one of the parents. Does the garden Viola ever, in this way, lose its character when raised from seed ? What good hybrids come true from seed (as is understood, for instance, of Hippeastrum), so far that identity, at least, is indefinitely preserved? My appeal is justified, I hope, by the possibility of receiving evidence which may support or weaken one side or other of present opposed opinion, and so provide interest for the meeting. I may further be justified by the fact that, from different points of view, further evidence with regard to the be- haviour of hybrids is much wanted." Colouring Matters in Food. — The evi- dence given before the Departmental Committee inquiring into the use of preservatives and colouring matters in food, affords many indications of the prevalence of opinions based upon crochets and fads, as might have been expected ; but it is more remarkable to rind one of the learned members of the committee reported as betraying such want of acquaintance with the subject matter of his ques- tions in regard to the preservation of the green colours of Peas, as to state, as a leading question, that "the object of fie copper is, of course, to restore the colour of a faded Pea?" That was too much even for the witness — by the way, the Presi- dent of the Society of Public Analysts — who ois- creetly replied, " No doubt it is to make it a good colour." But this answer was not Burner it for the examiner, who again asked, "But is it uo . fact that the use of copper in Peas allows the sub- stitution of a Pea which has gone "off colour," and which competes with a Pea that has been preserved by a somewhat better process, and which h;s retained its colour?" To which the witness, per- haps, with less discretion than before, replied, " I think it very probable ; but I really do not know ! " Pharmaceutical Journal. Cardiff and County Horticultural SOCIETY. — The eleventh annual general meeting of the Cardiff and Countv Horticultural Society was held under the presidency of Mr. A. W. P. Pikk, on the '2.5th ult., when a goodly number of friends attended. Arrangements were made for the aunual show to be held on July IS aDd 19, subject to the usual permission for the use of the grounds from the Marquis of Bute. The accounts for the past year's work were read and adopted. The officers for the current year are : President, The MAYOR ; Chairman of Committee. Mr. S. MEDHURSr; Vice-chairman, Mr. JoH? GRIMES ; and Secretary, Mr. II. Gillett. The Cardiff and District Chrysanthe- mum Society held their thirteenth annual general meeting on Friday, 26th ult., when between forty and fifty members attended. Mr. F. G. Treseder, who has occupied the position of Chairman of the committee for the past three years, resigned in consequence of press of business, and he was cordially thauked by the Society for the good work which he has done. Mr. John Howe was appointed in his place. Mr. ( Shewrinq, Vice-chairman ; aud Mr. H. (Iillett, Secretary. The date of the annual show was fixed for November 7 and 8. FLOWERS IN SEASON.— We have been shown a collection of flowers representing strains of Primula sinensis, or Chiuese Primrose, by Mr. W. BULL, New and Rare Plant Establishment, King's Road, Chelsea. The varieties are unmerou?, and include many charming and distinct colours. The dowers are of very satisfactory form, and most of them are beautifully fimbriated. Of so-called blues, much better than the old ecerulea, is one bearing the name Imperial. A very fascinating pink variety is Pink Countess : it is fuller, larger, and more fimbriated than Pink Beauty, which is also pretty. Of crimsons, there are fulgens, and the newer Comet ; the latter especially being very deep in colour and effective. The best carmine is one called Mars, and there are pretty white varieties with yellow centres in alba and Avalanche. Albo- maculata lutea is the nearest approach to yellow ; the centre is surrounded by iich Buttercup-yellow, which colours more than half of the length of the petals, the extreme outer margin beiDg pale primrose. Lilacina marmorata and carminea mar- morata present shades of lilac and carmine re- spectively. A reddish-purple is provided by rubra and Sunshine, each of which is very bright and pleasing in tint. There are semi-double varieties in white, pink, carmine, purple, and crimson. The National Chrysanthemum Society. — The aDnual general meeting will take place at Carr's Restaurant, 265, Strand, W.C., on Monday next, February 5, at seven o'clock in the evening. In addition to the election of officers, and other routine business, certaiu alterations and amend- ments to the Rules will be considered. The follow- ing notice of motion has been given by Mr. Thomas Bevan : " That the election of the present General Secretary be postponed ; aDd that an advertisement be inserted in the gardening papers for a properly qualified person to till the post at a salary of £100 per annum." PRESENTATION.— On Thursday night, Jan. 25, at Mr. J. Cypher's nurseries, Mr. G. E. Yeatmax, one of the Service Company about to leave for South Africa, was presented with a silver-mounted meerschaum-pipe, in case, and a pound tin of tobacco, subscribed for by his fellow- workmen (indoor department I, with whom he has been con- nected for the last five years. The presentation was made by Mr. J. Skinner, of the Orchid department, to which the recipient belonged. TEA STATISTICS show a very marked iucreas; in the Tea shipped from Calcutta during the present season, of which Australia and America took a proportionately larger quantity, more than setting off a decline in the Bombay requirements. From April 1 to date, shipments to Great Britain were 12| per cent, in excess of 1898-99; .50 percent, more was shipped to Australia ; 101 J per cent, more to America. Bombay shows a decrease of 32 percent , and sundry ports 1 per cent. The Rainfall of 1899— The aggregate rainfall during the year just closed was deficient over the whole of England, the deficiency amount- ing to 6 inches in the Channel Islands, .5 inches in the south of England, and 4 inches in the east and south-west of England. There was a slight excess in most parts of Scotland and Ireland. The mean temperature for the year was in excess of the average over the whole area of the British Islands, the excess being greatest over the southern por- tion of the kingdom, although it was also very large in the north of Scotland. There was an excess of sunshine over the entire country, amount- ing to about 350 hours in the south of England, aud exceeding 200 hours over the whole of England, except in the north-eastern district. Iu Ireland the excess was about 1.50 hours : but in parts of Scotlaud it was not so large. Flax Cultivation. —The annual returns relative to the cultivation of Flax in Irelaud show a slightly increased quantity over previous years, although the additional area does not reach a thousaud acres, the actual acreage this year has beeu 34.9S(i, whilst the area of the previous yen- was 34.4011; and bracketed iu the same report are figures that reveal the enormous quantities of Flax which is imported, aud of which the total cost to the country was three millious sterling, a fact which tells immensely against our merchants, and shows the want of sound scientific education combined with a practical training. It certainly is an oppor- tunity the Irish Agricultural Board have to foster 74 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, [February 3, 19Co and stimulate this almost languishing industry ; whilst the commercial advantages which would necessarily accrue if its development was assured ought to be kept prominently in view. The annual loss of about three millions every year ought in itself to be a guarantee, even though it may be subjected to criticism from several standpoints, that the outlook is reassuring to the promoters whose aim is to engender a heathful activity amongst the agriculturists of the country. The Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund — The usual monthly meeting of the committee was held on the 2Cth ult. A donation of £12 5s. was received from Mr. H. J. Jones, the receipts of a box placed iu his Chrysanthemum-house at Lewis- ham. It was announced that the arjnual dinner would take place on Tuesday, May S, at the Cafe Monico, Lord Battkbsea having kindly consented to pre side ; also, that the Richmond Horticultural Society would at their next summer exhibition set apart a tent for the sale of flowers on behalf of the Fund. Messrs. P. E. Kay and T. G. Swales were nominated as members of the committee in the places of Mr. A. Outran, deceased, and Mr. Tilos. Peed, resigned. A draft report and finan- cial statement was read, the latter showing an increase of £73 Is. (id. over the receipts for 189S, and both were adopted for presentation at the annual geueral meeting on Friday, February 16. Exhibition Schedules to Hand —We have received from the following Societies copies of their schedules of prizes to be offered at forthcoming exhibitions : — Richmond Horticultural Society. — The annual show to be held in the Old Deer Park, in the pretty Buhurbof Richmond, on June 27 and 2S, will be a more important event than usual, owing to the visit there of the committees of the Royal Horticultural Society. In the schedule issued by the local committee, containing the regulations to be observed by exhibitors, and lists of prizes offered for competition, information is given respecting the arrangements made for the exhibits that will be entered under the auspices of the parent society. These instructions plainly indicate that there will be a meeting very similar in character to those held from time to time in the Drill Hall, Westminster. New or rare plants, flowers, fruits, or vegetables, may be shown for Certificates, and groups of the same will be rewarded by Medals, exactly as at Westminster. The Fruit, Floral, and Orchid Commii tees will meet at 11.30 a.m. on June 27, and there will be a meeting of the Council at 12.30 p.m. Exhibitors intending to stage groups would greatly assist the local committee by giving notice to the Secretary, R.H.S., as early as March 1, with an idea of the space that will be required. Groups may be entered as late as June 16, but their acceptance will be subject to there being space unapplied for previously. The plants must be on the ground by 9.30 a.m., and the staging must be completed by 10.30 a m. All groups must be left for the second day of the show, and may uot he removed till 7 P.M. on Thursday, 28th. At 10 a.m. Fellows of the R.H.S. will be admitted to the show ; and at 1.30 p, M. there will be a luncheon, to which the Council of the R. H. S. , and the members of the Fruit, Floral, and Orchid Committees, together with the local committee and judges, will be invited. The schedule of prizes offered by the local Society is a liberal one, and the numerous special prizes include a Challenge Cup, value 15 guineas, the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Chancellor, for the best collection of forty-eight cut Roses. Richmond may be easily reached from any part of London, and there will doubtless be a good show, and a large number of visitors there in June. Any further information required may be obtained from the Hon. Sec, Mr. C. R. King, 61 and 62, George Street, Richmond. County Borough of Hanley Horticultural Fete. — Following the example of Shrewsbury, Wolverhampton, and some other large towns, Hanley has held a horticultural fete in the Park belonging to the borough for several years past. Situated almost in the centre of the Staffordshire potteries and a large population, it is net surprising that the show each year has increased in importance and extent. The forthcoming exhibition will be held on July 4 and 5, and the advance proof of schedule contains as many as 103 classes, for some of which very handsome prizes are offered. We can only mention very few of these. For a group of plants arranged for effect, a sum of £70 is offered in four prizes, the 1st and 2nd prize-winners to be awarded special prizes to the value of £5 and £2 2s. in addition. For a group of Orchids in bloom, £30 and special prizes are set apart ; and for a group of Malmaison Carnations, £11. Upwards of £25 is offered in a class for a dinner-table deco- rated with flowers, foliage, and fruit ; and nume- rous classes have been arranged for plants, cut flowers, fruits, and vegetables. There are sections for amateurs, and for cottagers. The nearest railway-station is Stoke-upon-Trent, and the hoiti- eultural Secretary is Mr. J. Kent, Hanley Park, Staffordshire. Royal Horticultural Society of Southamp- ton.— The report for the past year, to be presented at the annual general meeting on February 22, is a satisfactory one. The summer show has been arrauged for June 27 and 28, 1900 ; and the autumn show of Chrysanthemums, &c. , for November 6 and 7. A satisfactory list of classes for each of these eventB is given in the schedule. The Hon. Sec. is Mr. C. S. Fuidge, Heckfield, New Alma Road, Southampton. Bury and West Suffolk Horticultural SOCIETY. — This Society holds one exhibition each year, for Chrysanthemums, fruit, vegetables, &c. The one for 1900 will take place in the Corn Ex- change, Bury, on November S and 9, when a sum of £130 will be offered in prizes. The Hon. Sec. is Mr. W. Norton, 7, Guildhall Street, Bury St. Edmund's. The Quince Stock and Pears.— We read in American Gardening an account by a correspondi nt of that journal, of the behaviour of the Kieffer Pear when budded on the Quince stock. Ten years ago he budded this variety on the Quince and was surprised after gettiug two or three small crops to fiud the trees in a dying state. Tbe stocks were found on examination to be quite thin, and the Pear stem quite thick ; in fact, the stock was strangling the Pear. The writer replanted the trees deeply so as to get the point of union below the soil, and by that means obtained Pear-roots ; he then cut away the original Quince stock and thus obtained trees on the Pear, which have done well ever since. ThymoCresol. — What do our readers know of this new and powerful disinfectant, germicide and fungicide ? the use of which in the garden is strongly recommended by competent authorities for the destruction and extermination of plant-pests. It is said to be used by planters iu India against red-spider, blight, &c. Books and Publications Received.— Moor una Alpenpfianzen »ud Hire Cultur im National Arboretum, und Alpengarten, Zocschen bei Merseburg : printed aDd published by E. Karras, at Halle, A. S. A useful and extensive list of heath and alpine plants grown for sale in tbe National Arboretum and Alpine Garden at Zoescben. The list is furnished with columns for information, namely, native country, region or district ; chief habitat, kind of soil best suited to the needs of the plant ; aspect; growth; commercial value ; and lastly, a marginal space for remarks in pen or pencil. — List of Seeds offered by M. II. Correvon, of the Garden Alpin d'Acclimatation, Geneva. — Century Book of Gardening, part 22.— Br tish Inventions, vol. i., No. 1 : A well and pro- fusely illustrated journal, appealing weekly, appealing to those who are mechanics by trade, or have a taste for mechanical occupations — Queensland Agricultural Journal for October, 1899, with descriptive notes on thirty one native species of plants. Also papers on Viticulture, the Kei Apple, and Plants Poisonous to Stock : By F. Ma'uson Bailey, F.L S., Colonial Botanist. — Annates Agronomiques, tome xxvi., No. 1, January 25, 19u0.— Journal of the Society of Arts, January 26, No. 2462, vol. xlviii. — The Agricultural Journal, Cape of Good Hope, No. 13, vol. xv.— Bulletin of the Botanical Department, Jamaica ; Edited by W. Fawcett, F.L.S. Articles on Camphor, Mexican Sunflower, Mexican Tobacco, Inter- national Conference on Hybridisation, Drying-house, Ac- Publications issued by Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Beading, viz., How to male Tennis and Garden Lawns; Drainage of Lawns, preparatory work; Weed-seeds in Soil; Enriching the Soil; Selection of Seeds, and General Upkeep of Lawns; Short, pithy, practical instructions on an important subject. Lawns, a larger work on the same subject, rather more fully treated and enriched by illustrations : Published by Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent & Co., Ltd., London.— Schedule of Prizes offered by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society firr-ifoe year 1900 : Boston. — Botanical Gazette, No. 6, vol. xxviii., December, 1899. — Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, Part II., April-September, 1899 : Published at the Academy of N. S., Logan Square. Philadel- phia.— Mitteilungen dcr Deutschtn Dendrologischen Gesellscliaft, No. 8, 1S99.— Kew Bulletin, Appendix iv., 1S99 : Contents— Catalogue of the Library. This instalment contains the additions made to the library during the year 189S, with the exception of such current periodicals and annuals as continue sets already catalogued. — Delectus Seminum ex Horlo Cantabrigiensis Academics "it mutant commutationem propositorum : Cambridge, University Prtss. — Gartenfloxa: No. for January 16, 1900.— Plant List ef the Royal Botanical Garden at Belgrade: Tenth year. — Flower- in] Plants: by Anne Pratt, Vol. IV., Nos. 31 and 32.— Home and Garden : by Gertrude Jekyll, published by Longmans, Green & Co., 10s. 6d. net — Century Book of Gardening. — Queensland Agricultural Journal: Vol. V., part 6, December, 1899. — Notice sur V 'Exposition Centenale it L'Exposilion Con- tempordine de 1900, par A. De la Devantaye: Paris, Octave Doin, Editeur, 8, Place de l'Odeon. — PomusinPom by ML-s T. Tammes. An Account of an Apple Growing within an Apple; reprinted from the Proceedings of the Meeting of the Boyal Academy of Science, Amsterdam, Saturday, Dec. 30. 1809. — Japanese Botanical Magazine, vol. xiii.. No. 154. Vegetables, ONIONS SHOULD BE SOWN INDOORS. The practice of sowing the Onion-crop in the open ground will, I imagine, slowly but surely decline, till it becomes superseded by the superior method of raising the seedlings underglass, and trans- planting them into the open quarters. It is impossible to conceive of anyone who has thereby gained im- munity to the crop from the attack of maggots reverting to the ancient system. But immunity from that enemy is only one of the benefits that is thus obtained. The crop, as a crop, is increased to a very great extent, and what will perhaps be received with incredulity by some, the larger crop is produced with as little labour — possibly less than is required by the old system. It has been assumed that transplanted Onions escape the Onion-fly, because when planted out the bulbs are already a certain size. That, to some extent, may be so, but two years ago our Onion- seed germinated so badly that a second sowing had to be made, and it was the beginning of March before this was done. To guard against failure, seeds were sown io the open on the same day that they were sown under glass. There was undoubt- edly a difference in size in favour of the latter when they were transplanted, but hardly so much aa to account for those raised in the open being destroyed almost to a plant, while very few of the others were much damaged. The best time to sow for ordinary purposes is (in Scotland) in the first week of February, and in a recently-started vinery the seeds will quickly ger- minate. As soon as the seedlings appear, remove them to a cool structure where growth will be slow and firm. As soon as the weather permits, the young seedlings should be taken out-of-doors, but given shelter, and, as soon as possible in April, have them transplanted into the quarter pre- pared for their reception. Not a few err in con- tinuing the plants too long under glass ; they make more growth, no doubt, but the less coddled plants in time outgrow them. Frost, it may be noted, does not injure the transplanted stock, and there is, therefore, no good reason why the period of preparation should be extended beyond the time necessary to produce a plant immune from maggot attack. The one great difficulty I have experienced has been in ripening the bulbs. On that account it has been necessary to modify some parts of the treatment, and also to select suitable varieties. The practice of stimulating the crop, except by manures provided previous to planting, has been February 3, IO11O.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. i •> discontinued. Large succulent and mild-flavoured Onions however cannot be produced except in soil in very high condition. Last year the best ripened bulbs were obtained fiom ground that had been heavily dressed with horse and cow manures for the last crop, and previous to planting was given only a dressing of superphosphate. It is cot always possible to have ground so titted for the The question of varieties is not one of which can be produced Onions of the largest circumference, but which are the best for home use, and will so ripen under these altered conditions as to keep best. I have no better bulbs this year than those of James's Keeping. They are sufliciently large for culinary purposes, they ripened perfectly, and as a result have kept well. Iu addition to this or some .* ■>*\yv«? 'V.: % 1 I Fio. 23.— orpRiPEDii m ■ • risn. puipose, but in any case it ought to be thoroughly pulverised by digging at least twice repeated, and the manure should be intimately incorporated with the soil. In addition, the soil should be compressed when dry as firmly as possible. There is no use in attempting to grow the crop so closely as by tlic old method. Fifteen inches— and perhaps better, 18 inches — between the lines, and not less than (I inches between the plants, must be allowed. The summer routine consists wholly in surface-hoeing, repeated as often as circumstances will permit. other variety equally valuable for spring use, one or more of the many large soft kinds for using in autumn and early winter should be cultivated. /.'. ( YPRIFEPIUM x SANDERIANO- CURTISn. Ol i illustration (tig. 23) represents the band- some hybrid Cypripedium obtained by Norman C. Cookson, Esq., Oakwood. Wylam, Northumber- land (gr., Mr. Wm. Murray i, by fertilising Cypri- pediuum Curtisii with the pollen of C. Sander- ianum, and which resulted in one of the finest garden hybrids of its class yet produced, the plant securing a First-class Certificate at the Royal Hor- ticultural Society on January 23. The habit of the plant and the colour of its foliage resemble a light- cole ured form of C. Curtisii, the dark-grten mark- ings on the light-green ground-colour being more obscure than is usual in that species. The lip and stamiuode are also strongly indicative of C. Curtisii, but the upper sepals and petals more closely approach C. Sanderianum, than which, however, it is much showier. The upper sepal i- greenish- white, with well-defined chocolate-purple lines ; the petals are whitish-rose, with dark purple spots, and the lip and staminode reddish-rose, the former darker on the nervure?. It seems to be a very strong grower and free flowerer. Book Notice. Vegetables for Exhibition and Home Con- sumption. By Edwin Beckett. We have in this quarto volume of 210 pages the well-digested experiences of an observant gardener and very successful exhibitor at the principal centres in the country, and one therefore calculated to afford sound advice on the various tu'jectsof which he takes cognizance. As befits, the subject of the preparation of the ground forms the first chap'er, aud it is handled in a manner which struck us as erring too much on the score of brevity — indeed, much more would be desirable. The teaching of gardeners and amateurs to dig light laDd in the autumn is somewhat doubtful wisdom. On shallow, light soils, it is decidedly extravagant in practice, the winter rains and snow in their percolation through the soil carrying off much of the valuable constituents of the manures to the drains, and out of the reach of the rootsof the plants. Moreover, the upper layer of some light soils becomes so dry in the spring that not enough moisture exists in it to allow of the proper germination of seeds or the support of young plants unaided by applications of water. His method of dealing with heavy and wet soils seems better suited to light ones, and What the author has to say about deep-digging for the production of superior vegetables is worthy of note, although some practitioners would demur to the advice, "always insist on the bottom being brought to the top " in the matter of trenching. We know of some lands which, if this advice was followed, would be unworkable on the surface for several years, and very unfavourable to the growth of plants. We should have liked to have observed fuller references to the value of artificial manures in the k itchen-garden. Having disposed of the preparation of the laud, the author at once starts off with the cultural methods to be pursued with the vegetables most esteemed in this country, and their preparation for exhibition. Here he is facile />-., and the information he has to convey is very valuable, whether the cultivator is an ex- hibitor, or desirous only of ha\ Lag vegetables of the highest quality. This superiority cannot, of course, be obtained without the expenditure of much labour, iu preparation of the soil, in affording a variety of aids to growth, and in in iwing. Among the Cabbage tribe touched upon is Couvo Tronehuda, a most delicious if rather tender Cabbage. The chapter ou Potatos is admirable, and we were pleased to note the author's objection to the exhibition of very large Fotatos ; and, doubtless, to their production in the garden, although he does not say as much. lie is also no advocate of the cultivation in gardeus of numerous varieties. His own selection of varieties is not large. The book, in spite of sundry shortcomings, is 76 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 3, 1900. likely to meet the needs of the exhibitor and of the less ambitious cultivator alike, the information being sound and trustworthy. The pages abound in illustrations. THE LATE JOHN BUSKIN. I. DO not know how the death of Ruskin may affect others — it affected me almost as much as did Darwin's. In thoroughness of observation and exhaustiveness of research, these two profound students of Nature, and moulders and makers of siienee, resembled each other. Their combination of the most exact and acute observations with far- reaching and profound generalisation enabled the one to flood physical life with the light of evolu- tion, and the other to illuminate the dark conven- tionalism of sterilised Art with the fascinating witchery of natural grace and beauty. With such a teacher and seer as Kuskin, the art of horti- culture need no longer be hard or narrow. It is high time, and would be a fitting tribute to the life-work and genius of Ruskin, to break through our worship of formality in decoration and of crude masses of colour as now witnessed in many of our garden-landscapes and homes. One longs to write of Ruskin as a gardener. This will probably be done by others. It will be eaBier to prove him a Master of the Gentle Art through his charming booklet, Frondes Agrestes, and opening almost at random we come upon a galaxy of gems at p. 125 : " Flowers seem intended for the solace of ordi- nary humanity ; children love them ; quiet, con- tented, ordinary people love them as they grow ; luxurious disorderly people rejoice iu them gathered, they are the cottager's treasure ; and in the crowded town mark, as with a little brokeu fragment of rainbow, the windows of the workers in whose hearts rest the covenant of peace." "Yet few people really caro about flowers. Many indeed are fond of finding a new shape of blossom — caring for it as a child cares for a kaleido- scope ; many also care for a fair service of flowers in the greenhouse, as for a fair service of plate on the table Many are scientifically interested in them, and a few enjoy their gardens ; but the blossoming time of the year being chiefly spring, I perceive it to be the mind of most people during that period to stay in towns. Passing through a valley in the Tyrol, near Landich, with a friend in the spring, a strange mountain was seen in the distance, belted about its heart with a zone of blue like our English Queen. Was it a blue cloud, a blue horizontal bar of the air that Titian breathed in youth, seen now far away, which mortal might never breathe again ? Was it a mirage, a meteor ? Would it stay to be approached? It was still ten miles. It was found not to be air, and did not vanish, but stayed patiently, expanding still into richer breath andheavenlier glow — a belt of Gentians.'' " Perhaps few people have ever asked them- selves why they admired Roses so much more than all other llowers. If they consider, they will find first that red is in a delicately graduated state, the loveliest of all pure colours ; and secondly, that in the Rose there is no shadow except what is composed of colour. All its shadows are fuller in colour, owing to the translucency and reflective power of the leaves. Consider also the commonest forms of volatile substances, the invisible particles which cause the scent of a Rose-leaf, how minute, how multitudinous, passing richly away into the air continually." We pass by his matchless description of the beauty of a fresh snow-drift, under the warm light of the clear mountain air, with the Alpine Solda- nella venturing through, in language as true as it is vivid, a pensive, slender, fragile Ilower, whose small, dark, purple-fringed bells hangs down and shudders over the icy cleft that it has chosen, as if partly wondering at its own recent grave, and partly dying of very fatigue after its hard-won victory. If any reader can still doubt that our great genius and poet had the head and heart of one of our first gardeners, let him sit at his feet a few minutes more and hear what he has to say about the grasses : — "Minute, granular, feathery seed-vessels, mingling quaint brown punctuation and dusty tremors of dancing grain with the bloom of the nearer fields, and casting softness of filmy mist along their sub- stances far away ; mysterious ones move — not only with dew in the mornings, or mirage at noon, but with the shaking threads of fine arborescence, each a little belfry of grain-bells all a-chime. There seems little or nothing of notable goodness or beauty, very little strength, and very little tallness, and a few delicate long lines meeting in a point. " The fields follow. All spring and summer is in them ; the walks by silent, scented paths ; the rests in noonday heat ; the cry of birds and flocks ; the power of all shepherd life and meditation ; the life of sunlight upon the world falling in emerald streaks, and soft blue shadows, where also it would have struck upon the dark mould or scorching dust ; pastures beside the pacing brooks, soft banks and knolls of lonely hills ; thymy slopes of down overlooked by the blue lino of lifted sea ; crisp lawns, all dim with early dew, or smooth in evening warmth of barred sunshine, dinted by happy feet, and softening in their fall the sound of loving voices, are summed by the simple words of meadow sweetness — Shakespeare's ps uliar joy." Little wonder that when such master-gardener, poet, and seer, is struck down, that even the daily press, in the crisis of the South African War, makes space to note the grandeur of his life, and the greatness and goodness of his work. The Scotsman, of January 22, remarks : "Ruskin led the revival into the realm of art. He awoke the nation to a new and finer sense of the true and beautiful in form and colour. He shook the national taste out of its bondage and convention, purged it of its vulgarity, and taught the people to sec and appreciate the beautiful. The revolution in taste that has taken place within the last lifty years has not been wholly his work, but he began it and inspired it ; and even those who do refuse to acknowledge him as a master, are the fruit of the stimulus which he gave to the love of art and the sense of beauty." Thus closes its notice of Ruskin. He wrote with all the exquisite clarity, and often much of the vehemence of the mountain streams, which he loved. To read him is to be infinitely refreshed, and to be tilled with a new sense of the loveliness of the English language. Nor is it possible to foresee a time in the history of our literature when these qualities will not suffice to keep for him a place among the immortals. D. T. Fish. ©bttuarp. JAMES FRASER.— In all probability the father of Scotch gardeners has passed away in the person of the late Mr. James Eraser, gardener, who died at Castlehill, Turriff, on the 18th ult., aged ninety- eight years. Mr. Eraser was engaged by the late Dr. Adam, as gardener at Ardmiddle House, Turriff, in the year of the disruption, 1843, and for the long period of thirty-three years he conducted gardening operations at Ardmiddle with great acceptance by his employers. The gardens and grounds at Ardmiddle saw many improvements carried out under Mr. Fraser's management, and during his long engagement he served three generations of the family. It was with great regret that the late Mr. Milne parted with his faithful and trusted servant twenty-five years ago, when Mr. Eraser retired from active duty, and took up his residence in Turriff, which just now, by his death, mourns the loss of its oldest inhabitant. Mr. Fraser was a pawky, shrewd, typical Scotchman, and a thorough gardener. Locally, Mr. Fraser eDJoyed a reputation as being an authority on all matters connected with horti- culture, and iu his day few could out-do him in the art of growing good vegetables and hardy fruits ; while from personal remembrances I can speak of him as an expert in the cultivation of Strawberries, Melons, aud Cucumbers. The immediate cause of Mr. Fraser's death was a sharp attack of influenza. John Mackinnon, Terrec/les, Dumfries, N.B. Charles TURNER.— We regret to announce the death of Mr. Charles Turner, head-gardener for eight years to Hatfeild Harter, Esq., the present proprietor of Cranfield Court, Bletchley, and his predecessor, the late Rev. G. G. Harter. He passed away on Monday, January 15, at Cranfield Court Gardens, at the age of sixty-six years. The deceased began his gardening career in the gardens of Blenheim Palace, where he became foreman ; he went then to Middleton Park, Cirencester, and afterwards to Gunnersbury Park, and the Crystal Palace Gardens. Home Correspondence. » — SALE OF HORTICULTURAL POISON.— Whilst it is evident that the use of weed-killers, vapours, and other very potent poisons will still go on in gardens, aB they seem to have now become indis- pensable, yet the law concerning them as manifested in several legal decisions, seems to be so singularly uncertain that it is very essential for the welfare of the trade concerned in the sale of these substances that some defined and authoritative decision should soon be given on the matter. The nature of that decision, when furnished by some Superior Court, seems likely to be found in that given in the Court of Queen's Bench in the Worcester case, and reported on p. 41. Here, at least, it is shown that any person, seedsman, or otherwise, may become the intermediary between the purchaser and the vendor, so far as the passing of the poisonous com- pounds are concerned, but may not be the actual vendor. That is not an unreasonable arrange- ment. Doubtless many rightly-thinking persons will hold that the manufacture of these dangerous compounds should be in the hands of certificated chemists. But once in their ordinary vessels or receptacles, where they are, whilst still enclosed, as safe as gunpowder is, similarly enclosed, it cannot matter whether they be dispensed through any ordinary person or agent, or through a certi- ficated chemist. Thousands of cases have occurred of death resulting from poisons obtained from chemists ; but I have not heard of one resulting from horticultural poisons. This view, which was that of the Court of Queen's Bench, seems also to be that of the Lord Advocate of Scotland. It would, then, be only needful, for any seedsman or sundries trader to describe himself as agent for such and such compounds ; and orders sent through him by gardeners or others, for use in gardens, or other proper purposes, could be met without troubling chemists, or offending against the law. A. D. COMET RED CURRANT.— Mr. A. H. Pearson, ni his paper on "The Fruit Crops of the Year," which was published in the Gardeners' Chronicle, maintains that Comet and the Red Versaillaise Cur- rants are identically the same. Your correspondent, "A. D.," in the Oardeners' Chronicle for De- cember 16 last, also states this to be his opinion, and he suggested that others who have fruited it should come forward and give their experience. We have hoped that others interested would give their views of the variety, in order to settle this disputed point. We ourselves, in common with many others here in the United States, would like to know whether we are increasing for distri- bution a new or an old variety, which, however so good and desirable, ought not to be brought for- ward as a superior new sort if such is not the case. John Charlton <£• Sons, Rochester, N.Y. [ Your own experiment with this Currant will be most likely to convince you one way or the other. El).] February 3, 1900.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 77J THE BROAD-LEAVED DOCK OR DOCKAN. — This well-known plant is one of the moat troublesome weeds with which the farmer has to contend. It grows in pastures, by waysides, in yards, and neglected gardens, but prefers cultivated soil. It is refused by cattle, but it is said to be eaten by fallow deer with such avidity that it is rare to see a Dock growing in a deer park. The leaves are often used in Scotland for wrapping round butter and cream-cheese ; hence in some places the plant has the name of " Butter-dock." Most of us have applied it when pained by the sting of a Nettle. The expressed juice of the Honeysuckle is, how- ever, a far more efficacious remedy against the sting either of plant or insect than the Dock-leaf, the sole virtue of which seems to consist in its coolness. The root of the Dock is very astringent. It was formerly used by dyers. It is remarkable that the Dock never flourishes in poor soils. The following anecdote refers to this peculiarity. A farmer who took a small farm in the north, and entered it at the usual time of Whit-Sunday, observed that there was not a single Dock on his land. Anyone knowing the troublesome nature of this weed might have supposed that this was a source of congratulation. The farmer, however, better knew the nature of land and its weeds, and nine months after he had entered on his farm he called on his proprietor to inform him of his intention of quitting it. The landlord inquired the reason of this decision, as the tenant had as yet no oppor- tunity of seeing what crop he could raise in the fields. "Sir," observed the farmer, "there was not a Dock on it at Whit-Sunday. I brought Dockans from different places and have planted them, but they have not answered at all, and I know that what will not grow Dockans will not grow Corn." /. Kennedy, Roydon, Essex. [In some parts of Switzerland the Dock leaves are dried and given also to the pigs in winter. A great deal of starchy food is contained in the seeds, which is allowed to go to waste. Ed.] A GRAFTING PROBLEM.— The effect of the stock upon the scion is illustrated in an interesting manner in a grafting-process by Mr. George Inglefield, Tedworth, Marlborough, who a few years ago grafted Ribston Pippin Apple on to Blenheim Orange. A few days since Mr. Inglefield sent me some samples of the Ribston Pippins, and they appeared to justify his contention that the flesh of the Ribston Pippin had changed to some extent in texture, having become softer, while the flavour might be said to be intermediate between the two varieties. Mr. Inglefield gathered but few Ribston Pippins from the grafted tree this season, but they were alike, and the fruit certainly appeared to have undergone some transformation, but whether suffi- cient to constitute a distinct variety, remains to be seen. No doubt Mr. Inglefield will note the results another season, to ascertain if his conclusion that the stock has in this case materially affected the fruit of the scion. R. D. EXHIBITING VIOLETS.— Our old friend, Mr. E. Bennett, can be hardly oblivious of the fact that Violets have been exhibited in bunches at various November shows, sometimes with success, some- times otherwise. Probably the chief reason why classes for three or six bunches of these flowers are not popular with gardeners is, that to gather so many entails great sacrifice ; whilst, wherever Violets are grown, they are in daily demand, and are therefore kept rather hard- gathered. Then exhi- bition committees give as a reason for not offering prizes freely that the flowers, owing to their small size and colour, make, after all, a poor show in November, especially if the light in the place is not good. Still, the great thing for what is advocated is to have a very plentiful supply of good flowers. The most likely form of class to attract competition with Violets would be that of one button-hole, and one ladies' spray of Violets only ; or of a small hand- bouquet of a ground of Violets and any white flowers. A. D. I was pleased to read Mr. Bennett's remarks about Violets being included in schedules of Chrysanthemum societies. At the Royal Aquarium shows stands of Violets, especially of the larger-flowered varieties, would be very accept- able. I noted at the November Chrysanthemum exhibition at that place a small stand consisting of the principal varieties, which everyone admired. As Mr. Bennett suggests, the bunches of blooms Bhould be set off with their own foliage ; and plants should be shown as grown in pots. F. Strong, High Grove, Middlesex, ROOT-PRUNING OF APPLES AND PEARS.— Not- withstanding that the advantages that under certain circumstances are to be obtained by root- pruning fruit-trees have been repeatedly insisted upon in the presB, there are still many unfruitful trees that only need attention in this way to bring them into a fruitful condition. Perhaps the kind of trees that most need to be root-pruned are ordi- nary-sized bushes and pyramids of Apples and Pears. As soon as planted they have a tendency to send tap roots into the sub soil, and this encou- rages strong growth, and consequently severe pruning. Thus gross unfruitful wood is produced and cut away at the expense of fruit spurs. The operation of root-pruning is best done immediately before the fall of the leaf, although it can be safely done in open weather at any time during the resting season. It should be carried out as follows. Expose the roots to within about 3 feet from the stem, or further, according to the size and age of the tree, and as the work proceeds shorten the strong ones by a clean upward cut inclined to their points. The fibrous roots should be carefully preserved. Next undermine the tree and sever the tap roots smoothly. The hole may then be firmly filled in. fresh soil in preference being used for the purpose, and as the work proceeds raise the ends of the strong roots, if deep in the soil, and spread out regularly the fibrous ones. Young trees may have all their strong roots shortened at one time. Those old enough to have filled their allotted space should, however, in order to avoid a severe check, be operated upon in two successive years, one half of the tree being attended to each season. We have had, owing to the character of our soil, ample experience of the value of root-pruning in necessary cases. The following remarks are of a few varieties of Apples grown as bushes of the ordinary size, which are not generally considered suitable for that purpose. Id the autumn of 1897 we root-pruned thirteen Bramley's Seedling that had been planted four years previously ; which had made very strong wood, and had tilled their space, but produced very little fruit. The following season very little growth was made, but an abund- ance of fruit-buds were formed, and last year a very heavy crop of fruit resulted. In 1S9S we treated in like manner seven Blenheim OraDge, and five Gloria Mundi, which were in a similar condition to the Bramley's ; and at the present time both varieties are abundantly fur- nished with flower-buds. I have selected these well-known kinds for description from several varieties of Apples and Pears that have been similarly treated. Advantageous as root-pruning is in some cases, it will not insure a crop the year succeeding the operation, as some of its advocates claim. At the earliest, its profitable results -re not seen until the second year. Tlws. Coomber, Hendre Gardens, Monmouth. APPLE NEWTON WONDER. — The remarks of your correspondents are interesting, as the spotting appears to be the one bad point in the Apple men- tioned. I have had five years' experience of its behaviour, and can testify to its good quality as a keeper ; as a dessert and cooking Apple it has few equals, in my opinion. We have regularly had them in good condition in April. We have it on the Paradise stock, grown as espaliers ; and also grafted on an old Crab stock. On both stocks it is a most regular and free cropper, but whilst the espaliers give us grand fruits, weighing up to 14 ounces, with about one-fourth of the fruits spotted, the grafted tree gives us smaller fruits abundantly, with no signs of spotting. Can the stock have anything to do with the disease? G. A. R., Nottingham. THE INFLUENCE OF THE STOCK UPON WORKED VINES. — The Vine-grower always finds interest in the inarching, or bottle-grafting of his Viues, unlooked-for results, favourable or otherwise, often following the union. I once saw a vinery filled with varieties of Vines which became converted into a purely Muscat vinery by the act of inarching on to the laterals growing near the bottom of the rods Vines of a year old, the old rods being removed as fast as the inarched young Vines began to fruit. In this case it could be seen which were the better foster parents. (Jros Maroc and Gros Colman made the best growth : and Lady Downes was the least satisfactory. I believe with Mr. Temple that Gros Guillaume makes a poor stock upon which to inarch another variety : moreover, it has so little merit that it is only found in large collections, or because the owner has a fancy for it. I remember an instance of a scion of Muscat of Alexandria being worked on the Syrian, which afforded the singular result that the Muscat flavour was quite absent from the fruit borne by the scion, whilst all other characteristics were undisturbed. The flavour of the fruit was exactly that of the SyriaD. Black Hamburgh I have tasted of a very superior flavcur when giowiDg on a Vine of Mrs. Pince, the object of the union in this case beiDg to change the character of, the crop, and not to accentuate the quality. Gros Maroc, itself a strong grower, is sometimes rendered freer in fruiting by beiDg worked on the Black Hamburgh stock, as is also Gros Guillaume, which, on its own roots, is very shy, unless carefully pruned. W. S. THE " HATFIELD " CURE FOR RED-SPIDER.— I have followed with some interest the correspond- ence that has appeared of late in the Gardeners' Chronicle upon this subject, because anything that can be proved capable of destroying red-spider without iDJury to Vine or fruit-trees would be a boon to all gardeners. Sulphur-fumes are no doubt powerful to annihilate insects when diffused by fire-heat [or slaking lime. Ed.], but they have the drawback that the slightest overdose destroys vegetation equally surely when the fumes are con- fined in a glasshouse. Mr. Norman does not say whether he moistens the sulphur before using it ; so I take it, the dry sulphur is placed in the tins, and heated by the direct action of the flame from the spirit-lamp. I should have expected that it would have been safer from flaming if wetted, and the vapour given off jointly with steam; but as sulphur is not easily soluble in water, probably there would not be much gained by the addition of water. Would Mr. Normio advise ordinary flowers-of-sulphur, or another form of it? Sublimed sulphur is the best for applying to the hot- water pipes, being very effective and safer, though the fumes given off are less perceptible compared with the more commonly used article. No doubt, as the editorial footnote points out, the practice needs the most careful management, and further experiment and report from those who have thus proved its value and safety would be greatly valued by all those who have similar trouble to deal with. W. S. BIRDS BUILDING IN SHRUBS ON WALLS.— In reply to Mr. Lynch's enquiry respecting the above, I may state there is a wall here about 16 feet in height facing the north, and about sixteen years ago it was suggested and desired by my employer to cover it with some evergreen to bide it from view. Having a quantity of young Laurel plauts of the common variety, we planted them at the foot of the wall and about 2 feet apart. The soil generally being in a moist condition, the Laurels in about five or six years reached the to > of the wall. As they grew they were tied up with string, any superfluous shoots beingcut away. Theonly pruning they had was the cutting off of the foreright sboots with a pair of sicaleurs once a year, in March or April, being all that was required ; a very even evergreen screen is presented, which looks welL The spurs at the present time stand out from 9 inches to a foot from the wall. Blackbirds and thrushes build their nests in the Laurels plentifully (rather too much so). The wag-tail's nest I have also fiund, with a young cuckoo for a tenant in it at midsummer. A. Harding, Orion, Peterborough, THE GINKGO BILOBA.— The interesting note in the Gardeners' Chronicle of Dec. 23, must have given pleasure to all admirers of the Maiden- hair-tree, and the magnificent specimen theo illus- trated is worth going far to see. The Panshanger- tree is acknowledged to be one of the finest in the kingdom, and when first I saw it I was greatly surprised. It is a great pity that in most of our parks and gardens, whether in town or country, tbis noble tree is conspicuous by its absence. The Maidenhair-tree is well adapted also for cultivation in large tubs and vases, and if these be draped with Vincas (Periwinkles), they are very orna- mental for positions on the balcony and terrace- walks. The tree, when grown in tubs, may be trained either as a pyramid or bush. It must be remembered, however, that the tree is deciduous. George MacKhilay, Wrest Park Gardens, Ampthill. CHRYSANTHEMUM MADAME CARNOT. — It is understood that the crimson sport of this variety originated with Mr. F. Perkins, at Oxford, a son of Mr. F. Perkins, of Leamington, and that it 78 THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE [February 3, 1900. occurred upon a plant of tbe type, not one of its varieties. The transition from white to crimson naturally occasions an inquisitive interest amongst Chrysanthemum growers. J. E. J. Florists' Flowers. TUBEROUS -ROOTED BEGONIAS. Now is a good time to raise a stock of plants of these the most useful of florists' flowers, whether it be for the decoration of the greenhouse or for furnishing the flower-beds in summer. The raising of Begonias from seed is interesting, and the results surprising, especially when working with the best Btrains. For the flower garden it is well to grow the plauts in batches of separate colours, as a better effect is then obtained. Sow the seed in well drained pans, filled with fine sandy soil, and covering the seed with sand lightly. Place over the pans sheets of glass, and cover with moss. A gentle and moist bottom heat in an even tem- perature of about 65° will suffice to give the plants an early and robust shirt. Directly the tiny seedlings show through the soil, remove the mo'S, and tilt the glass ou oue side so as to admit air. The seed from Begonias is irregular in germina- tion, and the seedlings are as irregular in growth. Directly any of the plants are large enough to handle , carefully lift them from the soil and prick them off into other pans or pots. Fill up the holes in the seed- pan with sand, so that other seedlings may not be injured, (live the plants a position quite near to the glass in the same temperature ; water them carefully, and syringe them twice daily with tepid water. Shift them on into other pots or boxes as fast as the growth demands it. For bedding purposes, shallow boxes are the most economical. Maintain an even temperature until the plauts are ready for hardening-off preparatory to going to the greenhouse or cold frames. Fluctua- tions of temperature, coupled with cold draughts will tend to cripple growth. Like all other succu- lent plants tuberous rooted Begonias require a steady uninterrupted growth. E. Molyneux. Single flowered Chrysanthemums, The notes on p. IS concerning this section of Chrysanthemums is marked by appreciation of such varieties. For fifteen years I have advocated their cultivation for exhibition and general purposes, feel- ing assured that they would be valued iu the decora- tion of the greenhouse and dwelling, and as cut- flowers. Many good gardeners who at that time pooh- poohed their value, have now a friendly word to say for them, having doubtless realised their value. There is no section that is so well suited to the conveniences at the command of the amateur as single-flowered Chrysanthemums. No other plants afford so large a quantity of flowers, or occupy so small an amount of space, and certainly no other section lasts longer in bloom. At one time there was an objection — and a reasonable one, too — to the somewhat dingy, washed out shades of colour; now we find the brightest colours among them. I need merely to instance tbe varieties — Framfield Beauty, a rich crimson ; King of Siam, crimson ; Mr. F. W. Travels, Rev. Remfrey, Poinsettia, and Souvenir de Londres, all most brilliant in colouring. Even iu neutral tints there is much variety ; while pure white and rich yellows abound. Then as to form of flower, there are numerous types from which to choose. There are long Japanese-like florets, both thinly displayed, and also closely -arranged florets ; the neatly-formed florists' type, in middle-sized blooms ; and the small-flowered, prim, Daisy-like blossoms, as well as cupped and recurved forms. Iu fact, there is almost an iufinite variety of form, size and colour of flowers, as well as much difference in habit. In associating Chrysanthemums with other flowering-plants, those with single flowers har- monise the best, being light and graceful. Another point in their favour, which cannot be advanced for any other section in the same deg'ee, is the delicate perfume which some of them possess. Two or three plants of Mrs. Langtry, for example, are sufficient to perfume a good-sized greenhouse. Their cultivation is simple ; there is no anxiety and worry about timing the plants to get the right buds, for all buds are right under ordinary treat- ment. Stout cuttings inserted in Jauuary, two in a pot, rooted and grown on together, once pinching out the point of growth, and afterwards allowing the grosvtb uninterrupted freedom, is all that is required. Abundance of water, especially when the roots are restricted to small (7- inch) pots, as many plants may be, is, of course, a necessity. Extra early housing of the plants is not imperative, as the buds do not suffer nearly so much from night dews and light frosts as do varieties with thick- fleshed florets, as we find them in incurveds and Japanese. For growth against south, east, and west walls, single-flowered varieties have no equal for furnishing large quantities of blossom in the autumn. E. Molyneux. Calvat's Novelties of Chrysanthemums. Many of the new catalogues of the French seed- ling raisers are already to hand, but the chief interest will undoubtedly centre itself on Mr. Calvat's novelties. These for some years past have given the best results both here and on the con- tinent, and although he has now many rivals, there are but few of his own countrymen that can hope to compete with him, by virtue of the very ex- ceptional strain he has secured. It does not often happen that we can get a glimpse of continental novelties twelve months before they make their appearance here, but having seen a goodly number both in Paris aud Lyous last year, a forecast of some of the best may be useful to the novelty-hunter in England. Mr. Calvat's set for 1900 comprises twenty- nine varieties, and he has secured altogether twenty five First-class Certificates for them, at Paris and at Lyons, which may be considered the chief head- centres on the continent for such awards. To my taste, and regarding these novelties from the exhibition standpoint only, Mme. Adc-le Cordonnier- Wibaux is an immense Japanese of a reddish-crim- son reverse, and centre golden. Then comes M. 0. de Meulenaere, a fine large-sized flower of incurving Japanese form, in colour a deep reddish-chestnut- crimson, with bright golden reverse. Very striking, too, is Mme. Alice Capitant, which has long narrow florets of a beautiful shade of white slightly tinted. Mme. L. Druz is another giant, its colour a deep apricot-yellow. Salome is deep and glo- bular ; it has narrow florets, and colour is a very deep golden yellow. Mme. A. de Franqueville d'Orthal, rosy salmon with golden reverse, is also an immense bloom. Marquis Visconti-Venosta, is of a deep lilac- mauve tint, with reverse of silvery pink. Mme. V. Delavier has very long florets, colour pale mauve. All these as shown are undoubtedly as promising as any we have had, and following these in order of merit, I should say that M. R. Gremer, M. R. du Mesnie de Montchauveau, Mme. Andre Benac, Mme. Pelerin Allatouche, Mme. Christian Nano, Mme. J. Steel, Mme. Avizard, and Mme. Philippe Roger will rank next, and their descriptions can be easily obtained from Mr. Calvat's catalogue. The other novelties included in his new set for 1900 I have not seen, aud must therefore leave them to speak for themselves later in the year. C. Harman Payne. with an unmanured plot in each case. There were thus 120 plots, making 20 acres in all, devoted to the experiment. This is far more extensive, and on larger plots, than the generality of experiments. Taking the whole of the experiments, the best results were obtained by the use of H cwts. of nitrateof-soda, \i, cwts. of sulphateofammonia, and 6 cwts. of superphosphate-of-lime per acre. This gave a crop of 10 tons 9 cwts. 3 qrs. per acre, as against 8 tons 1 qr. per acre ou the unmanured plot. The increase from the manuring was thus 2 tons 9 cwts. 3 qrs. per acre, which at 50s. per ton had a value of £G 4s. Ctd. As the manures cost £2 Is. 6c!., this gave the satisfactory profit of £4 3s. from their use. The next most profitable manure was 2 cwts. of nitrate-of soda per acre. This gave a croj of 9 tons 16 cwts. 2 qrs., or 1 ton 16 cwts. 2 qrs. nore than the unmanured plot. This increase of crop was worth £4 10s., and as the manure only cost 16». Sd., there was a profit of £3 13s. Gd. per acre from its use. The smallest profit from any manuring resulted from the use of 3 cwts. of sulphate-of-ammonia and 3 cwts. of dis- solved bones. This gave a crop of 9 tons 3 cwts. 3 qrs., an increase of 1 ton 3 cwts. 2 qrs. per acre over the unmanured plot, the value of the increase being £2 19s. As the manures cost £2 6s. (id. per acre, the profit from their use was only 12s. Gd. It is well worthy of note that although last year was such a dry season, every one of the fourteen com- binations of artificials left a profit from their use. The Xaccastle Daily Chronicle, January 19 Potato-growing Experiments. — Among the experiments which have been carried out by the Nottingham University College for two years iu succession are some very important ones ou the effect of manures on Potatos, and which were carried nut at Althorpe in Lincolnshire. The plots were in each case one-sixth of an acre in extent, and were duplicated by trials on eight different varieties of Potatos. In all, fourteen different combinations of manuring were tried, together SOOI ETI ES. MISCELLANEOUS. Aberdeenshire Agricultural Research Association. —The annual meeting of the Executive Of this Association was held in the New^Chemical Laboiar.iny, Belmont Street, Aberdeen, on January 2i>. There was a large attendance, aud Sir J. Clark, Bait., of Tillypronie, in Ihe absence of the President, occupied the Chair. Mr. Jamie-on, Director of the Association, submitted the financial report for the year, which showed a deficiency of £35. This sum, it was explained by Mr. Jamieson, will be borne by hi in, thus leaving the Association ia a position to start the experiments lor this year without encumbrance. A most sitisfactory increase in the number of subscribers was intimated. Mr. Jamieson then submitted his report of the experiments conducted during the past year. The main inquiry engaging the attention of the Association at the present time is the cross-fertilisation of Oats by a natural method, which might be adopted with benefit on a large scale without any extra outlay. The subordinate inquiries in the report refer to the "Per- manence of Bye-grass," to the " Effect of Manure on Grass,' to the experience of the " Ten Year Rotation," and the possi- bility and great advantage of keeping grasses down for seven years ; to the treatment of " Old Pasture, " to a " New Gras- Rfecom mended," and to " Catch Crops." The report was sub- mitted by Mr. Jamieson, who strongly commended the work of the Association to the support of all interested in the cul- tivation of the land, and pleaded for more assistance being given to the work lie was performing. A prolonged discussion followed on the subjects under trial, which was taken part in by most of the members present, and the meeting concluded with a cordial vote of thanks to Sir John Clark for presiding. Reading and District Gardeners',— The members assembled iu force on the :22nd inst., on the occasion of the annual tea and smoking concert, which took place in. the Abbey Hall, lent by Messrs. Sutton & Sons. The President, Mr. C. B. Stevens, presided at the tea, which commenced at 0.30, the company including Mr. Leonard Sutton, Mr. M. H. F.Sutton, Messrs. Fry, Hinton, Macdnnild, Cox (Chairman, Yice-Chairaian, Treasurer, and Secretary), Burton (Bexley Heath), Pope (Chairman of the Wargrave Gardeners' Society), Trollope (Whitchurch), Botley (Maidenhead), Prince (Arbor- field), Cretchley (Twytord), C. Townsend (Sandhurst), Cham- berlain (Shiulield), Nicholls (Maiden Erlegh), Rigg, Farey (Caversham), Cox (Calcot), Osborn (Three Cross), and others. The tables and hall presented a bright and pleasing appearance, having been deeorattd undei the supervision of Mr. Macdonald with loliage and flowering plants sent by Mr. J. Woolford, The Gardens, East Thorpe, and Messrs. Sutton. The Chairman presented to the winners the prizes won in the Essay compe- titions. At eight o'clock the smoking concert commenced, presided over by Mr. Leonard Sutton, which was the best ever held at these annual gatherings. During the evening Mr. Ketley recited Rudyard Kipling's poem " The Absent-Minded Beggar," and the sum of £2 5s. lias been sent on to the local war fund. Chemical manures was the subject of a lecture deli- vered by Mr. F. W. E. Shbivell, of Thompson's Farm Feiiruakv 3, 19(10.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 79 Tollbridge, .it the fortnightly meeting of this Society, on the 20th ult. The lecturer laid before the members the results of the various experiments carried ont at Ton bridge during the past five years with chemical manures on vege- tables and fruit crops, under the auspices of the Permanent Nitrate Committee, who wished to find out whether dung could be dispensed with altogether, relying solely on chemical manures. Six new members were elected. Wargrave and District Gardeners'. — The annual meeting took place on January 17, when Mr. W. I'ufe pre- sided over a good attendance. The officers and committee for the present year were elected, the annual report and balance- sheet presented and adopted, and the prizes and Certificates won by members last year distributed. Mr. Geo. Hatch, gr. to Sir John Edwards-Moss, Bare, Thamesneld, read a paper on *** Vine Culture." He advocated three-quarter span houses facing south, -with front and top ventilation, with a trellis not less than 16 inches from the glass. He dwelt on the careful construction ot the border, and gave adviee on the proper method of mixing the soil ; also upon the time of planting, pruning, disbudding, propagating, the temperatures necessary at various stages of growth, and thinning. Bristol and District Gardeners'.— The furtnigjitly meeting was held at St. John's Parish Room, Red land, on Thursday, 25th inst. Mr. C. Lock presided over a large attendance. A paper was read by a member froaa the Cardiff Gardeners' Association, Mr. J. Graham, under the title " Gleanings from a Horticultural Class." Mr. Graham dealt with a variety of subjects, all of great importance to gardeners such as soil and its constituents, bacteria, thermometers, dew and rain, laying out of pleasure-grounds, rockery forma- tion, draining of land, plant diseases, &c. He dealt with the subjects in an able manner, affording much useful in- formation. Mr. Graham strongly urged the formation of botany classes in connection with gardeners' associations ; and claimed that a knowledge of theory was a great help to the gardener in his work, and pleaded for more sympathy be- tween head gardeners and their assistants. He was cordially thanked for his attendance and lecture. Au exhibit of much interest was provided by Mr. Graham, who showed over fifty dried specimens of British plants, which attracted much attention. A motion of sympathy with the relatives of the late Canon Ansley was passed. The late Canon was a vice- president of the Association during his residence at Redland, and took a keen interest in the work from the time of its formation. The Apiary. Temperature and Brood-rearing. — Question : Can it be possible that 100° of heat is required for brood-rearing 1 If I remember rightly, I read a few days ago that 100 is about the temperature the bees maintain inside the hive when rearing brood ; and if the heat in the suu is greater than that, the bees, by fauning at the entrances, cause a current of air to pass through the hive so as not to allow the temperature of the hive to rise higher than this. It seems to me 100° is altogether too high, and that 80° to S5° is much more correct. Answer : I think I saw something similar to what the questioner alludes to in one of the bee papers, and this altogether with what he says, leads me to believe that but few have a correct idea regard- ing the degree of warmth in which the bees keep the eggs, larva?, pupa?, &c, during the time they are rearing their young. While Nature has so ordained that a good colony of bees can form a living hive, as it were, in which to rear their brood ; yet brood-rearing is very largely dependent on the hive, aud before 1 take into consideration the real subject touched upon by the ques- tioner, I wish to say a few words regarding that part which the hive plays in this matter of brood- rearing. In spring weather the capacity of a hive to retain warmth, the same coming in close contact with the bees, has much to do with prolific brood- rearing and tbe securing of our bees in time for harve t. The more heat we can retain in the hives the more honey we can save, for all are aware that the "iuel" that the bees "burn" so as to raise the temperature of the cluster to where they desire it, is honey. Again, the more "fuel" (honey) the bees burn, tbe sooner their life wears away, for it takes an effort, even on the part of the bee, to keep the furnace (the bee) heated, and filled with luel as fast as it is consumed. Hence we see the importaut bearing that a good warm hive has in advancing our iuteiests in the spring. Why do I say " in the spring " : Because at that season of the year the temperature outside the hive is very much lower than that which is required by the bees to rear biood, especially during ihe nigut. If, as I saw in print not long ago, bees could rear brood with a temperature of only (10°, then there would not be so much need of a warm hive, for we have many spring days wherein the mercury goes as high as and even higher than that. If those figures were correct, then our bees could rear brood in April and May, here iu the north, to as good advantage as they do now in July and August. Then, if the temperature of brood rear- ing were only 805 to So', as our questioner seems to think, should the temperature run h'gher than this, would it not be unbearable by the brood ? And if this is true, what would the bees do when the mercury stood about the " nineties " for days in succession, as we frequently have it even in this locality ? Would it be possible for the bees by fanning the air to give a less degree of heat than that very air contained. Some years ago, having a desire to learn for a certainty of these things for myself, I began to experiment as follows : — I procured a self-regis- tering thermometer, aud placing it near the fire until it showed 125° to 130° of heat, I set the register, wrapped it in some heated cloths, and immediately placed it in the centre of a brood-nest of a medium sized colony. This wTas on a very cool day, some time in the month of Way — about the middle as nearly as I can remember; that night water was frozen so as to form ice nearly as thick as window- glass, the time being selected on purpose. The next day, about 2 o'clock, it had warmed the air enough, so that the bees were Hying freely, when I took out the thermometer and found that the coldest point reached in the brood-nest during the cold night was 92°. Since then I have tried the same experiment on both strong and weak colonies. Although at no time did it freeze so hard as at the first trial, yet in no colony that was rearing brood successfully did I ever obtain a less degree than the one mentioned, while some of the stronger colonies gave a temperature of 95° on nights when there was som>. 82 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 10, 1900. Oncidium nubigenum. Under Oncidium cucullatum authorities have placed a very dissimilar set of plants, comprising 0. olivaceum, 0. nubigeuum, and 0. Phalsenopsis ; and in defending O. nubigenum as a species, the late Prof. Reichenbach, in the Gardeners' Chronicle, 1867, p. 376, made the following interesting re- marks : "When the lamented Dr. Lindley was a young lynx-eyed observer, he called this plant a good species. When he was older, and it had come into fashion to combine very heterogeneous types into ' one species ' because ' there were too many species,' lie believed it was his duty to cancel some of his own, and this Oncidium was de- graded to the rank of a variety. Later he even named a variety o 0. cucullatum nubigenum for Mr. Linden. We believe this was a mistake, since the many flowers we have been favoured with by Mr. Linden, as well as Dr. Jameson's specimens, and a few sent by Messrs. Backhouse, never show any eucullate anther-bed, never have a produced nasiform keel on the lip, nor is there ever an isthmus to the lip. Messrs. Bateman and Linden are of our opinion as to the distinctness of the plant from 0. cucullatum. "It is a gay little plant, with spikes of (lowers appearing as if they were diminutives of Odonto- glossum Phal.enopsis." An inflorescence of a very tine form of it is kindly sent by Fran Ida Brandt, Riesbach, Zurich (gr., Mr. Schlecht), and in it the entire absence of an isthmus to the lip, as indicated by the late Prof. Reichenbach, as well distinguishing it from others of its section is very evident. In the colouring of the flowers the plants vary much, though through all run some similar fea- tures. The sepals and petals of the variety sent are creamy-white, densely freckled with pale rose colour. The broad labellum has a yellow callus, in front of which is a narrow band of purple, the blade of the lip being pale whitish-rose. Its affinity seems to be with 0. Phabnopsis, from which the characters specified by the late Professor Reichenbach clearly distinguishes it, and it has no relationship to the plant known in gardens as 0. olivaceum and 0. cucullatum. It is well illustrated as Oncidium cucullatum var. nubigenum in the Holanical Magazine, t. 570S, from a plant flowered by Wentworth Buller, Esq., and the habitat, is given as the western side of the ridge of Asuay, Kouador, altitude 11,000 feet. J. O'R. 8C0JU_ND. APPLES. Apples, like Pears, are this season of excellent quality ; somewhat below the average in size, but so far have kept well. It is seldom indeed that the characteristic features of varieties have been so well developed, fruits so perfectly formed and finished, so highly coloured and so well flavoured. The supply of both dessert and culinary Apples required to meet current household demands has been drawn chiefly from a limited number of kinds, and those outside the number might just as well have been dispensed with, or their places filled with sorts that in all respects are always reliable. Could we rely on certain varieties succeeding alike well on all soils it would greatly simplify practical pomology. But there is no garden-crop that exhibits a divergence in this respect so great as the Apple. It has been assumed that certain varieties succeed in given districts, which to some extent is true, but no one can depend on a variety which gives his neighbour satisfaction being equally satisfactory to himself. I have known gardens distant less than a mile from each other in which varieties showed the most perplex- ing differences both as regards health and cropping ; strong loams suiting some kinds, and light soils others. There is another point perhaps less regarded than it ought to be in estimating the value of varieties, which is, the relative size of fruit. There are not a few sorts that crop heavily — sorts not infrequently of a local reputation, which produce fruits so small as to be not worth storing. I do not, of course, refer to trees which from overcropping are incapable of bringing fruit to its normal size, but to those crop9 which no amount of thinning will cause to swell beyond a small size. Want of quality is similarly not always taken account of : some cooking Apples, otherwise good, are insipid : others, again, are extremely acid, which is by no means a draw- back with some palates. But these points cannot be overlooked if we wish to produce the maximum amount of good fruit from a given number of trees. A generally prevalent feature in Apple selection that cannot be commended is the preponderance borne by early sorts over late ones. Commonly there is a superabundance of Apples early in the season, and a scarcity from January onwards. The reason for this is, no doubt, that free cropping early soft Apples are planted, and late ones neglected, when it ought to be just the other way. The production of late-keeping Apples is, more- over, affected injuriously in ways that do not so largely affect early kinds. One cause of shrinkage is the loss caused by high winds, more particularly in the case of the largest varieties. It is, no doubt, true, that fruits of Alfriston, and one or two other sorts, if not badly bruised, may be preserved till winter, but they cannot be depended on for a late supply. Trees of late varieties, again, cannot be cropped so heavily as early kinds without breaking down ultimately under the strain. A long and genial autumn works wonders in recuperating early sorts after the fruit has been gathered ; but late varieties can be relieved in no other way than by cropping sufficiently lightly to permit the trees, while perfecting their crops, to provide fruit-buds at the same time for another season. In the same way with early varieties, crops may be secured from trees thickly branched, while with late kinds it is almost indispensable to dis- pose the branches so thinly as to make each one practically a separate cordon ; and there is also the fact never to be left out of consideration, that it is the late varieties that are most affected by unpropitious seasons. These are, I think, the chief reasons why the number of trees of late- keeping varieties should be always large, and proportionately greater than early sorts. I have been examiuing the lists of Apples recorded in the report of the Apple Congress held fifteen years ago, and they are remarkable as still affording a safe guide to planters. From the first twenty of either dessert or culinary sorts, a fairly good selection may be made to meet all require- ments, and in many cases the selection might be limited to the first twelve. ArrLF.s for Dessert. King of the Pippins then, as now, holds first place as the most generally useful dessert Apple [but not so choice as Cox's Orange Tippin. En.]. It is a variety that yields the best results on a warm light soil, and the finest fruits are produced on young shoots of a few years' growth, to secure a supply of which a regular system of growing-on, on young stems, to occupy the place of those that fail to bring forward fine fruits must be carried on. The fruit, as a further aid, must be severely thinned while yet small, and in October, when it begins to colour, the trees should be examined twice a week, and any that are ready gathered. The season during which the fruit is in its best condi- tion extends from the end of November till the new year, after which time the flesh becomes mealy. Fruit beyond what is wanted for dessert is useful for cooking. Cox's Orange Pippin and Ribston Pippin produce the finest Apples when grown on a loamy soil. Both require to hang late when grown in bush form, and they are most useful when not eaten till after the new year. The last-named, like Blenheim Orange, is a first-rate culinary variety. Less valuable than these, and perhaps not very well known, but a very com- mendable sort nevertheless, is Duke of Devonshire, the history of which is obscure. It is more gene- rally cultivated in Scotland than it appears to be in England ; the tree is dwarf and sturdy in growth, and the best fruit is produced on thinly-disposed spurs, the branches also being widely apart. Though a large crop of fruit is seldom, if ever, produced, it is at the same time necessary, in order to secure large and fine samples, to thin to a small crop ; the fruit is ready to be gathered towards the end of October, and is in use during February. Sturmer Pippin is another certain cropper that requires severe thinning of the young fruits. The time to gather it is about the second week of November, and the fruit is used in spring ; along with the following sort, it is one of the best Apples for Scotland. Adam's Pearmain, which is not more remarkable for its other good qualities than for its fruitfulness, few Apples setting heavier crops with the same regularity. The tree is slender of growth, and the finest fruit is secured when the tree is permitted to grow with little pruning beyond the removal of worn-out branches, and those necessary to allow a free admission of light and air to the foliage. Through neglecting to thin, the fruit is usually small, and it generally hangs on the tree till the end of October. I know no more useful late varieties than these. Of the earlier kinds, Mar- garet, Mr. Gladstone, Irish Peach (best unpruned), and Worcester Pearmain, are in all respects reliable. James Greive, of the newer sorts, promises well. Apples for the Kitchen. Culinary Apples, because of the large number of really first-rate sorts, are more difficult to select than dessert varieties. The earliest fit to cook is Early Julien, also known in Scotland as Tarn Montgomery. Old trees bear more profusely than young ones, from which, however, the finest fruits are secured. While exceedingly acid during summer, if left long enough on the tree, the fruit becomes by September agreeable to the palate, and it possesses remarkably good- keeping qualities. Where, however, Keswick Codlin is well grown, the above variety is scarcely required, and this is of all early Apples the best suited to Scotland. The best fruit is invariably produced on young wood. Lord Suffield, since so many large soft- fleshed varieties have been planted, has largely decreased iu favour. At the same time, taking into account its quality as the best of Apples when cooked, it is doubtful if it can be superseded. I find also that the similar constitutional defects are not absent from other kinds that have been cultivated a sufficiently long time to develop like traits. The tree should not be largely spur-pruned, but on the contrary a con- stant supply of young growths of a fruit-bearing age encouraged. An occasional application, say once in two years, of ferric sulphate ought also to be made, and its tendency to over-crop neutralised by thinning. From the Hawthordens, Stirling Castles, Ecklinville Seedlings, Queen's, Cellinis, and Warner's Kings, it depends on local circum- stances which are the best. Personally, I prefer the last-named as at once the best in quality of fruit, and equally fruitful with any other sort of its season, which here extends to Christmas, after which the crispness of its flesh disappears. Tower of Glamis is a commendable late Codlin, but where Blenheim Orange succeeds there is no better sort available to bridge over the period between the soft Apples and the hard-fleshed late ones than is it. Bramley's Seedling during several years has proved a really reliable sort, not, however, super- seding Dumelow's Seedling where the latter succeeds, which it does not do here, and a stock of Newton Wonder is being worked up in order to replace it should this variety prove satisfactory. Lane's Prince Albert suits us perfectly ; and one of the best varieties that we have is Mere de Menage. The tree always crops well, producing large fruits, remarkable for acidity. The best of all late Apples, taking into account si?e and good quality of fruit, evenness of crop, along with February 10, 1900.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, 83 keeping qualities of a high order, is Alfriston. The tree, though somewhat dwarf, grows to a fair size before it will crop heavily ; it bears freely on spurs. Northern Greening is another late variety that always yields good returns ; it is necessaiy to thin the fruit in a very free manner, and to thin spurs and buds in the same way annually. Another very late Apple which, by means of thiuning, produces fruits considerably increased in size, is Dutch Mignonne. R. CATTLEYA INTERMEDIA VAE. AQUINII. The accompanying illustration (tig. 25) represents a very remarkable Orchid, which was described by M. Barbosa Rodrigues, Director of the Botanic Gardeu at Bio de Janeiro, in 1S93, as Cattleya Aquinii (Journ. den Orch , iv. , p. 144). The photo- graph, together with dried flowers and a coloured drawing, have been sent by Seiior Graciano, A. de Azambuja, of Porto Alegre. S. Brazil, in the belief that it will " greatly interest many readers of the Oardeaers' Chronicle as a notable case of I re tfOS ii IVER 01 PATTI.KYA 1 I I I '.H'l.i \, \ VR. A./I1NII. fixed peloria. All specimens which exist of this Cattleya have bpen taken from the one and only plant which was discovered here (at Porto Alegre, in the province of Rio Grande do Sul), many years ago by a Portuguese gardener named Valladares. The flowers are identical from year to year. I believe that the Cattleya sent to the botanical garden at Rio by Sefior F. de Aquino was taken from this parent plant." It has been figured by M. Rodrigues in Plantas Cultivadae no Jardim Botanko do Rio dt Janeiro, p. 23, t. 4, fig. o. Although originally described as a distinct species, it has long been known as a peloriate state of Cattleya intermedia, iu which the petals are lip like in shape and colour (Orch. Rev., i., p. 310 ; it., p. 207). This peculiarity tenders the variety very distinct, and the abnormal character cannot be considered a defect, as judged from the florist's standpoint, but rather as giving the flower an additional attractive- ness. The character seems to be quite fixed, as in the case of Uropedium, and the double form of Epidendrum vitellinum. One other abnormal con- dition of this Cattleya is known, namely, C. inter- media var. prolifera, which was figured in these pages in 1887 (vol. ii., pp. 12, 13, fig. 3). An ex- amination of one of the dried flowers mentioned above shows the cause of the peculiarity, the column being abnormal. It is well known that the pair of teeth or wings seen on the column of so many Orchids are staminodial in their origin — occasionally they revert to their original character, coming as perfect anthers — and in this case they seem to have partly or wholly wandered from their usual position, and have become united with the petals, thus giving them their partially lip-like character. In fact, the side-lobes of the lip were long ago recognised by Robert Brown as staminodial in their origin, and, though this view has some- times been questioned, there can be little doubt that it is the correct one, as Lindley and Darwin also held. That the petals are not transformed into perfect lips is what might have been expected, for each petal has only the addition of a single staminode. These abnormal flowers are often inter- esting for the light they throw on the structure of an Orchid flower, but the present one is also hand- some, and we may hope to see it yet under cultiva- tion in Europe, R. A. Rolfe. The Rosary. THE ROSE-HOUSE. The month of February brings plenty of work among the Roses, both indoors and outside, more especially the former. All Roses under glass, whether forced or merely housed in cold houses, are now active, and there should be no delay in getting the pruning finished. In houses having a temperature of 50' to 60°, flowers will soon be plentiful upon plants that have been moving steadily since the middle of the month of November. A slow start, and steady and gradually increasing temperature, are of very great importance in forcing Hoses. It conforms more nearly with Nature, and we do well to take more note of this than is often done. To bring plants from a cold, and often freezing atmosphere, direct to a temperature of ">f>° or 05° only excites the sap already in branch and roots, and causes the premature growth of comparatively little value as compared to that which plants produce when gradually brought on. Roses immediately excited by heat are sure to receive more or less of a check at a very critical period, resulting in blind or flowerless growths. When Roses have made sturdy growths from 2 to 3 inches in length more heat may be applied, but our plants are never exposed to more than 70", except for an hour or two upon a sunny day. The Rose-house for early forcing should be a light one, and care taken to allow the foliage to become dry before nightfall. During the daytime, unless foggy, I believe in more moisture than the majority of growers give, especially if a little ammonia from liquid or other manures is present. After several years' experience and from obser- vations I have made in other gardens, I feel certain that a large number of failures with winter Roses is due to over ventilation. The least draught does harm to young growth, and the check given favours attack from mildew. The effects may not be observed at once, but the check has undoubtedly done harm. Another frequent cause of disappointment comes from the use of too strong insecticides in destroying insects. It is more prudent to use them in mild form as soon as the insects are observed, than to let the latter increase and then to use insecticides in great strength. The insecticide known as XL All, if used at night, and the plants syringed in the morniug with rain water at 75°, with 1 oz. of soft soap to the gallon dissolved in it, will kill those insects which may have been merely stupified, and cleanse the foliage. I believe in fumigation when performed with care, for it reaches many insects which water applied with a syringe would not reach. Whether the plants are in pots or borders, a light stirring of the surface is very beneficial to them. I have ofton been surprised to find moss growing on the soil of pot-B.oses. This stirring of the surface-soil and destruction of moss affords the gardener a better opportunity of ascertaining the needs of the soil in regard to moisture. Where many plants are grown, it is not always an easy matter to afford water to the whole of them cor- rectly. Some may appear sufficiently moist, and be really dry in the centre ; the soil of others may show slight signs of drought on the surface, but be moist enough lower in the pot. Much has been written in these pages about the forcing of Roses, but not enough upon the import- ance of a proper selection of varieties. This is more especially the case when blooms are required in mid-winter. The following are all useful at that season, give a good selection of colours, the blooms open well, and the plants grow freely, and flower abundantly. Some are undoubtedly "thin," or few-petalled, and of comparatively little use during a hot season, but in the winter season they are very fine, and keep fresh for a long time, both on the plants and when cut. All of these mentioned have done well with me : — Beryl, Catherine Mermet, The Bride, Maman Cochet, General Jacqueminot, Grass an Teplitz, Francois Dubriel, G. Nabonnand, R.— ril w +:\.i Paul Nabonuand, Madame Falcot, Perle des Jardins, Niphetos, Sunrise, Kaiserin Augusta Victoria, Madame Badin, William Allen Richard- son, Marechal Niel, and Reine M. Henriette are eighteen that may be depended upon. A. Piper. PHAL.ENOPSIS x SCHILLERIAXO- STUARTIANA. Messrs. Hi qh Low i Co., of Bush Hill Park, Enfield, have constantly taken a leading part in the introduction and cultivation of species and varieties of Phalanopsis, and they have been very successful with them. For years the fine house full of Phahvnopsis at the old establishment at Upper Clapton, was the admiration of the visitors to the nursery, especially in the flowering season. That same house, under the shadow of the offices, with other buildings in close proximity, and with the further disadvantages of London fogs, went far to prove that to those who understood their manage- ment, Phalamopsids were not the difficult plants to cultivate that many gardeners supposed. It is much to his credit that Mr. J. Anson, who has the manage mentof Messrs. Low's Orchids, was always able to keep the collection in superb condition, though towards the latter part of the time at the old nurseries they gave him rather more trouble than 84 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Fur.Ri-ARY 10, 1900. formerly. Phalaenopsids often resent a change, and the removal to their present quarters at Bush Hill Park might have produced bad results, though the contrary has been the case, for the plants thrive as well there as at the old nurseries. The importations of Messrs. Hugh Low & Co. have produced some of the best of the species now favourites in gardens, such as P. Aphrodite gloriosa, P. Stuartiana, and a very fine type of P. Schiller- iana, which produced the pure white variety Vestalis ; some very beautiful P. x leucorrhoda, the result of natural cross-fertilisation between 1'. Schilleriana, P. Aphrodite, and other rare and beautiful varieties. Phahvnopsis x Schilleriano • Stuartiana (tig. 26, p. 83), which was shown by Messrs. Hugh Low & Co. at the meeting of the Orchid Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society on January 23 last, and which was awarded a First-class Certifi- cate, is one of the best hybrid PhaUenopsis, its well-rounded flowers, which are white, with the inner portions of the segments delicately flushed with pale rose-pink, being very attractive. The form of the lip seems to be intermediate between the parents, the yellow callus dotted with dark red recalls P. Stuartiana, which species is also indicated in the lower sepals. The foliage is dark green, with the broad silver bands of P. Schilleriana. For a considerable time past the large Phala-- nopsis-house at Messrs. Hugh Low & Co's., Bush Hill Park, has been a fine sight, with its numerous flower-spikes of the various species of Moth Orchids. At present also there is a fine show, consisting principally of P. Schilleriana, P. Stuartiana, and P. Aphrodite, and with them some good varieties of P. x leucorrhoda, including P. x Casta, and P. x Cynthia. Also in bloom are a very richly- coloured P. x intermedia Brymeriana, P. denticu- lata, and P. amabilis. The Bulb Garden. NOTES ON BULBOUS PLANTS. Hymenocallis Horsmani. — This magnificent- flowering bulbous plant has just passed out of flower at this place (Isleworth). It produces strap-shaped leaves, 2 to 3 feet long ; a scape 2 feet high, beariog an umbel of sixteen pure white flowers, each from 14 to 15 inches in length, and consisting of an ere;t tube 9 inches in length, and six linear, involute, twisted and drooping segments, which measure b' inches in length. The staminal cup is wide and funnel-shaped, 1 inch in length, and surmounted by long, spreading stamens, which give a peculiar grace to the flower. The umbel has a refined ppearance. The plant requires the temperature ofa an intermediate-house, and to be grown in a com- post consisting of a loose and durable character. It must have plenty of water when in full growth, the amount being reduced when the plant is resting in accordance with the amount of leafage it carries. There are at least twenty species of Hymeno- callis, all of which are worthy of being included in any collection of flowering-plants ; H. Horsmani s one of the best of them. It is a native of Mexico. Crinum erubesce?is var. minus. — This is a graceful species, producing a dozen leaves 3 feet in length, 4 inches in width ; a purplish peduncle 2 feet high, bearing an umbel of six large white flowers. Each flower consists of a tube 6 inches in length, and a spreading perianth-limb, the segments of which measure 6 inches in length, half inch in width. The prominent filaments and style are tinted with purple, affording a good contrast with the white flowers. The plant is sub-aquatic, and should be cultivated in shallow pans, filled with water during the summer. It is a native of Jamaica, where it is found growing on the borders of marshes and lagoons about Palmetto Point on the N.E. coast. It is identical with C. Roozenianum, O'Brien, under which name the plant is best known in gardens. One of the chief objections to Crinums is, I gather, their colossal size. This may hold good of such plants as Crinums Moorei, amabile, asiatieuin, and the like ; but by far the greater number of them are readily accommodated in an ordinary brick-pit, and are well worthy of the attention of the gardener. There is also consider- able scope for the hybridist in the genus ; and hybrids have proved valuable additions to our garden flora. Lycoris squamigera and others. — Lycoris squami- gera has again (lowered remarkably well. The Mowers much resemble those of Amaryllis Bella- donna ; but are lilac-rose in colour, and produced earlier in the season. It is a fine plant for growing at the base of a south wall, or on a very warm border. L. sanguinea has broken a flowerless record, extending over several years, by flowering this season. The colour of the flowers, as the name implies, is blood-red, or rather paler; the flowers measure 1£ inch in length, are trumpet- shaped, and appear in fives on a scape about 1 foot long. This species has produced seeds. As I believe these have not been described, I give a short description. They are perfectly round, measure three-eighths of an inch in diameter, and are exactly similar to those of Amaryllis Belladonna. Three seeds were found in each seed-vessel. Ly- coris aurea and L. radiata are both very disap- pointing garden plants ; they grow freely, but never flower. This is the more to be regretted, as L. aurea is a pretty plant for the greenhouse, the flower of which may be roughly described as being like those of a yellow L. squamigera. Geo. B. Mallett, Isleworth. Alpine Garden. HARDY CYCLAMENS. Cyclamen libanoticum. — This is a new species, and as its name implies, it is a native of Palestine, and was distributed as a new plant last year. Forming an opinion from the character of the plant in the nursery here, it is one of the finest of the family with which I am acquainted. It is quite hardy in this country, grows vigorously, flowering profusely during the months of January and February. The blossoms are about an inch in width, borne on stems about 6 inches in length, and possess a powerful |and delicious perfume. In colour they are white, shading to deep pink, with a daik crimson spot at the base. Its leaves are developed before its flowers, and in shape they are orbicular, distinctly marked with a white zone ; and in texture very firm. The corms are very large, and of irregular shape. It does not appear to be particular as to soil, but we prefer to use one that is light and rich, with leaf-mould added. A half- shady position is best for this species, although some of the plants are succeeding in full sunshine. [Some flowers and leaves sent with these notes, bore out our correspondent's statement. Ed.] Cyclamen repandum. — This is a neat gem, and although reputed to be somewhat tender in places, this is not the general experience of cultivators. Its flowers are produced from March to April in abundance, and in colour they range from rosy-red to crimson, with a bright purple-coloured basal spot ; they measure three-quarters of an inch in length. The leaves appear together with the flowers, and have a white zone on the upper surface, and the underside is tinged with deep purple. Its synonyms are C. balearicum and C. ficarifolium. A pure white form of this species is in cultivation, although very rare. S. S., Woking. (To be continued.) Raising Alpine Plants from Seed. The ' ' acclimatisation " of plants from high eleva- tions has often been discussed in the columns of the Gardeners' Chronicle. While some growers prefer to work with transplanted specimens, others prefer to grow their plants from seed, as this plan is likely to yield better results. But there are, of course, certain plants that cannot be raised from seed, and which, after germination, do not develop in the Jardiu Alpin d'Acclimatation at Geneva. In most instances the plan pursued is successful, as it is an imitation of the natural system of ger- mination. Uesults may be long in coming, espe- cially with species of slow growth, such as Eri- caceae, Empetrums, and Pyrolas ; but in most cases the work is easy, and possible to everyone, enabling them to obtain vigorous plants at the end of two or three years. As proof of this, I need only cite the fact that in this acclimatisation garden, nearly 4000 species of plants from the different mountains of the world are rai?ed for sale, but only about a hundredth part are imported, the majority being raised from seed. To ensure success, the following conditions should be observed : prepare a light sandy soil, just sufficiently nourishing to contain the necessary amount of food for the young plants. We use a mixture of one-third peat, one-third loam, and one- third of granitic or of calcareous sand, according to the requirements of the species. The most favour- able seasons for the seed-sowing are late autumn, that is to say, the end of November or the beginning of December, or the spring. The seeds are sown in pans, trays, or pots, with abundant drainage. Spring sowing is to be pre- ferred in localities where snow is deficient. Care should be taken to cover the seed lightly, not to force it into the ground. The pots or pans should be kept in a cool, dry, and clean frame. If snow should fall, the seedling should be allowed to be buried under a thick layer of it. The snow may even be heaped up over the surface of the pots, and then be watered early on cold nights that it may become frozen over. The influence of the snow upon the seedlings is considerable, as we have proved in our garden. Seeds of Gentians and Primulas were started at the same time and under identical conditions ; except that while one series was left beneath the snow, the other plants were uncovered by it, and the former set all germinated at one time, and under the same conditions — the remainder which had been uncovered, came up irregularly and much later. In districts where snow is deficient it is best not to sow seeds until March, and to et the rains fall upon it as much as possible. If the pots are well- drained this has no ill effects. If seed is sown later, or in a southerly and dry district, some sifted sphagnum should be added to the soil to give it a spongy and porous consistency, and a uniform degree of moisture. The moss takes the part played under natural conditions by the rocks : it absorbs the damp, then restores it little by little to the soil. From a bygrometric point of view, it is a regulating power. The species first to germinate are those belonging to the Cistus family (Helianthemums and Cistus), Cru- cifers (Draba, Erysimum, Arabis, Aethionema, Alyssum, &c.) ; and Leguminous plants (Oxytropis, Phaca, Astragalus, Cytisus, Anthyllis, &c). Then come Composites (Edelweiss, Aster, Eri- geron, Hieracium, &c.) ; Umbellifers (Eringium, ileum, Astrantia, &c. ) ; Crassulas (Sedums and Sernpervivums) ; Saxifrages, Campanulas, Poten- tillas, Violets, and so on. The species slowest to germinate are Gentians (especially if the seed is not very fresh), Primulas (Primula, Androsace), certain Ranunculaceous plants (Pfeonies, Ranun- culus, and Aconites) ; and Fraxinellas, which are sometimes two years before they come up, certain genera of Berberis, such as Leontice and Jeffer- sonia, certain Lilies, Colchicum, and Iris, Cory- dalis, and so on. Too often a seed is considered lost if it do not germinate after a few months, but it should never be thrown away until a year at least after sowing ; or until two years after if it be one of the genera and species enumerated in the last list. Germination is, after all, capricious. While Anemone alpina and A. sulphurea at the end of twelve or twenty days after the sowing of fresh seed February 10, 1900.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 85 will come up, the seed will be several months or even a year before germination, if sown four or five months after it was gathered. These remarks apply also to Gentians and Primulas. When the seed has germinated and the young plants are of a fair size, they are pricked out into rows or quincunx Once able to endure complete isolation, the seedlings are set singly in small pans, from which they can be moved to the open ground or rockery, or be planted in larger and ornamental pots. I have another hint to give intending and inex- perienced seed-sowers. When the seeds are very tine, as are those of Saxifragas, Seduins, and Sem- pervivums, for instance, they should not be covered with earth, but with a thin layer of sand to pre- all the flowers possessed narrow florets in much greater numbers than was the case in 1898, some having as many as fifty. It seems probable that before long Dahlia flowers will be produced with broad lower florets, and centres rilled in with narrow thread-like ones, resembling in this respect the Anemone-flowered Chrysanthemums (see fig. 27). W. E. Endicott, Canton, Mass., U.S.A., Jan. 18, 1900. VARIATIONS PRODUCED BY GRAFTING, AND THEIR INHERITANCE. {Continued romp. 36.) Nutrition. — Some sixty or seventy pages are devoted to theorising with regard to nutrition. The ideal behaviour of plants uDder imaginary and "WJ^ >jMf§ Flo. 27. — DAHLIA EXCELSA, SHOWING A CONDITION IN SOME RESPECTS RESEMBLING THAT DESCRIBED BY A CORRESPONDENT ON THIS PAGE. vent them from beiug washed away when watered. It is even preferable to moisten them from below, letting the soil absorb the water. H. Correron, Genera. Foreign Correspondence. THE BEGINNING OF A NEW RACE OF DAHLIAS. At the present time, when the Dahlia is fast regaining popularity, it may be of interest to record what to me seems to be the beginning of a new race of this flower. In 1S9S I found among my seedlings a plant some of whose flowers (single) had a long narrow floret lying on each of the usual broad ones, and never having observed anything of the kind before, I saved the plant as well as a few seeds, and planted the tuber and sowed the seeds last year. The latter failed to germinate, but the tuber sent up several tine strong growths, and perfect conditions is dwelt upon, and what happens in actual cases the more easily worked out. It is stated as a principle that a wild plant in a given position never attains to its maximum size, because it never meets with those perfect conditions in its surroundings which alone would allow it to bring out its full capacity of absorption and assimilation. This explains why, when man takes to altering the circumstances of growth, as in cultivation, a whole plant, or even a part of a plant, may reach a larger size. Most principles of this kind, says M. Daniel, are now-a-days familiar enough to the physiologist, but not to practical men ; and he does not think that they have been applied in any previous case to the phenomena of grafting. We cannot, however, follow M. Daniel through all bis theoretical argu- ments, and must content ourselves with mention- ing a few points that crop up incidentally. One method alluded to by means of which success in grafting was secured, is taken from the ordinary culture in this country of Vines, the foliage of which is kept in a house while the roots are outside. In a similar way in experiments the stock was kept in one temperature and the scion in another, so that the precocious plant was retarded, and the more slowly-growing one advanced. Double grafting, as it might be expected, must double many of the disadvantages of the simple process, but an explanation of cases where the former operation is of importance is given. Plant a will not succeed on plant c owing to something objectionable to the stock in the elaborated sap of the scion. By the use of an intermediary, B, which is not affected, the difficulty is got over. An interesting criticism of the expression that the French Vine when grafted upon the American " resists " the attacks of the Phylloxera, must not be passed over. It appears that such grafting is only successful in the presence of the pest. The insects remove a portion of the sap, which the more vigorous roots of the American stock can take up ; if no parasites were present, there would be too large a supply for the needs of the French scion, which would suffer in consequence. Such bad results could, however, be overcome by allowing the shoots to grow from the stock, thus giving rise to a mixed graft. A point not previously touched upon is the varia- tion which may occur upon grafting, in the plants' power of resistance to cold. The more water present in the tissues, or, speaking practically, the less the branches are ripened, the greater the risk of damage by frost, and, in consequence, a stock which floods a scion with water is likely to cause its death in winter time should be avoided. M. Daniel applies his theory to the culture of Apples. For the grower in a large way he advo- cates the use of trees on their own roots. These live and bear nearly five times as long as grafted ones. The gain in time of fruiting, he has already shown, is made up for by loss in the total amount of fruit produced, and there is the money to be reckoned which is spent on manure, labour, and the cost of replacing trees. As a rule, in the west, where trees are planted to the utmost extent that space will allow, the soil becomes exhausted in every way, and there is no room left for a plantation to be made which will come on and replace the older one. The fruit farms become great orchards of grafted trees, exposed to every malady that follows graft- ing, especially of a defective nature, and doomed to rapid decay. Under these circumstances, how can one replace the trees when the soil is exhausted as well ? The practice should be to plant moderately, leaving a sufficient space between the trees, and preferably using trees on their own roots, only grafting such examples that produce inferior fruit. To the grower in a small way, who only thinks of quality, and uses or abuses grafting to get the best fruit as quickly as possible, this does not apply in the same degree, seeing that he can easily chaoge his plants and his soil. Double-grafting is strongly objected to, and it should, the author considers, be banished from the cultivation of the Apple. The process may double the profits of the nurseryman, as the trees quickly become marketable ; and as a result of double-grafting they last for a much shorter time, and have consequently to be sooner replaced. The fruit-farmer's interests are the direct opposite of this last consideration, and he must use trees on their own stocks, or simply grafted. This is the ouly answer that M. Daniel can give to the ques- tion raised by the French Pomological Society in October, 1S9S, at the Congress of Mans. Graft Hybridisation. In the following chapter, variations caused by the mutual action of scion and stock are con- sidered. In certain grafts of Alliaria officinalis on the green Cabbage, the characteristic odour of the former plant is sensibly modified, and can only be recognised after the leaves have been rubbed for some time, and the stock partakes of it somewhat. When the Cabbage is put on to the Turnip, the 86 THE GARDENERS7 CHRONICLE. [February 10, 1900. latter becomes sweeter than usual, and loses its characteristic flavour. A Haricot-Bean, cultivated for its seeds, and the pods of which are disagreeable to the taste, grown on the roots of a variety, the fruits ot which are eaten, produced some like these in -taste, but of normal shape. These examples of chemical changes serve to prove, in M. Daniel's opinion, thai the product of graft-hybrids is possible. The term, he says, is not very exact, but serves very well to show the origin of such plants. Increased powers of resistance to cold, and to the attacks of parasites, is also claimed as being due to transmission of qualities from stock to scion. Changes in the habit of growth next command attention. Among conical-headed Cabbages that had for stocks a variety that rejoiced in a round heart, were individuals that took this form and several intermediate shapes. Helianthus laeti- folius, with a rhizome carrying a small, terminal bud at some 15 inches from the aerial stem, was grafted upon H. tuberosus, where the tubers normally remain close to the base of the stem. Though retaining their size, these bodies were produced at the ends of stalks some 10 inches in length. Somewhat the same result was obtained when an annual species of Sunflower was put on to the same stock. Experiments on Potatos led to the conclusion that the grafting of two adult tubers is an impossi- bility, and that Trail's work cited by Darwiu, had been incorrectly described. Plenty of grafts were made with young shoots, but the change in the colour of the flesh when one with white tubers was provided with roots that should have produced blue ones, was not necessarily a result of the process. White and streaked tubers occurred though in smaller numbers among the control plants. M. Daniel is going to reverse the experi- ment to obtain more definite evidence. When the woody Helianthus laetifolius was induced to unite with the Sunflower, the resulting plants with the latter as stock were flourishing after the control Sunflowers were dead. The stock had become very much more woody than usual, had lost its hairs and developed lenticels, so as to very much resemble the scion ; this likeness was emphasised by a microscopical examination of the tissues. Among trees, Mr. Daniel describes and gives photographs of the extraordinary branches sent out below the graft by the White-Thorn stock of a Medlar-tree at Bronvaux, near Metz. Some of these are furnished with thorns, their flowers are not solitary, but produce Medlars. There may even be on the shoots leaves of a character inter- mediate between the Medlar and White-thorn, while one starts with the typical foliage of the latter tree. This case is put down as a good instance of graft hybridisation, and M. Simon's opinion that the well-known Cytisus Adami is undoubtedly another example is given, and entirely endorsed by M. Daniel. Perhaps the best results of this kind of hybridi- sation obtained during the experiments are met with in fruits. Striking figures of three forms from a single scion are given in the paper. These are from a shoot of the Egg-plant with long, violet fruits, grafted on a large, flat-fruited, red Tomato. One is the typical pyriform fruit to be expected : the second is egg-shaped, and small, such as would be produced by the white variety ; and the third very much resembles the lobed and flattened fruit that would have been produced by the Tomato stock. Mention must also be made of the spines that appeared on the calyx of an Egg-plant normally without them, when grafted on a variety which possessed such structures. With somewhat forcible arguments, the theory that graft hybrids are obscure hybrids of the sexual kind is dismissed. Solanaceous plants, for instance, have not been known to produce hybrids, and even if they did, the experiments show that grafting must favour sexual hybridisation ; also' a case is quoted from Darwin in which a Passion- flower on its own roots was not self fertile, but became so when grafted on another species. Herbaceous plants are more plastic than woody ones, and show more instances of graft hybrids when studied ; but it is pointed out that these would no doubt furnish more evidence of their occurrence if the stocks were not trimmed care- fully so as to leave no shoots in practice, (To lie continued.) pleted, and only occasionally afterwards. 0. divaricatum is a good companion to the above when in bloom. It should be cultivated in shallow pans, and suspended in the warm-house. In other respects its treatment should be that described above. The Week's Work, THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. Yodno, Orchid Grower to Sir Frederick Wigan, Bart., Clare Lawn, East Sheen. Imported Catthyas that are received early in the year need not be placed in a darkened position, as would be necessary later iu the season, to protect them from strong light. Nor should they be scrubbed severely, but merely washed in moderately warm water to free them from dirt and insects. C. Triamei, C. Mossia?, C. Mendeli, the typical C. labiata, and C. Warned are usually put into pots or pans, and placed upon the stages, but if the stages are some distance from the roof-glass, the two last-named will thrive better in pans suspended from the roof. Where only a small number of newly imported Cattleyas have to be dealt with, the best method is that of fixing them iu the receptacles chosen for them with crocks only, and using no surface material until roots have appeared. Every means the plants possess that can be used to fix thenf should be utilised, but if these are not sufficient, stakes will be necessary, as it is essential that the plants shall not be liable to be swayed about when making new roots. It being a most difficult operation to thrust stakes into a pot almost filled with crocks, the stakes should be fixed in before many crocks have been put in, or the plant placed in position, and as the lower crocks are large and need to be placed perpendicularly, the work will not be troublesome. Next introduce the plant, and tie with thin tar-twine a few of the old pseudo-bulbs to the stakes, taking care to so place the growing point of the rhizome that it will have room to extend for two or more seasons. Then fill in almost to the rim with smaller pieces of crock. Place the plants all together iu the Cattleya- house, and, with the exceptiou of dampiug the material on the stage, afford them no water, nor otherwise excite them for some time. When the season has advanced a little, spray the pots and crocks slightly on bright mornings, and this will induce gradual activity. When roots have appeared, remove some of the superfluous crocks, and fill the spaces thus made with good fibrous peat and living sphagnum-moss, in the proportion of two of the first to one of the latter. In uo instance should the rhizome be covered, though the material should be packed well up to it at every point where roots are likely to appear. When a piece becomes divided during its preparation for potting, and a specimen is desired, so dispose the pieces that the growing points have a direction inwards ; the rhizomes will thus have farther to travel before reaching the edge of the receptacle, and in growing form a homogeneous mass. A rather limited supply of water should be carefully applied when the final operation of potting has been done, and until root-action has become general. Miltonia Clowesii is now thrusting out new roots from the base of the youngest pseudo-bulbs, and may be given any attention the plants require in the way of pottiug. Use pots for this species, aud thoroughly well drain them with rather small crocks. The rooting medium should consist prin- cipally of good lumpy peat, introducing a little sphagnum-moss here and there on the surface. The temperature of a warm intermediate-house is best for this plant, aud excepting during the most active period of growth, the water-supply should be limited, as in the case of other Miltonias. Oncidium phymatochilum. — Though producing large bulbs and leathery leaves, this species does not require a large amount of rooting medium. New roots are now pushing, and repotting may be done where necessary. Planted in well-drained pots or pans, and afforded a moderate amount of peat and sphagnum-moss, it should be placed iu a Cat- tleyaor watm intermediate-house, and water applied sparingly until growth has partially developed ; frequently from that time until growth is com- THE FLOWER GARDEN. By J. Bknbow, Gardener to the Earl of Ilehester, Abbotsbury Castle, Dorset. Clematis, Planting and Pruning. — No floweriDg climber or trailer surpasses the Clematis for cover- ing and decorating walls, fences, trellises, old tree stumps, and rockwork, or for forming festoons and beds on the turf. Where varieties of C. Jackmanui and C. viticella are used, support is afforded against the wind if a few plants of the common Honeysuckle are mixed therewith. The Clematis on rockeries may be fixed securely by placing pieces of porous rock upon the branches heavy enough to prevent the wind dislodging them, or from tilting, which would be injurious as bruising the stems. When employed as plants for filling beds iu the flower-garden, Bamboo-canes or Hazel-rods form a good network, over which the plants may be trained. Canes, &o., should be bent over and fixed firmly in the ground, so as to form a convex surface. Pruning. — Established plants of the above sec- tions of Clematis may now be pruned. First thin out all the weakly stems, and cut back the more vigorous shoots if the space or wall needs more shoots to cover it. Clematis patens and the large- llowering C. lanuginosa varieties are the best suited for covering tree-stumps and high trellises. When growing vigorously, much nutriment is required, and one way of affording it is by mulchings of rotten farmyard or stable-manure, applied after all of the superfluous growth is removed. The Clematis delights in a deep, rich, porous soil, and weak liquid-manure applied when the plants are growing, or the aforesaid mulchings of manure. Slugs play havoc, especially at this period, when the growths at the base of the plants show ; but if a ring of fresh unslaked lime, or wood-ashes, be placed about them as they appear, it is a good deterrent. Cotton- wool is also a good safeguard, but it is at times stolen by mice aud birds for nest-making. In planting, well prepare the beds, and choose strong, well-rooted plants which have been growing in pots, placing them 3 feet apart. Beds of C. Jackmani var. superba, alone (or mixed with its white variety) make very effective beds. Newly-made beds may be planted with Gladiolus, so as to add brilliancy to the effect. General Remarks. — Arrears of digging should now be brought up ; bulbous plants will now be on the move, and root disturbance should be avoided. In digging flower-beds the soil should be made neat and level, but of not too tine a tilth. Avoid diggiDg-in the snow, or getting on the ground when it is wet. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By J. Roberts, Gardener to tie Duke of Portland, Wi Lb I Abbey. Worksop. Mi tons. — Th« earliest seedliugs that have been kept in a steady bottom heat with their heads near to the glass are now fit to be planted out in the bed. A hot-bed 3 feet deep of well mixed horse- dung and leaves is necessary at this season, iu addition to any permanent means of obtaining bottom heat already in the house, as the atmos- pheric conditions induced by the hot bed are favourable to the growth of the young plants. This bed should be made solid, and brought up to within 2 feet of the glass. Over this bed place sods with the grassy side downwards, and on these sods, at distances of about 16 inches, make slight mounds of well-decayed, light fibrous loam and bone-meal, just sufficient for the plants until thuy have started into growth. Tie each plant to a stake to hold it in position, and afford sufficient water at a temperature of 80° to settle the soil around the roots. Maintain a steady bottom heat of S0° to 85°, and a top heat of 70° to 75° by night, and 5° higher during the day. Afford the plants a slight shade for a few days after planting should the weather prove bright, aud during frosty nights a mat thrown over the glass will tend to keep the house free from drip, and keep a more equable state of moisture. Sow seeds for succession-plauts at intervals of two or three weeks. EBRUARY 10, 190". THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE 87 Figs. — The earliest trees are in active growth, and the fruits are well advanced. Disbudding, stopping, and training, will now require daily attention. Do not retain more growths than can be fully exposed to sun and light, and train them into position at an early stage. Stopping should be done a little at a time, and according to the strength and growth of the shoot, and the back- ward or forward condition of the fruit in comparison with the growth. By too- early stopping, the second crop of fruits may be brought too forward, and thus hinder the tinal swelling of the first crop. As a rule, strong shoots may be stopped at the eighth leaf, medium shoots at the fifth or sixth leaf, and weak ones left untouched. These latter will then have a long season for ripening, and will form the most fruitful wood next year. A steady bottom heat must be maintained uuder the pot- trees. If a good stock of young trees was propagated last year, a portion of them may now be subjected to warmth, to be grown on into half specimens for forcing another season. By starting them early, the plants will mature early in the autumn, and be in good condition for forcing next season if required. A. few of these young plants may be grown in boxes, and trained in fan-shape. They will be found very useful for placing against any vacant ends of houses or front lights, and will bear an abundance of fruit. lu planting them in boxes, place the plants at the edge, not in the centre of the box. This will bring the plant into its right position for training to back walls, wires, or other supports. Cucumbers. — After a few weeks, the winter- fruiting plants will not be worth retaining, and where provision has been made for a successional crop, the young plants will now be fit for planting. A steady bottom-heat of 75° to 80% and a top-heat of 70J to 75° by night, and S0J by day, is essential. To attain these conditions at this season, a good bed of fermenting material will be required, and this should be well sweetened by turning and exposure, befoie being brought into the house. Build up the bed as near to the glass as convenient, so that the young plants will be near to the light. A layer 6 inches thick of light fibrous loam and leaf-mould will be a suitable compost in which to plant them. This depth will allow for surface- dressings later, when the plants commence fruiting. Encourage free growth by affording abundant atmospheric moisture, and husband the sun- heat by closing the house early after mid-day. The main stem will need to be stopped at 2 feet, and the side growths should be trained horizontally to fill up the base of the trellis. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By A. Ohapman, Gardener to Captain Holford, Westonbirt, Tetburv, Gloucestershire. Li tluce. — Cabbage varieties, such as Hardy Green Hammersmith, Scuofield's, and Stanstead Park, that have been wintered in cold frames, may be encouraged to make growth. Afford them rather less air, and lightly break the surface of the soil with a fork between each plant. A moderate amount of water should be afforded if the soil is dry, and in a few days afterwards a sprinkling of soot over the soil to protect them from the slugs. Cos varieties, such as Bath Cos, and Hicks' Hardy White, should not be excited at present, and air may be freely admitted during the next few weeks. To supply early Lettuces iu the open, such Cabbage varieties as Golden Queen, Allthe-Year- Round, and Perfect Gem, are most useful, and Beed may now be sown rather thickly in ordinary soil, and placed near to the glass iu a warm struc- ture. As the seedlings become larger, thinning out will be necessary, and this should be done carefully by means of a pointed stick. The little plants thus removed may be placed between rows of Potatos iu forcing-pits, and they will there produce tender leaves. Thoso plants left in boxes should be allowed to grow slowly, and when ready, may be gradually hardened off. Such plants will be found to heart more quickly after planting, than if transplanted twice. Mint and Tarragon. — Continue to lift roots and place them in boxes or pots in gentle heat, and if handlights be placed over the permanent beds, growth will be accelerated there also. Potatos. — If the required number of sets were placed in trays as advised, sprouting will have begun, and they may be planted in 10-inch pots. The right manner of proceeding is to put a few large crocks at the bottom of each pot, then some rough loam over these ; and fill to within 4 inches of the top with equal parts of loam and leaf-mould, well mixed together. Two sets of even growth should be put into each pot, pressed firmly into the soil, and covered with soil. Place the pots in a light structure, so that growth may be sturdy ; keep the temperature at 55°, and as soon as the haulm has grown above the pots, afford a top- dressing of the same kind of soil as the potting soil. Afford no water till the roots have filled the pots, and the young tubers formed, then apply enough to avert flagging. If a continuous supply of early Potatos be required, the Potatos may be grown in frames or pits heated with tree-leaves two-thirds, and stable-litter one- third. When the rank heat is dissipated, place a layer of soil, 12 to 15 inches thick, over the bed, and make moderately firm. In a few days, when the top heat has fallen below 65°, plant the sets 1 foot apart in the row, and IS inches from row to row. In cold weather the pits and frames should be covered with mats and litter, and it may be necessary in the case of frames to apply dung- linings, in order to keep up the heat, which ought not to fall below 60°. In the early stages a good deal of care is necessary in affording air. In fine weather the foliage may be syringed lightly. Shallots. — These little bulbs are in constant demand in the kitchen, and in order to have them of good ske, they should be planted early in the present month. Soil that has been deeply dug and is free from fresh manure is suitable for them, as aids to growth can be afforded later on. It is advisable before raking the ground to apply a sprinkling of fresh soot. When the ground is made even and firm, the " cloves " may be pressed into shallow drills at about 9 inches apart, leaving a distance of 15 inches between each row or drill, and merely covering them with soil. The ordinary variety is of middle-size, and of delicate flavour ; and Carter's Mammoth Kxhioition Shallot is larger, and suitable for exhibition. Shallots maybe raised from seed, but they are not generally so satisfac- tory as those raised from bulbs. It is advisable to purchase some fresh bulbs at intervals of three or four years, as the Shallot is apt to deteriorate unless afforded a change of soil. THEgHARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By A. W&rd, Gardener, Stoke Edith Park, Hereford. lied and White Currants. — Full-grown bushes will need to have all spray ou the branches shortened back to three buds, and leading shoots should be tipped or cut back according to circum- stances. When thinning branches from over- crowded bushes, remove the oldest and most awkwardly-placed ones, and to such a degree that in future the bushes will bs freely open. Leave a few young shoots in old bushes to replace any that show signs of exhaustion, and " spud " out suckers from the base of all bushes. The aim in regard to young bushes should be to obtain a medium number of main branches well furnished with spurs. In determining which branches to retain, choose those that have a tendency to grow- upwards, that the fruit will not be liable to be splashed iu wet weather. Cut back rather severely one-year-planted trees. Cordons on walls, fences, or trellises, should have all side shoots spurred in, but merely top the leaders of trees which have still room for extension. The cordon is a capital method of growing these Currants, with the exception of the variety Cherry Red, aud they may be thus grown on a northern aspect. Young trees having only one or two shoots are best to plant for this purpose. Black Currant* require to be thinned instead of spurred. Encourage the bushes to make plenty of vigorous shoots, and this can only be done by removing some of the old-bearing wood each year, aud by feeding the plauts well at the roots. The practice of cutting every other bush back severely each year has much to recommend it, but cannot always be adopted in these days. If the pruning of the bushes lias been neglected, cut out as much of the oldest wood as can be spared. A good dressing of rotten manure to the roots will then have the effect of producing young wood of the right character. Gooseberries. — Bushes from which the fruit is always gathered in a green state may be permitted to become rather close ; but with regard to dessert varieties, upon which the berries have to hang some length of time, the conditions must be quite other- wise. The bushes for each purpose are best grown in separate breaks, or in two divisions upon the same break. The Gooseberry is now much grown as cordons, and trained to wire-trellises, and for dessert varieties this is the best system. They may also be grown against walls, and the variety Warrington will succeed on a northern aspect iu all of the warmer counties. Cordons should be pruned as recommended above for cordon Currants. In the case of bushes, thin out the crowns as much as needed, and remove all lower branches tending to grow in a downward direction. Then spur in the side growths, and leave the leading shoots one- half or two-thirds their length. Gooseberies, like Currants, should be extended in an upward direc- tion as far as possible. If it is wished to increase the stock by cutting, select well-ripened shoots ol medium length Tie them into bundles and label them. It is quite time they were made, and when ready, plant them iu trenches 2 feet apart iu prepared ground. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By T. Edwards, Plant Foreman, Royal Gardens, Fiogmure. Stove Plants. — Codiseums or Crotons requiring more rooting space should be repotted, using a compost of light fibrous peat, with sand and broken charcoal. They require plenty of heat, light, and moisture. Following the disturbance of repotting, a slight shading may be necessary, but later, none whatever. Cuttings, or tops which have been "rung," will now be rooted and fit for potting, but this operation may be performed at any time : a good coloured branch makes a useful-sized plant in a very short time. Such varieties as Reidi, Prince of Wales, &c., need much root-room, and should make rapid growth early in the season, in order to develop the beautiful colours of the leaves. After potting j lunge them into bottom-heat if pos- sible, and syringe them frequently. Until the pots have been well filled with loots again, afford water only after very careful examination. Proceed with the potting and propagation of Cordylines (Dra- caenas), Aralias, &c. Palms, whilst in a young state will grow well iu any light compost, but iu the case of larger plants a more lasting material needs to be used, and if carefully potted, they will continue in good health for several years. For Kentias, Cocos, Arecas, Latanias, Thrinax, &&, use a compost of two parts fibrous loam and one part peat, with sufficient sand to keep the whole porous, and make it very firm with a potting-stick. An occasional top-dressing with an artificial manure may be given subsequently, and a free use should be made of the syringe. They are not much troubled with insect pests ; the worst is white scale, and this cau only be destroyed by sponging the plants carefully with soft-soap and paraffin, or with some other equally satisfactory insecticide. Palms should be sponged occasionally, even if free from insects ; it will improve their appearance. A night temperature of 60 to 65', or during the present cold weather a few degrees lower, will be sufficient. More or less shade is requisite to keep the foliage in good colour. Bamboos are most useful if much indoor decora- tion has to be done, and their growths are also valuable for placiug iu large epergnes, or on staircases, &c where there is little room for a pot. When used in a cut state the stems should be placed in water immediately, or the leaves soon shrivel. Division of root-stocks and repotting may now be done, using a rather strong loam ; the temperature of the greenhouse will be sufficient. G7oxi'hi''., Pencarrow, Bodmin. Tests of Paris-green.— In a Bulletin lately sent out by the University of California, Agricul- tural Experiment Station, dealing with Paris-green for the Codling-moth, Messrs. C. Woodworth and Ceo. Colby publish the following summary of experiments with Paris-green and other arsenical spraying materials : — " First. — That many Paris-greens uowadays con- tain large amounts of free water-soluble arsenious oxid, the manufacture and sale of which should be discontinued, but because these materials have proven injurious and unsatisfactory in horticultural work, and because they constitute a very obscure form of fraud upon the purchaser. Second. — That the microscopic examination of a Paris-green affords sufficient evidence for rejecting it, if it contains as much as 6 per cent, of free arse- uious oxid ; and above this figure there is no ques- tion of the great value of this rapid and excellent test. Third. — That adulteration iu the sense of added foreign matter to Paris-green (e.g , barium car- bonate, calcium carbonate and sulphate), is rarely practised iu this country, at least by the manu- facturers. Fourth. — That the newer spraying materials, from the evidence at hand, with the exception of the very injurious barium compound and the para- grene, will doubtless prove acceptable, and cheap substitutes for Paris-green, if the quantity of free arsenious oxid, especially in the green one, is bettergoverned by proper methods of manufacture." Richmond Horticultural Society.— At a meeting duly hold on Thursday, February 1, 190O, Thomas Skewes-Cox, Esq., M.P., Chairman, in the chair, the following resolution was proposed by him, seconded by Sir Edward Hertslei1, K.C.B., and unanimously adopted : — That the Richmond Horticultural Society hereby places on record its deep regret at the loss which has befallen horti- culture by the death of His Highness the Duke of Teck, C.C.B., G.C.V.O., a Prince who for no less than twenty-six years past had been the President and valued friend and supporter of this Society ; and begs to tender sincere and respectful sympathy to their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York, and the other members of the late Presi dent's family, iu their heavy bereavement. Lupins for Green-Manuring.— A Bulletin, by J. Buktt Daw, from the University of Cali- fornia, has been issued with the above title. The author gives a bad character to all species of this plant, saying that: — "The Yellow Lupin is con- sidered much more poisonous than the large White, and the Perennial Lupin less so than any other species. In using any species for forage, great care must be taken not to use much at a time, especially of the seeds, and not to use a Lupin ration without intermission. In the event of any cases of " lupinose " appearing, the use of Lupin should be abandoned cutirely. Lupin should never be used exclusively in a ration. For forage purposes the Lupins, therefore, do not appear to offer any advantages over other leguminous crops, except as winter growers, and they are certainly more or less dangerous, and not to be recommended indiscriminately." CROPS at THE Cape.— We have received from the Under-Secretary for Agriculture at Cape Town the preliminary report for the year 1S98-99 of the department relating to the output of Wheat, Barley, Oats (seed or grain), Oat- Hay, Rye, Mealies, Kaffir-Corn, Potatos, red and white wine, and brandy. In the communication accompanying the report, the courteous Under-Secretary says : •'Owing to the unsettled state of affairs the publication has been much delayed, and even now (January 15), in some instances the figures are incomplete." When the fully-fledged report is issued we will hope to find in it the figures relating to orchards and vineyards, which are always of interest to readers here. '• Botanical Magazine."— The plants figured in the February number are : — Eucalyptus Jicifulia (F. v. Muell.), tab. 7697.— ' ' Hardly anything can be more gorgeous than forests of this tree, seen at the end of January and beginning of February, when the flowers diffuse a rich red hue over the dark green foliage of the landscape." The plant grows well in the conserva- tory of Mrs. Fitzroy Fletcher, of Letham Grove, Arbroath, N.B., where it flowers every year in August. It has lanceolate acuminate leaves, and large terminal loose panicles of pink flowers. The illustration was taken from a plant that flowered at Kew. The native country is a very narrow area iu the extreme south-west point of Australia. Lomatia longifolia (R. Br.), tab. 7698.— An evergreen shrub with narrow whitish-green leaves, and loose terminal panicles of white Grevillea-like flowers. Native of South-eastern Australia. It was introduced as early as 1816. Phlomis lunariifolia (Sibthorp), tab. 7699.— A very handsome shrubby Labiate, not unlike the old P. lanata, but with larger flowers. Flowered in June, 1899, at Kew, from seeds sent by E. Wiuttall, Esq., Smyrna. Ariswmaflavum (Sohott), tab. 7700.— A tuberous- rooted species with pedate leaves. The short tubular portion of the small spathe is pitted, the laminar portion rounded acuminate, green, with purple stripes. Western Himalayxs. Kew. Iris oltusifolia (Baker), tab. 7701.— A Persian species, with short, oblong, obtuse leaves and yellowish flowers. The "falls" are striped, and bearded at the base. EUONYMUS JAPONICUS IN FRUIT. — From a correspondent signing himself "An did Kewite," who described iu our issue for January 20, pp. 45, 46, how very freely the Euonymus fruits in an exposed situation on the Cornish coast, we have since received a small branch of this shrub, which fully bears out his description. The branch is clothed abundantly with seeds covered with a bright red aril, just emerged from their dull purple capsules. Fruit Parcels by Rail. — In a recent issue we gave figures furnished by the Great Eastern Rail- way Company respecting the carriage of small parcels of farm and garden produce over their line during the past and several preceding years. The following information, from the traffic-manager of the South-Easteru and London, Chatham & Dover Railway, possesses some extra importance : — " From May 1, when we entered into the arrange meut in connection with the consignment of farm, &c. , produce, until the end of December, we have carried 6924 packages in the special boxes ; but regret to say the arrangement is not made use of to the extent I anticipated— in fact, parcels which would certainly not come under the head of ' farm- produce,' are found to be carried under the ' farm- produce ' conditions ! " Nothing need be added here. ■The Flora of Ceylon."— The fifth and last part of the handbook to the Flora uf Ceylon has just been published by Dulau & Co. The work was commenced by our much regretted friend, Dr. Trimen, and has been continued since his death by -ir Joseph Hooker, whose energy has not shrunk from the toilsome task. The enumeration and description of the grasses are entirely the work of Sir Joseph, as Dr. Trimen left no MSS. relating to this order. Analytical keys to the orders and genera are given. Mr. A. F. Brown contributes an account of the "Forests and Waste Lands of Ceylon.'' Mr. Lewis has an appendix on the distribution of the rainfall in Ceylon ; and Prof. Boulger one on the history of Ceylon Botany. Full indexes to bo- tanical and native names are given, as well as various maps. Sir Jdseph Hooker may be con- gratulated on this his latest contribution to botanical science. Australian Salt - Bushes (Atriplex).— Australian Salt-bushes form the subject of a Bulletin from the University of California Agri- cultural Experiment Station, by Messrs. C. Siiinn and M. E. Jaffa. According to the Summary of results, "This bulletiu shows that the California Station has been experimenting with Salt-bushes for eighteen years ; that the tests of some species have extended over the greater part of the State, and that Atriplex semibaccata is the most generally useful species of all that have been planted, although others are worthy of cultivation. It shows that semibaccata grows on strong alkali soil, furnishing a very large amount of satisfactory pasturage or fodder ; that it also thrives on arid, non-alkaline uplands, even where wells have to be sunk 200 feet to water, and where the annual rainfall has been less than 5 inches. While the dwarf, bushy species, such as vesicaria,- will also thrive on such uplands, they seem to furnish less pasturage than semibaccata. The Salt- bushes are of easy, rapid growth, and are hardy under California conditions. Reported from Aus- tralia as enduring 14', Fahr., without injury, some of the American tests would indicate that semi- baccata will stand considerably more cold than this. The tolerance of brackish ground-water, and the extreme northern limits of growth are still undetermined." A New " Rubber Plant." — The Semaine Eorticole of January 13 publishes an illustration and a figure of a new species of Ficus, signed F. Eetveldiana, L. Linden. It is a moderate-sized tree, growing in the Belgian Congo. The leaves are on long slender stalks, the blades cordate oblong. It will form a fine shade tree in the tropics, and grows rapidly under cultivation. "Home and Garden. "—Readers who recall Miss .Tekyll's Wood and Garden, with its freshness and valuable hints, will be glad to learn that a second volume from the pen of the same author has just been issued, and is published by Long- mans. We shall have another opportunity of alluding to the book later on. "The Orchid Review."— "It has, however, been pointed out to the editor that the work would have a still wider influence if the price were reduced to 6d., under which circumstances many gardeners would subscribe who at present find tli6 cost prohibitive. A reduction in price would necessitate a corresponding increase in the number of subscribers, and with the co-operation of our readers we believe that this alteration can be effected." The Midland Carnation and Picotee SOCIETY. — The ninth annual report of this Society coutains a full list of Awards made in 1899, and a list of subscribers and balance sheet. Also a schedule of prizes offered, and rules to be observed at the forthcoming exhibition, together with lists of choice varieties of Carnations, and hints upon their cultivation. The exhibition in 1900, it is hoped, will be held iu the Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston, Birmingham, on August 1 and 2. Unforeseen circumstances, however, may necessitate a change being made in these dates. The hon. secretary is Mr. Herbert Smith, 22, Tenby Street North, Birmingham. The New York Botanical Garden.— The first number of the journal of this institution has been issued under the editorship of Mr. D. T. Macdougal, Director of the Laboratories. An illustration is given of the museum building, which has a frontage of 30S feet, whilst the height to the top of the dome is 110 feet. A lecture-room large February Hi, 1900.] THE GARDENERS7 CHRONICLE- 91 enough to hold 700 persons is provided, as well as libraries, herbaria, laboratories and museums ; the latter combining the features of those at Kew and at the Natural History Museum. JUNCUS ZEBRINUS. — According to an article in the Revue Horticole, this banded Rush, originally introduced by Mr. W. Bull, is a form of Sarpus lacustris, as proved by the flowers which have been produced. Publications Received.— Kiom Uie Uuivra itj California, Agricultural Experiment Stations: Bulletin 1-1, Lupins foi Green-Manuring', No. 125, Australian SaU-B and No. 126, Paris G\ Moth.— A Handbook to the flora of Ceylon, Part 5 (Dulau).— 'The Botanical Magazine, Tokyo. — Bulletin of MUcellaru lotion, Jtoyal Gardens, Kew, Appendix iv.f 1890.— Catalogue oj tlu Library Additions received during 1898. — Transactions of th English Arbortcvh tural Society, vol. iv., part ii, (Simpkin, Marshall & Co.).— Journal of the New Yor) Botanical Garden, vol. i., No. 1.— Die Pflanzen Well Deutsche Sridwest .Ifrikas, von Prof. Dr. Hans Schinz (Memoires de l'Fterbier Boissier) — Canadian \lturist. — Icones Selectee horti Shenensis, torn, i., fasc. 2. — Phanerogamce ■' Pteridophyice japonicai iconitous illustrate?, by Prof. T. Makiuo. — Cryptogamce japonieoe iconibh rata, Cokyo. — The Potami gi '■ i ofthe British Isles, by Alfrcl Fryer (Loveli, Reeve & Co.). — lad and Ji!!'s Journey, \>i Phcebe Allen (Wells, Gardner, Darton & Co.). — flame and Garden, by Gertrude Jekyll (Longmans). PLANT PORTRAITS. A' \' \.\ ' al.ujifolia. Ic. Select. Hort. Thenensis, I. V. Cai i ixtv strigosa (Borayinia). Icon. Select. Hort. Tht "■ n n '-, t. 10. Gtssus Bauluniana. Icon. Select. Hort. Thenensis, t. 0, Crataegus oxvacantiia \ ak, inbrmis, a spineless form of the common Hawthorn. Revue HortU oh , February 1. Lathyrus splendens, a Calif ornian species, with crimson flowers, fii i ■-" Horticole, January 16. Polygonum Baldschuanicum. Revue Horticole, January 1 •_"> Pomadkrris RACEMOSA, Icon. Select, Hort. Thenensis, t. 8. Tecophilce* cyanocrOCTJS, Revue Horticole, February 1. A genus dedicated to Tecophila, the daughter of a botanist This bulbous plant has lovely azure blue flowers, which an- apparently less known in France than in this country. Thomasia sol an ace a. 7c. Select. Hort. Thenensis, t. 6. Washington! a robusta, Revue Horticole, February 1, p. ROYAL horticultural society. The Society has, in anticipation of the Annual Meeting, to be held ou Tuesday next, published its Annual Report for the year 1899-1900, from which we take the following particulars : — " The year 1899-1900 has been oue of continued prosperity for the Society. The Lindley Library. A large sum of money has been spent on the Lindley Library in recent 'years, and the Council have now had the books enclosed in glass-fronted cases for the doublo purpose of preservation and cleanliness. This has greatly improved the appears ance of the library. A catalogue has been published at the price of 2s. lid., in the hope that many Fellows would purchase it. not only to inform themselves what books the library contains, but also because it forms in itself a reference-list to the bibliography of gardening. It would be gratifying if Fellow- would also take note of books still wanting to the library, with a view to presenting them. I luring the past year valuable books have beeu presented by the Director of the Royal Gardens at Kew, Dr. Maxwell Masters, F.R.S., Miss M. .1. King, (ho Rev. l'rofessor Hcnslow, V.M.H., Mons. Corrovon, Mons. Bois, and others, to all of whom the best thanks of the Society are due. A full list will be published on April 1 in the Society's Journal, vol. xxiii., part 3. A corrected list of the awards made by the Society to plants, flowers, fruits, and vegetables to the end of 1899 is being prepared, and will be issued during the coming year. Application is frequently made to the Society by Fellows desiring to have special advice respecting their gardens. The Council have therefore resolved to add a right to this to the privileges of Fellowship, and to send a competent Inspector to report and advise at the following charges, viz. : a fee of £2 2s. for one day (or £3 3s. for two days, when necessary ), together with all out-of-pocket expenses. No inspection may take up more than two days. Under the head of ordinary expenditure at Chiswick, £1,810 has been spent on the general work and maintenance of the gardens. The receipts by sale of surplus produce amount to C330, making the net ordinary cost of the gardens £1,480. At Westminster, twenty-one Fruit and Floral Meetings have been held in the Drill Hall, James Street, Victoria Street, besides the larger Shows in the Temple Gardens on May 31, June 1 and '2 : and at the Crystal Palace on September '2$, 29, and 30. An International Conference on Hybrid isation was held at Chiswick and Westminster Town Hall on July 11 and 12. Lectures and demonstations have been delivered at nineteen of the Meetings. The number of Awards granted by the Council, on the recommendation of the various committees, amounted to 931 in all. The Scientific Committee. The Council desire to draw the attention of Fellows of the Society to the more extended use which the Scientific Committee might be to them if they availed themselves more freely of their privi- leges in submitting instances of diseases of, or injuries to plants, caused by insects or otherwise. The Scientific Committee is composed of gentle- men qualified to give the best advice on all such subjects, either in respect to the prevention or cure of disease. The committee is also glad to receive specimens of any subjects of horticultural or botanical interest. The Temple Show. The Society's great show held in May (by the continued kindness of the Treasurer and Benchers I in the Inner Temple Gardens, was as successful as ever, and it is a matter of satisfaction to the Council to find that this meeting is now universally acknowledged to be the leading horticultural exhi- bition of this country. The best thanks of the Society are due to all who kindly brought their plants for exhibition, or otherwise contributed to the success of this show. The Hybridisation Conference, The International Conference on Hybridisation held at Chiswick and at Westminster Town Hall, on July 11 and 12, was considered both by our home and also by our foreign guests to be an unqualified success, not only from the value of the papers read and communicated, but also from the pleasant opportunity it afforded for the meeting of horticulturists from all parts of the world. The report of the Conference has been unavoidably delayed. It will form a distinct and very valuable volume of the Society's Journal. The Crystal Palace Fki n Show. The exhibition of British-grown fruit held by the Society at the Crystal Palace ou September 28, 29, and 30, was, considering the very unfavourable season, most satisfactory. Full particulars will be found in vol. xxiii., part 3, of the Journal, which will be issued iu the course of a few weeks. As an object-lesson iu British fruit cultivation, this annual show stands unrivalled, and is of national importance. Those who have visited it from year to year cannot fail to have been im- pressed by the wonderful advance which has been made iu the quality of the hardy fruits exhibited. And as the importance of fruit-growing in this country cannot well be over-estimated, the Council invite Fellows and their friends to support them in their efforts to maintain and improve this exhibi- tion by visiting it, and by subscribing to its funds. For it cannot be too widely known that the con- tinuance of the show is absolutely dependent on at least £100 being raised by subscription each year towards the prize fund. The show involves the Society in a very large expenditure without the possibility of any financial return. The Council have therefore established the rule that they will not continue it unless sufficient interest in it is taken by Fellows and their friends to provide £100 towards the prize fund. And this will in the coming year 1900, be even more important than heretofore, as the directors of the Palace have signified to the Council that they feel compelled to decrease their contribution by £50. A glance at the Ust of subscribers will show how small has been the interest taken by the bulk of the Fellows. The Council would point out that this is not a local show with a few large prizes, but that a multitude of srnill prizes have been arranged in order to secure the best fruits iu each section ; special prizes have beeu allotted to market-growers : and counties have been grouped in such a way that growers should not have to compete with exhi- bitors from localities more favoured by climatic conditions. These points will be still further ex- tended should sufficient financial support be forth- coming. Subscriptions should be sent at once to the Secretary, 117, Victoria Street, Westminster; and if the list prove satisfactory, the schedule will be issued in April, and the show held on Sep- tember 27, 28, and 29, 1900. The list of sub- scribers for 1899 will be published in part 3, of vol. xxiii., of the Society's Journal. Daffodil Show at Truro. An invitation was received and accepted for sending a deputation to visit a show of Daffodil? and other early spring flowers and produce, held at Truro on March 21 and 22, 1899. The Council desire to express their best thanks for the great courtesy and hospitality with which their deputa- tion was received in Cornwall. The "Journal." The Journal of the Society has been continued so as to enable Fellows at a distance to enter more fully into, and reap the benefits of the study and work of those actively engaged at head-quarters. Vol. xxii., part 4, and parts 1 and 2 of vol. xxiii., were issued during the year; vol. xxiii.. part 3, will be ready on April 1 ; and vol. xxiv., on the Hybrid Conference, as quickly as possible. The Examinations. An examination in the principles and practice of horticulture was held on April 11, concurrently in different parts of the I'nited Kingdom; 165 can- didates presented themselves for examination. It is proposed to hold a similar examination in 1900, ou Wednesday, April 25. Candidates wishing to sit for the examination should make application during February to the Secretary, Royal Horticul tural Society's office, 117, Victoria Street, We t minster, S.W. The thanks of the Society are due to all the members of the Standing Committees— viz., the Scientific, the Fruit and Vegetable, the Floral, the Orchid, and the Narcissus Committees, for thp kind and patient attention which they have severally given to their departments. The thanks of the Society are also due to all those who, either at home or abroad, have so kindly presented plants or seeds to the garden.. A list of the donors has been prepared, and will be found in the Society's Journal, vol. xxiii i which will be issued on April 1. The Council wish to express, in their own name aud iu that of the Fellows of the Society, their great indebtedness to all who have so kindly con- tributed, either by the exhibition of plants, fruits, flowers, or vegetables, or by the reading of papers, to the success of the fortnightly meetings iu tin- Drill Hall. They are glad to find by the increased aud increasing number of visitors that the Society's fortnightly meetings are becoming fully appre- ciated by the Fellows and public in general. A very courteous proposal has been received from the Richmond Horticultural Society inviting the Council, with the Fruit, Floral and Orchid Committees, to sit at Richmond on the occasion of the local Society's show in the Old Deer Park, ou Wednesday, June 29. This invitation has been cordially accepted, and the Committees will sit. 02 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 10, 1900. and plants, &c, will be brought before them for certificate, exactly as if they were sitting at Westminster. The Charter. Ever since the great revival of the Society in 1887, questions have from time to time arisen as to the legality of certain of the bye-laws. It has been urged that this or that bye-law was ultra vires because it was apparently in conflict with the Charter. And when recourse was had to the two Charters under which the Society is incorporated, the later (and therefore presumably the ruling) Charter was found to be so encumbered with matters relating solely to the South Kensington lease from the Commissioners of the 1851 Exhibi- tion (which matters ceased in 1S87 to have any further connection with the Society), that it seemed well-nigh impossible to separate the small residuum of the Charter that was still applicable to the Society's altered position, from the mass of enact- ments which had become obsolete and irrelevant. There appeared to be only two alternatives, either to abide by the existing bye-laws, or to petition Her Majesty to grant a new Charter. The expense involved in the latter course has hitherto been an obstacle, but at the beginning of the present year, 1899, the condition of the Society's finances appeared to the Council to be such as to warrant a petition being made to Her Majesty for a new Charter, and a considerable part of the year has been employed in drawing it up. The petition to Her Majesty and a draft of the new Charter were submitted to a general meeting of the Society held on June 21, IS99, and were unanimously adopted and ordered to be sealed with the Society's seal and presented to Her Majesty the Queen. The Council have much pleasure in announcing that on the advice of the Privy Council, Her Majesty acquiesced in the petition, and on Nov. 14 signed the supplemental Charter, and ordered it to be seiled with the Great Seal of the Kingdom. The Council have appointed a committee to draw up a draft of new bye-laws, which they hope to lay beforo a general meeting at no distant date. The Centenary. The subject of the celebration of the approaching centenary of the Society in March, 1904, is natu- rally attracting considerable attention. After the consideration of various excellent projects (some of which, however, appeared impracticable on account of their expense), the Council have decided to recommend the acquisition of a new garden in the place of Chiswick as being, under all the circum- stances, the best and most practical method of celebrating the centenary. A garden for experi- ment and trial is an absolute necessity for the Society, and Chiswick has recently become so sur- rounded with buildings, and the atmosphere so heavily charged with smoke, that not only has the difficulty of cultivation enormously increased, but it is feared that the results obtained from the trials arc rapidly ceasing to be reliable. It is therefore proposed to issue an appeal to all the Fellows, and to raise a fund for the purchase of a more suitable site for a garden, in memory of the first hundred years of the Society's existence. The Council fully recognise the advantage of the Society's possessing a hall of its own in which plants, flowers, and fruits can be seen by the Fellows under more favourable conditions, as regards light and space, than are possible in the building at present used for the meetings. They do not, however, as yet see their way to its attain- ment, but will be happy to consider any suggestions concerning it. The numerical increase in the list of Fellows is no less than 5S0, showing a net increase in income of £748 2s. Grf. The accounts show a gross ex- penditure of £6069 7s. Id. ; £1810 10s. being ex- pended on Chiswick. The total receipts amount to £7820 15s. 10d., so that a balance is carried forward to the General Revenue account of £1751 8s. M. As the provisions of the new Charter require that three members of the Council shall resign every year, the Council have decided that one vacancy having occurred already by the lamented death of Mr. Sydney Courtauld, the other two vacancies shall be created by the resignation of Sir John T. D. Llewelyn, Bart., MP., and of R. McLachlan, Esq., F.R.S. Under the new Charter retiring members of Council are eligible for re-election. The following gentlemen have been duly nominated to fill the vacancies, viz :— F. duC'aneGodman, Esq., F.R.S. ; Sir John T. D. Llewelyn, Bart. , M. P. ; Arthur W. Sutton, Esq,, V.M.H. The following have been nominated for re-election as officers, viz. ; — Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., V.M.H., President ; Philip Crowley, Esq., F.L.S., F.Z.S., Treasurer ; Rev. W. Wilks, M.A., Secretary. No other nomination liaviDg been received, there is no occasion under the new Charter to issue a balloting Bheot. By order of Council, W. Wilks, Secretary. Home Correspondence. BEAUTIFUL FRUIT TREES.— Many times in the Gardeners' Chronicle has the planting of hardy fruit trees as objects of beauty and decorative value been recommended, and not without sufficient reason has this advice been given. Many of the hardy fruiting Prunus and Pyrus in the spring time equal, if not surpass, in effect other trees that are cultivated for their tiowering qualities only. Most persons know what a perfect picture of beauty a fruit garden usually presents in early spriDg, when the trees are in full flower ; not even the collection of ornamental Prunus and Pyrus at Kew, when at its best, can show such a wealth of bloom. But in addition to their decorative value in the early part of the year, our fruit trees have the important advantage of being most useful in the autumn. In the first place we have the fruits ; but in addition there is a remarkable variety of finely-tinted autumn foliage to be found amongst them, more particularly in the genus Pyrus. It is a remarkable fact, too, that those varieties which produce the finest and best flavoured fruits are usually the most finely tinted leaves in the autumn. The range of colour in autumn is from light yellow, through many shades of orange and red to deep crimson. When one has observed for some time the tints produced by certain varieties, it is quite possible to recognise many of them by the colour of their foliage alone ; indeed, to obtain the best results from a decorative point of view, it is most necessary to be well acquainted with these before planting. One of the most distinct, and perhaps the deepest coloured of all, is Pear Fondante d'Antomne ; its leaves become very dark crimson, almost black. A greater contrast that would be produced by planting Beurre Hardy close by could scarcely be obtained, for the latter remains a rich yellow, usually faintly tinged with red. That deservedly favourite variety — Thomp- son's— has a most peculiar, yet withal, a striking tint, in many of the leaves black predominates, whilst in others it is yellow, or pale red, or some- times all three are present together. Doyenne Boussoch, a useful early Pear, with leaves somewhat similar in shape to those of Rhus Cotinus (the smoke or wig plant) almost rivals the remarkable autumnal colouring of the latter. A charming effect is pro- duced by the distinct oval leaves of Pitmaston Duchess, in which yellow, both light aud deep, and crimson, are finely blended together. Passe' Colmar is another Pear, the foliage of which changes to a very dark tint ; Napoleon, again, from yellow, gradually develops into a fine deep crimson. In " Gregoire Bourdillon the yellow veins become prominent on a background of red and yellow, giving a beautiful streaked appearance to the leaves. A deep brick red well describes the autumn tint of the foliage of Marie Benoist, while Williams' Bon Chretien has a very dark appearance, somewhat similar to Fondante d'Automne. Other varieties with char- acteristic foliage are Souvenir du Congres, Duchesse d'Angouleme, Beurre d'Amanlis, Marie Louise, &c. It will be observed that most of the above- mentioned Pears are well known as varieties pro- ducing some of our best dessert fruits ; thus by planting them in our shrubberies and garden borders we should not only be able to derive pleasure from their beautiful flowers and leaves in spring and autumn, but also to enjoy their produce, equally with those from the fruit garden. H. H. T. SPRAYING-SYRINGES.- 1 do not know the Ver- morel syringe, but I do know the Abol syringe, sold by Messrs. White & Co., of Paddockwood, having one for use, and of that I can write in warm praise. It is small, neat, handled even easily by women, works freely, and because fitted with a patent arrangement has no back discharge, which is so great a nuisance in many syringes. This syringe is filled with both straight and curved nozzles, and it is the latter especially which makes the instrument so useful ; and through its aid pUnts of all descriptions can be sprayed from the ground upwards on the undersides of the leaves, whilst the sharper the syringe is driven the more vaporous is the liquid emitted. Literally the moisture from it falls on plants like dew. Though sent out for special use with the popular Abol insecticide, it can be used equally with any other liquid. With all these syringes it is well to give them a turn with clear water occasionally to help keep them clean. A. I). PROTECTING PEACH-TREES WHEN IN BLOOM.— While touching upon an old subject, the reading of which may prove of use to younger members of the craft, it cannot but afford interest to older prac- titioners, protecting the bloom of the Peach from the effects of spring frosts, I will briefly describe the method practised here, with the best results : dining the winter months, or not later than the first week in January, all the nails and shreds holding the young wood of the previous season's growth close to the wall are withdrawn, only those holding the main branches in position are left. The object in so doing is to allow the flower- producing wood to stand out from the wall, thereby retard- ing the flowering period by several weeks, and mitigating the exciting influence of the sun shining directly upon the wall, as it usually does in the early days of the year. The trees naturally profit by the rest they have had, and quickly respond to a little warmth, only to receive a check from frost. The pruning is taken in hand at the present time, leaving only the task of nailing or tying when the flowers are expanding freely. The work is com- pleted quickly, and as a finish, a single fish-net is fastened to the top of the wall, hanging down to the ground — not that I think it affords much pro- tection, but it gives one the impression that the bloom is safe and the trees protected, and all we can do has been done. This method has been adopted here, after trying various others without success, and now I favour it more for the reason that last year complaints were heard on every hand of light crops or none at all. Severe thinning of the fruits had to be done last season to prevent injury to the trees. The Peach- wall has a south- east aspect, and the varieties grown are Alexander, Early Louise, and Waterloo. W. H. Sharpe, Hic/hwood Gardens, Roehampton. APPLE HOARY MORNING.— Among the showy section of dessert or cooking Apples this certainly has a claim to notice. Although having an ample supply of such sterling dessert varieties as Cox's, King's, Ribstons, Adams' Pearmain, and others, Hoary Morning is inquired for more frequently than any by visitors, because of its fine colour and bloom. The bloom which covers the surface of the fruit is as dense almost as that of the Grape, and as easily destroyed by handling. Full-sized fruits are too large for the dessert-table, but the medium-sized samples afford a touch of colour un- possessed by any other winter fruit. Quality, as previously intimated, is not present, sufficient to call forth favourable comment, but this is over- shadowed by external beauty. The flesh, as with other deeply-coloured Apples, is suffused by a very pretty pinkish shade. Young trees on the Paradise- stock give the best fruits. IV. S. [Flavour is the essential quality of all table-fruits. Ed.] THE QUINCE IN SUSSEX.— In the Gardeners' Chronicle for January 27, 1900, p. 50, it is stated February JO, 1900. THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. tliat the Quince is largely grown in Sussex, and that " (be fruit nowhere else attains so large a size, or so rieb a flavour and hue ; " but it does not appear that any special industry is carried on in Sussex with the Quince. It is capable of being made into a very choice kind of confectionery. In Italy they make what they call cotognala, a sort "f Quince-cheese. It has the same relation to Quince-jelly that Guava-cheese holds to Guava- jelly. The coiognata is a softish solid, well sugared, and made into slabs of about IS inches long, 12 inches broad, and 2 inches thick. Pui- chasers have a slice cut, and pay for it by weight. I know of no fruit conserve of a choicer flavour than this cotoijnata. Under the teeth, it feels like crystallised Apricots, but with a wholly different flavour. Why should not an industry be set up in Sussex, where the Quince is said to grow so well, for producing this de- lightful cotognala .' The best way to learn how to make it is for some one to go to Florence and learn how it is made by seeing it made ; or better to briDg over a maker of coiognata from Italy, and start the concern in Sussex. It is a conserve that everybody would purchase, and everybody would eDj'oy. E. Bonavla, M.D., January 31, 1900. COLD WATER i'. WARM WATER FOR PLANT8.— On p. 80 of your last issue I read with interest the extract from American Gardening on this subject. A perusal of the extract should cause gentlemen's gardeners to discontinue the old practice of em- ploying warm water for fruit-tree borders under glasB. There are scores of head gardeners who still regard the use of warm water as being essential, and the extra labour that this entails acts injuriously on other departments of a garden. Mr. Mclndoe, gardener at Hutton Hall, Guisborough, grows the finest of fruits, and gets them in very early ; and he never uses warm water at any stage of growth. H. Harris, Coedriglan Park Gardens, Cardift. SCHEDULES. — Having been a member of com- mittees of horticultural societies in Bucks, Kent, and Lincolnshire, and being a young exhibitor, I am particularly interested in your article on " Schedules " on p. 24 1 have found that in neither society has any definite rule been followed in the wording of classes. I do not think that many will dispute your assertion that there is a general laxity and unintentional carelessness in this. Forinstance, this is from a schedule of a certain society : — " Class 40, collection of fruit, six kinds, Pines ex- cluded." The winning exhibit last year included, 1, Black Grapes ; 2, White Grapes ; 3, Peaches ; 4, Nectarines ;. 5, Figs ; and I think the sixth was a Melon. If Black and White Grapes are allowed to count as one each, might not scarlet and green- fleshed Melons be exhibited on the same principle V Could there have been a successful protest accord- ing to the wording of the schedule '! [The direc- tions might read thus : Class 40, collection of fruit, six varieties. If it is intended on a future occasion to admit Black and White ( (rapes, the fact should be stated, and so with red or green-fleshed Melons. If no restriction is made in the schedule, black and white Crapes, scarlet and green- fleshed Melons, Red and White Currants might be shown, but the judges would naturally, other things being equal, give the prize to the exhibit that showed the greatest amount of diversity. El).] What do you suggest should be the wording, when it is intended to allow any nine of the following fruits to be exhibited in a class : (I rapes, Peaches, Nectarines, Figs, Apri- cots, Melons, Plums, Cherries, Apples. Raspberries, Gooseberries, Red Currants, White Currants '.' [The schedule might read, "Any nine of the following fruits : Grapes (black or white, or black and white, according to the desire of the committee, each variety counting as one unless otherwise specified), Peaches, Nectarines, Figs, Apricots, Melons, Plums, Cherries, Apples, Raspberries, Gooseberries, Red Currants, White Currants. Any of these may be selected to form a collectiou of nine varieties. " Ed. ] Also, what should be the wordiug if two varieties of any of the above fruits are to be allowed? [If two varieties of Grapes, or Peaches, or what not are to be allowed, it is simply necessary to state the fact in the schedule, so that there may be no mistake. Ed.] Also any nine of the following vegetables: Cauliflower, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, Savoys, Onions. Beetroot, Celery, Potatos, Parsnips. Turnips, Carrots, Leeks, Artichokes, Marrows '! [Collection of nine vegetables, selection to be made from the following varieties and species : Cauliflower, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, Savoys, Onions, Beet, Celery, Potatos, Parsnips, Turnips, Carrots, Leeks, Artichokes, Vegetable-Marrows ; or, if it be desired to include one variety of the Cabbage genus only, then say selection to be made from the following varieties, but only one variety of the Cabbage genus to be shown. Ed ] Aho bunches of any twelve of the following flowers : Rose3, Carnations, Sweet Peas, Phlox, Mignonette, Stocks, Asters, Dahlias Lilies, Stephanotis, Lapagerias, Begonias, Mont- bretias, Helianthus, All inianda, Eucharis. [Twelve flowers, selection to be made from the following : Roses, Carnations, Sweet Peas, Phlox, Mignonette, Stocks, Asters, Dahlias, Lilies, Stephanotis, Lapa- gerias, Begonias, Montbretia, Helianthus, Eucharis. Only one variety of each species to be shown (or more if preferred, but in that case specify the number that maybe shown). Ed.] The schedule asks for a collection of cut flowers in twelve varieties. Is this sufficient information? [The expression "Cut flowers, twelve varieties," with- out any further specification, might lead to great trouble and difference of opinion, as one man might show twelve Sweet Peas, another twelve Carnations, and so on. The committee probably intended to ask for twelve species, one variety of each species. Ed.]. T. H., Lincoln. THE CRYSTAL PALACE FRUIT SHOW.— One of the unfortunate results of the enormous cost of land in London is, that with the exception of the some- what far-distant Crystal Palace, there seems to be no building in the metropolis which could fitly shelter the Royal Horticultural Society's fruit show. That the show, one of the finest displays of hardy fruit to be seen in Europe, is relatively so poorly attended at the Palace is a matter to be greatly deplored, but evidently it is chiefly due to the distance of the Palace from London, and to the time and trouble, as well as cost, expended in getting there and back. Doubtless, it is due to this lack of attendance on the part of the public which has led the Palace directors to intimate their intention to reduce the grant to the show by £50. But the directors, all the same, furnish a good deal free in the matter of space, tabling, labour, office, and printing and advertising, all representative of considerable cost. Probably no other place could furnish such advantages in these respects as the Crystal Palace does. The Royal Horticultural Society's Council, in their annual report, state that the fruit show there involves great expenditure, without any financial return. If that be so, then it is difficult to understand why in the balance-sheet for last year's expenditure and income the coat of the show is put at £302 I*. ."> (Scone Palace), President, in the Chair. The Committee met at 1.30 p.m. for the routine business, reading the minutes, and hearing reports "of tin1 Council, secretary, auditor, and treasurer. Though the death-roll of the Society had been heavy, and included such notable members as the Marquis of Lothian. Messrs. Welsh, Dunn, and others, yet many members had joined, the membership having increased from 8012 to S34. Mr. John Methven, in asking for the adoption of the report , moved a hearty vote of sympathy and appreciation with the .Marchioness ot Lothian and family. The Marquis was Pre- sident of the Society from 1879 to 1881. This Society has a substantial balance on the credit side of its capital, and reveuue-side of the account. The entire routine business, as the selection of officers -President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Ac. — was speedily carried through. A proposal, however, by Mr. G. Fraser of Dalzell, to a!low members to vote by proxy at all general meetings, was defeated by 2S votes to 6. Mr. Laird alsa reported that it was found impossible to have their excursion to France this year as proposed. It also seems that the promised Forestry Exhibition in Glasgow next year (1901) would not be held. At the close of the routine business, three excellent papers were read. The last is placed first, because it was the more brief and original. The subject was the afforestation of waste lands in this country (about 1'., 000,000 acres), and his leading idea was that some of the spare time of our soldiers might be employed in the work. He was understood to say that each soldier might perhaps manage some ten acres of forest land. This might be a means of drawing soldiers from the rural dis- 1 rifts ratherthan crowded towns, as well as improve the morale and physique of the army. The address given by the Earl of Mansfield, advocated the leaching and training and lodging of young foresters on the same lines as had proved so successful in the raising of Scottish gardeners. A three years' apprenticeship ; the bothy or lodge system with its soeial and educational advantages ; and terms of journeymanship nn the same or other estates should follow. The lads for the first year should be employed in the home nursery so as to become familiar with the kinds of trees ; their propagation and general treatment. The second year they should have instruction in the formation and management of plantations, including fencing, hedging, rough carpentry, and perhaps road making and bridging. The third year something of the following might be included in the course, viz., the marketing of timber, valuing of standing and felled timber, and the working and management of saw mills. Some training in farm work should also be afforded. This society could also establish a registry of employment for foresters ; and it needs dinning into the public mind that foresters were members of an independent profession, and not merely miters of wood and diggers of drains. Some humorous observations were made by Mr. J. C. Mackenzie, M.P., on the relations between the forester anil the game-keeper. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Lord Mansfield for his address. Mr. Nisbet then read an instructive paper on "The pre- sent Condition and future Prospects of Forestry in Great Britain.'* He complimeLted the Scottish Arboricnltural Society on the good work it had done in advocating better methods and schools of forestry; £18,000,000 worth of Coni- ferous timber, used yearly in these islands, might be grown at home. Our chief sources of supply were Canada and the Baltic, both in clanger of being soon exhausted, through the growing demands of Germany and the United States of America. As to the present condition of British forests, the largest area of them are pleasure-grounds and game-coverts, suffering from dense planting alternating with excessive thinning. Woods must be managed on correct plans before they would yield good returns ; more thorough and perfect instruction was also needed ; Government might advance money, at easy rates of interest ; and the injurious rating of woodlands hould cease. Something must be done to avert a timber famine, which threatens to prove far more severe and disastrous than a Cotton famine. In tke evening the members of the Society dined together, with the Earl of Mansfield, at the North British Hotel. After the usual loyal toasts, that of the Society was proposed by Mr. James Macdonald, the Secretary of tin- Highland and Agricultural Society, who spoke mainly on the close relationship of forestry with agriculture, and of his belief that the country would greatly benefit if more attention was paid to forestry. The Chairman, in responding, said he found great ignorance of, and much praise for the Society abroad. He wished such people would mend their manners and become members ; admiration at a distance being all very well, but they would rather have it a little closer. Mr. John Maemillan, the Master of the Merchant Company, proposed the toast Forestry Instruction. He dwelt strongly on the vital importance of the subject; mentioning among other things that the percentage of the acreage under forests was smaller here than in any country in Europe, not excepting Holland and Denmark. The small state of Belgium, with the densest population in Europe, had forests nearly five times greater in extent than this country. Dr. Nesbit in reply referred to what had been done by the Indian Government, and remarked incidentally that the failure of crops, and the consequent famine in that eountry, was to a certain extent due to the devastation and clearance of natural forests to an extent almost beyond the power of man to replace. He concluded by advocating the institution of a Chair of Forestry in this country, and appealed to the Merchant Company to assist in this direction. The meeting concluded with the health of the Chairman being felicitously proposed by Professor Bayley Balfour, of the Royal Botanic Gardens, which was duly honoured. NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM. Februarv 5.— The annual general meeting of the members of the National Chrysanthemum Society was held on Monday evening last, at Carr's Restaurant, Strand. The chair was taken by Mr. Percy Waterer (Chairman of the Executive Committee), and there was a good attendance. The notice convening the meeting, and the report of the Executive Committee, both of which had been prewo-isly circulated, sufficiently indicated that there were contentious matters to be raised, that would make the proceedings lively. These meetings of the National Chrysanthemum Society differ considerably from those of other horticultural societies. The proceedings are certainly not "cut and dried, tin members do not leave every particle of business to be settled for them by their Committee, and if there is too much evidence of a combative feeling amongst them, they are at least exempt from the charge that they lack interest or earnestness. Report of Executive Committee. This report, which was taken as read, described the allairs of the Society as "of a generally satisfactory character." The exhibitions hell during last year were considered to be specially remarkable for the " singularly fine blooms of the Japanese type," and expression was given to the general opinion that incurved blooms were "scarcely so numerous and refined as in previous years." With regret the committee has noted "that the incurved, the reflexed, and the Auemone- Howered types appear on the exhibition stages in decreased numbers." It may be hoped that measures will be taken to give increased encouragement to growers of these sections. The Vase class the committee refer to with satisfaction, and acknowledgment is made of the Society's indebtedness to Sir Ed. Saunders and other donors of special prizes. A sub- committee was appointed to take into consideration the relations existing between the parent society and those affiliated with itself, and has recommended that amend- ments be made in certain privileges the affiliated societies are given. These recommendations were adopted by the Execu tive Committee, and certain alterations being necessary in the rules, these were submitted to the annual meeting for adoption. The result will be seen below. The Balance Sheet showed that the receipts from annual subscriptions amounted to £266 13s. 6d. ; foreign members' subscriptions, £0 2s. 4<7. ; from Royal Aquarium Company, £375 ; Affiliated Societies" Medals, &c, £64 Gs. ; donations and special prizes, £ir.l 6s. Altogether the receipts were £1003 0s. 5d, On theexpenditure side a sum of £r»CS 13.-;. wasgivtn in prizes ;£142 5.s. 3d. was paid for medals ; £69 19s. 6d. for printing and stationery, &c, ; there is a balance at the bank of £76 4s. 6d., and the Com- mittee recommended that the sum of £50 of the reserve fund now on deposit be incrfased to £100. The Chairman in pr iposing the adoption of the report and balance sheet, remarked that he was of opinion that incurved blooms would be better shown at the November exhibition were the date a little later. More encouragement should be given to exhibitors of flowers of this type at the December exhibition. The report should have contained an appreciative reference to the kindness of Lord Rosebery in permitting the society to visit Mentmore in the summer. The charge of £12 9s. 9d. for expenses at the annual dinner should not appear in the accounts. The dinner should be- Arranged on a business principle, and pay for itself. The Chairman's motion having been seconded by Mr. G. Langdon, refer- ences to the dinner item were made by Mr. Simpson and Mr. Newell from different standpoints, and eventually an explanation of the expenses incurred was given by the secre- tary, which put rather a different light upon matters. Mr. J. W. Moorman was pleased with the statement ot accounts. Two years ago the society had to trespass upon the reserve fund to the extent of nearly -£50, and it was now to be paid back. The society was pursuing the right course. The Chairman's motion was then carried unanimously. Election of Officers. Sir Edwin Saunders was re- elected President of the Society by acclamation. Mr. Percy Waterer was re-elected Chairman of the Executive Committee, and Mr. Bevan Vice- chairman. Mr. Wilkins and Mr. TJarman Payne were also elected to retain their positions as Treasurer and Ron. Foreign Secretary. Then the appointment of a General Secretary became neces- sary, and the meeting approached the question somewhat nervously, anticipating a warm debate. The re-election of Mr. R. Dean having been proposed by the Chairman, and seconded by Mr. Ballantyne, in short speeches, that showed how much they appreciated the work done in the past by the present Secretary, Mr. Thos. Bevan rose to pro- pose his motion, of which notice had been duly given, to the effect that the election of a secretary be postponed until the Society had advertised, for a properly qualified person to fill the post at a salary of £100 per annum. Mr. Bevan proceeded to review certain circumstances connected with the fulfilment of the duties of Secretary by Mr. Dean, anil to complain of his conduct in several impor- tant respects. One ground of complaint was that he had written last year in American Gardening an article that appeared to make the most of the financial difficulties that had overtaken a very few Chrysanthemum societies in Eng- land, and in other respects to encourage an idea that was prevalent in America that the prestige of the Chrysanthemum as an exhibition flower and of the National Society in England had decreased. Mr. Dean's attitude in regard to the " Stred- wick " case, for which the sum of £5 ISs. 7c?. appears in the expenditure-account, was severely criticised. Amongst other charges brought by Mr. Bevan was that the present Secretary assumes towards the Society's committees and officers an attitude of dictatorship, that makes it very difficult for the officers to continue to work with him. There were other complaints, some of them advanced with considerable warmth, but through all it could be plainly seen that the attitude taken by Mr. Bevan was an honest attitude, and he was generally believed when he declared that he would sooner have forfeited £10, than have felt it bis duty to make the speech he had delivered. But the meeting had already made up its mind that no better secretary could be obtained than Mr. Dean, and especially after his reply to Mr. Bevan had been made, his re-election became a certainty. When there- fore, the motion by Mr. Bevan had been seconded by Mr. W. Wells, and remarks had been made upon the subject by a few members, there voted in favour of deferring the election of secretary three members only, and when tin chairman's proposal was again placed before the meeting, Mr. Dean was re-elected unanimously, amidst much applanse. Mr. Dean returned thanks, and said that though seventy years of age on the 1st of the present month, his energy and his enthusiasm in the work of the National < 'hrysanthemumSociety, were equal to that of any one present of thirty years of age. Then was announced the result of the election of members to the Committee, nominations for which had been made earlier. Including those members retiring and seeking re- election, there were fifteen vacancies to be filled. The following gentlemen were elected, and the positions are those obtained in the poll : J. H. Witty, .1. W. Moorman, D. Ingamells, J. Lyne, A. Newell, W. A. Sturrock, Cnthbeil, J.R. Cholmeley.W.A. Holmes, R. E. Reeve,Swales, J. Brooke, A. J. Foster, E. Dove. Another gentleman elected has since refused the position. Amf.ndmf.nts to Hpi.fs. /;„/, .V —The recommendation of the Executive Committee was to delete Privilege I., and substitute other words which would make it necessary that all delegates from affiliated societies, to the parent society, should become members of the National Chrysanthemum Society. Also to limit their powers of voting, to matters affecting affiliated societies only * A very animated discussion arose upon this recommenda- tion, and delegates from affiliated societies rose one after another, protesting against the proposed alteration, and declaring that if it were persisted in, affiliated Societies would withdraw in large numbers. Mr. Staten, a repres°n- tative from the Nottingham Society, vigorously denounced (he proposal, and supported an amendment by Air. Moorman. Upon putting the question to the vote, it was seen that the committee's proposal was lost, and the sense of the paragraph they had drawn up was modified until it read :— "To appoint one of its homi-fide subscribers as a delegate to the Executive Committee of the National Chrysanthemum Society, with power to speak and vote on any subject except finance." Toe following new privileges were then added without opposition : — 2.—" That such Delegate be annually elected by the Society appointing him at a properly constituted meeting of such Society." 3. — "That a copy of the resolution appointing such Dele- gate be sent to the Secretary of the National Chrysanthemum Society, with an intimation to the effect that the apf oint- ment was made in due order." Condition 1 of Rule X. was rescinded, and the following substituted : — " That with the one special exception hereafter mentioned, the Society's Medals and Certificates be awarded only to classes for Plants or Cut Blooms of Chrysanthemums, and February 10, 1900.] THE GARDENERS* CHRONICLE. 95 t lint all inscriptions be recorded thereon before being handed to the winners ; but Affiliated Societies obtaining the Medals nf the Society are permitted to purchase one extra Medal, which may be awarded to non-competitive exhibits of any kind at their exhibitions, at the discretion of the judges." It was further resolved that all alterations in the Rules rendered necessary by the above resolutions be carried out. The business of the evening was thus concluded, after having lasted close upon four hours. ©bttuary. MISCELLANEOUS. Isle Of Wight.— On Thursday last a public meeting was held in the Newport Guildhall, with the object of forming a I ,1 i ihrysanthemum Society. Mr. W. Morris presided over an attendance which was small, largely due to the inclemency ol the weather. It was resolved, on the motion oT Mr. W. E. Wickens, that a Newport Chrysanthemum Society be formed, and that an exhibition be held in November next. A local committee was elected, with F. T. Mew, Esq., J.P., C.C. , President; Dr. M. L. Coombes, Treasurer; and Mr. C. II. Cave, Honorary Secretary. Isle of Wight Horticultural.-' )n Saturday, February 3, this Association held their adjourned annual meeting at Warburton's Hotel, Newport. Dr. J. Gbovks, B.A., J. P., presided over a good attendance of members. It was resolved i,o elect local committees at Cowes, Ryde, Shanklin, Vcntnor, Freshwater, and Newport, with seven members each ; and it was decided to amalgamate with the Ryde Horticultural Society in the holding of an exhibition of spring liowers in April next. It was resolved to hold an exhibition of fruit and honey at Newport in October. It was decided to award the Association Certificates to meritorious exhibits staged at any of the Island shows during the year WOO. The programme of lectures and places of meeting for the current year was left in the hands of the Secretary. A subcommittee was appointed to make arrangements for issuing an Association almanac in book form, to contain the pipers read at the meeting, and other information. A lengthy meeting was brought to a close by the election of seven new members. S. II. Devon and Exeter Gardeners'. -At a recent meeting of the members of this association, a paper upon "Gardening as a Profession," was read by Mr. G. Camp, gr. to Mr. E. Byrom, i nlver. The essayist said that the professional gardener is underpaid. Like other callings, that of gardening is subject to the law of supply and demand ; there is now an excess of supply over demand. The system of apprenticeship should be more strictly adhered to, and means taken to prevent the profession from being overcrowded by half-qualified men, who originally were admitted to gardens as "helpers." The good work that is being done by the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution and the Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund was referred to appreciatively by Mr. Camp, and by several of those who subsequently engaged in what proved to be an intimated discussion. The Pomoiogical, Boskoop, Holland— The following were awarded Certificates— first Class : to Picea excelsa aureo magnifica, imported by Messrs. OttolanderA Hooftman, Bos- koop ; to Azalea Yodogama, imported by Messrs. M. Koster ,v Sons, Boskoop; to Azalea 'Peter van Noordt," raised from seed by Messrs. P. van Noordt & Sons, Boskoop ; to Ilemerocallis aurantiaca major; to Spira-a Arnncus Kneilli ; to Sambucus pnbens maxima, all of which were imported by Mr. K. Wezelenburg (C. de Yos), llazerswonde, Holland. Second Class: to Cham.Tcyparis Lawsoni and erecta var. tiliformis, imported by Messrs. Ottolander & Hooftman, Bos- koop ; to Genista pnecox-, imported by Messrs. G. Y. Alberts & Co., Boskoop; to Spirtea callosa Froebeli foliis variegata ; to Polygonum Baldschuanicum, both imported by Mr. Y. Wezelenburg (C. de Vos), Hazerswonde ; to the Apple " Van der Stain's Orange Reinette," raised from seed by Mr. G. Van der Stam, Boskoop; to the Apple "Queen Wilhel- inina,'" raised from seed by Mr. P. van Fol, Boskoop. Fint Class: to the Black Currant "Goliath," raised from seed by Messrs. J. Boer Wz & Sons, Boskoop. /'. .1. Ottolander, I 'hief Secretary oftlie Pomoiogical Society, BosKoap. Chester Paxton.— Owing to the death of the Duke of Westminster, K.G., the annual social gathering of the members nf this Society was postponed until last Saturday evening, when about 150 members met at the Grosvenor Museum, under the presidency of Mr. Robert Wakefield. After tea lmd been partaken of in the Art Gallery, a capital concert was provided in the Lecture Theatre. Mr. Siddalt gave a brief account nf the war, his lucid descriptions of many of the chief places of interest in South Africa being illustrated by lantern-slides. The musical programme included several patriotic songs, including " Soldiers of the Queen" and " The AWsent-Minded Beggar," and a substantial sum was collected lor the war fund. Mr. N. F. Barnes proposed, Mr. John Wynne seconded, on behalf of the Society, a vote of thanks to nil those who had contributed to the evening's enjoyment, which was cordially responded to ; as also a similar compli- ment to the President, proposed by Mi-. Miln. Hornsey and District Chrysanthemum. The annual meeting was held on the Slst ult., and the report and halance sheet were adopted with much satisfaction. A balance during the year was acquired of .us i;s. 1 1./. The late Secretary, Mr. T. A. Newman, who lias been obliged to resign tic position owing to a change of locality, was presented with a marble timepiece ami an address, as a mark of appre- ciation upon the part of the members for the sen ices rendered by Mr. Newman. The new Secretary is Mr. T. W. Lester. IT. Fairfax Road. Hornsey. JAMES Pallett.— We regret to announce the death, on Monday last, of Mr. J. Pallett, the Superintendent of Waterlow Park, Highgate. Deceased was out in the park during the morning, and appeared then to be in his usual state of health. When at mid-day he reached the lodge in which he lived, he remarked to his wife that he felt faint, and at opce sat down in an armchair, and expired liefore any assistance could be rendered to him. GEORGE Brown.— By the'death on Jan. 24, at the age of 93, of Mr. George Brown, we lose a very capable representative of the old type of Scotch gardeners. He was a native of Aberdeenshire, and acquired his earliest knowledge of gardening in Scotland. In the early thirties he came to London, finding employment in Messrs. Henderson's Pine apple Nurseries. For ten years he occupied a situation as gardener in Leicestershire, and had for a near neighbour the late Peter Greive, gardener at Culford Hall. Mr. Brown went to Sandleford Priory in July, 1S4S, as gardener to the then owner, Mr. Chateris. At this time the pleasure grounds there were very limited, and so began what was the crowning effort of his life. He had no sooner become settled in his new home than he began hybridising the then very limited collection of Rhododendrons contained in one bed, and so successful was he that several of our very best varieties owe their origin to his efforts. Space had to be made for many of his favourite varieties, and eventually many acres were planted with Rhododen- drons, and hardy Azaleas, which latter he crossed with excellent results. Notwithstanding the work of raising new varieties of Rhododendrons and Azaleas which occupied much of his attention, he was a good all-round gardener. The deceased retired from his charge five years ago, whilst still hale [and hearty, the gardens and estate having been taken over by various tenants. Charlrs Dolby, Qreenhnm Lodge Gardens, Newbwry, Berks. however, the conditions were generally fair, and the falls of sleet or rain were slight and infrequent. " The temperature was below the mean, the deficit ranging from 2° in the 'Channel Islands,' and 3° over the eastern and north-eastern parts of Great Britain, to 5' in the ' Midland Counties' and 'England, S.W.,' and to 6' in ' Scotland, W. and ' Ireland, S.' The highest of the maxima were registered during the earlier halt' of the period, and ranged fron ' Ireland, S.,' and the Channel Islands,' to 41° in 'England. E.,' the 'Midland Counties,' and ' Scotland, W.' Thelowesl of the minima were recorded either at the commencement or end of the period, and ranged from 14' in ' England, N.W.'(at Newton Rcignv on Friday), and from lS'and Win 'Scotland, K. and N.,' to 28° in 'England, S.W.,' and to fr;~ in the ' riiannel Islands.' "The rainfall was more than the mean in ' England, N.E., E., and S..' but less in all other parts of the kingdom. "ThebriglU sunshine exceeded the mean in 'Scotland, N. and W.,' and over Ireland, the excess in the latter country being very large. The percentage of the possible duration ranged from 5 in ' England, E.,' and B in the ' Midland Coun- .1 ' England, S.,' to 23 in ' Scotland, N.,' 87 in 'Ireland, X.,' arid tii in ' Ireland, S.' " The Weather. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS taken in the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Chiswick, London, for the period January "s to February 8, 1900. Height above sea. level 24 feet. Temperature of Tempera- ture OF THE 7. O 1 g IS Soil at9a.m. hi PS P H h H i S " K At 9 a.m. % n o ■D & 8 A 9 ', o H « -3 •a ■o T3 H° H A .□ K H V. < H ~ £ y y *» pj) c* ^< & fe ■ a n n 41-1 43-9 o' Sat. 3 N.E. 34-5 33-7 34-1 32-3 0-03 37 "J Tot. 40 -ft 43-1' 311- s Means... ... 35-5 34-0 37- f 1 33-5 0-91 88' i 11- 1 44-1 Remarks. — The weather during the week has been remark, able for cold, north-easterly winds. Sleet and rain fell on Friday, followed in the evening by snow to the depth of, :■•) inrties. GENERAL OBSEUVATH >XK. The following summary record of the weather throughout the British Islands, for the week ending February 3, is furnished from the Meteorological Ofllee : — " The waather during this period varied greatly in different parts of the kingdom. Overall the eastern and south-eastern districts it was very gloomy, with frequent falls of snow, sleet or cold rain, the fall of snow or sleet on Friday night being Very heavy over our south-eastern counties. Over Ireland and (hi1 extreme western and northern parts of Great Britain, ARKETS. COVENT GARDEN, FEBRUARY S. [We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They are furnished to us regularly every Thursday, by the kindness of several of the principal salesmen, who revise the list, and who are responsible for the quotations. It must be remembered that these quotations do not represent the prices on any particular day but only the general averages for the week preceding the date of our report. The prices depend upon the quality of the samples, the supply in the market, and the demand ; and they may fluctuate, not only from day to day, but often several times in one day. Kd.1 Fruit.— Average Wholesale Prictcs i. d. s. d. Apples, in sieves : — Beeflngs, bshl. 4 0 .'.0 — Blenheims, per bushel ... 4 0-60 — Northern Greenings, per bushel 4 6- 5 o — Queenings.bus. l n- C 0 — Wellingtons, bushel 5 n- 7 0 — Various, bushel 2 6- 5 0 — Nova Scotia, various, barrel . 17 0-22 6 Baldwins, barrel ... 18 0-20 0 Greenings, barrel ... 13 0-1S 0 Golden Rus- sets, barrel 22 0-25 0 — Ribstones.barrl. 2! — N. Spies, barrel l — Californian, cases, New Town '.' 0-10 o — Canadian.barrls. 13 0-18 0 Bananas, per bunch 4 0-30 Chestnuts, Spanish 12 0 — Cobnuts, per lb. ... 0 7V — Cranberries, case ... G 0-7 0 — American, per qt 0 4 — — Russian, kegs... 19 — i. d. i. d. Grapes, English, Alicante, perlb. 13-19 Grapes, Belgian .., 1 6-1 10 — Gros Cobnar, Class A., pr. lb. 1 9- 2 0 — Class B., per lb. 1 - i 6 — Muscats, CI. A., per lb 2 I'- 6 0 — Almeiia. dz. lb. 6 0-9 0 Lemons, Messina, 360 8 0-ln ii — Palermo, case... 7 o-ls o Lychees, Chinese, new, pkt, 1 lb. 0 10 — Oranges, Denia, 420 12 6 — 7 0- 0 9- 7 6 Bitters, 240 ... 7 0 _ Blood 7 0- — Jaffa, case of 144 — Mandarin, boxes — Murcia, case of 240 — Valencia, case of 714 12 0 Pears, half cases... 10 0 — Californian Easter Beurre, case ... Pines, each Sapucaia Nuts, lb. Walnuts, Naples, kiln-dried, per bush S 0 s 0 1 (i 9 0 — 2 0-4 n 1 3. — 20 0 Out Flowers, &c— Aviraoi Wholesale Prii s. d. I. i. Narcissus (yellow) doz. bunches ... 0 0- S 0 — (double) dz.bch. 3 0-70 — (.white) doz. .. 3 0-40 Odoiitoglossums,per dozen 4 6-96 Poinsettias, dozen blooms 15 0-1S 0 Roman Hyacinths, doz. bunches ... 9 0-12 0 Roses indoor, per dozen 3 6-76 — Tea, white, per dozen 8 6- 7 0 — Yellow, Partes, per doz. ... 3 0-7 0 — Safrano, perdoz. 2 6-36 Smilaz, per bunch 3 0- 6 Tuberoses, per doz. blooms 0 9-10 Tulips, per bunch - 13-20 Violets, Parma, per bunch S 0-1'? 0 — dark (French), perdoz. bchs.... 2 6-40 (English), perdoz. bchs.... 4 0-50 Potati a. Main Crop, be, 70s. to 90s. ; Dunbar, 110s. ; Other varieties, 65j.to85s.Jb)wi Bott.82484, FPW! I Remarks.— In our last report Brussels Sprout- | should have read Is. to 2s. !'.-(., the latter price being realised by :i few consignments only. Cape liuil include Peaches, in cases of 24 oi- 88, 6s. M lo 12s. ; Plums, per case, 4s. to 3s. ; Grapes, Black Hermitage (case of 161b. to 18 lb.), 6s. to 8s. These Hermitage Grapes are very like our Black Clusters. [he Potato trade remains much the same as last week. Bananas are a slow trade. s, d. i. d. Arum Lilies, dozen blooms II 0-1S 0 Asparagus "Fern," bunch 2 0 2 6 Carnations, per doz. blooms 2 6-50 Cattleyas, per dozen 15 0-1S 0 Eucharis, per dozen 8 0-10 0 Gardenias, per doz. 3 0- 6 0 Lilac, white, bunch 5 0- 7 0 Liliuni Harrisii, per dozen blooms ... 10 0-14 0 Lilium longiflorum, per dozen ... 12 0-16 0 — lancifolium al- bum, per dozen 6 0-40 — lancifolium ru- brum, per doz. 3 0-40 Lily of Valley, per- doz. bunches... 12 0-24 0 Maidenhair Fern, per doz. bunches 4 0-60 Marguerites, p. doz. bunches 3 0-40 Mignonette, dozen bunches ... 4 0-60 96 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 10, 1900. Vegetables. — Average Wholesale Prices t. d. i. d. I. d. i. d. Artichoke?, Globe, Mint, new, Ch. Is., per doz. 4 0 4 6 p. doz. bunches 8 0 — — Jerusalem, per Monks'beard(Barbe sieve 10 — de Capucine), p. — Stachys or Chi- bunch 0 3 — nese, per lb. ... 0 4-00 Mushrooms, house, Asparagus, Sprue, per lb 0 10 — per bundle 0 8-10 Onions, bags 5 0-60 — English forced, — Bordeaux, boxes 3 0-36 per bundle 6 0 — — picklers, in — Giant, bundle.. 12 0 14 0 sieves 2 6-30 — Paris, Greeu, — Valencia, cases 7 6 — per bundle 6 0 — — English, cwt.... 6 0 6 6 — Spanish, bndl. 19 2 0 — German, bags... 50 - Beans, Channel — French ,, 3 6 6 0 Islands, per lb. — Madeira, basket 2 0 2 6 Parsley, per dozen 3 0-34 bunches 2 0-26 Beetroots, new, per — per sieve 10-16 dozen 0 6-10 Parsnips, per dozen 0 6-10 — in bush. 13-20 — bag 3 0-36 Broccoli, Cornish, Potatos, Old vars., crates ... 6 0- S 0 per ton 60 0-90 0 Brussels Sprouts, p. — Dunbar Main sieve 13-26 Crop, per ton 100 0 — per bushel 2 0-2 e — New Channel Brussel's Sprouts, Islands, frames, Tops, per bush. 10-13 per lb 0 10— Cabbage, tally 5 0-60 — Teneriffe, in — dozen 1 0- 1 3 boxes, cwt. ... 12 0-16 0 — Savoys, p. tally 4 0-10 0 Radishes, Long, per Carrots, English, p. doz 0 10 — dozen bunches 3 0 — Radishes, round ... 1 0- 1 6 — good, cwt. bags, Rhubarb, Yorks, pi. washed 3 6-40 dozen bunches 1 3- 1 6 Cauliflowers, dozen 16-30 Salad, small, pun- — Cornish crates. 6 0-80 nets, per dozen 1 8 — — Italian, baskets Salsafy, bundle 0 4 — of 18 3 0 4 0 Scotch Kale, bush. 2 0-26 Celeriac, per dozen 2 6 — Seakale, per dozen Celery, red, roll doz. S 0-18 0 punnets 12 0-16 0 Chicory, per lb. ... 0 3 — Shallots, per lb. ... 03 - Colewort, p. bush. 16-20 Spinach, French, Cress, doz. punnets 1 6 — crates 3 6-40 Cucumbers, doz. ... 4 0-10 0 Spinach, Winter, per Endive, new French, bushel 4 0-46 per dozen 19 — Sweet Potatos, per — Batavian, doz. 1 9 — lb 0 3 — Garlic, new, per lb. 0 8 — Tomatos, Canary, — per cwt. 13 0-16 0 deeps 4 0-50 Horseradish, Eng- — trays 2 0-26 lish, bundle ... ie-20 Turnips, per dozen — foreign, jer bunches 3 0-36 bundle 10-12 — cwt. bags 2 6-30 Leeks, doz. bunches 16 2 0 Turnip Tops, bags 2 6-36 Lettuce, French, Watercress, p. uoz. Cabbage, dozen 0 10 — bunches 0 9 0 10 Plants in Pots.— Aver AGE WHOLESALE PRICES. s. d. s. d. 1. d. 8. d Adiantums, p. doz. 6 0-70 Foliage plants, var., Arbor- vifae, var. ,doz. 6 0-36 0 each 10-50 Aspidistras, p. doz. 18 0-36 0 Lily of Valley, each 19-80 — specimen, each 5 0-10 6 Lycopodiums, doz. 8 0-40 Crotons, per doz. ... 18 0-30 0 Marguerite Daisies, Dracaenas, var., doz. 12 0-30 0 per dozen 8 0-12 0 — viridis, perdoz. 9 0-1S 0 Myrtles, per dozen 6 0-90 Ericas, var., per doz. 18 0-36 0 Palms, various, ea. 1 0-15 0 E non ymus , various, — specimens, each 21 0-63 0 per dozen 6 0-18 0 Pelargoniums, scar- Evergreens, var., let, per dozen 8 0-12 0 per dozen 4 0-18 0 Poinsettias, p. doz. IS 0-30 0 Ferns.small.per 100 4 0-60 Primulas, per doz. 5 0-8 0 Ferns, in variety, Roman Hyacinth per dozen ... 4 0-18 0 per doz. 10 0-12 0 Ficus elastica, each 16-76 Tulips, per doz. ... 16-26 SEEDS. February 7, 1900.— Messrs. John Shaw & Sons, Seed Mer- chants, of Great Maze Pond, Borough, London, S.E., report to-day's market thinly attended, with only a quiet business passing. The continued demand from Germany, for English Cloverseed, combined with the firm quotations cabled from America, inspire London holders with confidence meantime ; there is no change this week in either Alsyke, White, or Trefoil. As regards Timothy, the tendency is still upwards. Blue Peas, and Haricot Beans, owing to the wintry weather, meet an improved request, whilst there has been more doing both in Spring and Winter. Tares and Birdseeds move off slowly, on former terms ; but Mustard and Rapeseed are held for higher rates. Linseed continues dear. FBUIT AND VEGETABLES. Glasgow: February 7. — The following are the prices since our last : — Apples, Canadian ; Baldwins, 19s. to 22s. per barrel ; Northern, Spy, 18s. to 22s. do. ; Greenings, 17s. to 18s. do.; American-Califomian, Newtown Pippins, 9s. to 12s. per box ; Grapes, English, Is. to 2s. 6d. per lb. ; do., foreign, Almeira, 12s. to 16s. per barrel ; do., best, 20s. to 30s. do. ; Bananas, extras, 9s. to 10s. per bunch ; No. 1, 8s. to 9s. do. ; No. 2, 6s. to 7s. do. ; small, 3s. to 5s. do. ; Oranges, Murcia, 7s. to 8s. per half case ; Valencia, ordinary, 420's, S.s. 6<7. to 9s. 6d. per box ; large, 10s. to 10s. 6d. do. ; extra large, 12s. to 14s. do. ; Jumbos, 15s. to 16s. do. ; large and extra large, 714s, lis. to 13s. do. ; Seville Bitter Oranges, 10s. per half chest; Palermo, do., 5s. to 6s. per box; Lemons, Palermo, Ss. to 10s. per case, and 4s. 6d. to 6s. per box ; Mushrooms, Is. to Is. 2d. per pound ; Onions, English, Gs. 6d, to 6s. 6d. per cwt ; do., Valencia, 5 in a row, 8s. per box ; 4 in a row, 7s. do. ; Tomatos, Tenerifl'e, 3s. to 4s. per case ; half case, 5s. to 6s. ; Turnips, Swedes, Is. 6d. to Is. Sd. per cwt. ; Carrots, 3s. 6d. to 4s. do. ; Cauliflowers, Is. 9d. to 2s. 2d. per dozen; Cabbages, Sd. to Is. 6d. do. ; Celery, 8d. to Is. 2d. do. Liverpool: February 7.— Wholesale Vegetable MarleL—J>o. tatos, per cwt., Lynn Greys, 3s. to 3?. 6d. ; Main Crop, 3s. 46. to 4s. 6d. ; Bruce, 3s. 4d. to 3s. 9d. ; Champions, 3s. id. to 3s. 6d. ; Turnips, Swede, Is. to Is. Sd. per cwt. ; Carrots, 3s. 6d. to 4s. 3d. do. ; Parsley, 6d. to Sd. per dozan bunches ; Onions, foreign, 3s. 9d. to 4s. 6d. per cwt. ; Cauli- flowers, Is. 9d.to 2s. 3d. per dozen ; Cabbages, Sd. to Is. do. ; Celery, 6d. to Is. 2d. do. St. John's. — Potatos, Is. per peck ; do. new, 3d. per lh, ; Grapes, English, 3s. do. ; Pines, English, 4s. 6d. to 6s. each ; Cobnuts, Is. per lb. ; Asparagus, Is. per bundle ; Cucumbers, St?, to Is. each ; Mushrooms, Is. 4tf. per lb. and basket. Birkenhead. — Potatos, Is. to Is. 2d. per peck; Cucumbers, Is. each; Filberts, lOd. per lb.; Grapes, English, Is. 6d. to 2s. do. ; do., foreign, 4d. to Sd. do. ; Pines, foreign, 4s. to 6s. each ; Mushrooms. Is. to Is. 6rf. per lb. CORN. Average Prices of British Corn (per imperial qr.), for tie week ending February 3, and for the corresponding period of 1899, together with the difference in the quotations. These figures are based on the Official Weekly Return :— Answers to Correspondents. Description. 1899. 1900. Difference. Wheat .. Barley Oats s. a. 26 15 27 2 17 0 s. d. 25 S 25 4 16 ti s. d. - 0 10 - i in - o 6 Enquiry. L.ELIA ANCEPS CALVERTIANA AND ROSEA. — A correspondent would be pleased to hear if anyone has these varieties still alive. He would much like to see them, for so far as he is aware they are dead. RATS.— To catch rats you must deceive them. Get an iron trap (gin) and adjust it so that a 2 oz. weight will spring it when placed on bridge. Next get a box large enough for trap to lie in, and about 4 inches or 5 inches deep. Now Bet the trap, and lay it carefully in the bo::, and cover it over with tissue-paper, and sprinkle a few bits of bread over it. The rat smells it, he finds it, and jumps on to the solid bottom (as he thinks), and is caught by the fore-legs. I have been quite successful that way. But, better still, keep all food out of then- way, and as far as you can out of their smell, and do not drop or throw any food about. Food is what they come to seek. At my house we are very particular that way, and I have not heard or seen a rat, mouse, or beetle for a long time, and yet my neighbours are pestered with them. I have an earthen pan with cover for bread, and a hanging cupboard for other foods, and no rat or mouse can get in, and all crumbs are swept up. Starve them and set your dogs on them, and I think you will soon be free of them. W. M., in English Mechanic. CATALOGUES RECEIVED. SEEDS, ETC. W. Atlee Burpee & Co., Philadelphia. Louis Vieweo, Quedlingburg, Germany. John Russell, Richmond, Surrey. Dickson, Brown, & Tait, 43 and 4.0, Corporation Street, Manchester. MISCELLANEOUS. P. Gifford, Montague Nursery, Tottenham, London —Car- nations and Pinks. Wm. Clibran & Son, Oldfleld Nurseries, Altrincham.— Chrysanthemums. Loms Van Houtte Pere, Ghent, Belgium. — Begonias, Gloxinias, Hippeastrums, Ornamental Foliage Plants, &c. Kelway & Son, Langport, Somerset, General Catalogue of Plants, Seeds, Bulbs, &c. John Forbes, Hawick, Scotland, Plants of what are termed " Florists' Flowers " aud Hardy Border Plants. Billiard & Barre, <■ k 20, Rue de Chatenay, Fontenay-aux Roses (Seine). GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. Mr. Cvrtl Archer, for some years in the Gardens at Adding, ton Park, Croydon, and Compton Wool, Eastbourne, as Head Gardener to His Grace the Archbishop of CANTEREiniY, Lambeth Palace. Mr. Donald Leitch, for the past two yaars Foreman at Alloa House gardens, Alloa, N.B., as Head Gardener to Mrs. Stirling, Kippenross, Dunblane, N.B., entering on his duties first week in March. Correction, p. 7. — For liquid air read hydrogen. Cyclamen Flowers : A. L. The doubling of the flowers is frequent, and not uncommon, and in some instances the peculiarity is becoming fixed. Cyclamen Leaves Decaying : O. H. V. The result of a check, or unsuitable methods of cultivation. . Dahlia Literature : B. C. R. We would refer you for a succinct history and descriptive notes of the plant to the Dictionary of Gardening, by G. Nicholson, published by Upcott Gill, 170, Strand, W.C ; and to the Propagation and Improvement of Cultivated Plants, by F. W. Burbidge, published by Blackwood & Sons — a work probably now out of print. Insects : W. E. D. The curious excrescence on the Laurel branch is the cocoou containing a living chrysalis (pupa) of the Puss-moth (Dicra- nura vinula). Willows and Poplars are the food-plants of this beautiful insect ; and the in- dividual which has spun up its cocoon on your Laurel branch had probably fed on one or other of those trees in the immediate neighbourhood of your interesting find. if. N. Insects : Foreman. We can find none. Yon should send such specimens in a small box or bottle rather than in an envelope. Ivy, When to Cut Back the Shoots and Foliage : Ivy. In order not to have the wall bare of greenery for a longer period than is necessary, wait till the first signs of growth are observed, then you may trim it in closely, and not have to wait more than a month for a fresh covering of leaves. The warmer aspect will show leaves first, and the east side may be a week or ten days behind it in point of time. Names oe Fruits: A. C. 1, Yellow Ingestre ; 2, Pitmaston Nonpareil. — A, L. 67. 1, Hereford- shire Beefing ; 2, Reinette Diel. — J. R. You have exceeded the number of specimens allowed by our regulations, three are therefore named this week, and the others will be dealt with in a future issue; 1, Cockle Pippin; 2, Calville Rouge d'Hiver ; 3, Cobham.— O. W. S. The specimen is not recognised, but it is reserved for further examination and comparison, and a reply will be given next week. Names of Plants : Correspondents not answered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consultthe following number. — W. B. G., Stafford. A very finely- coloured form of Lfelia anceps. The other is a remarkably good variety of Cat- tleya Walkeriana nobilior, not C. dolosa. — E. J. L. 1, Thuia orientalis, var. ; 2, Thuia orientalis, var. ; 3, Cupressus Lawsoniana, var. erecta viridis ; 4, Cupressus thyoides. — T. F., Magde- burg. The Cattleya belongs to the C. Triani alba section, usually known as C. T. delicata, but a remarkably pretty form of it. — A. B. Calanthe vestita luteo-oculata. Potatos : /. W. Y. We are unable to name varieties, as to do this the foliage, flowers, habit, &c , must be under observation, and necessarily at this date you are able to send only the tubers. Weather : F. J. S. We are much obliged, but with a weather record from Chiswick, and that afforded by the Meteorological Office we are sufficiently well served. Instances of remarkable weather in any part are always acceptable. Communications Received. — Sir W. T. Thiselton Dyer.— T. B.-B. S.— W. M.— A. D. H.-W. P. E.— M. W. E.- A. H.-G. F. W.— Oxon, F. G. S.— B. Hartland— H. T. M.— E. Fenn— Heleneveld(next week).— T. T.— D. T. F.— E. C— S. A.— J. OB.— G. H.— W. M. W.— H. P.-C. H.— De B. C- A. B.— L. R.— H. M.— J. S.-J. L.-G. W.— G. G. Continued Increase in the Circulation of the " GARDENERS' CHRONICLE." Important to Advertisers.— The Publisher h«s the satisfaction of announcing that the circulation of the "Gardeners' Chronicle" has, since the reduction in the price of the paper, TREBLED. -»H Adr'Ttisers are reminded that the " Chronicle" circulates among Country Gentlemen, and all Classes of Gardener* and Garden-lovers at home, that it has a specially large Foreign and Colonial Circulation, and that it is ^reserved for reference in all the principal LiJruries. February 17. 1 9'>i '. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, THE (Sartors' <|ftrjmkk No. 686.— SATURDAY, FEB. 17, 1900. CONTENTS. Apple, Ribston Pippin, Orchid notes and glean- influence of stock upon ings 9S graft of ION Peach, Crimson Galande, Apple, the 99 a fruitful tree of 110 Arch ontopho.- nix Cun- Presentation, a 104 ninghami IDS Quince iu Sussex, the ... 103 Cooks, notices of — Rhododendron grande ... 105 Home and Garden 106 Royal Trees HIT Icones Select;*-' Horti Scirpus. the banded 105 Thenensis 106 Societies — Canna Austm 109 Ghent Horticultural ... 106 Cedars of Lebanon 106 Linnean 105 Conifer disease, a 101 Royal Horticultural Oinum capense 98 (annual general meet- Daffodils at Ard Cairn, a. ing) and committees trial of 100 104 , no Examinations 104 Stocktaking 106 Forestry — Stoking, the art and Park clumps of trees .. 101 science of '.'7 Fruit-trees 109 Sweet Peas 1C9 Galanthus n i v alis var. Vine in Uruguay, the ... 103 Scharloki 99 Weather in Warwick- Ireland- shire 110 Royal Horticultural ... 100 Weather of January. 1900, Tobacco culture 100 the 107 Kalosanthes, the culture Week's work, the— of 107 Apiary, the 103 Novices, notes for 100 Flower Garden, the ... 102 Nursery notes- Fruits under Glass ... 103 Low, Hugh, & Co. 10S Hardy Fruit Garden .. 102 Obituary- Kitchen Garden, the... 103 Divers, W 111 Orchid Houses, the ... 102 Lumsden, W. H. 111 Plants under Glass ... 102 ILLUSTF ATIONS. Archontopho-nix Canning hami 109 Crinum capense... lis Galanthus nivalis var. Scharli'I- ;i 911 Rhododendron grande 105 Sequoia gigantea attacked by B otrytis cinerea 101 THE ART AND SCIENCE OF STOKING. A BELGIAN horticulturist, unacquainted with English methods of stoking, is desirous of information in regard to several mat- ters connected with the heating of glasshouses. To horticulturists of all classes, and many inhabitants of the colder parts of the earth, this is a matter of much interest, and some importance ; seeing that success in the cul- ture of the occupants of glasshouses and pits, harbouring plants which require artificial heat, depends in a great measure, upon the manner in which the temperatures are maintained in the various structures. An ordinary boiler, longer than it is wide, should be set on a bed of brickwork, having a rise of at the least half an inch per foot run, from the front to the back, at which point the Mow-pipe connecting with the main flow-pipes in the house or leading thereto, should be fixed, in order to accelerate the circulation of the water in the boiler and pipes. Attention to this important matter of a rise in the bedding and slope of the lire bars at the right time, is of the greatest importance to the satisfactory working of the heating apparatus as a whole. Thus it- will be seen that a horizontal tubular, a Cornish cylinder, and any kind of saddle-boiler, say of nine feet in length, should have at the least a rise of four and a half inches from the furnace-door to the back, and six inches would not be too much. Another important point to be observed in the setting of such boilers, is not to allow too much space between the top pipes or dome of boiler, and the fireproof tiles or brick arch covering the boiler ; a clear space of not more than four inches being all that is needed. This will cause the name to impinge on the top part of the boiler, causing the rapid warming of the water in the boiler. The damper for regulating the draught in the chimney, should be fixed immediately above the point where the flue enters the same. If the furnace - house be situated in the open, that is, distant from trees and buildings, the chimney-stack may be built from 12 to 15 feet high, in order to insure a good draught. A height of 12 feet will be sufficient where coke is burnt, but for the combustion of anthracite coal, the sharper draught afforded by a chimney higher than these figures is essential. To begin at the beginning, the best way to light a fire in a garden furnace, where the necessary quantity of live coke or coal necessary to do so is not at command, is to build some small and then larger pieces of kindling wood pyramidally round a central mass of paper, dry chips, straw, or shavings, following these with about four layers of coke or coal broken small, before the paper, &c, in the centre is lit ; fuel in small increasing quantities being added at intervals of time until a good body of fire is secured, and at which stage it may be said the operations of stoking begins. Then the mass of glowing fuel should be pressed nearly to the back part of the furnace-bars with the fire-hoe, and sufficient fresh fuel applied to get the heat of the water in the boiler and pipes up to a high figure, and maintain it at the boiling-point if this be found necessary, which however is rarely the case. In starting the fire, the damper in the chimney should lie drawn out considerably, in order to secure sufficient draught, but after the fire has become esta- blished, it should be pushed back about three- fourths of its length, so that no undue amount of heat may escape by way of the chimney. Before applying more fuel, push the clinker- bar underneath the tire the full width of the furnace-base, removing the clinkers that may have formed during the previous hour or two; push the fire to the back part of the furnace, as previously advised, adding more fuel in the front, and repeat this operation as often as the tire and requirements of the houses make it necessary. A garden furnace should be under examination at short intervals of time from early morning onwards, until it is banked-up for the night ; always being careful not to put any more fuel on the tire than is absolutely necessary to maintain the right degree of heat in the several houses and pits. Bas KING-UP. In making up the fire for the night, in addition to the usual extraction of clinkers and addition of fuel, if coke be used, and when the furnace is half-filled, throw into the furnace a few shovelfuls of ashes, then more coke, then more ashes, and proceed thus until the furnace is filled nearly to the bottom of the boiler, finishing off with a coating of ashes at the top and front of the mass. This done, push the chimney-damper nearly home ; a space of one inch only being left for the passage of the smoke. The following morning the condition of the fire should be noted. It may have burned suffi- ciently low to maintain the right degree of heat in pipes and houses, and at the same time consist of a good body of clear fire to start with, in which case the draught may be inclosed. and a little fuel and ashes added. On the other hand, should the mass of burning fuel have become low, the method of making up the fire for the night should be altered, and less draught allowed, whilst more ashes or coal-dust should be put on the fire in banking it up at night. First thing in the morning, in addition to taking out the clinkers, the ashes should be removed from the sides of the boiler, by usingthe clinker-bar energetically between the bottom of the boiler and side pipes and flues of the furnace, in order to give free play to the flames ; and in the case of a Cornish or any kind of saddle- boiler under and over the latter. This opera- tion should be repeated once in the afternoon, and again in the evening, allowing the fire to burn somewhat low, the more readily to per- form the work. The flues should at least be cleaned well out three times in the week during hard firing in winter and spring, beginning with the top central flue, cleaning the pipes or dome of saddle-boiler with a small hoe and brush, working these well in among the top and side pipes, &c., and afterwards drawing the ashes and soot out of the bottom flues, situate on either side of the base of the furnace, in addition to clearing the base of the boiler in the furnace. I may here state that the tools necessary for stoking consists of a shovel-hoe, 7 inches wide and about 5 inches deep, and attached to a long stoutish iron handle, this for pushing clear fire back in furnace, and drawing the ashes from underneath ; also a hoe about 2 inches wide and 1 inch deep, and attached to a long light iron handle, for cleaning out the flues ; and a poker and clinker-bar combined, this necessarily being strongly made, to enable it to withstand the strain involved in breaking up and removing clinkers from the furnace. Kinds of Fuel. Anthracite coal requires very little attention in the matter of stoking ; the large lumps should be put on the tire unbroken, that is, if they are not too large to conveniently place in the fur- nace. Anthracite of the Peacock vein is the best to use. If the fire is made up, say. at ten o'clock at night, with anthracite, there will be a body of clear fire eight or nine hours later, and a good heat in the houses. Seeing that heat can be got up in a much quicker time with coke, it will be advisable to have some coke to start with in the morning, and afterwards to make use of anthracite. This is what may be termed hard coal ; and the various kinds of house-fuel of a softer nature burn much more quickly than hard coal, and consequently are not only more expensive to use for hot house purposes, but they require more attention in stoking. Boilers. Having had practical experience of many types of boilers, including the several supposed improvements, also the old-fashioned saddle, I have come to the conclusion that for efficiency, durability, and economy of fusl and labour, there is none to equal the upright and horizontal tubular boilers. The horizontal boiler, on account of its make, requires a much shallower stokehole than that necessarily required for the upright tubular, a circumstance greatly in favour of the horizontal boiler. With the exception of the latter, all other descriptions of boilers referred to above have ash-pit doors, which, iu connec- tion with the chimney-damper, are used to regulate the draught. The tubular boiler will burn almost anything, from brushwood, stems of trees and roots, cleft and otherwise. Like many other things, young men of intelligence and application learn as much in the " art and 98 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE [February 17, 1900. science " of stoking in three years as others lacking these qualifications manage to acquire in twice that length of time. Stoking does not consist simply in removing clinkers and putting on fresh fuel ; on the con- trary, great care and judgment on the part of the stoker are necessary in order to maintain the proper degree of heat in pipes and houses, exercising due discretion in the matter of regu- lating the draught by means of ash-pit doors and the chimney-damper, so as to prevent the temperature in the houses getting too high, or the boiler from boiling over. Where the boiler is large enough to heat four ranges of houses, or is put in to heat two structures in the first instance, with the intention of adding two more in the near future, it requires the exercise of extra watchfulness and care on the part of the stoker to prevent the water boiling over at the supply-cistern or the expansion- pipe occasionally. It is a faulty practice to open the furnace-door to allow the heat to escape therefrom into the stokehole, with a view to preserving a steady heat. The practice carries condemnation with it, and goes to show clearly that more fuel than was necessary was put on the fire, and as a consequence precious heat was wasted. The stoker should, by atten- tion and practice, understand the "music" of the boiler when the water is getting very hot, and shape his actions accordingly. H. W. W. CRINUM CAPENSE. In the less cold parts of these islands, this fine hardy bulbous plant grows and flowers well if afforded a warm situation, and a little protection in winter. The plant illustrated (fig. 29), of whicha photograph was kindly sent by Mr. (Jostling, gardener at Lisle House, Bournemouth, was not grown entirely out of doors, but was wintered in a cool shed, and turned out of doors on March 15, and shifted into a large No. 4 pot. During the summer it made vigorous growth, and started seven young bulbs— originally it was a single bulb. Altogether sixty-one blossoms were formed on seven spikes, truly a grand plant, and very fragrant ! It was lifted and put into the con- servatory, to shield it from weather, on the 4th of .September, and the first bloom opened on the 15th of that month, and the last was cut on November 1. Its total height was exactly 6 feet. The colour of the flower is white, flushed with red. Ot this species there are several varieties, all beautiful. Orchid Notes and Gleanings. A FINE SPECIMEN OF PERISTEBIA ELATA. A cultural note on this plant in the issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle for December 23, 1S99, served to recall to my memory a fine specimen I saw in bloom in the gardens at Cliveden, last summer. On going through the houses there quite lately, I noted the same plant again, and gained a few particulars of the mode of treatment accorded the specimen which has flowered so regularly for several years past. In August last this plant, now growing in a No. 1 sized pot, produced nine spikes, some six feet or more in height, with 48(j blossoms, or an average of fifty-four to a spike. This is probably one of the finest specimens of Peristeria elata existing in this country, and it appears to be an advance on Mr. 0. Thomas' plant shown at one of the Royal Horticultural Society's meetings in 1898 as regards the number of the flowers. It would be interesting to know how the Frogmore plant bloomed during the past summer. Six years ago the plant at Cliveden was growing in a 9-inch pot, and for the past year or a longer time it has filled a No. 1 size, and is now finishing up eleven fine growths. The cultural details are simple : The plant occupies the same position, a light one, in a moist plant stove all the year round, and is afforded a plentiful supply of water while growing, and occasionally weak liquid manure made from cow- dung. Less water is required after the growths are made ; and plenty of drainage materials is an essential. The compost consists of the fibre of pasture loam only, and peat in the proportion sum, and 0. luteo-purpureum, from the crossing of which two species resulted. With all three under examination it is very interesting to note the features of each of the parents in the hybrid. The first thing which presents itself in 0. x. mulus is the distinct Hawthorn-scent of O. glorio- sum. Then it is seen that its texture is harder, less fleshy and thinner than that of 0. luteo-pur- pureum, while the outline of the sepals and petals distinctly indicates 0. gloriosum, the colours and the Fig. 29. — cbinum capense. of two of the former to one of the latter, together with a liberal quantity of sharp sand. No sphagnum-moss is used for surfacing, a little loam fibre being preferred. Mr. Bacon, the present head gardener at Cliveden, is justly proud of this fine specimen. Visitor. Odontoqlossum x MULUS. I is not often that one has the pleasure to receive flowers of a natural hybrid Orchid, together with flowers of the two reputed parents. Joseph Broome, Esq., Sunny Hill, Llandudno (gr. , Mr. A. C. Axtell), however, has sent me flowers of Odontoglossum x mulus, and of 0. glorio- expansion of the front lobe of the lip and its jaggec? margin tells of 0. luteo-purpureum. Its inflores- cence, too, is much more liable to branch (than that of 0. luteo - pnrpureum. The most curious- result of the crossing is seen in the column, its wings, aDd in the crest on the lip, which are dis- tinctly intermediate between the two species which in themselves differ widely in those characters. The variety, flowered out of an importation by Mr. Broome, is a very fine and brightly coloured one. The sepals are chestnut-brown, with an irregular yellow bar across each, and a bright yellow tip ;. the petals are creamy-white at the base, and yellow at the tip, finely blotched with red-brown. Lip February 17, 1900.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 91) yellow, with a white crest, in front of which is a red-brown blotch. It closely resembles the form illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle, 1S80, N. S., vol. xxv., p. 13. J. O'B. LaiA JONGHEANA. Many who have plants that have now opened their blooms for the tirst time will be disappointed with this. It will be called " starry." This is not to be desired where form is a desideratum, but there are points in this Lajlia which recommend it to those who look for more than temporary bloom. It will prove a useful adjunct to hybridists whereon to work. I would advise everyone to cross every bloom they have with Sophrouitis grandiflora, or L. anceps, or with any large bloom with a well- •coloured lip. The dwarf habit of the plant, and its strong constitution, will conduce to its pro- ducing a fine race of hybrids. If it were red, as is Sophronitis, it would be the greatest possible ac- quisition. Even as it is, it is most beautiful, and the plants have not yet attained full development. Next year when well grown, the blooms will be broader in all their parts. I have seen many Plant Notes. GALANTHUS SCHARLOKI. Oddities (if one may be permitted to use the word) are by no means uncommon among Snow- drops, yet few, the writer thinks, are more singular than the form of Galanthus nivalis, known as G. Scharloki (fig. 30). From the time when it first pierces through the soil, it is easily seen that it is distinct, the divided spathes having an influence even at that early stage, by exposing the segments of the flowers. It is singular to see the little ball-like flowers showing between the spathes. More peculiar still, is the way in which the spathes curve down on each side of the blooms at a later stage. These spathes have been likened to a pair of wings, but they remind the writer more of curved horns. The distinctness of Galanthus Scharloki is still further shown by its possessing pale green spots near the tips of the outer seg- ments. From Galanthus Scharloki Mr. James Allen has raised several seedlings which are inter- Fic. 30. — OALANTH.US NIVALIS VAR. SCHARLOKI. plants, but not a large proportion of spikes. It may interest some to know the treatment afforded this species at Rosefield. I have some thirty plants •capable of blooming, having from six to fifteen pseudo-bulbs, and one to three leads ; and nine plants in bud. They were put into pans and placed on the south-side stage of the Cattleya-house close to the glass ; they did badly, were transferred to a cool-house, and hung up all the summer. They were brought back to the Cattleya-house in October, and hung up against a glass partition. There will be variations in colour and form, and when the " holo- leuca " comes, then the fun will begin, and people will approve of it. De B. Crawshay, Sevenoaks. L.ELIA SUPERMENS. This stately old species seems to require a favourable and sunny locality in which to produce its tine spikes of large handsome flowers, for in the neighbourhood of town it seldom flowers, though where better situated it flowers regularly. Such is the experience of Joseph Broome, Esq., Sunny Hill, Llandudno (gr., Mr. A. C. Axtell), with whom it flowers well and regularly, and who now sends a good example of it. The flowers have narrow sepals and petals extending about (> inches from tip to tip, of a bright lilac-rose. The lip is of a dark rose tint, with a number of large, raised, yellow keels running down the centre. esting as studies of the workiDg of heredity, although none are exactly like the parent. One or two have divided spathes, and some have green markings on the outside of the outer segments. None of the four or five I have here are as pretty as he parent — for it is pretty, despite its uncommon features. We owe the discovery of this interesting little Snowdrop to Herr Julius Scharlok, who found it in the valley of the Nahe, a tributary of the Rhine ; and Professor Caspary named it in honour of its discoverer in 1S6S. Unlike some Snowdrops which break away from the normal form, G. Schar- loki is a capital doer. S. Arnott, Carsethom-by Dumfries, N.B. THE APPLE. When last autumn I had the pleasure of listen- ing to Mr. George Monro's lecture at the Drill Hall on the great expansion of the fruit industry, and of the enormous increase in the consumption of fruit which has taken place throughout this country during the last twenty years, I must admit that the pleasure was mingled with a thought of sadness at the admitted fact that the increased supplies in nearly every instance had been supplied by other countries than our own. I could not but feel that Mr. Monro had unconsciously formu- lated a damaging and true indictment against those of his countrymen who are the owners and culti- vators of land, and who, by their apathy and want of enterprise, have allowed others from over the seas to invade our markets, and take away our gold — the gold which, under happier auspices, would have found its way into the pockets of our sadly depleted and impoverished rural popu- lation. This is not written in any carping spirit of envy as regards those who find it to their advantage to send us their surplus supplies to fill the void created by our apathy at home ; rather are we grateful to them. Indeed, there are many kinds of second-rate exotic fruits which we cannot grow out-of-doors in this countrj', Buch as Oranges, Bananas, Guavas, Indian Figs, &c, which are always a welcome addition to our dessert. But after all, what are these in import- ance and value as compared with the hardy fruits we can grow at our own doors. Take the homely British Apple, for instance : for home and general consumption, it is of a thousand times more value as an article of food for our people than all the foreign fruit put together ; and yet we import far more of this fruit than we grow ourselves. Why is this ? The question, I fear, is easier asked than answered ; but one emphatic remark can be made, and one that cannot be gainsaid, and that is, that the climate and soil of many counties in Great Britain and Ireland are as well — aye, better — suited for the growth of this fruit than any other part of the known globe. It is not, then, the fault of the first essential ; neither can we say that the culture of the Apple is not properly understood by the majority of British gardeners ; the reason must be found in some other direction. Our country is rich in iron and coal, and a host of other manufacturing and engrossing pursuits, that a minor industry like gardening has been lost sight of by the rich, the enterpris- ing and energetic part of our population. It is a fact also that years ago fruit among the work- ing population was scarcely ever thought of as an article of food, but it is very different now, especially among those in towns, where fruit con- sumption has enormously increased. What will the consumption be, say, twenty or thirty years hence at the present rate of increase in the popula- tion ? I have no doubt in my own mind that our friends abroad are taking note of this, and making preparations accordingly, and it will not be amiss to ask the question — what are we doing in England, Ireland, and Scotland in this direction? Thanks, in a great measure, to the well-main- tained and energetic action, and the now far- reaching influence of the Royal Horticultural Society, by its experiments and exhibitions, and by the work of its Journal, and to the enormous influence directed this way by our horticultural press, there are indications on many hands that we are at last waking up to our responsibilities and duties in this matter. I have no means of knowing of the increase of acreage placed under fruit-trees during the past ten years, but I have observed that in the district between Windsor and London, on land adjacent both to the Great Western and the London & South Western lines, great tracts of land have been planted with fruit-trees, mostly Apples, and all appear to do well. These are mostly planted on previously cultivated land, and are chiefly half- standards and bushes. Let us hope the owners of these plantations will steer clear of the common and fatal error fallen into almost in- variably by amateurs and farmers in dealing with their orchards and fruit-trees generally — the error of overcrowding. This is painfully apparent in our established and semi-established orchards all over the country. Broadly speaking, in launching out on the busi- ness of Apple-cultivation on a large scale for profit, there are three well-defined ways of proceeding namely, the usual orchard of standard trees on grass ; isolated rows, well separated, of pyramid trees on arable land : and the comparatively thick planting of bush or half-standard trees by the acre, 100 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, [Feekuart 17, 1900, also on cultivated land. Each plan bas its advo- cates, and no doubt eacb one has some particular merits of its own, more especially in its adapta- tion to certain conditions ; but given that, the sole object is a matter of profit, then there is no doubt that the orchard on grass is out of the running altogether, especially for the first twenty years. Where the farm or market-garden is of moderate extent, or larger, there is no doubt, in my opinion, that the planting of the trees in rows, at wide distances apart, is far and away the best system to pursue. Its advantages are many. In the first place the trees have the full benefit of all the light and sunshine during the year, and also all the rain that falls, as well as the advantage of not having the roots of neighbouring trees contending with them as to which tree shall have the lion's share of the soil's fertility. I need scarcely say that these advantages are the prime essentials to the growing of a perfect, symmetrical, fruitful tree — a tree capable of bearing a crop of first quality fruit from base to summit. This cannot be said of a tree grown in a thicket amongst others : from such a tree second-quality fruit only can be expected, and that chiefly from the topmost branches. Anotheradvantage I claim for this system is the easy facilities afforded for pruning, collecting the fruit, and, if necessary, spraying the trees. Yet another advantage, and one not to be despised, is the shelter it affords to other crops of lower growth, which may be planted between, whether of bush- fruits, vegetables, or flowers for sale. Owen Thomas. Ireland. THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND. The schedule of the above society has been issued, which makes it their seventieth ; the list of prizes and awards for the four forthcoming shows are similar to those of previous years, with the single addition of a Silver Challenge Cup of the value of CIO sterling, which has been presented by Messrs. West & Son, College Green. The council have agreed to make a new class for Roses, and to give the cup as the premier prize with money added by a few friends ; and the stand to com- prise Teas and Noisettes, and consist of eighteen blooms in at the least twelve distinct varieties, and not more than two of any variety. The balance-sheet shows the society to have touched low water, as the amount of their account is very small. It is to be hoped that by the end of the season the society will be brought into a more flourishing financial condition. The secretary of the society is Mr. W. H. Hillyard, 61, Dawson Street, Dublin. Tobacco Culture in Ireland. In connection with the experimental farm which is attached to the Donaghpatrick Agricultural Co- operative Society, it has been shown that the climate of Ireland is suited to the cultivation of tobacco. Their efforts are not, however, entirely successful, owing to the lack of expert advice in the matter of harvesting the crop, which includes the drying and curing of the same prior to mar- keting ; the only advice they had has been volunteered by a friend from America, who gave the promoters some hints about saving the crop. The sites upon which the test was carried out were loams of two different qualities, ordinary clayey loam, and ;a deep clayey loam of the best quality. The variety grown in both instances was English Virginian, and was supplied by Messrs. J. Carter & Co. The methods of cultivating the plants were similar to those adopted by Messrs. J. Carter & Co. , at Bromley, in Kent, some twelve years ago. The tobacco, when cured, was manufactured by Messrs. Goodbody & Son, and when finished it weighed, in the case of No. 1, 14 lb. 12 oz., and in that of No. 2, 20 1b. 15 oz., the average return being for 3.5 lb. of leaf 33 lb. of tobacco, without the addition of any flavouring materials. Messrs. Goodbody referred the promoters to send a sample of the leaves to Messrs. John P„oss & Co., Liverpool, and gave the following as their opinion : — "It seems to show up fairly well in quality, and smokes satisfactorily ; of course, a great dpal will depend upon the way in which this tobacco is cured, whether it will be serviceable or not." The season of 1899 was not suitable for its proper cultivation, as the wet autumn was unfavourable to the ripening of the crop. The cost of produc- tion, however, will hamper cultivators, as they lack one essential feature, the absence of sun-heat for drying. This will entail the use of fire-heat, which will be a serious item when large tracts are under cultivation ; the cost of manufacturing has been reckoned at 4d. per lb., and the excessive revenue duty is 2s. Sri. per lb. If its cultivation is to be helped, the fiscal policy must be modified, as the excise authorities would simply kill the industry, and the return, after all expenses were deducted, would leave a small margin of profit. One lesson gleaned from their labours is, that the tobacco crop does not exhaust the soil more than Turnips, which is a great point in its favour. The promoters intend trying this year more varieties, and to produce a higher class of tobacco ; and it would be very desirable if the experiment could be tried along the west coast of Ireland, not exactly the seaboard, but some distance inland, the climate being more suitable than that of central Ireland, as for example, co. Meath, where the above experiments were carried out. An account of the experiment is published by Mr. Nugent J. Everard, President of the Donaghpatrick Agricul- tural Co-operative Society, Randlestown, Navan, and from which the above extracts were taken. A. O'Neill.. NOTES FOR NOVICES. The Leaf. — It is not altogether the best season in the year to make a study of leaves ; yet the gardener-student will, of course, not be at a loss for material at any time. Before us lie Tulip- leaves, Lily of the Valley leaves, and Violet- leaves ; any one of them will serve our present purpose. We are not going to descant upon their general appearance, nor upon the differences in form between them. What we want to em- phasise now is that all these leaves, in fact, with few exceptions, all leaves are substantially uniform in structure. There is the most astonishing diversity of outward form, but the internal struc- ture is, in its main features, identical, however much it may differ in detail. This is not to be wondered at, as the duty of the leaf and the work it does in the plant are correspondingly uniform. The main features just alluded to are the skin (or epiderm) which covers the whole surface of the leaf ; with the point of a penknife and a little patience, the skin of a Tulip-leaf can easily be picked off. If the fragment be held so that the light streams through it, and it be looked at with a pocket-lens, it will be seen to be translucent, colourless, and made up of cells and nothing but cep;s — membranous bags more or less flattened, and containing no green matter (chlorophyll). With a good pocket-lens the skin may be seen to be perforated with numerous pores. These are, of course, more readily seen under the microscope, but it is well in all cases to see at first as much as possible with a simple pocket-lens, and when you can see no more with it, then and not till then avail yourselves of the compound microscope. These pores are the breathing- pores or " stomata," through which pass in either direction watery vapours and fluid. The skin of the leaf (barring the breathing pores) is mostly impervious to water, and its main office is the protection of the internal structure. Some say it does not absorb water as such at all, and indeed in some cases it is so coated with wax, felted hairs, or other impervious material, that it cannot absorb water; neither can it, save through the pores, allow of the passage of water from the inside. The pores, it should be said, are capable of closing and opening according to circumstances. The skin of the leaf is therefore a protective garment, and it regulates, chiefly, or exclusively, by means of the pores, the ingress or egress of watery vapour, and the constituents of atmospheric air. Beneath the skin, easily seen on removal of a small fragment, is the pulp of the leaf, consisting of cells whose protoplasm is mixed with green substance called chlorophyll. Speaking generally, the more ccmplete the exposure to sunlight the more abundant and denser the green substance. In the Tulip the green substance is pretty evenly diffused throughout the leaf, because one surface is nearly, if not quite, as much exposed as the other ; but in the Violet, or any plant in which there is a marked upper and an equally marked lower surface, then the green substance is densest above and thinnest beneath. As a consequence of this, the under surface of most leaves is of a paler colour than the upper. This green pulp is the most important part of the leaf, considered as a food manufactory. Under the influence of sunlight and sufficient heat and moisture the leaf-factory sets to work to form green substance and ferments out of the protoplasm, starch and sugar out of the green matter. The chemical processes are complex, and not fully understood, but the result is that by the agency of a ferment formed in the protoplasm, the solid, insoluble starch is converted into liquid sugar or some analogous compound. This forms the food which may be transferred from cell to cell, till it reaches the growing points, where it is utilised in the construction of new cells, or, if for the moment it is not all wanted, it may be conveyed to some place of storage, such as the bark, the seed, or the bulbs, or tubers as in the Potato ; the liquid matter being again converted, for convenience of storage, into solid matter. The pulp of the leaf then is of the utmost moment to the plant, and to have it in good working order is or should be a principal aim of the gardener. This may be accomplished by exposure to sun-light by an adequate supply of water, cleanliness to- remove obstruction from the leaf, and an adequate temperature according to the nature of the par- ticular plant. Traversing the pulp of the leaf in various direc- tions, from base to tip as in the Tulip, or broken up into a network as in the Violet, are the so-called "veins" of the leaf. The term is as bad and misleading as it can well be, but it is in universal use, and it is not quite so deterrent as the " fibro- vascular system, " or the " libero-ligneous bundles ! " These fibrous bundles or threads consist partly of long wood-cells, which serve as a support to the. pulp of the leaf, just as the bones of a bat's wing serve to support that membranous expansion. Besides acting as a mechanical support, these bundles supply conduits for the passage of fluid from place to place. The part of conduit is enacted by certain "vessels," open tubes, not thickened by woody deposit in the interior as in the true wood- cells. It is no part of our present object to give fuller details of leaf-structure. That may come at a later stage. All that we wish to emphasise in this place is that the leaf is covered with a protective skin, with which is associated a breathing apparatus, that the green pulp is the active manufactory where the most important part of the work of the leaf in supplying food and favouring growth is carried on, and that the "veins" act as mechanical supports, whilst the associated vessels act as conduits. Speaking broadly, all leaves have these thret elements in greater or less abundance, according to circumstances of climate, soil, exposure, &c. The gardener, if he has the growth of a speci- men plant in view, must consider the requirements of all three elements ; but if he is growing a Cabbage, say, for the pulp of the leaf, he adapts February 17, 1900.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, 101 his practice accordingly, and devotes his attention principally to supplying the conditions favourable to rapid cell growth. If it is the fibre he specially wants be acts accordingly, by withholding moisture and retarding growth, and doing what he can to check the cellular and promote the growth of the fibrous tissues. S. Iletmm. A CONIFER DISEASE. In 1888, Professor Tubeuf described a disease attacking the young shoots towards the summit of seedlings, also the lower twigs of older plants of the and has shown by artificial infection with its conidia that the Silver Fir, Spruce, and Larch, are also susceptible to the disease. He has also observed Juniperus communis with its young shoots killed, and sclerotia resembling those of B. Douglasii present. In this country a considerable number of seed- ling Wellingtonias have been killed, the symptoms being in all respects identical with those indicated by Tubeuf (fig. 31 ). The fungus, however, does not appear to be a new species as supposed by Tubeuf, but our old and well-known enemy, Sclerotinia Fuckeliana, the conidial form of which is known as Botrytis cinerea. Behrens has^arrived at a similar E xt 4*rV>cri Vl',. 31.— SEQUOIA GIGANTEA ATTACKED BY BOTRYTIS CINEREA. 1.— Terminal-shoot of Sequoia gigantea attacked by Botrytis cinerea. Nat. size. 2. — A l'ruiting-braneh of the Botrytis. x 40o. 3.— rortion of a Sequoia branch with sclerotia. X 10. 4.— A single sclerotium imbedded in the bark of a Sequoia branch, producing the Botrytis- fd-m of fruit. X SO. Douglas Fir. The disease is characterised by the withering and curling up of the shoots, which soon become denuded of leaves, and eventually the entire plant dies. When the first symptoms of disease are observed, the portions attacked are seen to be covered with a dense outgrowth of grey mould, and after the twigs ate dead numerous small black sclerotia, about the size of a pin's head, may be found em- bedded in the bark, aud also in the tissue of diseased, fallen leaves. Tubeuf named the parasite Botrytis Douglasii, conclusion to myself as to the identity of the fungus. Artificial infection with conidia proved that the Scots Fir is also susceptible to the disease, and perhaps the same is true of most Conifers ; plants belongiug to other groups, as Vines, Cherries, . . Actual Temperatures : — London.— February 14 (6 p.m.) : Max. 39° ; Min. 33°. Cold thaw ; rain ; sleet. Provinces.— Fein \la , ul 4 (6 p.m.): Max. 42', West Ireland ; Min. 34?, Home Counties. The Royal The annual meeting was held on Horticultural Tuesday last in the Lindley Society. Library, Sir Trevor Lawrence presiding. The Report, the greater portion of which was printed in our columns last week, was made the subject of running comment by the President, who indeed may pride him- self on the progress the Society has made. Sir Trevor deserves the gratitude of the Fel- lows for the way in which, through evil re- port and good report, he has stuck to the Society. Now that there is once more a vacancy in the list of Victoria Medallists, we hope Sir Trevor will be induced to overcome . his scruples, and place himself where he ought to be— at the head of that select body. The sum spent on the Library, small though it be in proportion to the income of the Society, is nevertheless well expended, and the grati- tude of the Trustees and of the Fellows at large may be tendered to the Council for this most judicious expenditure. The new Charter again proves to have been less expensive than we had imagined. We have not seen its provisions, but from all we learn, it must be a great improvement on its predecessors. The bye-laws will require very careful manipulation, and we hope every facility will be given for their considera- tion before they are sought to be officially promulgated. Every effort should be made by the Council to keep in touch with the Fellows. We mention this because no intimation — at least we saw none— was given of the proposed alterations in the Council : " No other nomina- tion having been received, there is no occasion under the new Charter to issue a balloting- sheet." The Fellows, no doubt, ought to have known, but as a matter of fact they either did not know, or they ignored the fait, that it was open to them to have nominated a member of Council. Again, the sentence above cited in- duces us to ask when the new Charter came into operation? If on November 10, ISO'.I, there was plenty of time to have made the fact known. Nothing but approval can be felt for the selections made ; but another year we trust due notice will be given, so that if by chance the outside Fellows desire to exercise their right, they may be able to do so without incurring the risk of being too late. The proposed removal of the experimental- garden from Chiswick, on the ocpasion of the centenary of the Society in March, 1904, is obviously a matter for serious consideration. The cost of obtaining land, and of re-erecting the houses and pits in a new situation, will be so large, that even if special aid be forthcoming, we cannot look forward to the prospect without appreliension. The uprooting of old ties and traditions may be only a matter of sentiment ; but even if that be so, sentiment is not without influence.' The number of Fellows who visit Chiswick is not large, and if the garden be removed further afield, the diminution will no doubt be accentuated. It is satisfactory to note that in connection with the proposed new Chiswick, the Council hope to establish a horticultural college that shall become a real centre of horticultural education. We have always urged the neces- sity for such a school, and there is no doubt but the work in connection therewith could be most fittingly done by the Royal Horticultural Society. The finances of the Society are most encou- raging, there being a surplus upon the working last year 6f £1751. This is larger than in any previous year, and the number of Fellows at the present time is greater than ever. For a report of the general annual meeting, see p. 110. Some people appear to entertain Examinations, entirely wrong notions as to the purpose of such an examination as that conducted by the Royal Horticultural Societ}-. Some think it is not practical enough, others would confine it simply to the subject of the courses of lectures on particular subjects, often not more than six, which the candidate may or may not have had the opportunity of listening . to. Some talk as if the passing of an exami- nation and the acquisition of a certificate, immediately qualified the candidate to take a head-gardener's place, or the post of superin- tendent of some gardening institution. Mould they expect some newly-fledged M.D. at once to take the charge of a large hospital ? or a middy to take command of a battleship ? And yet this is representative of what some people expect. In a pursuit like gardening, experi- ence is the great teacher ; but how can you expect a youth or maiden of sixteen or eighteen to have experience — that is a plant of slow growth. What then is the object of the examination ? Simply to direct the studies and control the education of the candidate in such a way that he may be imbued with scientific method, and learn the importance and co-relation of cer- tain facts and inferences. This discipline is certain to be useful to him in after life. It will give purpose and direction to his work, enable him to gain experience with greater facility, and apply it with greater readiness. In some quarters it is recommended that the examinations for these young students should be more practical, that the candidates should, in presence of the examiner, undertake the potting of an Orchid, the grafting of a fruit tree, and so forth. This we think is a mistake. Such a test should come not as a preliminary matter, but after the candidate has passed his examination in the principles of his art. Two or three years would not be too long an interval between the entrance examination and the practical test. The interval, of course, should be tilled up by practical work in the garden. The entrance examination should, in our opinion, be almost if not entirely devoted to the prin- ciples of gardening, with only incidental reference to its practice. Teachers and examiners should recognise the fact that the object is not to turn out accom- plished scientists, nor to produce head-gardtners at eighteen years of age, but men with sufficient knowledge of botany and allied sciences to enable them to benefit by their subsequent course of practical training, and profit by their gradually gained experience. Mr. J. B. Carruthers, a son of Mr. William Carruthers, formerly Keeper of the Botanical Department, British Museum, has been appointed Assistant-Director and Mycologist at the Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya. Sir John Lubbock is t j be henceforth known as Lord Aveburv. The Duke of Portland has undertaken to preside at the sixty-first Anniversary Festival of the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution at the Whitehall Rooms on May IS next. PRESENTATION. — Mr. J. Barson, general fore- man at Eastnor Castle gardens, is leaving that place to become gardener to the Earl of Sandwich, and on the 8th inst. the garden staff presented their departing colleague with a handsome tea and coffee service. Mr. Geo. Mullens, head gardener, made the presentation, and expressed the hope of all the employes in the garden that Mr. Barson would be successful in his new position. The Eastnor Castle Cricket Club also wished Mr. Barson success, and made a presentation of a marble timepiece. Retirement of Mr. a. Henderson, of THORESBY. — On the death of his noble employer, Earl Manvers, Mr. Henderson had an annuity left him, and he resigns his charge of the gardens at Thoresby after thirty-eight years pleasant and happy service, during which long period of time he has always received the greatest of kindness from the family. His foreman, William Robertson, is his successor. Mr. J. W. Watt, a son of Mr. Watt, of the firm of Messrs. Little & Ballantyne, Carlisle, is about to embark to South Africa as a trooper in the Imperial Yeomanry, and the employes of the firm have presented Mr. Watt with an address, demon- strating their appreciation of his patriotic con- duct, and expressing their hope that when he has done his duty, he may be spared to return to this country in safety. Additional addresses have been presented to Mr. Watt by the representatives of the seed department and of the office. Sir Michael Foster, M.P. — The country may be congratulated on the election of Sir Michael Fostkr as representative in parliament for the University of London. He is a typical representative for the most advanced and pro- gressive of our universities, and, as a man of business, as well as for his scientific habits of thought, will be a valuable addition to the House. Mr. H. J. Elwes, F.R.S.— Much sympathy 'i felt for Mr. Elwes, of Andoversford, whose son> ' j been seriously wounded in South Africa. February 17, 1900.] THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE, 105 Rhododendron grande.— Among the Hima- layan species of Rhododendron of doubtful hardi- ness in this country, excepting in the western and south-western maritime counties, few finer white- tlowered ones exist than E. grande. The plant possesses flowers 2 to 3 inches in length, and 2 to 2£ inches in diameter, having a very short ■calyx, obscurely lobed, and a corolla limb of some- what short segments. It flowers in the month of JMarch. The leaves are nearly flat, glabrous, and announced that on the occasion of the forthcoming International Exhibition iu Paris, an International Congress of Botany will be held there from October 1 to 10, both dates inclusive. The sub- scription for membership has been fixed at20f., and those who may be desirous of taking part in the proceedings are desired to communicate with M. Henri Hua, Tresorierdu Congres International de Botanique General, 2, Rue de Villersexel, Paris. Mr. George Massee, F.L.S., exhibited lantern- they were both native plants, as the former is indigenous on the west coast of France, and on the north coast as far as Cherbourg and Barfleur, while the latter is a native of West France as far north as Vendee, and reappears on the coast of the Netherlands. He suggested that the former had been passed over, owing to its resemblance to P. canadensis ; the latter owing to its inconspicuous habit, its early flowering, and the fact that it grows on the lower slopes of the cliffs in an unfrequented Flfi. 32. — RHODODENDRON GRANDE. (From a photograph taken in the Gardens at Osbertou Manor, Worksop.) •of deep green tint above and silvery beneath. It .grows to a height of 30 feet in its native habitat. The'species is figured in the Botanical Magazine, t. 50.34, as R. argeuteum. Our illustration (fig. 32) is after a photograph sent us by Mr. Foljambe's late head gardener at Osberton Manor. Worksop, and shows a large plant iu bloom standing in a glasshouse. " LlNNEAN Society.— Ou the occasion of the r ring heldou February 1, 1900, Dr. A. GONTHER, F.R.S., president, ii the chair, the President slides iu illustration of his paper on the origin of the Basidiomycetes, the substance of which had beeu communicated at the last meeting, and recapitu- lated the conclusions at which he had arrived. A discussion followed, in which Professor Trail, Mr. C. B. Clarke, and Professor Farmer took part. Mr. Cecil R. P. Andrews, M.A., exhi- bited two uon-British Grasses which he had found last year in the Channel Islands — Phalaris minor, Retz., from sandy shores and fields in Guernsey and Alderney ; and Milium scabrum, Merl., from the cliffs of Guernsey. He maintained that part of the island. A discussion followed, in which Messrs. James Groves and G. C. Druce joined, and Mr. Andrews replied. Mr. R. MORTON Min- dleton, F.L.S., showed divers forms of Asplenium Bradleyi from the mountains of Tennessee. The Banded SCIRPUS.— When alludingto this plant last week, we unfortunately entirely over- looked a more definite aud satisfactory communi- cation to our own columns in 1SS3, vol. xx., p. 168, from the pen of Mr. Ce.ikoe Nun May he forgive our inadvertence. 106 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 17, 1900. Horticulturists about Croydon, though possessing two societies which have concerned themselves only with holding exhibitions in the summer aDd autumn, have enjoyed no facilities for the mutual improvement of themselves by means of debate. A correspondent a few months ago called attention to this fact in our pages, and so another society has been formed in Croydon, and will be known as the Croydon and District Horticultural Mutual Improvement Society. Meetings will be held monthly, and the first is to take place in the Sunflower Coffee Tavern on Tuesday evening next, when a paper will be read by Mr. Geo. Gordon. Sixty members have been enrolled. Our correspon- dent who first drew attention to the subject has been elected President, and the Secretary is Mr. John Gregory, GO, Canterbury Road, Croydon. Cedars of Lebanon.— "Close to the hall (West Wycombe) are two very large and beautiful Cedars of Lebanon, both of them being then (August) in cone. One is considerably older than the other, and the tint of the foliage is different. The girth of the largest tree at 5 ft. from the ground was found to be 71 inches (quarter girth), or nearly 24 ft., the largest Cedar ever seen by any arboriculturist pre- sent. At Houghton Hall, in Norfolk, the members had seen a Cedar, in 1897, with a girth of 17 feet 10 inches. Next year, at Edenhall, they saw two which measured 22 feet 8 inches, and 22 feet 4 inches respectively, and they then imagined that their surprises were at an end. But this unexpected giant upset all their preconceived notions as to the dimensions which a Cedar may attain in this country." Transactions of English Arboricultural Society, vol. iv., part it. Was Shakspeare an Evolutionist?— Certainly he was, and also a Darwinian before Darwin ! A plant or animal is known in the course of its own development to repeat in some measure the appearances which its ancestors pre- sented, and this knowledge enables the naturalist, to some extent, to forecast the course of phenomena in the future. Now see how Shakspeare puts it :— " There is a history in all men's lives. Figuring the nature of the times deceased ; The which observed, a man may prophesy, W ith a near aim, of the main chance of things As yet not come to life ; which in their seeds. And weak beginnings, lie intreasured." 2 Henry IV., Act iii., sc. 1. "Home and Garden."— We have already had occasion to notice the publication by Miss Jekyll of this companion-volume to Wood and Garden. That book was so fresh, contained so many valuable hints, and evinced such taste in garden matters, that it came as a new "break," to use a garden term, in garden literature. No wonder that its success prompted the issue of a second volume which, it is also not surprising, is only less good than its predecessor. In it, we are told how the house was built, and then we are treated to a number ot pleasant chapters on miscellaneous sub- jects, more or less relevant to the garden. The " Home Pussies " we venture to think should have been kept at home, their doings are amusing enough, but hardly consistent with the serious purpose of the book. The illustrations are excel- lent, and the book has a good index— need we say more to recommend it to the notice of our readers. It is published by Longmans & Co. Stock-taking : January.— Notwithstanding the war now raging in South Africa, and rumours or suggestions of fresh complications, the Trade and Navigation Returns for January read as if Trade and manufactures were moving along in the wake of peace; for under both headings of "im- ports" and "exports" there is a notable increase compared with the same period last year— em- phasized, moreover, by the enormous tonnage taken up for Government transport service. As to im- ports, the increase for the month is £3,344,243 ; the value for last month being £44.560,S49, against £41,216,606. Preparing for Budget purposes, apparently, some items show a large increase ; thus: Tea has gone up by 11,314,962 pounds; Cocoa by 2,442,942 pounds ; Coffee, 2960 cwt. ; wine, 96,031 gallons ; and so forth. There is a fall of £1,336,317 in materials (raw) for textile manufactures, but a gain of £1,067,494 in raw materials for other industries and manufactures. The following are our usual excerpts from the summary table : — Imports. 1899. 1900. Difference. £ £ £ Total value 41,210,606 14,211,331 44,560,846 +3,344,243 (A.) Articles of food and drink — duty free 14,531,453 +320,122 (B.) Articles of food & drink— dutiable 1,717,053 2,234,559 +607,506 Haw materials for textile manufac- tures 9,626,504 8,290,187 —1,336,317 Raw materials for sundry industries and manufactures 3,120,391 4,1S7,SS5 +1,067,494 (A.) Miscellaneous articles 1,170,841 1,464,095 +293,254 (B.) Parcel Post ... 150,372 145,690 —10,682 Respecting the new arrangement for recording im- ports of fruit, &c, a fresh feature has been intro- duced by the compiler of the Returns. For the future, these will be given in hundredweights instead of bushels ; it thus necessitating for the present the use of value with which to ascertain "differences." The following are the figures for month of January in the two years : — Imports. 1899. 1900. Difference. Fruits, raw : — Bushels. Cwt. Value. Apples ... 303,058 208.S23 -»-16,2S6 Bananas... bunches 90,242 +37,752 Grapes ... 1,433 44!' —92 Lemons ... 183,218 104,170 +2.3S6 Nuts — Almonds G,S15 10,950 + 11,619 ,, others, fruit used as 37,703 + 9,665 Oranges .. 1,244,265 914,465 + 53,319 Pears 7,332 2,869 —555 Plums ... 77 20 —204 Unenumerated 66,040 7,206 —24,617 Vegetables, raw : Onions ... ... bush. 529,753 631,017 +7,599 Potatos ... .. cwt. 50,976 275,192 +40,164 Tomatos •• i. 27,496 +23,591 Vegetables, raw, merated ... unenu- .. value £109,905 £70,496 +39,409 It remains to note here, respecting the item "fruit unenumerated raw," that prior to this year it included Apricots and Peaches, Bananas, Cur- rants, Gooseberries, and Strawberries. Passing now to — Exports, we have to note the satisfactory and encouraging increase of £3,236,44S, thus obtained, January, 1900, £23,583,6S2, as against £20,347,234 in January of last year. The making of ships for foreign customers has had to give way to home consumption, and all classes of iron manufactures have gone up wonderfully, and to all parts of the world ; pig-iron goes just now to the United States. Coal has increased its export by nearly three- quarters of a million sterling ; and textiles — cotton, linen, and woollen — show plenty of life. Though India does not come to the front so well as formerly for cotton goods, America purchased largely in all three of the tex- tiles named above. To conclude, owing to fresh arrangements of details, Members of Parliament looking for the item "Confectionery," will no longer find it arrayed under " Pickles," but just where they ought to be found in a greatly improved statistical record. EPPING FOREST.— The Epping Forest Com- mittee of the Corporation, in recommending that £4000 should be placed to the credit of the fund- for the year ensuing, report that the thinning opera- tions, which have been continued for nearly twenty years, have resulted in a marked improvement to the timber and undergrowth, while the natural; growth of young trees, the timber of the future, has been promoted. The most urgent arrears have now been overtaken, and a much smaller annual felling has been necessary during the last and present seasons. Very little planting has been needed except for the purpose of hiding fences or other- unsightly enclosures abutting on the forest, and replacing trees destroyed by the drought. In this- connexion the committee report that a very large- uumber of fires occurred last summer in various- parts of the forest, owing to the extraordinary heat and drought, but with one exception, no serious- damage was done. "Icones Select/e Horti Thenensis."— The sec jnd fascicle of illustrations of plants growing in the collections of M. Van den Bossche, at Tirlemont, has lately been issued. The illustra- tions are excellent for botanical purposes, and the text appropriate. Some of the plants are old friends, but no doubt as time goes on we shall have illustrations of less well known plants ; in the meantime, we can heartily commend the work to those who desire to know something of the plants they cultivate. The English Arboricultural Society has- just issued a new part of its Transactions (Simpkin, Marshall & Co.). It contains a report of the annual excursion, when Osterley Park, near- Hounslow, Syon, Kew, Richmoud, were visited on one day ! On the third day, the Beech-woods near Wycombe were visited, and the annual dinner took. place in the evening. On the fourth day the mem- bers visited Windsor Castle and Windsor Forest^ a long day's work, finishing up with a reception at the Surveyors' Institution. Next day Bushey Park, Hampton Court, and Oxshott were visited It cannot be said that the arboriculturists did not work hard. The fault on most of these occasions- is an overloaded programme. Lawns.— If there is one feature more than- another in which English gardens are superior to- those of the Continent, it is in the construction, and especially in the maintenance, of the lawn. Of late years tennis-lawns and "putting-greens" have- also put forth strong claims to recognition, and the gardener is often called on to construct one or other of these adjuncts. During the season the gardener is constantly taking away and repressing, growth by frequent mowing and rolling ; he should, therefore, when occasion serves, refresh the soiL exhausted by the continuous growth of a grass crop, and stimulate the growth of the unhappy grass plants by a surface- dressing of manure, or by the use of well-selected artificials. As to weeds, anything which encourages the growth of the grass- will, in proportion, be injurious to the weeds, so that the timely application of a mixed minerali and nitrogenous manure may save a great deal of trouble in extirpating weeds at a future time. Messrs. Sutton have published, through Simpkin, Marshall & Co., a booklet on the subject of " garden -lawns, tennis-lawns," "putting-greens," and cricket grounds, as elegant as it is serviceable. Meeting of the Ghent Horticultural So- ciety.— At the meeting of the Chambre Syndicate des Horticulteurs Beiges and of the Society Ptoyale d' Agriculture et de Botanique held on February 5, the following awards were made : — Certificates of Merit for : Odontoglossum Ruckerianum superbum, and for Lielia Gouldiana, and for Odontoglossum crispnm grandiflorum {par acclamation), and for Cattleya Triansei bella (it I'unanimitt), all from M.G. Vincke-Dujardin ; for Cattleya Trianssi alba (<> I'unanimit t'), from M.J. Boelens ; Ficus radicans varie- gata, M. Louis de Smet ; Odontoglossum Wilcke- anum " Mme. Dobbelaere, " f rom Mme.DoekejL.vere. February 17, 1900. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, 107 ■i Fern introduced from the Congo in 1899fromM. M. 'Verdonck ; out Cyclamen (par acclamation), from M. Draps-Dum ; and cut blooms of Cypripedium Mme. Stepman from M. Stepman. Certificates •for cultivation and flowering were allotted for Oncidium Gardueri, from M. L. De Smet-Du- ■vivieb ; and for Acacia platyptera (d Vunanimite), from M. E. Bei>ini;iiaus. Certificates for Culti- vation were allotted for Cocos Weddelliana, from M. de Clercq ; and for Blechnum brasiliense < Lomaria gibba (a Vunanimite), from M. L. de Smet-Duvivier ; and Honourable Mention was awarded for Corypha australis Kerchovei, from M. nEd. Pynaert Van Geert. The jury expressed the hope of seeing at a later exhibition, Anthurium Scherzerianum (hybrid), from M. L. de Smet, and another hybrid Anthurium from the Ghent Horti- cultural Society. FALSE IDEALS. — It is very pleasant to read Mr. Leslie's note on this subject in the Gardeniov January 27, pleasant because we believe it to be the truth, and satisfactory because it coincides so thoroughly with what we have often written in this journal. There are some fiowers in which it almost seems as if the express object had been to crush out all the history of the flower and obliterate its -significance. "So long," says the eminent Aca- demician, "as we follow the lead which Nature, as it were, points out to us, we are on safe ground, for ■by assisting her in the way of her own direction, increase of beauty frequently rewards our labours. When a plant has a natural tendency to double its blossoms, or crosses easily by fertilisation, the results are nearly always interesting and satisfac- tory ; but whenever she has distinctly marked out the character and purpose of a plant, and so fitted (it that it shall do its best for the general effect in the place among its fellows which she intends it to occupy, it seems to me to be folly for the cultivator to interfere. By so doing, novelties and monstrosi- ties may very likely be secured, but an increase of beauty — never." At the same time, it must not be 'forgotten that the conditions under which a wild ■plant, or a plant treated as wild, grow are different from those under cultivation, and that the require- ments in the two cases are often widely different. We do not want to limit Nature's power of adaptation, •but simply to direct it, so as to satisfy our own requirements, whatever they may be. To laydown a set of " properties," in so far as those properties ■are merely arbitrary, and to endeavour to act on them, is to allow intelligence and the perception of beauty to remain in abeyance. ROYAL Trees.— In the vicinity of Frogmore there is a large number of ornamental trees scattered about the well-kept lawns. Amongst these are a Salisburia adiantifolia, planted by Princess Victoria Eugenie and Prince Maurice of Battenberg on the Queen's eightieth birthday ; a -deciduous Cypress, about 85 feet high ; Retinospora obtusa aurea, planted by the Empress Eugenie, March 5, 1880 ; Tsuga Pattoniana, planted by the ■Queen of Denmark on December 1, 187"), about 18 feet high ; Abies lasiocarpa (concolor?), planted by Princess Thyra of Denmark on December 1, 1875; Abies Nordmanniana, planted by H.K.H. the Duchess of Edinburgh on March 11, 1874; ■Cupressus Lambertiana, planted by the Prince of Wales on March 2-1, 1804 ; Thuya gigantoa, planted iy H.R.H. Princess Louise of Hesse on July 1, 1864 ; another of the same kind, on the opposite side of the path, 55 feet high ; another Maiden- hair Tree (Salisburia adiantifolia), planted in 1754 ; Thuya gigantea, planted by H.S.H. Princess Hohenlobe on March 16, 1857. Close to the mausoleum is a particularly good-looking deciduous Cypress, and a fine Cedrus Deodara and C. atlan- tica. Emjlisli Arhoricullural Society Transactions, mot. iv., part 2, p. 207. Saprolegnia.— This is a fungus not much known to horticulturists, excepting as attacking /lies iu autumn. The experiments of Professor E.LEBS, however, on the influence of varying amounts of food are so important that we call atten- tion to a brief summary of them in the December number of the Botanical- Gazette (Chicago). It is found that this species will grow indefinitely without either sexual or asexual reproduction, if nourishment be abundant ; but at any time the extensive formation of zoospores can be incited by simply starving the hypha? or threads of which the fungus consists, e.g., by placing them in water. By varying the nutritive value of any medium, the fungus can be made at will to assume a purely vegetative condition ; to produce rudi- mentary sporangia ; to form sporangia which bear zoospores that do not escape, and to produce func- tional zoospores. It is obvious that the principles here laid down have a wide application, and they show that in certain cases the production of male or female plants, or of purely vegetative conditions, is within the power of the experimenter. THE WEATHER OF JANUARY, 1900. For the third time in succession the opening month of the year was chiefly remarkable for an almost complete absence of real winter weather. At its commencement, the extraordinary low pres- sure of the last few days of December was followed by some exceedingly heavy rainfalls, the total of the first week over the south-west of our islands equalling or exceeding the whole of the fall of the remainder of the month, although the weather continued throughout the month of a changeable, wet, and disagreeable character. In many districts there was a complete absence of frost during the month, but there were many frosty nights over our central, north-eastern, and eastern counties, although none of any severity. On the 2Sth, however, the wind (after with slight exception blowing for a month from a direction varying from west to south) became northerly, and a decided fall of temperature set in, and by the close of the month '.conditions had become most favourable for a spell of cold weather, although in the south-west the temperature still remained several degrees above freezing-point. Taking the month as a whole, it shows in many respects over the greater part of our islands a striking resemblance to the opening month of last year. In both heavy rainfall was general, accom- panied by mild weather until the last week, when a spell of cold spread over our islands. Last year, however, mean temperature was deficient in the north owing to some severe frost during the last week. The following table will show the rainfall and mean temperature at ten stations well distributed over our islands : — Stations. Total Rainfall. Difference from Average. Mean Temperature, Max. and Min. Departure from Average. Hours of Bright Sun- 1 thine. Aberdeen Ins. 3'45 Ins. + 107 Deg. 3S-5 +-1-1 53-4 Leith ... 235 -0 57 40-3 + 1-7 - Spurn Iiead ... 2-44 +1'06 39-8 +2-2 — Liverpool 4-50 40'4 +15 — Valencia i-03 -1-28 44S +0-4 tJO'l Scilly O-JL' + 2-79 47'9 +2-5 til -2 Jersey 4'SS + 1-67 45-7 +3'9 — Bristol 4-54 + 1-43 41-2 +2-0 — Oxford 2 30 +0-14 40 1 +2-4 — London 2 35 +0 29 403 +2-0 23 I It will be seen, therefore, that rainfall, except- ing at Valencia, was everywhere in excess. The great excess at Scilly was chiefly due to an extra- ordinary fall of 2 75 inches, on the 6th. Other falls reported of over an inch or more in twenty- four hours were : — 1 "37 inch at Parsoustown, and 105 inch at Roche's Point, on the 1st; 110 inch at Aberdeen, aud 1-08 iuch at Bristol, on the 2nd ; 1 '27 inch at Valencia, on the 5th ; and 1"25 iuch at Loughborough, and 145 inch at Liverpool, on the 6th. Mean atmospheric pressure was generally below the average. During the greater part of the month the barometer was lowest over the north of our islands, but during the last week an anti- cyclone formed over Scandinavia, and pressure became lowest over our southern districts. The greatest pressure reported at S a.m. was 30 48 inches at several south-western stations, on the 11th; and the least, 2S'96 inches at Stornoway, on the 15th. Temperature over our islands ranged from a maximum of 55° at Aberdeen on the 22nd, to a minimum of 24 : at Loughborough on the 21st. Similar minima were also reported from Parsons- town on the 5th, and Nairn on the 28th. Thunderstorms occurred on the 17th at Roche's Point, on the 20th at Stornoway, and on the 27th at Jersey ; while lightning was reported from Wick and Aberdeen on the Oth, from Nairn and the north-west of Ireland on the 27th, and from Scilly on the 28th. Snow fell in the north of Scotland on the 4th, 5th, and 9th, and in many places during the last few days, but there were no serious storms. Aurora was reported from many stations in the north on the 19th. Although no violent gales occurred, moderate ones were frequent throughout the month. The most extensive reported were from the south over the English Channel, and from the north-east in Scotland on the 3rd ; from the south, on our northern and western coasts, on the 6th ; from the south-west, in the west and north, on the 19th ; and from the south-west to north-west, over the northern districts, from the 21st to the 24th. H. H. Hardimj, F.R.Mct.Soc. THE CULTURE of KALOSAXTHES. I fear in the race for new plants, the older, but in my opinion, equally beautiful Kalosanthes, are at the present day getting overlooked, although their management is not difficult or their value as decorative plants of an inferior kind. The genus Kalosanthes is now placed with Crassula and Roehea, and doubtless those who like the Crassulas ■will not fail to grow the Kalosanthes, of which K. coccinea is one of the best, and K. jasmiuea (Crassula jasminea) is a very pretty cool greenhouse plant, much favoured by market growers. The flowers, resembling those of Jasminum officinale, are white at the first and become piuk later on. Another well known variety is K. odoratissima, a plant having fragrant, creamy-white flowers, whichis less showy than K. coccinea, but still worthy of cultivation ; there are others, such as K. versi- color, a plant of less decorative value than any of those previously named. For nnny years past Kalosanthes coccinea and K. jasminea have been grown in large quantities near the metropolis for the markets, but of late years I have noticed these are less grown ; and this is also true of private gardens. In the latter large specimens used to be found, but they are now very rare. The chief value of these species is as yearling or two-year-old plants, small plants producing a proportionately large amount of flowers ; moreover, they can be employed for a great variety of purposes. Large specimens have their uses for the decoration of the conservatory and greenhouse from April to August. As regards their culture, it may not be out of place to note that if small plants — say, iu 4-inch or 6-inch pots — are desired, the plants are kept in a growing state, not dried off like plants of two, three, and four years old ; the strongest shoots are removed from the plants, and those which have not flowered are removed at 5 to 6 inches in length, being denuded of leaves, and the cuttings are then placed singly iu small pots in very sandy soil, made firm, and water sparingly afforded till roots have pushed forth. Whilst still uurooted the cuttings should be shaded and kept close under a cold frame or hand-glass. Cuttings taken in the summer strike freely if 108 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, [February 17, 1900. the plants from which they are taken are pre- viously kept rather dry for a few days. Where this cannot be done, cuttings may be removed from a plant in bloom, and be dried for some hours in a shady house or frame before inserting them in the cutting-pots. They strike best when placed round the sides of a smallish flower-pot. When rooted, let the cuttings be potted singly in large 60's, and repot them for flowering into 5-inch pots. There is a gain in point of time by striking the cuttings singly in small pots, but great care must be exer- cised in the first stages in affording water, and the preparation of the cuttings. The after treatment is simple. At the first potting, a light soil should be employed, such as leaf-mould and peat, and finely-sifted mortar-rubble for older plants ; but young plants like sand in the soil, and soon go ahead. From the month of October to the end of March following, the plants need but a very small quantity of water at the root, but they should occupy a light place — say, the back wall of a vinery or greenhouse, away from damp surroundings. The complete drying off of small plants is not advisable, as in their case growth should not entirely cease during the winter. Cuttings should be struck as early in the summer months as pos- sible if plants are wanted for next season's flowering, and the plants got into their flowering pots before the autumn arrives. Some gardeners allow two years to elapse before destroying the plants. Under this method, shoots that have flowered are cut, and the others tied-in to make symmetrical plants. The plants should then (early summer) be partially shaken out, re- potted, placed in cold frames in the full sun, and kept close for a short time, syringing and shading them till new roots are made. Another method is to propagate strong shoots, taken from plants not showing flower, doiDg this early in the spring, growiug the plants on during the summer, first in frames, and then in the open, till the end of September, then housing the plants, and beginning to feed in April for summer bloom. K. jasminea is the earliest species to flower, and this is often grown for May flowering ; coccinea and versicolor or odoratissima for succession. These make excel- lent house plants, and if they are grown as advised, they need but little support from stakes, excepting when of large size. I would advise as soon as they have done flowering, to partially cut back the old growth, leaving any young growth at the base to dry off for two or three weeks, standing the plants on a hard coal ash bottom in the full sun, then, when new growth appears, to partially shake out and repot in sandy compost, lowering the plants as much as possible, and to grow in frames, as advised for younger plants. (?. Wythes. Nursery Notes. MESSRS. HUGH LOW & CO. Orchids certainly have the advantage over many other classes of plants, that the different members of the family produce a continuous selection of flowers all the year round, and the advantage is the more evident at the present dull season when little else than Orchids is to be found in bloom. At the present time, in the Bush Hill Park Nurseries of Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., a very fine display of Phalsenopsis, a large number of their superb form of Dendrobium Wardianum, some splendid varieties of D. crassinode, and other species, are making a fine show. The very large and healthy collection of the showy Cattleyas are profusely set with flowering- sheaths, some thousands of C. Mendeli, C. Mossia», and C. Schrodene, as yet unflowered, being looked forward t with interest. Among those in flower is the pretty Cattleya Triamvi plumosa, a perfectly- shaped bloom, with distinct purple feather on the petals ; a very large specimen of C. Trianaei alba, with many btids ; and other fine-named varieties. The Cypripediums are in great quantity and fine health. The immense quantity of C. Lawrenceanum (out of which one fine example of C. Lawrenceanum Hyeanum had been parted with among common C. Lawrenceanum), is now being watched for similar good fortune. One strong plant of the true C. L. Hyeanum is present, and also the worthless form of it known as C. L. Hyeanum Gratrix's variety. Among others in bloom is a small lot of C. niveum, now getting scarce ; some good C. bel- latulum, the best form of C. x Arthurianum pul- chellum, C. : Hera, the fine C. x Niobe superbum, C. Rothschildianum, C. x Leeanum in great variety, including C. x L. giganteum, and the distinct C. x L. Clinkaberryanum ; C. x Henry Graves, C. x Bruno, C. x Minnie Ames, the handsome C. x J. Howes, a new and pretty hybrid between C. Charlesworthi and C. callosum, C. x Madame Georges Truffaut, a grand specimen of C. caudatum Wallisii, with several strong spikes ; C. X calurum, and a fine, nearly white form of it ; and the hand- some C. x Minos (Spicerianum x Arthurianum), which is certainly one of the most beautiful of its class. In the many ranges of Odontoglossums, the large quantity of plants of O. Pescatorei are specially re- markable for their vigour and the prof usionof flower- spikes they are sending up. The 0. crispum, too, are about to flower well, and already some are in flower, and with them a few hybrids ; one noble form of 0. Wilckeanum, a large yellow flower, but with dark red-brown blotches, being very remarkable. Among the L.xlia anceps in bloom are two fine whites, with a very faint tint of pink on the lip, which are in Bize and form like L. a. Schroderiana ; also the true L. a. Hilli, and other named varieties. Other good batches remarked in flower or bud were a fine type of Dendrobium Fytchiacum, the elegant D. Madonna, of which the typical and the pure white forms were in bloom ; Cymbidium Lowianum, and its yellow variety concolor ; C. Tracyanum, the scarlet Sophronitis grandiflora, La?lia harpophylla, Oncidium splendidum ; and among a number of other hybrid Dendrobiums the chaste, pearly white D. x melanodiscus Luna ; the richly - coloured D. x splendidissum Low's variety, &c. Other plants noted were the fringed - lipped Brassavola cuspidata, a tine lot of Cycnoches chlorochilon, Catasetum callosum, Dendrobium Findlayanum, a good lot of Epidendrum vitellinum, a profusely-flowered batch of Angriecum atratum, and an interesting lot of hybrid Lajlias, Cattleyas, and Lrelio-Cattleyas. AKCHONTOPH(ENIX CUNNING- HAMI. This handsome species of Palm, better known iu gardens as Seafortbia elegans, is a native of Queensland and New South Wales, where it reaches a height of 00 feet. In this country it is usually grown in the cool greenhouse or the conservatory. In subtropical lands the species forms a deco- rative object of much value in the garden ; and as indicating this fact, we afford our readers an illus- tration (fig. 33, p. 10'J), one of several photographssent us, of a specimen growing in Mr. W. P. Gould's garden, El Montecito, California. Mr. John M. Pear, the gardener, states that the Palm is about twelve years old. The figure shows two expanded inflorescences, and the leaf as it fell at that time. We are told that in the same garden there exists a Cocos plumosa of the same age as the figured Palm, which has reached a height of about 50 feet. Home Correspondence. Publications Received— n, NatmaKsts' Direc- tum, for the use of Students of Natural History and Col- lectors of Zoological, Botanical, or Geological Specimens, giving the names and addresses of British and foreign naturalists, natural history agents, societies and field clubs, museums, magazines, &c. (L. Upcott Gill, 170, Strand, W.C.). — The Century Bool of Gardening (Geo. Newnes, Ltd., South- ampton Street, W.C.), Parts 22 and 23. INFLUENCE OF THE STOCK UPON THE GRAFT OF THE RIBSTON pippin apple.— When I read the paragraph in the issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle for Feb. 3, p. 77, I thought with sorrow that the writer's memory was failing him, orihe would have remembered how I thrashed out this matter in 1S69-70. Well, in 1848 I came to Woodstock, Oxfordshire, to live, and ia the old rectory garden there was a Ribston Pippin Apple-tree in a bad state with canker, and near to it grew a tree of Blenheim Orange Pippin, old, but vigorous. I will mention this excellent Apple, as it will have inti- mately to do with what I am about to describe. It was raised by a shoemaker, Demster by name, of Old Woodstock. I saw the original tree soon after I came to reside at New Woodstock, and took a couple of miserable-looking scions from it, which I grafted on to a Crab stock, one of which- " took,'' and I have the tree now growing in my orchard. One Grimmet, a famous basket-maker, lived there then, and a flourishing young tree was growing by the side of the older original tree, which Cirimmet threatened to cut down as " being no good on," and because it stood in the way of the young tree. It occurred to me not long after hearing of this threat that I should like a bit of the wood to retain as a memento ; but I was toe- late. Grimmet had cut down the tree and burnt it. It is just possible that I am the only person who can trace a direct descendant from the old Demster-tree, as myriads of trees, which had originated from the old stock, doubtless, were growing around in pristine vigour ; interspersed amongst them being my then favourite. It also occurred to me that it might be possible to infuse new vigour and strength into the stunted ami unhealthy Kibston Pippin tree, and with this view 1 sowed some pips of the Blenheim Orange Pippin, as being most likely, from the healthy and vigorous character of the variety, to produce a stock that would bring about a change for the better, and prove whether fresh and vigorous sap from a young and free-growing stock would eradicate the almost universal destructive canker in the bark, and^ as a consequence add fresh life to the tree. In the second year, I selected the strongest seedlings of the batch of Blenheim Orange Pippins, one of which had a forked stem, and this stock I whip-grafted with two weakly scions from the diseased stunted specimens, both of which, to my astonishment, grew, and by the following year they had made a strong growth. The young tree was then taken up, and planted against a wall. I then determined to carry my experi- ment further by removing one of the grafts just above its unionwith the stock ; and in order to do this, I removed with my budding-knife about 2 inches of the bark all round, and quite down to the wood, by this means causing the formation of a callus. Further, I tied moss round the limb, keep- ing it moist ; then bent it down, and pegged it hori- zontally upon the earth, which I covered with moss, which was kept constantly moist during the summer and autumn. The limb which was thus ringed, rooted into the moss and soil readily : and in the following November, I severed the limb or graft from the stock and planted it in a pot, where it continued to make good clean growths, though of not nearly so vigorous a character as its fellow which was left undisturbed against the wall. After several shiftings into larger pots, I likewise planted that one out. The tree against the wall was the first to produce fruit, the branches remained clean and free from canker ; the foliage was fully de- veloped, partaking very much of the character of the Demster, whilst the fruit bore a striking resemblance to that of the Ribston. In texture of flesh, the fruit was not so solid, and unfortunately it was of not so good a flavour — a combination of Blenheim aucl Ribston, but one of the best of autumn Apples for culinary uses. I had to wait for some February 17, 1900.J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, 109 years for frnits upon my tree that I severed. At length fruits from each of them were sent to the Royal Horticultural Society's Fruit Committee in 1869, raw and also cooked. I was a member of the Royal Horticultural Society's Fruit Committee then, and so, being a member, I had to move away from the table whilst my productions were receiving judgment. Upon my recall, Mr. Barron said my " Apples were a step, in regard to flavour as com- I can scarcely keep them alive, they have so com- pletely gone back to the decrepit cankered stat« of the Ribston Pippin-tree. Robt. Fenn, Sidhamstead, February 5, 1900. SWEET PEAS. — I was pleased to read the able article on Sweet Peas in a recent Gardener*' Chronicle, and I fully endorse the writei's advice to lovers of this now popular flowering-plant. Very Fig. 33. — archontophoznix cuNninghamt, growing in me. w. GARDEN, EL MONTECITO, CALIFORNIA. SEE P. l|ls P GOULD'S pared with the Ribston Pippin, in the wrong direc- tion, " viz. , " a step backward." I came to London a day before the committee sat, and stayed in Upper Wimpole Street, where I kuew of an excel- lent cook, in order to have a pie made to appear fresh on the morning of the meeting. I forgot to forbid flavouring. The judgment ran : "The com- mittee considered it to be an excellent pie, but the natural flavour of the Apples was completely dis- guised by Cloves and sugar ', " When I came here 1 brought those experimental Apple-trees with me. little advantage is gained by sowing very early in the open ground, as until the soil becomes warmed by the sun, the seeds do not vegetate, and they are liable to rot if cold, wet weather should set in. Those who have the convenience would do well to sow a few dozen pots of varieties, and follow the advice given by " E.M., and they will have sturdy plants for planting in the open when favourable weather occurs in Aoril. I iiud it necessary here to sow in shallow trenches, the soil of the garden being of a poor, light nature, over-lying the gravel. On such land it is almost impossible to afford too much water, particularly if the summer is like the last. By sowing in trenches, the mulching materials are not waBhed away, and water is more readily carried out. Syringing, copiously carried out in the evenings after hot days, benefits the plants greatly, and keeps thrips in check. Owing to lack of space, I can only find room to grow the following varieties, which, however, give a good range of colour : — Blanche Burpee (white), Lady Nina Bal- four (mauve), Mrs. Eckford (pale yellow', Salopian (crimson), Shahzada (purple). Countess of Powis (orange-pink), Princess of Wales (striped-blue), Emily Eckford (blue), and Aurora (striped-pink). T. H. B., Kingston Hill. GARDENING FOR INEBRIATES.— Until to day I overlooked a paragraph in your issue of January 20. It is headed " Flowers and Frailty,'' and relates to the good effect on the female inmates of the Home of Correction of making them work in greenhouses erected for the purpose. You think this might be tried in England with advantage. Apparently, you are not aware that for several years past one most successful mode of treatment with the Home for Inebriate Women, Duxhurst, Reigate, is to employ them in gardening. This is done under the active personal superintendence of Miss Jessie Smith, one of the first two women students who took the Diploma of the Horticul- tural College, Swanley. E. L. Chamberlain. THE QUINCE IN SUSSEX. — Referring to Dr. Bonavia's letter in your issue of last week, there is or was a large factory at Rye (Sussex) for making uinces into marmalade, and for several years I laid in supplies of the preserve from this factory. Whether they also make the Quince into con- fectionery I am not aware, but I entirely agree with the Doctor, that it is a pity such a delicious sweet- meat as cotognata does not appear to be obtainable here. I have had it sent to me from Portugal as a present, but my efforts to ascertain where I could purchase some have failed. Could Dr. Bonavia kindly favour your readers with the address of any factory or retailer in Italy or elsewhere, where one could obtain it? C. A. ft, Arundel. CANNA AUSTRIA.— I should be glad to know if any reader of the Gardeners Chronicle has been able to flower the Canna Austria ; and if so, under what treatment ? I have tried for the last two years, but without success. I may add that other Cannas, including Canna Italia, have done well with me, and flowered profusely. S //.. Kent. A TRIAL OF EARLY DAFFODILS AT ARD CAIRN, CORK. — Early in November, 1 stated in the Gardeners' Chronicle that I was arranging a trial at Ard Cairn of early Daffodils. All the varieties were potted on November 1. and below is given a list of the varieties, and the date when each first flowered : Early Bird. Jan. 15 ; pallidus precox, Jan. IS ; obvallaris, Jan. 20 ; Cervantes and Johu Bright, Jan. 21 : Golden Spur and Saragossa, Jan. 23 ; Ard Righ, Jan. 24 : Henry Irving, Jan. 25 : I lolden Eagle, Jan. 20 ; Buttercup, Jan. 27 : Countess of Annesley and princeps maximus, Jan. 28 ; Telamonius plenus. Jan. 29 ; maximus t wild form), Jan. 30 ; Tuscan Bound and King Umberto, Feb. 1 ; Irish cernuus, spurius, and Mina Troil, Feb. 2 : Golden Plover, Feb. 3 ; Tuscan bicolor and Totten- ham Yellow, Feb. 5. Other cultivators in this locality who potted Early Bird on October I. obtained blooms en December IS. The flowers are compact and pretty, and when the variety is plentiful it will be most popular with market- growers, being the first to bloom. Wm. Baylor Hartland, Ar; nitens. If the reputed parentage be correct it would stil be C. insigne. Mr. Cobb also showed fine spikes of Lselia anceps Stella and L. a. Sauderiaua. Messrs. Linden, 1'Horticole Coloniale, Brussels, sent Odon- toglossum x Ruckerianum rubiginosum, a showy and singular form, with much resemblance to O. x mulus. Flowers yellow, profusely marked with red. Also O. crispum Goliath, a fine white flower, with a tinge of pink ; and Cypripedium x Schusterianum (villosuin x Hookerianum Volonteanum) Tne large glossy flower had the colours of C. villosum aureuni but was rounder in the labellum, and with a larger dorsal sepal. C. J. Lucas, Esq., Warnham Court, Horsham, (gr., Mr. Duncan), sent Cypripedium Lathamianum Warnham Court variety, and Dendrobium maerophyllum Richardi. Messrs. Heath & Son, Cheltenham, showed a line pan of the pretty white Dendrobium barbatulum, Cypripedium x Lathamianum giganteum, and a curious form of C. insigne. Frank A. Rehder, Esq., The Avenue, Gipsy Hill (gr., Mr. Norris), showed Cypripedium x Favarger (Charlesworthi x concinnum). Upper sepals rose at the base, white above, with chocolate lines; petals and lip suffused with dark purplish- brown. R. Brooman-White, Esq., Arddarroch, Dumbartonshire (gr., Mr. J. King), showed a number of grand spikes of Odontoglossums, including a singular form of O. trium- phans, three forms of O. Andersonianum, and several good O. crispum and O. luteo-purpureum. C. L. N. Ingram, Esq., Godalming (gr., Mr. T. W. Bond), showed Cypripedium x The Gern (Calypso x Leeanum). Awards. First-class Certificates. 0>irf»to7lossum crispum Mundyanum, from Norman C. Cook son, Esq., Oakwood, Wylam (gr., Mr. William Murray).— A noble form of the O. c. Franz Masereel class, but with larger and better shaped flowers. The ground colour was white, tinged with rose, the greater part of the surface of the broad sepals and petals being occupied by large chestnut-coloured blotches, which in most cases were confluent. The fine lip had a yellow crest, with chestnut blotches on the front lobe, all the segments having a well-defined blush-white margin. LicUo-CaUleya X Berthe Foiiniier var. splendida, from M. Chas. Maron, Brunoy, France. One of the finest of the large richly - coloured hybrids ; it was obtained by crossing L.-C X elegans and Cattleya Dowiana aurea, the present variety being far in advance of others previously flowered. Sepals and petals of a warm rose tint, with a freckling of cream-white showing between the veining. Lip broad , elongated, and wavy, of an intense ruby-crimson, with gold lines radiating from the base. It had the sweet odour of C. aurea. A vote of thanks to the exhibitor was also recorded. Botanical Certificates. Zygopetalum Mwrayanwrn,, from the Royal Botanic Gardens Glasnevin, Dublin. A singular species, with spikes of rather small greenish flowers with some purple markings. Dendrobium maerophyllum RicJiardi, from C. J. Lucas, Esq., Warnham Court, Horsham, A curious form, with pale greenish flowers, having fine purple lines on the side lobes of the lip, and other obscure purplish markings on the front lobe. February 17, 1900.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. Ill Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present: Philip Crowley, Esq., Chairman, and Messrs. Jos. Cheat, W. Poupart, H. Markham, Jas. H. Veitch, W. Pope, Geo. Keif, Alex. Dean, S. Mortimer, W. Bates, Geo. Wythes, II. Sonars Rivers, F. Q. Lane, Ed. Beckett, Geo. Bunyard, A. H. Pearson, and Rev. W. Wilks. Mr. W. Puupart, Marsh Farm, Twickenham, showed excellent samples of four varieties of Rhubarb, including Victoria, Daw'sChampion, Linndens, andHawke's Champagne. Also fine heads of Seakale and Asparagus. Messrs. Geo. Bunyard & Co., Maidstone, exhibited such a collection of Apples in 100 varieties that it would be difficult to praise too highly. The fruits represented the very best of late Apples for kitchen use or for dessert, and they were as fresh, plump, and bright in appearance as we should expect to see them in October. We specially noticed fine samples of Hambling's Seedling, Lady Henniker, Bow Hill, Annie Eliza- beth, Blenheim Orange, Lord Derby, Gloria Mundi (very large), Gascoigne's Scarlet Seedling, Cox's Orange Pippin, King's Acre Pippin, Claygate Peannain. Sandringham, Warner's King, Belle de Pontoiae, Golden Noble, Bismarck, Royal Jubilee, and Catillac Pear (Silver Knightian Medal). Mr. Jno. Watkins, Pomona Farm, Hereford, made an exhibit of 100 dishes of Apples, including fifty varieties of kitchen and the same number of dessert fruits. Tin' fruits were remarkable for high colour and moderate size. Most of the best late varieties in either section were included in the lollection, and a few local sorts that the Herefordshire folk prize greatly. Amongst the latter were Stoke Edith Pippin and Cowarne Queening, both dessert varieties ; Stoke Edith Pippin in appearance resembles King of the Pippins, but is apparently a better keeper. Cowarne Queening lias probably been cultivated in Herefordshire for generations ; it has a nice brisk flavour, and comes into use from October until January (Silver Knightian Medal). Several varieties of Apples were submitted for CertihVates, but none were recommended. Messrs. H. Lane & Son, Berk- hamsted, showed Red Blenheim; Messrs. Jas. Veitch& Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery, King's Road, Chelsea, Mclndoe's Russet. From F. W. Campion, Esq. (gr., Mr. J. Fitt), were shown excellent samples of Sutton's Perfection Asparagus (Cultural Commendation). Awards. , Rhubarb Daw's Champion. — This is a variety obtained from a cross between Victoria and Champagne, and is said to come into use as early as Champagne, whilst in other respects it is much finer than that variety. The large, handsome, bright red-coloured specimens shown not only recommended the variety as a superior one, but were illustrative of high culti- vation. Fiom Mr. J. Poupart, Twickenham (Award of Merit). The Annual Meeting of Fellows. At 3 o'clock in the afternoon, the annual general meeting of the Fellows of the Society was held in the Lindley Library. 8ir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., President, was in the Chair, and moat of the members of the Council were present, in addition to a moderate company of Fellows. The minutes of the last annual general meeting, and of the special general meeting held in July having been read and adopted, a vote of thanks was passed on the proposition of Mr. Geo. Bunyard to the retiring members of the Council, Sir John T. D. Llewelyn, Bart., M.P., and R. McLachlau, Esq., F.H.8. Owing to the lamented death of Mr. Sydney Oourtauld, then' were thus three vacancies upon the Council to be filled, and no other gentlemen having been put forward but those nominated by the Council, these were elected. They are F. du Cane Godman, Esq., F.R.S., Sir John T. D. Llewelyn, Bart., and Arthur Wm. Sutton, Esq., V.M.H. Sir Trev or Lawrence, in moving the adoption of the Report commented at some length upon the mnre interesting of its features.* The Lindley Library had been given some attention, and acting on a suggestion of Mr. H. J. Elwes, the whole of the books have been enclosed in glass-fronted eases for the purposes of preservation and cleanliness. The services of Mr. S. T. Wright as superintendent at Chiswick were acknow- ledged in grateful terms. His able direction of the work in the gardens was as satisfactory as the influence for good he has exercised upon the students there. Congratulatory references to the Drill Hall meetings, to the Temple Show, and the Fruit Show held at the Crystal Palace were naturally received with pleasure. All were successful. Sir Trevor pointedly drew attention to the fact that the Awards made by the Society's committees during the past year, actually exceeded in number those made in lS9i>. It will be remem- bered that the Council a year agn suggested that the value of such awards might be diminished if too great a number be granted. The Hybridisation Conference looked at from all points of view, said Sir Trevor, was a satisfactory event. In speaking of the number of foreign visitors present on that occasion, a touching reference was made to the subsequent decease of M. Henri de VUmorin. The report of the pro- ceedings of that Conference had been delayed through cir- enmstances not under the control of the Society ; many of the papers to be published had to be revised by authors upon the Continent and in America. The examinations held by the Society had been satisfactory. It was the desire of the Cmncil to express their high sense of the Society's indebted- ness to its Committees, the lecturers ai its meetings, exhibitors, -vc. Coming to the paragraph in the Report which deals with the new Charter, Sir Trevor said the alteration had been made in a very satisfactory mann < _ a - - < Temperature or the Air. At 9 A.M. > Q -' & 3 ■3 ■*j =5 n z ft o CD B £ w Tempera- ture of THE Soil at9a.m. — s Qt •d — C4 < < iieg. deg. deg. deg. ins. deg. deg. deg. deg. SuK. 4 XX. W. 34 'J 33-9 3(5-3 33-1 40-2 43-9 Mok. 5 X.X.E. 3J-0 .;:;■<.< 37-1 31-8 39-8 28-4 TUE3. 6 X.X.E. 34-5 31-639-1 34 II 36-8 39-8 43-4 30- Wed. 7 N.N.E. 28-4 26-1 14-9 L'4"l 3.5-1 43-2 10V Thu. S X.X.E. 19-2 4 9-0 Fri. i 9 E.X.E. 1S-3 15-7 34-8 B"! Sat. 10 E.S.E. 27-S 16- S 0'40 Tot. 040 343 .'.s-i5 42-9 43-3 V Means... 29-0 27-7 35- (! 25-1 1S-J Remarks. — The temperature has b< ec verj low, with cold, isterly winds : and snow tell to the depth of ■ on the evening of the 10th inst. A R K E T S. COVENT GARDEN, FEBRUARY 15. I We cannot) accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They are furnished to ns 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 Out Flowers, &c. — Average Wholesale Pricks Aram Lilies, dozen blooms Asparagus "Fern," bunch Carnations, per doz. blooms i Cattleyas, per dozen 15 Eucharis, per dozen 6 Gardenias, per doz. 3 Lilac, white, bunch 0 LiliiunHarrisii, per dozeu blooms ... 6 Lilium longiflorum, per dozen ... 12 — lancifolium al- bum, per dozen 6 — lancifolium ru- brum, per doz. S Lily of Valley, per doz. bunches ... 5 Maidenhair Fern, per doz. bunches 4 Marguerites, p. doz. bunches 8 . d. i. d. * 0- S 0 > 0 2 6 10-26 0-1 S 0 0- S 0 0- 0 0 ■ 0-10 0 0-1(5 0 0-4 0 0-4 0 0-10 0 0-6 0 0-4 0 Mignonette, dozen bunches Narcissus (yellow) doz. bunches ... — (double) dz. bch. — (white) doz. .. Odontoglossums,per dozen Roman Hyacinths, doz. 1>: Roses, Red, per doz. — Tea, white, per dozen — Yellow, Perles, per doz. — Safrano, perdoz. Sniilai, per bunch Tuberoses, per doz. blooms Tulips, per bunoh ! bunch — dark (French), perdoz. bchs.... s. d. i. d. 4 0-60 5 0- 6 0 3 0- 7 8 4 0-70 4 0-96 5 0-0 0 10 0*15 t> 8 6-76 3 6t 7 6 2 6- 3 6 2 0- 3 0 0 0- 1 O 1 0- 2 (1 3 0- 5 C 1 0- 3 0 112 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE, [February 17, 1900. Fruit.— Average Wholesale Prices 1. d g. d. i. d. 8. d. Apples, in sieves : Grapes, English, — Beefings, bsW. 4 0 5 0 Alicante, perlb. 16-20 — Blenheims, per — Gros Colmar, bushel 4 0- 5 0 Class A., pr. lb. 2 6- 3 6 — Northern — Class B., per lb. 10-20 Greenings, per — Almeira, dz. lbs. 7 0- S 0 bushel 3 6- 4 G — Belgian, per lb. 0 10 1 S — Queenings.bus. 4 0-60 Lemon!-, Messina, — Wellingtons, 360 10 0-11 0 bushel 5 0-70 — Palermo, case... S 6-15 0 ■ — Various, bushel 2 6-50 Lychees, Chinese, — Nova Scotia, new, pkt., 1 lb. 0 10 — various, barrel. 12 0-22 6 Oranges, Denia, Bal (1 wi n s, 420 10 0 12 « barrel 12 0-1S 0 — Bitters, 240 ... H 6 7 0 Greenings, — Blood 5 6-7 0 barrel 13 0-18 0 — Jaffa, case of — — Golden Rus- 144 9 6-10 6 sets, barrel 21 0-22 0 — Mandarin, boxes (J 9- 1 6 — N. Spies, barrel 10 0-1S 0 — Murcia, case of — Calif or niau, 240 6 0 — cases, New — Valencia, case Town 9 0-10 G of 714 16 0 — — Canadian, barrls. 13 0-18 0 Pears, half cases... 01 - 7 0 Bananas, per bunch 4 0-80 — California!! Easter Chestnuts, Spanish 15 0 - Beurre, case ... 9 0-10 0 Cobnuts, per lb. ... us o 9 Pines, each 2 0- 5 0 Cranberries, case ... 7 0-80 Strawberries.peroz. 1 0 — — American, per Walnuts, Naples, qt 0 4 — kiln-dried, per — Russian, kegs... 1 9 — bush 20 0 — Vegetables — Ave rao b Wholesale Prices a. d. f. d. s. d. a. d. Artichokes, Globe, Mint, new, Cli. Is., per do7. :; 0 — p. doz. bunches 8G - — Jerusalem, per Mohks'beard(Barbe sieve 1 0 — de Capucine), p. — Stacl.ys or Chi- bunch 0 3 — nese, per lb. ... 0 4-0 5 Mushrooms, house, Asparagus, Sprue, per lb 0 9 0 10 per bundle ... 1 0 — Onions, bags 5 0-60 — English forced, — Bordeaux, boxes 3 6 per bundle 6 0 s 0 — picklers, in — Giant, bundle . 12 0 17 0 sieves 2 6-30 — Paris, Green, — Valencia, cases 7 6 — per bundle ... 6 6 — — English, cwt.... 6 0 GO — Spanish, bndl. — German, bags... 5 0 — Beans, Channel — French „ 3 6 6 0 Islands, per lb. 2 0 2 0 Parsley, per dozen — Madeira, basket 3 0-36 bunches 2 0-2 6 beetroots, new, per — per sieve 1 6- 2 0 dot en ... 0 6-10 Parsnips, per dozen ll 6- 1 0 — iu bush. 13-20 — bag 3 0-40 Broccoli, Cornish, Potatos, Old vars., crates ... li o-m 0 per ton 60 0-90 0 Brussels Sprouts, p. — Dunbar Main sieve 2 0- ;; 0 Crop, per ton 100 0-110 0 — per bushel 3 0- 5 6 — New Channel Brussel's Sprouts, Islands, frames, Tops, per bush. 1 6-2 0 per lb ll 7 0 0 Cabbage, tally 5 0- 0 0 — Teneriffe, in — dozen 1 3- 1 6 boxes, cwt. ... 10 0-ls 0 — Savoys, p. tally 4 0-12 0 Radishes, Long, per Carrots, English, p. doz. 0 6 0 8 dozen bunches 3 0 :; 6 Radishes, round ... 10-16 — good, cwt. bags, Rhubarb, Yorks, pi. washed 4 0-46 dozeu bunches 10-10 Cauliflowers, dozen 10-30 Salad, small, pun- — Cornish crates. 5 O-10 0 nets, per dozen 1 3 — ■ — Italian, baskets Salsafy, bundle 0 4 — of 18 3 0 5 0 Scotch Kale, bush. 2 6-40 Celeriac, per dozen 4 0 — Seakale, per dozen n«lery, red, roll doz. S 0-18 0 punDets 12 0-10 0 Chicory, per lb. ... o a — Shallots, per lb. ... 0 3- Colcwort, p. bush. 2 0-26 Spinach, French, Or«8s, doz. punnets 10 — crates 2 6-36 Cucumbers, doz. ... 4 0-10 0 Spinach, Winter, per Endive, new French bushel — per dozen 19 — Sweet Potatos, per — Batavian, doz. 1 9 — lb 0 3 — Garlic, new, per lb. Ha- Tomatos, Canary, — per cwt. iti C deeps 3 0-36 Horseradish, Eng- — trays 2 0-26 lish, bundle ... i e- 2 o Turnips, per dozen — forei gn, jer bunches 3 0- 3 6 bundle 10-12 — cwt. bags 3 6- 4 U Leeks, doz. hunchwa 2 6 4 0 Turnip Tops, bags 3 0-40 Leltuco, French, Watercress, p. aoz. Cabbage, dozen 0 6 0 10 hnnche» 0 9 0 10 Plants in Pots.— Aver age Wholesale Prices. s. d. s. d. *. d. 8. d Adiantums, p. doz. 5 0-70 Foliage plants, var., Arbor- vitye, var., doz 6 0-36 0 each 10-50 Aspidistras, p. doz. 18 0-36 0 Lily of Valley, each 19-30 — specimen, each 5 0-10 6 Lyeopodiums, doz. 8 0-40 Crotous, per doz. ... 18 0-30 0 Marguerite Daisies, Dracaenas, var.,doz. 12 0-30 0 per dozen 8 0-12 0 — viridis, per doz. 9 0-18 0 Myrtles, per dozen 6 0-90 Ericas, var., per doz. 18 0-36 0 Palms, various, ea. 1 0-15 0 Euonymus, various, — specimens, each 21 0-63 0 per dozen 6 0-18 0 Pelargoniums, scar- Evergreens, var., let, per dozen 8 0-12 0 per dozen 4 0-18 0 Primulas, per doz. 5 0-8 0 Ferns.smali.per luu 4 0-60 Roman Hyacinth Ferns, in variety. per doz. 10 0-12 0 per dozen 4 0-18 0 Tulips, per doz. ... 10-26 Ficns elastica, each 16-76 Potatos. Main Crop, Ac, 70s. to 90s. ; Dunbar, 110s. ; Other varieties, 66*; to 85s. ; Seed Potatos from 4s. 6(2. to 7s. per cwt. John Bulk, Z'l £ 34, Wellington Street, Covent Harden. Remarks.— The Seville (bitter) Oranges for marm ilade wine, &<■., are now on sale. Savoys are now small, the season being nearly over. They have realised good prices all through the season. Parsley has advanced in price, and the severe weather caused a Invited supply on Tuesday; also of bunched I ips and Carrots. Cape liuit include Peaches, in cases of 20 01*24, r.. to 13s.; Plums, per case of 30 to 40,3s. 6d. to 6s ; Nectarines, per case ot 48, 10s. These Plums handle flaccid auu soft. Some of the Burl-.nks are in shape like Washiugtons. FRUIT AND VEGETABLES. Glassow : February 14.— The following are the prices since our last : — Apples. Canadian ; Baldwins, 16s. to 20s. per barrel; Northern, Spy, 16s. to 20s. do. ; Greenings, 15s. to ISs. do.; American-Californian Pippins, and Newtowns, 0s. to 12s. per box ; Grapes, English, 2s. to 2s. 6d. per lb. ; do., foreign, Almeira, 12s. to 16s. per barrel ; best, do., 20s. to 30s. do. ; Bananas, extras, 9s. to 10s. per bunch ; No. 1, 8s. to 0s. do. ; No. 2, 6s. to 7s. do. ; other and inferior, from 2s. 6d. to 5s. do. ; Oranges, Murcia, 6s. to Ss. per half case Valencia, ordinary, 420's, Ss. to 9s. per box; large, 9s. to; 10s. do. ; extra large, 10s. ; extra-extra large, lis. to 12s. do. ; Jumbos, 14s. to 15s. do.; 714's, 10s. to 12s. do.; Seville Bitter 10s. per half chest ; Paleimo, do., 5s. to 6s. per box ; Lemons, Palermo, 8s. to 10s. per case; Mushrooms, Is. per lb. ; Tomatos, Teneriffe, deeps, 4s. 6d. to 6s. ; cases, 7s. to Ss. 6d. ; Onions, foreign. Valencia, 4 in a row, 6s. 6d. to 7s. ; 5 in a row, 7s. 6d. to 8s. ; Turnips, Swedes, Is. Sd. to 2s. per cwt. ; Carrots, 3s. 6d. to 4s. do. ; Parsley, lOd. to Is. per dozen bunches ; Cauliflowers, Is. Sd. to 2s. 2d. per dozen ; Cabbages, 9d. tj Is. 2d. do. ; Celery, 6d. to Is. 2d. do. Liverpool: February 14. — Wholesale Vegetable Market.— Po- tatos, per cwt., Lynn Greys, 3s. 3d. to 3s. 6d. ; Main Crop, 3s. 9(1. to 4s. 6i. ; Bruce, 3s. 6d. tD 4s. ; Champions, 3s. 4rf. to 3s. Sd. ; Turnips, Swede, ls.1 Sd. to 2s. per cwt. ; Parsley, lOi. to Is. per dozen bunches ; Onions, foreign, 3s. 9d. to 5s. per cwt. ; Cauliflowers, Is. 9tf. to 2s. 3d. per dozen ; Cabbages, lOd. to Is. 3d. do. ; Celery, 6d. to Is. 2d. do. St. John's.— Potatos, Is. per peck ; do. new, 4d. per lb. ; Grapes, English, 3s. do. ; Pines, English, is. each ; Cobnuts, Is. per lb. ; Cucumbers, Is. each ; Mushrooms, Is. 6d. per lb. and basket. Birkenhead. — Potatos, Is. per peck ; Cucumbers, Is. each ; Filberts, 10'/. per lb. ; Grapes, English, Is. 6d. to 2s. do. ; do., foreign, 4d. to Si. do. ; Pines, English , 4s. to Si each ; Mushrooms, Is. to Is. 6rf. per lb. CORN. Average Prices of British Corn (per imperial qr. ), for tt e week ending February 10, and for the corresponding period of 1899, together with the difference in the quotations. These figures are based on the Official Weekly Return : — Description. 1S99. 1900. Difference. Wheat s. d. 26 8 s. d. 25 10 s. d. - 0 10 Barley 27 2 25 3 - 1 11 Oats 17 0 lii 5 - 0 7 to rmfoondenU Address Wanted.— If this should meet the eye of the writer of " Sussex Fruits " iD the Gardeners' Chronicle, he would oblige by kindly sending his present address to the Editor of this Journal. Ax Infestation of Conservatories by Spar- rows : M. W. [■. Put nets over the ventilators, or trap the birds in nets. They might succumb to XL All vapour : it would at least stupify them, when it would be an easy matter to collect them; or worst of all means, lay down poisoned grain, if nothing else avails to banish them. Books: Manual on Land Measurement. Bath. You would obtain a suitable manual at Mr. Upcott Gill's Baziar Office, at small cost. — /. G. B. Economic E7itomolu